The Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2012 shortlisted Albums of the Year have been revealed today by Lauren Laverne at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden

Simon Frith, the Chair of the Judges says: “This year’s Barclaycard Mercury Prize shortlist showcases a wonderful variety of musical voices, emotions and ambitions. There are eight debut albums on the list and four albums from more established artists. The sheer range of music here celebrates the abiding ability of British musicians to find new ways to explore traditional themes of love and loss while making an exhilarating soundtrack for life in 2012.”

The 2012 Albums of the Year are:
Alt-J An Awesome Wave
Ben Howard Every Kingdom
Django Django Django Django
Field Music Plumb
Jessie Ware Devotion
Lianne La Havas Is Your Love Big Enough?
Michael Kiwanuka Home Again
Plan B Ill Manors
Richard Hawley Standing at the Sky’s Edge
Roller Trio Roller Trio
Sam Lee Ground of its Own
The Maccabees Given to the Wild