Franz Ferdinand win 2004 Mercury Music Prize

LONDOON, UK (www.nationwidemercurys.com) - Franz Ferdinand have won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize at a ceremony in London. The Scottish rockers were the favourites to win the prize and faced competition from artists including Keane, Joss Stone, Jamelia, Amy Winehouse and The Streets.

The prize is awarded to the best album of the last year by a UK or Irish act and is voted for by a panel of music industry experts, journalists and music artists. It is judged on talent and innovation rather than commercial sales. Last year's winner Dizzee Rascal was on hand as the �20,000 cheque was presented to Frank Ferdinand on Tuesday evening.

The shortlist of M2004 ercury Music Prize was:
Basement Jaxx – 'Kish Kash'
Belle & Sebastian – 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress'
Franz Ferdinand – 'Franz Ferdinand'
Jamelia – 'Thank You'
Keane – 'Hopes And Fears'
Snow Patrol – 'Final Straw'
Joss Stone – 'The Soul Sessions'
The Streets – 'A Grand Don't Come For Free'
Ty – 'Upwards'
Amy Winehouse – 'Frank'
Robert Wyatt – 'Cuckooland'
The Zutons – 'Who Killed...The Zutons'