Florence and the Machine, Kasabian lead Mercury Prize short list

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Published on July 21, 2009 06:06PM EDT

Finalists for the U.K.’s presitigious album-of-the-year award the Mercury Prize have just been announced, and amongst the lesser-known names (Sweet Billy Pilgrim, the Invisible, Led Bibb) and surprise omissions (Lily Allen,Doves) are several acts already well-known to Stateside indie fans.

The alleged frontrunners? Anthemic rockers Kasabian and Kate Bush-y art-pop acolytes Florence and the Machine and Bat for Lashes (both perennial Music Mix favorites), though strutting Scottish outfit Glasvegas and electro duo La Roux may just steal the title as well.

Since its establishment in 1992, the prize has gone to names like Portishead, Pulp, and PJ Harvey, as well as Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Antony and the Johnsons, and last year’s winners Elbow.

Click here for a full list of Mercury nominees and odds, and tell us what you think, Music Mixers — are these the best acts that the U.K. had to offer this past year? Who would you cast your vote for?

Photo Credit: PA Photos/Landov (2)

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