Bookie backs PJ Harvey for Mercury Prize, even though the shortlist hasn't been announced

PJ Harvey’s eighth [and really quite brilliant] album ‘Let England Shake’ is the frontrunner ahead of next Tuesday’s shortlist announcement. This year’s second favourite is Adele at 5/1 and Wild Beasts at 8/1, who were also shortlisted last year. James Blake and Anna Calvi are both 8/1. Other high-profile acts thought to be in the running in the running include Noah and the Whale (12/1), Hurts (14/1) and Tinie Tempah (20/1), with Jessie J, Radiohead and Elbow all 33/1 and Beady Eye and Arctic Monkeys 40/1 shots.

If PJ Harvey won, it would make her the first artist ever to bag the coveted prize twice, having won in 2001with her fifth album ‘Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea’.

William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly said, “The past year has been fantastic for British music, with Adele really setting the benchmark, but we believe PJ Harvey has the slight edge and is leading the market. But with a number of big names in the running, it is guaranteed to be a close one this year.”

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday, 6th September, 2011