XX Have The Mercury Music Prize In Their Grasp But Outsiders Better Value
A short priced favourite the xx look to be in a very strong position to follow Speech Debell as the next winner of the prestigious Mercury Music prize sponsored by Barclaycard. All the money reported from the bookmakers has been for the London indie trio who were formerly a four piece before Baria Qureshi left the band. William Hill had the xx at 4/1 at the start of the Mercury Music Prize betting but quickly this was cut when a deluge of cash was wagered on them. One word of caution this award has to be seen as cutting edge and in touch with the hippest happenings of the music business and it would be no surprise that like last year the award went to an unfancied outsider.
Finding the trendiest outsider or most deserving oldie may be the key to winning money on the Mercury Music Prize 2010. The Foals at a double figure price look a good fit for trendiest outsider, their album Total Life Forever offered an innovative sound and was launched with an accompanying website which offered something different for the hip young media and music gunslingers.
The Modfather Paul Weller is universally loved and the judges may feel that by giving it to him they are recognising his near 40 years in the music biz. It would be a touch lifetime achievement but if the judges are split then he may be the compromise winner. At the price the former Jam and Style Council frontman is a good bet.