There's a reason why I donate money to NPR every year. KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" is one of the greatest things in the world... and their website is even better, as it's got TONS of archived live performances that you can check out via streaming video. Name the band and if they're cool, they've played on the show (and likely have the whole set archived!) OF MONTREAL, THE GO! TEAM, and MARK GARDENER are among the recent acts to be featured. Check out their website - if you've got a few hours to kill.

Jools Holland took to the stage (um some stage?) in London this morning to announce the shortlist nominees for this year's Mercury Music Prize. As I'm sure you all know, this is one of the most prestigous awards to be given out in the UK music world... as well as the fabulous cash prize of £20,000. Personally it lost a little prestige in my eyes the year they overlooked Pulp's "His n Hers" in lieu of giving the prize to M People. Upon reflection I'm sure they now agree with me... anyhoo...We'll find out September 6th exactly who won but for now we can all argue about the list below to suss out who deserves it most...