DrownedInSound — To a hushed audience in a studio room in Covent Garden Lauren Laverne announced this years's Mercury Music Prize nominees. The expected names - The XX, Dizzee Rascal, Corinne Bailey Rae - were all there, as well as a few mild surprises - Villagers an... more info

NME — Odds for this year's album contest announced more info

DrownedInSound — The division between audience and headliner tonight is a physical one, true – band high on stage, gaggle grouped below. But there’s also a detachment that’s rather less tangible, albeit just as apparent; a schism of circumstance that confirms, ... more info

NME — iTunes Live London showcases two bands expected to be on next week's shortlist (July 20) more info

Idolator — Shakira surprised us last month by going indie and covering The xx’s “Islands.” We only got a snippet back then, but the Colombian singer treated us to her full-length version at Glastonbury Festival this past weekend. Sadly, no Kylie Minogue/S... more info

We All Want Someone To Shout For — Here is another cool Glastonbury video for you. It’s Shakira covering The XX’s “Islands“. It works. This shouldn’t be too surprising, considering clips of this cover leaked last month. Apparently Shakira is calling the cover “Explore”. ... more info

Nialler9 — A live version of the remix of a cover. Video roundup via State. Florence and the Machine – You’ve Got the Love (The XX Remix) more info

Guardian Music — Sunshine, surprises and, er, mass sobriety give Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis cause to toast vintage yearOn the final Sunday of every Glastonbury, the founder Michael Eavis claims without fail that this year's festival has been the best ever. Thi... more info

NME — Band also cover Bronski Beat during their first weekend at the festival more info

NME — Singer makes new friends playing Pyramid Stage more info