WESTCOUNTRY GIRL PJ HARVEY WINS MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE
PJ Harvey has been revealed as the winner of the 2011 Barclaycard Mercury Prize for Album of the Year. The announcement was made by musician and broadcaster Jools Holland at the Awards Show at London’s Grosvenor House earlier this week. Simon Frith, Chair of Judges commented, “In a very fine year for British music, PJ Harvey’s Let England Shake is a record off exceptional depth, passion and imagination: a musical meditation on Englishness that is gripping and profound ”. PJ Harvey, who is from Dorset, said: “Thanks for the recognition of my work on this album. It took a long time to write. I wanted to write something that was meaningful, not just for myself but for other people – something that would last. I’m delighted and happy to have won the Prize tonight because I put so much into this album. It’s wonderful to have this recognized and to have the opportunity to reach out to a wider audience”. The Prize recognises and celebrates music in the UK and has a reputation for highlighting a wide range of bands and artists. The shortlist of 12 ‘Albums of the Year’ is chosen by an independent judging panel, which includes musicians, producers, presenters and music journalists. The panel’s decision is based solely on the music on the albums and all genres of music are treated equally.
