Blur legend Damon Albarn bookies favourite for Mercury Prize

Leading the nominations, which were released on a shortlist last night, is Albarn's first solo album Everyday Robot's.

It has been described as the former Blur frontman's most personal album yet.

Having previously been nominated in 1994 and again in 1999 with the Brit pop band, Albarn caused controversy in 2001 when he asked for new band Gorillaz's eponymous album to be withdrawn from the vote. 

Joining Albarn among the bookies' favourites are Brighton-based rock band Royal Blood, with judges describing their debut album as “a triumphant celebration of the primal power of rock. Intense and thrilling.”

Anna Calvi's "inspiring" second album On Breath and Bombay Bicycle Club's fifth offering So Long, See You Tomorrow are among the better-known nominations. 

Also making the list with their debut album Total Strife Forever is electronic outfit East India Youth, as well as self-produced duo Jungle, who released their album of the same name in July.

Former backing dancer Tahliah Barnett, known as FKA twigs, also made the list with her electro-pop debut LP1. 

Nick Mulvey, previously shortlisted as a member of the band Portico Quartet, has also been nominated with his debut solo album First Mind. 

Kate Tempest is one of the more obscure artists to be named. The award-winning poet and playwright is nominated for her debut album Everybody Down which features raps about class, romance and society.

Young Fathers, an alternative hip-hop group formed in Edinburgh, have been honoured thanks to their first album Dead. 

Jazz band Polar Bear have received their second nomination for their fifth album Each and Every One.

Also representing the jazz world is Manchester-based trio GoGo Penguin, who have been included this year for their second album v2.0.

The prize is open to British and Irish acts who have released albums over the past year with 12 records selected from a total of 220. 

Simon Frith, Chair of Judges, said: "This year’s Barclaycard Mercury Prize shortlist confirms that these are fascinating times for UK music.

"There are seven outstanding debut albums here, and five records by more established artists, all pursuing exciting new directions."

Notable big names missing from this year's nominations include Lily Allen, Morrissey and Ed Sheeran.

The annual prize is judged by a panel of 12 critics, DJs, musicians and other industry figures, with the winning act receiving £20,000.

This year's winner will be announced at London's Roundhouse on Wednesday 29 October.

Simon Frith, Chair of Judges, commented that: "This year’s Barclaycard Mercury Prize shortlist confirms that these are fascinating times for UK music.

"There are seven outstanding debut albums here, and five records by more established artists, all pursuing exciting new directions."

Notable big names missing from this years nominations include Lily Allen, Morrissey and Ed Sheeran all missed out.

The annual prize is judged by a panel of twelve critics, DJ’s, musicians and other industry figures, with the winning act receiving £20,000.

This years winner will be announced at London Roundhouse on Wednesday 29 October.