I mean who else would win?

In a completely unsurprising win (to me anyways), The Arctic Monkeys picked up this year's Mercury prize last night. The boys' debut LP, 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' has already broken a number of sales records, and has become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year.

Other artists and albums nominated for this prestigious award include:

Arctic Monkeys - 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - 'Ballad Of The Broken Seas'
Editors - 'The Back Room'
Guillemots - 'Through The Windowpane'
Richard Hawley - 'Coles Corner'
Hot Chip - 'The Warning'
Muse - 'Black Holes & Revelations'
Zoe Rahman - 'Melting Pot'
Lou Rhodes - 'Beloved One'
Scritti Politti - 'White Bread Black Beer'
Sway - 'This Is My Demo'
Thom Yorke - 'The Eraser'

Personally, I feel that The Arctic Monkeys completely deserve this honor previously won by the likes of Antony and The Johnsons for the album 'I Am a Bird Now' (also a very good album). The band put together a staggering line up of songs, each with a style that brings together the past and present while sounding completely their own. The subject matter of the album is also relateable by all generations, and though it might not be the best representation of British (and if fact all) teenagehood, certainly ranks among the best of them.

Upon winning the award the band appreciatively said: "Good tunes is what we try to do and no tricks, really."

Bravo boys, you certainly deserve it.

NME.COM - News - Arctic Monkeys win 2006 Mercury Music Prize
Mercury Award Website

Buy 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' on iTunes