Monkeys can secure more success and claim second Mercury gong

Arctic Monkeys certainly weren’t lacking in early support when this year’s shortlist for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize was announced.

And now that the Sheffield band’s odds have drifted to 10/1 there’s even more value to be had for those who believe the Monkeys’s  fifth studio album, ‘AM’, is primed to claim another award for its creators.

A mixture of critical and commercial success has prompted many observers to speculate whether the band can become only the second act to claim two Mercury awards.

Following AM’s release, the Alex Turner-fronted outfit became the first group to enjoy five consecutive number one albums on an independent label.

And they’re attractively priced to follow-up their 2006 success in the competition, achieved with debut release ‘Whatever People I Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’.

One of their latest album’s biggest hits, ‘R U Mine?’, has already claimed Best Track at the Q Awards, further demonstrating the appeal of the record.

However, with criticism that the judging process has made the shortlist too commercial, an outsider could emerge to upstage more exposed artists.

Jon Hopkins’ atmospheric effort, ‘Immunity’, allegedly sold less than 20,000 copies globally before it was announced as one of this year’s Mercury nominees.

Another 10/1 shot, Hopkins’ eclectic blend of beats could see the London producer return from the ceremony an unlikely victor.

Current joint favourites Disclosure (Settle) and Laura Mvula (Sing to The Moon) remain the market leaders with the latter receiving strong support for her debut album.

But it’s the more established Arctic Monkeys who could be walking away with yet more accolades should the Mercury judges become the latest panel to officially recognise their most recent musical contribution.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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