the xx ~ crystalised

London goth-pop The XX band have added a very serious notch to their belt. They took home the Barclaycard Mercury Prize.

The Mercury Prize is given out to the best British album of the past year, as determined by a panel of industry figures, and this year it goes to The XX's self-titled debut also Pitchfork's #3 album of 2009. As winners, The XX get £20,000.

The folks behind the Mercury Prize are famous for giving the Prize to left-field choices, but The XX aren't exactly surprise winners. This morning, Billboard reported that they and Brit-rock veteran Paul Weller led betting odds going into the ceremony. The XX also beat out a list of nominees that included albums from artists like Wild Beasts, Foals, and Dizzee Rascal.