James Blake was the surprising - and undeserving - winner of the prestigious Mercury Music Prize last night. David Bowie, Disclosure, Jon Hopkins and our own Villagers made far better albums.
He accepted the £20,000 (€23,000) award at a ceremony at the Roundhouse in Camden Town, north London.
Speaking at the awards, the classically trained pianist turned electronic artist thanked his parents for teaching him to be "self-sufficient"
Also in music news...
Lou Reed's death. Tributes have poured in from all quarters - and with good reason. The ex-Velvet Underground frontman helped change the course of rock music. He had a very strong vision about the kind of writer he wanted to be and he didn't suffer fools - or music critics - gladly.
ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Arcade Fire's Reflektor. We've had the best part of a week to digest the 75-minute opus and it's a remarkable piece of work that confirms the Canadian-American band to be among the most important of the last decade. Yes, it's way too long and some of their sonic experiments feel forced, but it is an album that deserves time.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Horslips have a new biography and compilation album out that fans will want to lap up - especially the book...
GIG OF THE WEEK
Three good ones courtesy of Aiken Promotions. One of the Irish bands of the year, Delorentos, play Vicar Street tomorrow. Billy Joel is in the O2 tomorrow too and the gig of the week for me is Lloyd Cole in Vicar Street. He'll be dipping into his work with old band The Commotions as well as unveiling newer songs.
