Winehouse, Monkeys duel for Mercury Prize

Amy Winehouse, the Arctic Monkeys and Klaxons will compete for this year's Nationwide Mercury Prize.

The View, Jamie T and New Young Pony Club have also been nominated for the prestigious award, whose shortlist comprises twelve "remarkable" albums released by artists from the UK and Ireland.

The Arctic Monkeys, who won last year's prize with their debut LP Whatever You Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, became the first artists to be shortlisted in two consecutive years.

The annual award lived up to its reputation for eclecticism by recognising albums from jazz quintet Basquiat Strings and obscure Irish singer-songwriter Fionn Regan.

Chair of judges Simon Frith said: "This year's Nationwide Mercury Prize shortlist celebrates a remarkable range of artists who use their albums to tell stories, shape moods, explore emotions and lift the spirits.

"The list marks the emergence of a wealth of eclectic talent making music with great energy, excitement and personality."

The nominations in full:

• Bat for Lashes - Fur and Gold
• Fionn Regan - The End of History
• New Young Pony Club - Fantastic Playroom
• Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future
• The Young Knives - Voices of Animals and Men
• Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare
• Maps - We Can Create
• The View - Hats Off to the Buskers
• Dizzee Rascal - Maths + English
• Amy Winehouse - Back to Black
• Jamie T - Panic Prevention
• Basquiat Strings - Basquiat Strings with Seb Roachford

The winner will be announced on September 4.