PJ Harvey 'Let England Shake' sales soar by 1,000% following Mercury Prize win
Published Sep 7 2011, 09:50 BST | By Lewis Corner
© PA Images / Yui Mok/PA Wire
The singer scooped the prestigious award for her recent Let England Shake album, which reached number eight in the UK chart earlier this year.
However, since accepting the award from Jools Holland at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last night, online retailer Amazon has reported a 1,190% sales increase for the album.
Let England Shake shot up to number two of the Amazon UK store bestseller list, while Mercury rival Adele retained her number one position with 21.
Watch Digital Spy interview the Mercury Prize nominees below:
"It's a great achievement in a year which has seen so many strong releases including the likes of Tinie Tempah and Adele whose albums have been massive sellers over the last 12 months," explained Paul Firth, head of music buying at Amazon UK.
"The Mercury Music Prize is an important award for any artist, new or established, and always has an immediate effect on sales. It will be interesting to see whether PJ Harvey will surpass Adele at the very top of the charts over the coming days."
Rob da Bank predicted PJ Harvey's win ahead of last night's award ceremony.
The Bestival organiser told Digital Spy that Harvey should win because she has been "an incredible artist over the last couple of decades".
PJ Harvey will take to the stage to perform hits from her Mercury Prize-winning album Let England Shake at this weekend's Bestival music event on the Isle of Wight.
Watch PJ Harvey's interview with BBC Radio 2's Huey Morgan:
Okay, calm your ass down Thomas. All I did was state that I didn't know who she was, didn't say she didn't deserve it. And then I was corrected when I assumed she was new, I didn't flip out. And no, I forget nothing regarding the Mercury award.
September 7th 2011 at 1:12pm
I am 19 and know who PJ Harvey is! she rocked the 90s! and early 00s and so so glad she won the award. Was between this or Katy Bs, definitely the best British albums this year by far! Don't own PJs latest album physically yet....or any of her albums but play her on YT sometimes definitely! I guess it is a sign I must get some more Pj Harvey in my life :D Congrats!
September 7th 2011 at 12:20pm
Exactly as Adele will clean up at other wards like the Grammy awards and the Brits whereas polly wouldnt get a look in
September 7th 2011 at 11:51am
I'm still young is no excuse im 20 and have been aware of polly jean since i was 10 you seem to be forgetting that the mercury music award is for artist who may not have great commercial sales or recognition from the general public who buy the likes of Adele who win big at other awards just wait until the grammys next year she'll need three extra arms lol so stop blaming snobbery and start lisening to all music not just radio 1 lol
September 7th 2011 at 11:49am
I totally disagree that it should be about who is under valued. the thing u have to remember is that this is based on the music itself, not the artist. if adele's album was better she had every right to win, at the end of the day its the panel who put their reputations on the line to pick a lasting winner. The recognition gained by someone who wasn't as big as adele is just a bonus.
September 7th 2011 at 10:54am