Foals, Laura Marling, Mumford & Sons and Wild Beasts have also been shortlisted for the award.

The remaining nominees are Kit Downes Trio, Corinne Bailey Rae, Paul Weller, Villagers and I Am Kloot.

The 12 nominated acts were announced by broadcaster Lauren Laverne in London this morning.

In order to be eligible to receive a nomination, the album must have been released over the past 12 months.

Last year's Mercury Prize was won by Speech Debelle for 'Speech Therapy', which sold just 13,000 copies following its triumph.

The 2010 winner will be unveiled at a ceremony in London on September 7.

The 2010 Mercury Prize nominees are:

• Biffy Clyro – 'Only Revolutions'
• Corinne Bailey Rae – 'The Sea'
• Dizzee Rascal – 'Tongue N' Cheek'
• Foals – 'Total Life Forever'
• I Am Kloot – 'Sky At Night'
• Kit Downes Trio – 'Golden'
• Laura Marling – 'I Speak Because I Can'
• Mumford And Sons – 'Sigh No More'
• Paul Weller – 'Wake Up The Nation'
• Villagers – 'Becoming A Jackal'
• Wild Beasts – 'Two Dancers'
• The xx – 'XX'

(by Jason Gregory)