Girls
We've had a crush on Zooey Deschanel since Almost Famous, but not until 2008 were we able to give her an award for it. It helps that She & Him's Volume One proved the actress has actual chops (sorry, Scarlett). In second place is another Hollywood-bred hottie, Jenny Lewis, followed by Leslie Feist, who remained dear to your hearts even without an iPod commercial. Last year, we called Lykke Li an artist to watch and this year we spent a lot of time watching her. Marnie Stern jumped 14 spots this year and is the only gal on this list who will make out with you. Alexandra Lawn (Ra Ra Riot), Victoria Legrand (Beach House), and Mary Pearson (High Places) received plenty of votes, too, but not as many as Katy Perry.
10
Emily Haines (Metric)
9
Annie Clark (St. Vincent)
8
Alice Glass (Crystal Castles)
7
Maya Arulpragasam (M.I.A.)
6
Chan Marshall (Cat Power)
5
Marnie Stern
4
Lykke Li
3
Feist
2
Jenny Lewis
1
Zooey Deschanel (She & Him)
Boys
Jens Lekman, who proved most desirable in 2007, dropped to #12 in 2008. He clearly didn't strip down to his skivvies or wear enough face paint, a la Kevin Barnes (#2 for a second year). A sharp contrast to Barnes' hedonism is the buttoned-up Vampire Weekend dreamboat Ezra Koenig, who dresses like your dad even when he's covering the Descendents. Perennial favorites Sufjan Stevens and Spencer Krug remained perennial. Ryan Adams broke the top 10 as did new face and hipster fashion icon Andrew Vanwyngarden of MGMT. Justin Vernon lodged one for the all the smalltown guys with male pattern baldness. Zach Condon and Britt Daniel had strong showings, but not enough for top ten. The biggest dropoff, though, goes to Win Butler, who went from #10 last year to nowhere to be seen this year. Congrats to Ben Gibbard, though; he hit the gym hard this year and was rewarded with a spot in the top 20.
10
Andrew Vanwyngarden (MGMT)
9
Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade)
8
Thom Yorke (Radiohead)
7
Ryan Adams
6
Bradford Cox (Deerhunter)
5
Justin Vernon (Bon Iver)
4
Sufjan Stevens
3
Conor Oberst
2
Ezra Koenig (Vampire Weekend)
1
Kevin Barnes (of Montreal)
Zooey & Jenny... You can't beat that one-two punch...
Score = 7
We always pick the uglies. :D
Well, no, the girls are very cute, but then you pick the worst pictures. Lykke could look much better, and Feist much more....approachable?
Score = 1
The guy with the best comb-over always wins.
Score = 10
Where's the love for Dan Rossen? Am I the only one who had a serious mancrush on him this year? I love Of Montreal, but Barnes is a little too high maintenance for me...
Score = 8
ahaha bradford cox.
Score = 17
2008: The Year of the Ugly, Malnourished Dudes
Score = 22
Bradford Cox is one of the ugliest people i've ever seen. Conor will always, always be the winner in this category.
Score = -4
ezra is too cute. jesus.
Score = 1
too cute to even ask, really.
Score = 2
hahahaha, you are a genius
Score = 0
Bradford Cox?
I mean come on now, this is just getting silly.
Score = 9
bradford cox has marfan syndrome - he's not malnourished.
heck yes, ryan adams. i would go gay for him.
Score = 4
You might go gay for Ryan Adams whereas I would go straight because of Ryan Adams.
Score = 14
haha, touche.
Score = 4
too bad chan put out 2 mediocre albums this year...for that she shouldn't be on this damn list. love zooey though...
Score = 0
why isn't Scarlett Johansson on this list?
Score = 11
What did Sufjan Stevens do this year? He seems out of place. LOVE his music, and he's cute, but just seems like he shouldn't be on this list. I might be wrong though.
Also, Zooey Deschanel definitely deserves first place.
Score = 1
Zach Condon was cheated! Why did he not make the top 10???
Score = 6
Ahahahaha, Bradford Cocks! He's so fucking ugly.
Its the year of ugly douchebags - I count 7 of them!
No complaints about the ladies;)
Score = -5
i dont know about you, but i don't always form crushes based on sexual appeal.
Score = 3
The only guy on that list that is even a little bit close to Conor is Ezra Koenig.
Score = -1
glad to see Spencer is on the list! I didn't even vote for him multiple times!
Score = 5
Great list this year. Kevin Barnes is amazing... and sexy and I wish I had Zooey's voice.
Score = 0
Conor is definitely the most empirically good looking, but he loses points for not being all that cool.
And really, why such an awful picture of Ryan Adams? He is so attractive and photogenic, and they post that?
Score = -1
Conor isn't cool? You must not have seen him on stage these past two years...
Score = 2
1) Why did nobody else vote for Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond)? She's gorgeous, and has such a lovely voice
2) Alice Glass... really? She's so dirty looking.
3) Marnie Stern didn't make a whole lot of money from her kissing booth because she's not stunning. Yeah, she's attractive, but doesn't merit $100 for a french kiss.
4) I'm ok with the rest of the list, especially Annie and Zooey.
Score = -3
re: 2)
That is the appeal.
