Choice Music Nominees Announced

The 10 nominees for the Choice Music Prize were announced earlier today. Chosen on merit, rather than radio play or album sales, the ten albums are intended to represent the cream of Irish music released in 2008. By and large, it’s one of the stronger lists to have emerged since the innaugeral Choice Music Prize in 2005. The Script are obviously the token ‘mainstream’ nominee and there are a few predictable contenders in the shape of Fight Like Apes and Jape, both of whom put out extremely popular albums last year. I hope in my little heart of hearts that RSAG wins but my money’s on Jape all the way. Speaking of which, Paddy Power are now taking bets. 

The winner will be announced on Wednesday 4th March at a ceremony in Vicar street that will feature performances from as many of the nominees as possible, subject to their availability on the night. Tickets for the event go on sale Monday 19th January at the bargain price of €27.00. 

So, without further ado…

 

The Choice Music Prize shortlist for Irish Album of the Year 2008  

 

Fight Like Apes “Fight Like Apes and the Mystery of the Golden Medallion” (Model Citizen) 

Mick Flannery “White Lies” (EMI)

Halfset “Another Way of Being There” (Casino Gravity Records)

Lisa Hannigan “Sea Sew” (Own label)

David Holmes “The Holy Pictures” (Canderblinks)

Jape “Ritual” (Co-Op)

Messiah J & The Expert “From The Word Go” (Inaudible)

Oppenheimer “Take The Whole Mid-Range And Boost It” (Fantastic Plastic)

R.S.A.G. “Organic Sampler” (Psychonavigation)

The Script “The Script” (Sony Music)