TO celebrate the announcement of this year s winner of the Nationwide Mercury Prize, Almost Famous has copies of the prize s annual compilation CD to give away to lucky winners. Of the 12 shortlisted acts, several have visited nearby venues in recent mon

TO celebrate the announcement of this year's winner of the Nationwide Mercury Prize, Almost Famous has copies of the prize's annual compilation CD to give away to lucky winners.

Of the 12 shortlisted acts, several have visited nearby venues in recent months - including Editors (nominated for The Back Room) and Arctic Monkeys (nominated for chart-smashing debut Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not).

I'll be rooting for the incredible Coles Corner from Richard Hawley while Richard Paul will be no doubt be hoping Through The Windowpane by Guillemots comes out on top. I'm resigned to the fact that he may well be smiling when the winner's announced, but I'd urge anyone to check out Richard Hawley.

The awards show takes place on Tuesday, September 5.

To be in with a chance of winning a CD featuring tracks from Editors, Hot Chip, Muse, Thom Yorke, Guillemots and above all else - Richard Hawley, simply e-mail the name of the album Richard has been nominated for to: chris@boland1.plus.com

CHRIS BOLAND