Hey, Hey, We're The Gorillaz

IN ITS TENTH year now, the £20,000 Mercury Music Prize is awarded every September to the best British album. Chosen by a panel of critics, it is often seen as having more integrity than industry-led awards such as the Brits, but when the short-list of 12 was announced this week there was a surprise. One of the bands – Gorillaz – said they did not want to be included, with bassist and band founder Murdo describing it as "like carrying a dead albatross round your neck for eternity".