Here at Tracks HQ, we’re rarely wooed by the glitz and glamour of awards shows, but the Mercury Prize is a major exception to the rule. An award of genuine cultural significance, with a judging panel made up of noted musicians, journalists, producers, presenters and composers, it stands apart as a truly intriguing barometer of the UK and Irish music scene each year, and this week we’re casting our eye over 2017’s twelve shortlisted albums ahead of this Thursday’s ceremony.

With Tracks favourites such Loyle Carner, The xx, Kate Tempest and Sampha on the shortlist alongside lesser-known but no less intriguing acts such as J Hus and Dinosaur, it’s an episode packed to the rafters with fantastic tunes, and culminates in us putting our necks on the line and predicting our winners of the 2017 Mercury Music Prize.

Big thanks for tuning in this week. It’s an absolute joy to be back again after two weeks in the wilderness. Until next week, Tim & Harry x 

We do not claim ownership of any of the music played in this episode. Our theme tune is Ice Cold by Audionautix and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Artist: http://audionautix.com/