The Nationwide Mercury Prize, formerly known as the Mercury Music Prize, announced this year's nominations on Tuesday 22nd July. Here's what the judges had to say...

Adele - "Heartfelt songs from an engaging new voice"... British Sea Power - "Joyfully eccentric, noisy and exciting"... Burial - "A subtle, original metropolitan soundscape"... Estelle - "Radiant, contemporary soul music"... Laura Marling - "Emotionally compelling tales of fear and romance"... Neon Neon - "Chrome-plated electro-rock – a thrilling musical ride"... Portico Quartet - "Exuberant, hypnotic acoustic music"... Rachel Unthank & The Winterset - "Contemporary folk music at its most magical and mysterious" ... Radiohead - "Adventurous, challenging and hugely enjoyable"... Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - "An intimate set of timeless songs"... The Last Shadow Puppets - "Dramatic vignettes of modern love – superbly crafted and brilliantly arranged"...

The winner of the The Nationwide Mercury Prize 2008 is announced on Tuesday 9th September.