Villagers, Cathy Davey and Imelda May are among the acts shortlisted for the Choice Music Prize for Irish Album of the Year 2010.
The 10 finalists, which were announced this afternoon, also include former Choice nominee Fight Like Apes for their latest album, The Body of Christ & The Legs of Tina Turner.
In addition, Adebisi Shank - an instrumental rock trio based in Wexford - are shortlisted for their second album, This is the Second Album of a band called Adebisi Shank.
Though the band's record label, Richter Collective, had a record six nominees among the long list of 271 albums, Adebisi Shank is the only one to have made the shortlist.
The Cast of Cheers, Halves, James Vincent McMorrow, O Emperor and Two Door Cinema Club make up the other acts to be included.
"It's a strong list that adequately reflects the current state of Irish music, with a mixture of established and rising acts," said the award's organiser David Reid.
In the six years since its inception, the award - which does not consider sales or airplay as criteria - has regularly sparked controversy for its unpredictable shortlist selections.
This year, the exclusion of Solar Bears is likely to draw the most objections.
Their debut album She Was Coloured In, released through UK label Planet Mu, was one of the only Irish albums to make an impact outside the country, picking up favourable reviews from NME and Pitchfork.
Previous winners of the award, which was established in 2005, include Jape, Adrian Crowley and The Divine Comedy.
The shortlist and eventual winner are selected by a panel of 11 Irish music media professionals representing print, radio, online and TV.
The winning act will receive a prize of €10,000, provided by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (Imro) and the Irish Recorded Music Association (Irma).
The overall album of the year will be announced at the Choice Music Prize live event at Vicar Street, Dublin, on Thursday March 3rd.
Choice Music Prize 2010 Album of the Year Award shortlist:
Adebisi Shank - This is the Second Album of a band called Adebisi Shank
The Cast of Cheers - Chariot
Cathy Davey - The Nameless
Fight Like Apes - The Body of Christ & The Legs of Tina Turner
Halves - It Goes, It Goes (Forever & Ever)
Imelda May - Mayhem
James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning
O Emperor - Hither Thither
Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
Villagers - Becoming a Jackal