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Record Shops share their top picks for this year’s Mercury Music Prize

Sep 06, 2023

To celebrate the upcoming annual Mercury Music Prize on Sept 7th, 2023, we asked indie record shops to share who they think should be crowned ‘Album of the Year’ for 2023 and why. 

The Mercury Music Prize takes place on the 7th September and will be crowning one UK artist “Album of the Year” 2023!


To celebrate, we polled over 100 independent record shops from all across the UK to see who they think should win.


Well, in a landslide victory, we can reveal that Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy came out victorious and topped the indie record shop poll with a huge majority. But will they be correct? Tune into BBC 4 at 9pm or BBC Radio 6 Music 7pm - 12am to find out! 

Kenny Record: Artic Monkeys - The Car


Shop manager, Kenny Record, of 101 Collectors Records, Farnham, Surrey here! 

 

Arctic Monkeys - The Car should win, as the album shows Artic Monkeys’ impressive, continued growth as a band. [It’s] a fresh approach and them not being afraid to try something different. That's exactly why they should win! 

Gary: Arctic Monkeys – The Car


The Car is an album that makes 2018's genre shifting opinion splitter Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino sound like a breezy pop record. It's dense, lyrically cryptic and light on hooks but is incredible.  

 

An album that absorbs you into its world if you let it. And one that sounded incredible at their recent live shows. 

 

Gary: Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy


A fast paced, frenetic album that comes and goes before you know it. Not a single second is wasted on the album. Plus, Scottttland!!!! 

Leo: Lankum - False Lankum 


Arguably the most unique record of the bunch, and besides, who doesn’t want more Irish doom-folk in the world. 

Megan: Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy 


A cohesive sonic journey by such a special band who are completely incomparable to anything else I’ve ever heard. An uplifting and invigorating listen which can be enjoyed in pretty much any context and never lose its impact, which is rare and beautiful. 

Cam: Loyle Carner - Hugo 


An incredibly emotional album where Carner perfects his story telling, using so few words to create such a vivid picture of fatherhood, racism and understanding his upbringing. The album has a sense of vulnerability and family affection that’s not so common rap music. These topics feel more intense with the lift from Kwes' layered and warm production. 

Tom: Loyle Carner - Hugo 


Fantastic production topped with vulnerable and introspective lyricism. Nice merch too. 

Matthew: Raye – My 21st Century Blues 


My 21st Century Blues takes you on a journey into Raye’s mind – that’s autobiographical to its core & tackles difficult issues of anxiety, sexual assault & body dysmorphia but manages to make it empowering & regaining back control. Heart-wrenchingly captivating with incredible production and stunning vocals. 

Rosie: Shygirl – Nymph 


A playful album that's euphoric, unique, and is filled with absolute anthems! 

Lucas: Ezra Collective – Where I’m Meant To Be 


Over the past few years, Ezra Collective have cemented themselves among the very best acts the UK jazz scene has to offer, and their latest album, released in November 2022, is a triumphant celebration of everything that has come to define their multifaceted sound. Rooted in Afrocentric influences, Where I’m Meant To Be raws from a captivating blend of hip-hop, funk, reggae and samba stylings, and invites poignant collaborations - adding to an already relentlessly energetic production.   

Skye: Olivia Dean - Messy


Olivia Dean has done a perfect job of creating an album that takes you through all possible emotions in her Mercury Prize nominated Messy. 


From joyous tunes of the summer to beautifully introspective songs from the heart. Dean ticks all the boxes with her unmatched energy and voice throughout.

James: Jessie Ware - That Feels Good


Since the release of What's Your Pleasure, Jessie has gone from strength to strength. Three years later she released the single 'Free Yourself' to critical acclaim, followed by her fifth album That! Feels Good!

Probably her best album yet and that's why it should win the Mercury Prize 2023. And of course, who doesn't love a bit of disco! 

Marc: Jessie Ware - That Feels Good


Jessie Ware's That Feels Good is our pick for the Mercury Prize this year. A perfectly constructed Album of 10 tracks that would each fit comfortably on any disco/funk/pop classics playlist. Add to the mix the recent collab with Roisin Murphy & you might just have our artist of the year. 

Jackie: Arctic Monkeys - The Car


IT'S A GROWER! 


My first listen to Arctic Monkeys - The Car really was not the greatest, I went away thinking that it was not my cup of tea and felt disappointed by their new sound. But after giving it a chance I listened, and I mean really listened again to the lyrics. It's like a story (it would make a great soundtrack). I'm now loving the chilled feeling of this album. A big statement but to me it sounds very "BOWIE". Give this album a chance it will grow on you.  


"IT'S A WINNER IN MY BOOK" - Jackie Fenner, Phoenix Sound, Devon 

This year, we each chose a different release! 


Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy 

Lankum - False Lankum 

Loyle Carner - Hugo

Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B

Shygirl - Nymph


These were all our joint choices. The diversity of Resident's tastes goes right across the Mercury Prize shortlist this year! 

Ruth: Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy


I haven't loved an album as much as this for ages! It's full of joy, chaos & energy.  


At times it feels like pure, unfiltered freedom - Heavy Heavy is definitely my album of the year so far! 

Mark: Young Fathers - Heavy Heavy


There is no other album that could be at home in so many different sections of any record shop. 


This just goes to show how important, unique and vital Young Fathers are! 

