They’ve been around since 1990 and released four critically acclaimed albums, but it’s only now that Manchester five-piece Elbow have achieved international fame. How did they do it? Simple—by knocking off such luminaries as Radiohead, British Sea Power, and Estelle to claim the £20,000 Nationwide Mercury Prize. Much like Canada’s Polaris Music Prize, the award has a history for rewarding the underdog ahead of more commercially successful acts. Despite being virtually unknown in North America, Elbow have built a reputation as one of Britain’s premier indie bands and were nominated for the prize in 2001. Their album The Seldom Seen Kid was named the winner at a star-studded event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel last week. “I know I’m supposed to be cool and say something coy, but it’s literally the best thing that’s ever happened to us,” said singer Guy Garvey. Whether or not the award will pave the way for (sorely deserved) greater success outside their native land remains to be seen.
