And Let The Drums Roll

It's finally arrived - the list to end all lists for the Naughty Aughties. It's what began as my Most Slept on Artists of the Year list which incidentally evolved into a list of artists I've obsessed with for the past years that all share the fact that they just haven't seemed to get their fair crack at the mainstream, but are still making incredible and awesome music that you should most definitely do yourself the favor of checking out. Good lord that was a long sentence.

Who I'm obsessing over and why after the jump. Also after the jump are artists that just missed my list featured, rather brilliantly, as suggestions under the ones that did - wish I could've featured them all, but every artist recommended is a favorite so give 'em all a shot.


Marina and the Diamonds
Despite being featured multiple times on one of Hollywood's and the internet's most viewed blogs, the infamous Perez Hilton, Marina and the Diamonds hasn't seemed to pick up much steam promotionally for her debut album 'The Family Jewels' out February. She's already released four videos, each more brilliant than the next; however none have managed to pass the oh so important million mark on Society's popularity test, YouTube. Her album is already shaping up to be one of the best of the year and her latest single 'Hollywood' is an ode to 'the mess that's America' - and how much she loves it - and for that we love her.


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Florence + The Machine, Thecocknbullkid, Regina Spektor, The Sound of Arrows

VV Brown
In 2008 and early 2009 VV Brown was hyped by some of the British press, and the LA Times, to be a pop icon in the making... before her debut album even dropped. Unfortunately all the positive hype didn't translate into hits. But if VV Brown continues making music as fun, heartfelt, catchy, and just plain good as the songs featured on her debut album 'Traveling Like The Light' I'm sure she'll be reaching that pop icon status at light speed - just embrace the pun - now if only people would start listening to her fantastic music. Check out her should've been a hit 'Shark In The Water' which is the epitome of a summer smash that tragically never was.


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Paloma Faith, Melanie Fiona, Remi Nicole, The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

Dragonette
Dragonette has been my favorite band since late 2007 when by chance I stumbled upon a few of their videos online - well my obsession hasn't wavered and neither has their ability to make a perfect pop record as proven with their recent sophomore release 'Fixin' To Thrill,' which is just as solid as their debut 'Galore." Despite their debut album being mentioned by England's top pop blog Pop Justice as featuring some of the most perfect pop tunes of the year - mainstream success didn't follow. Fortunately Dragonette soldier on churning out fabulous pop track after fabulous pop track. Underneath is their most recent video to 'Pick Up The Phone' currently my favorite of their videos.


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Sam Sparro, La Roux, Goldfrapp, Little Boots

Esser
Esser's debut album 'Braveface' is hands down one of my favorite albums of the year - it's fun, funny, romantic, original, full of synths, and packed with great tracks - enough adjectives for you? Honestly not sure why it wasn't more successful, Esser's got the weird/cool hair, the whole popnotronic vibe, smart lyrics, and the perfect pop tunes to back it all up, but it definitely deserves your checking out. Below is the video to 'Headlock' one of the highlights off the album.


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Dan Black, Ellie Goulding, Tommy Sparks, Jack Peñate

Kid Sister
Kid Sister struck internet gold when she teamed up with Kanye West for the track 'Pro Nails' complete with fun, colorful video; but after several pushed back release dates the interest wavered and her debut 'Ultraviolet' was far from successful in the charts - an ultimate shame as it's one of the best rap albums put all year. It features clever lyrics, great beats, and a style all her own. Check out the super neon video to her single 'Right Hand Hi' which is a little bit Yeah Yeah Yeahs' 'Zero,' a little bit neon magic and whole lot of fun.


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Kid Cudi, Amanda Blank, Thunderheist, Rye Rye

Noisettes
Noisettes' first album 'What's the Time Mr. Wolf?' was good, their followup 'Wild Young Hearts' is even better. The album is an interesting mix of gospel vocals with at times folky at times rocker tunes. In the end it's an all in kind of record with the band very clearly giving you all they've got to make every song sound like an anthem whether it be whispered or shouted. The album and singles did fairly well in the UK, but didn't manage to chart one single in the US. That aside the album is a refreshing take on retro with enough true gems to keep on replay for a while; including 'Don't Upset The Rhythm' featured below.


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Ida Maria, The Fratellis, Arctic Monkeys

The Gossip
The ever outrageously fabulous Beth Ditto, lead singer, has been a busy girl this year rubbing elbows with the high and mighty of the fashion universe but girl didn't quit her day job. Instead the band released an amazing album, 'Music For Men,' literally from start to end, packed full of their fantastic beats, clever lyrics, and Beth's always in charge voice. Check out the glitter filled, fashion fabulous video to 'Heavy Cross' the album's lead single below.


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Tegan and Sara, Juliette Lewis, Bat For Lashes, Peaches

Solange
My love affair with Solange started with her second album 'Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams' which is a work of brilliance by a largely underrated artist and a severe, incredible upgrade from her debut 'Solo Star.' Being the younger sibling to a superstar always seems to add an extra amount of pressure to live up to which Solange seems to have managed to avoid entirely by never trying to be her big sister (Beyoncé for those not in the know), but rather bring us back to the golden days of Motown while infusing it with some more modern electronica. Intrigued? Check out the Solange directed video to her single 'Sandcastle Disco.'


IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Kelis, Keri Hilson, Michelle Williams, Amerie

Miike Snow
By the end of this list I'm pretty pooped - so in keeping with the mystique I so enjoyed from Miike Snow's eponymous debut album I'll just say that if you enjoy the video to their single "Burial" below you will completely flip for the entire album - now if only the whole world would. Check out one of the best videos all year to not feature the actual band.

IF YOU LIKED THAT CHECK OUT: Passion Pit, Empire of the Sun, Friendly Fires, Neon Indian

In the words of the wisest of housewives, NeNe Leakes - Bam Pow!
See you later 2009 - you're SO last year.