Get ready to celebrate Record Store Day. Find your nearest record store, where you can get exclusive access to new vinyl releases, event locations, and more.
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.
