Arctics, Kasabian compete for NME award

Rock giants Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Muse will go head-to-head in the battle to be crowned the nation's best band at Wednesday's NME Awards.

Leicester four-piece Kasabian, who were named the country's top group at last week's Brit Awards, are up for six trophies in total, as are two-time winners of the gong, Arctic Monkeys.

The trio of bands are also up against each other for the night's other prestigious award, Best Album, along with Wakefield artists The Cribs and Southend goths, The Horrors.

Outrageous American singer Lady GaGa is nominated in the Best Solo Artist category along with rapper Dizzee Rascal, Jamie T, former Strokes singer Julian Casablancas and Brit Award winner Florence and the Machine.

The awards, known for launching the careers of alternative artists, were created by the influential music magazine New Musical Express in 1953 and are seen as a more credible alternative to the Brits.

Jam singer/songwriter Paul Weller will perform at the awards after being presented with the "Godlike Genius" award, recognising his contribution over nearly three decades in the industry.

"I'm very happy to accept the award," the ex-Style Council man told the NME. "I don't feel godlike or a genius but I'm happy to have it."

Other artists playing at the show include Courtney Love's band Hole, Kasabian and Scottish three-piece Biffy Clyro.

The ceremony, to be held at the famous Brixton Academy, will be presented by former Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, best-known for his 1996 interruption of Michael Jackson's Brit Award performance.

Here are the main nominations:

Best British Band:

- Arctic Monkeys

- Biffy Clyro

- Kasabian

- Muse

- Oasis

Best Solo Artist:

- Dizzee Rascal

- Florence And The Machine

- Jamie T

- Julian Casablancas

- Lady Gaga

Best Live Band:

- Arctic Monkeys

- Kasabian

- Muse

- Radiohead

- Them Crooked Vultures

Best Album:

- Arctic Monkeys ? "Humbug"

- Kasabian ? "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum"

- Muse ? "The Resistance"

- The Cribs ? "Ignore The Ignorant"

- The Horrors ? "Primary Colours"

Best Track:

- Animal Collective ? "My Girls"

- Arctic Monkeys ? "Crying Lightning"

- Florence And The Machine ? "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)"

- Jamie T ? "Sticks N' Stones"

- The Big Pink ? "Dominos"