1.Gorillaz - They were everywhere this year, from iPod commercials to dancing with Madonna at the Grammy's, overshadowing both the MP3 king and the Material Girl. The best fake band ever.
2.The White Stripes
3.Fiona Apple - "Extraordinary Machine" was one the best albums of 2005. Sultry, sophisticated, and best of all for SA, widely recognized.
4.Beck
5.Death Cab for Cutie
6.K-Os, Blackalicious, Aesop Rock - Hip-hop has broader appeal than rock, so if rock is out, let's shoot for one of these rappers that say things that matter, in ways that matter.
7.Franz Ferdinand
8.The Mars Volta
9.The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs
10.M.I.A. - Listen to her lyrics and you'll find that the most dangerous rhymes aren't made in the U.S.A. The Sri Lankan-born Brit also makes beats that appeal to both the rock and hip-hop set.
11.The Go! Team
12.Arcade Fire
13.Matisyahu
14.Sufjan Stevens
15.Modest Mouse
16.Flaming Lips
17.My Morning Jacket
18.The Arctic Monkeys - The blokes in England have been going wild over this new playful rock act. They may not have a breakthrough sound, but they're definitely good for waking up in the morning.
19.The Black Keys
20.Neil Young - He barely made the list because he's barely alive. Age aside, the Godfather of Grunge has yet to burn out or fade away.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
