The Arctic Monkeys have won the 2006 Nationwide Mercury Prize, the “album of the year” award for British and Irish acts. The act’s debut set, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” (Domino), was named the winner at a ceremony held tonight (Sept. 5) at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
The Sheffield, England-based alternative rock quartet has arguably been the hottest British act to emerge this year. Since its release this January, the album has sold more than 1 million copies in the United Kingdom alone, where it is certified triple platinum. In the U.S., it has sold 258,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The event was hosted by Jools Holland and featured live performances from eight of the 12 shortlisted acts, including Thom Yorke, Editors, Hawley, Hot Chip, Zoe Rahman, Sway, Scritti Politti and Guillemots. All the nominees were present at the ceremony.
The shortlisted albums were chosen by 12 judges from an entry of more than 200 albums submitted by labels. To qualify, an album had to be recorded by a British or Irish artist and released between July 25, 2005 and July 17, 2006.
Source: billboard
