Northern rockers the Arctic Monkeys have beaten opposition from Thom Yorke, Muse and jazz pianist Zoe Rahman to take the Mercury Music Prize, winning £20,000 for their first album 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'M Not'.
In a suprise move, the panel awarded the prize to the Monkeys, who already have a high profile. Traditionally, it is given to artists who have had little exposure, so the band were thrilled when their name was read out: 'We're very, very pleased because it's just good tunes, that's what we try to do,' said frontman Alex Turner.'
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'M Not' shot to the top of the charts, smashing previous records for first-week sales when it was released in February, spawning hits like 'I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor'.
The prestigious prize was awarded for 'great songs, astonishingly performed'. | 
