14. Oh No Ono - Yes
Denmark is bringing us a lot of fantastic bands right now, but none are as interestingly alien as Oh No Ono. Sounding a bit like the Muppets forming an alternative pop group, all of their experimentation could have easily fallen apart, except the band clearly knows how to write a tight pop song with hooks piled on top of hooks. Judging from their success in Denmark, it's a winning formula.

Album Track: Victim Of The Modern Age - One of the many plastically funky tracks on the album (if that makes any sense), this one stands out for its indelible (and inescapable) hook.

13. Hellogoodbye - Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!
An American indie band actually worth caring about, Hellogoodbye's mix of dance, rock and emo proved to be irresistible this year. Unlike most of their similar-minded peers, the band presents a huge array of styles on their full-length debut, all of which are completely successful. Majestic synth lines battle with clever lyrics and a youthful, almost innocent outlook.

Album Track: All Time Lows - Possessing one of my favorite synth riffs of the year, this simple pop song is probably the most immediate on the album, though all the band's output is equally bright and catchy.