Ireland's version of the Mercury Music Award takes place for the first time next week. I think it's great that the best Irish albums of the year are being given some recognition and also some promotion.
http://www.choicemusicprize.com/
Shortlist:
(1) Bell X1 - "Flock" (Island)
(2) Cane 141 - "Moonpool" (Exceptional)
(3) The Chalets - "Check-In" (Setanta)
(4) Joe Chester - "A Murder of Crows" (Barp)
(5) Duke Special - "Adventures In Gramophone" (Hag)
(6) Julie Feeney - "13 Songs" (Self-released)
(7) Hal - "Hal" (Rough Trade)
(8) Nick Kelly - "Running Dog" (Self Possessed)
(9) Emmett Tinley - "Attic Faith" (Independent Records)
(10) Turn - "Turn" (Setanta)
My personnal choice would be Bell X1