Charlie and Gary: Jockstrap - I Love You Jennifer B


Gary confidently said on the 9th September 2022 that this album would win the Mercury Music Prize. He is looking forward to being proven right. 

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RECORD STORE DAY X TAYLOR SWIFT – UK VINYL SALES HAVE THEIR BEST WEEK IN 30 YEARS

30 Apr, 2024
The combination of April 20th’s Record Store Day and the release of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department meant vinyl sales last week enjoyed their highest weekly total in 30 years, according to analysis by digital entertainment and retail association ERA. Data from the Official Charts Company show 269,134 vinyl albums and 37,656 vinyl singles were sold in chart week 17, making a total of 306,791. This is higher than in any week since week five 1994 when current statistics began. Sales of vinyl copies of The Tortured Poets Department- many of them sold through independent record stores - accounted for just under a quarter (24.7%) of the week’s vinyl album sales. Meanwhile sales of vinyl albums exclusive to independent record shops as part of Record Store Day accounted for an estimated 37.2% of the vinyl albums market. Last week’s success for vinyl indicates that the format’s revival shows no sign of waning after 2023 marked its 16 th consecutive year of growth. Four of the Top 10 biggest weeks for vinyl in the past 30 years have come in the past 12 months. Kim Bayley, CEO of ERA, said it is no coincidence that vinyl should reach another high point in the week of Record Store Day, “Indie record shops were first to realise that the growth of streaming would paradoxically provide an opportunity for the most physical of physical formats,” she said, “and vinyl has sat at the heart of Record Store Day’s celebration of indie record shop culture since 2008.“ She said it was particularly appropriate that it was the combination of RSD and Taylor Swift which helped deliver the week 17. “Taylor Swift has long been a supporter of indie record stores and served as Record Store Day’s global ambassador in 2022,” she said. “Her support has undoubtedly helped drive even more younger fans to indie record shops, helping sustain the stores which are one of the most vibrant elements of the music ecosystem.” Highlighting the synergies between Ms Swift, vinyl and indie record shops, Taylor Swift titles led by The Tortured Poets Department account for the three top performing vinyl albums week of release since 1994. TOP PERFORMING VINYL ALBUMS WEEK-OF-RELEASE SINCE 1994 

RECORD STORE DAY SET TO DELIVER £10M BOOST TO INDIE RECORD SHOPS

16 Apr, 2024
Record Store Day, the annual celebration of indie record store culture taking place this Saturday (April 20), is expected to deliver a £9.7m boost to indie record shops, helping secure the future of one of the key pillars of grassroots music culture. The £9.7m figure is an estimate of the sales value of the 443 exclusive releases which will be made available through indie stores on Record Store Day. This year these range from Ringo Starr’s “Crooked Boy” EP which includes four brand-new tracks, to an Olivia Rodrigo & Noah Kahan split 7” of “Stick Season” and “Lacy” from the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge to a stunning reissue of Young Father’s Mercury Award winning debut album “Dead”, limited to just 2000 copies. The analysis, prepared by digital entertainment and retail association ERA which organises Record Store UK on behalf of 270 indie retailers, does not include incremental revenue of non-Record Store Day music titles made on the day, nor money generated by food, drink and other items. The actual total through store tills is likely to be higher. In 2023 ERA estimates that exclusives sold on Record Store Day accounted for nearly 10% of annual sales of all physical music product through High Street stores. Last month ERA announced that indie store numbers have hit a 10 year high in part propelled by Record Store Day. ERA CEO Kim Bayley said, “Record Store Day is a cultural phenomenon which draws in tens of thousands of music fans across the country, but it is also a financial lifeline for a vital element of music’s unique ecosystem. Without Record Store Day, many would find it difficult to stay in business. We are grateful to the artists and labels who work so hard to create exclusive Record Store Day product and of course to the fans who turn out to support their local stores in such numbers.” Record Store Day UK coordinator Megan Page said, “Saturday is going to be quite a day. Indie stores can be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. There will be live music, DJ sets, parties and performances in every corner of the country to celebrate. The important thing is people don’t forget that indie record stores are also great places to go to when it’s not Record Store Day.” This year’s Record Store Day UK ambassador, Kate Bush, said “Each year Record Store Day gathers more attention, more momentum, and attracts more people who cram into indie record stores all over the world to see what’s up. What’s new? This year, I hope you have a fantastic time at this very important event, and that you get to celebrate music that’s been specially released for you”. You can read her full statement here .

RECORD STORE DAY UK ANNOUNCES FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES FOR OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER WAR CHILD

10 Apr, 2024
Record Store Day UK are excited to announce this year’s fundraising activities to support its Official 2024 Charity Partner, War Child. The money raised will go towards helping children in conflict all over the world, which is more important than ever before. SIGNED TURNTABLES One lucky vinyl fan could be in with the chance of winning a one-off Rega Planar 3 deck signed by RSD ambassador Kate Bush (including an exclusive test pressing of her upcoming Record Store Day 2024 release ' Eat The Music ')! What's more, a further two fans could win decks signed by rock icons Blur and 2023 Mercury Prize nominees Young Fathers. Entry is simple! Raffle tickets can be purchased from 11th April on War Child’s Crowdfunder pages for Kate Bush , Blur and Young Fathers . Each entry costs just £5, and to top it off, there's no limit on the number of times a fan can enter. Winners of each deck will be announced on Sunday 5th May 2023, perfectly timed for you to spin those Record Store Day 2024 releases!
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