Male bands lead NME Awards

Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian have topped this year's noms...

10:16 26 January 2010

The 2010 Shockwaves NME Awards nominations have been announced and the Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian lead the way his year with six nominations apiece.

The Arctic Monkeys are up for the coveted Best British Band prize, as well as for Best Album for 'Humbug'. They have also been nominated in the Best Live Band, Best Track for 'Crying Lightening', Best Video for 'Cornerstone' and the Giving It Back Fan Award for their Oxfam golden tickets.

"It's good knowing we're still up for these awards," said Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner. "Kasabian have said there aren't any other proper rock bands apart from us and them. I don't necessarily agree completely but I know what theyÂ’re saying."

The northern band, who scooped up in 2006 winning Best New Band, Best British Band, Best Track, have some strong competition, however.

Kasabian are nominated in the Best British Band category, and are up for Best Album and Best Artwork for 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum', Best Video for 'Fire', and the Giving It Back Fan award, alongside Noel Fielding, for the free 'Vlad The Impaler' video. They are also nominated for Best Live Band.

"It's been a big year for us and being nominated for the NME Awards is the icing on the cake," said Kasabian singer Tom Meighan.

"We're thrilled and very honoured. It would be nice to do the hat-trick – Best Band, Best Album and Best Live Band."

Joining the Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian in the Best British Band category are Biffy Clyro, Muse and Oasis, who were nominated for a record seven awards and took the title in 2009.

Muse, Radiohead and Them Crooked Vultures are also up for Best Live Band.

Battling it out in the Best Album category alongside the two groups are Muse for 'The Resistance', The Cribs with 'Ignore The Ignorant' and The Horrors' 'Primary Colours'.

Green Day, Kings Of Leon, Paramore, Vampire Weekend and Yeah Yeah Yeahs are all up for the Best International Band gong.

While Dizzee Rascal, Florence And The Machine, Jamie T, Julian Casablancas and Lady Gaga will fight it out for Best Solo Artist.

And it's not the only award Lady Gaga is up for. Conversely she is nominated for both Best Dressed and Worst Dressed awards.

She also has a mention in the category no one will want to win on the night – Worst Album – for 'The Fame'.

Appearing in the Worst Album category with her are Green Day for '21st Century Breakdown', The Jonas Brothers for 'Lines Vines Trying Times', U2 with 'No Line On The Horizon' and Arctic Monkeys' 'Humbug'.

Hero of the Year will go to either Beyoncé Knowles, Noel Gallagher, Rage Against The Machine, Matt Bellamy or Alex Turner.

While Noel Gallagher, Liam Gallagher, Simon Cowell, Kanye West or Lady Gaga will scoop Villain of the Year.

The awards will take place on February 24 at London's O2 Arena and can be voted for at www.nme.com/awards.