19. The Magic Numbers

Occupying some new realm between the Mamas and the Papas and the Flaming Lips, the Magic Numbers revel in both the power and the tweeness of classic guitar pop. This long-haired London foursome -- two brother-sister pairs -- harmonizes with homespun cuteness on this proudly wimpy and winsome debut album. Singer-songwriter Romeo Stodart croons in a high, reedy whine about being "a no-good, used-up, bruised and fucked-up boy who gets beat up just by looking at you," riding on top of an ocean of banjo plucking, melodica blowing and ba-ba-ba-ing.

Next: System of a Down, Mezmerize/Hypnotize