The XX and Dizzee Rascal Lead Mercury Prize Shortlist

The XX and Dizzee Rascal were immediately installed as bookies' favourites when the 12-strong shortlist was announced for this year's Barclaycard Mercury Prize in London today (July 20).

Broadcaster Lauren Laverne made the announcement at private members' institution the Hospital Club. Others up for the prestigious gong include Wild Beasts, Foals, Biffy Clyro, I Am Kloot, Laura Marling, Mumford and Sons, Paul Weller, nominated for the second time following his nod for 1994's 'Wild Wood,' and Corinne Bailey Rae. The soulful solo artist was on hand to deliver a sensuous version of the title track to her current album, 'The Sea.'

Also performing was fellow nominee Conor O'Brien, aka Villagers, a rare Irish entry for the awards. Performing solo, he gave an intense take on 'Becoming a Jackal,' again, the title track of his nominated album.

A spokesman for betting firm William Hill described the shortlist as "close as it's ever been," making The XX and 2003 winner Dizzee Rascal joint favourites at odds of 4/1. Villagers, meanwhile, were among the outsiders, alongside I Am Kloot and token jazz entrants Kit Downes Trio at 10/1.

The shortlist in full:

Biffy Clyro -- 'Only Revolutions'
Corinne Bailey Rae -- 'The Sea'
Dizzee Rascal -- 'Tongue N' Cheek'
Foals -- 'Total Life Forever'
I Am Kloot -- 'Sky at Night'
Kit Downes Trio -- 'Golden'
Laura Marling -- 'I Speak Because I Can'
Mumford and Sons -- 'Sigh No More'
Paul Weller -- 'Wake Up the Nation'
The XX -- 'The XX'
Villagers -- 'Becoming a Jackal'
Wild Beasts -- 'Two Dancers'

The winner, who receives a £20,000 ($45,000) cash prize as well as a shiny trophy, will be announced on Sept. 7.