Mercury Prize shortlist announced

This year's shortlist for the Barclaycard Mercury Prize has been announced.

Twelve musicians made the cut, including rock legend Paul Weller for his tenth album, Wake up the Nation.

Keen to make it a double gong, Dizzee Rascal (pictured) has been nominated for his fourth studio album, Tongue N' Cheek, for which he earned a nomination from the Ivor Novello Awards in May.

In 2003 the rapper won the Mercury Prize for his debut album, Boy in Da Corner.

Other nominated artists include Corinne Bailey Rae, Biffy Clyro, Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons and The XX.

Winners of the prestigious award have been known to go on to great success, although last year's winner Speech Debelle only managed to sell 13,000 records, the Guardian reported.

Paul Stokes, associate editor of NME, told the newspaper: 'Last year showed what the Mercury can and can't do.

'It's great at taking records that are bubbling under the surface and taking them on to the next stage; it's not as good at finding new talent.'

The winner will be announced on September 7th.