Score = 2
i TOTALLY second the crush on daniel rossen
Score = 5
THAO NGUYEN totally should have made the list. Alexandra Lawn is also beautiful. But good picks mostly, if a little obvious.
The choices of men are pretty surprising... I guess female stereogum readers have unique taste.. Kevin Barnes--WTF? But hooray for Bon Iver. Glad to see a shlubby looking average guy get some love.
Score = 7
AGREED. Such a crush on Thao. Too bad no one knows who she is.
Score = 2
Thao Nyugen is easily my new girl crush.
Score = 3
I don't know why you guys mispelled M.I.A.'s name, but real mature. Her last name ends in -'gasm. Real believable you guys.
I want to confirm the inherent beauty of all of the female contenders/winners and enunciate my deep respect for them as musicians first, beautiful women second. That being said, damn I wish I voted for the Ra Ra Riot . Is bangin' in every press photo. I think I just got 'target market-ed'.
Also somebody kick everybody off the guys list except for B-Ford, Ezra and my Sufjam.
Score = -3
I washoping that the School of Seven Bells twins would make the list.
Score = 0
Looking at Bradford Cox makes me upset. Any girl who claims she likes Bradford Cox cannot possibly be attracted to men. Fact.
Score = 5
Looking at Bradford Cox actually makes me upset. I don't understand how that is natural or healthy to have arms that thin.
Score = -5
again, people, bradford cox has marfan syndrome - it is a genetic disorder of the connectivity tissue. geez.
but still, its weird that he is on this list. but not UPSETTING.
Score = 8
Oh, and fuck YES Andrew Van Wyngarden. Not the best picture of it but DAMN does that boy have sexy arms.
.... Unlike Mr. Cox
(is that why you chose him people? because his name sounds like another word for penis? come now. (ha ok that was on purpose, couldnt help it. ))
Score = -3
Okay, we get it, you think he's ugly. Was it necessary to put up three posts to make that point? I can't say I get Bradford's attractiveness factor either (especially considering how good looking the rest of Deerhunter is), but to his credit, he's friendly, takes the time to talk to fucking EVERYBODY and really is a beacon to outwardly awkward and inwardly beautiful people everywhere. Which is part of the appeal of the band. So really, more power to him and to the people who voted for him.
Score = 12
Hmmm...not enough love for Meric Long of The Dodos? Too bad. By far the most beautiful man I've seen on a stage this year.
But hell yes for the gorgeous Zooey Deschanel.
Score = 3
Would have liked to see Priscilla Ahn somewhere on here.
Score = 1
Emily Haines is so gorgeous...but where's Joanna Newsom? I'd reconsider my sexuality for her! xD And the guys...most of them--well, shouldn't be on the list. xD It seems like they chose awful pictures of them...lol.
Score = 1
my friend hooked up with Andrew VanW TRUE STORY.
Score = -2
as a completely superficial and heterosexual female fan of them indie boys, i have to say this list is complete shit. where the fuck is Zach Condon? Dan Bejar? Noah Lennox? Keith Murray? Nick Diamonds? Greg Gillis? Jeff Tweedy? Will Sheff?
instead you have Bradford Cox(you could atleast try and justify the selection with a better picture)? Vampire Weekend guy? COME ON!. I like Kevin Barnes, but hes just not crush material. also you should have done what you did last year and posted a list of 50, just for us curious folk delighted to see John Darnielle at 49.
Score = 2
Yeah, I was expecting a top 50 list and we only got ten. Lazy Stereogum scribes (I kid). My indie crushes will always be Paul Banks, Noah Lennox and Britt Daniel.
Score = 0
yeah, where is joanna newsom? i voted for her. my votes meant nothing! why at 13. dear oh dear.
Score = 0
I don't care what disease Cox has, he is disgusting looking at won't get a sympathy vote from me.
Score = 0
I think a lot of you bitching about Bradford don't realize that the majority of Stereogum posters are men and many vote based on just how much they like the dude's music. Girls too, I suppose. I would be very surprised if even 10 females voted for him based on looks.
Score = 4
pretty sure all of these people are asexual. that's all i have to say.
Score = -1
Gee, I hadn't realized indie rock was in so much need of good looking guys until I saw this Top 10 list!
It's somewhat depressing. I've got someone on my radar that will hopefully make it next year! I'm keeping it to myself, but when time comes you'll see me promoting him.
He can surely kick the "better looking" guys in the list to the curb!
Score = -2
Angel Deradoorian is my #1 Indie Rock crush.
her eyes are gorgeous.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicholaslorden/2235124560/sizes/o/
somebody get my back here.
(#2 Annie Clark. #3 Emily Haines)
Score = -2
Conor is clearly the most handsome on that list. Anyone who disagrees is obviously blind.
Score = 0
Have you been to the eye doctor lately? Sufjan is much handsomer.
http://kidzeppelin.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/sufjan-stevens.jpg
Score = -1
teh boys one seriously, SERIOUSLY, FUCKING SERIOUSLY sucked. except the guy from VP =) zoey is gorgeous....good choice
Score = -2
Where is one of the Followills?
Score = 2
How is Andrew Vanwyngarden a "fashion" icon? He's always naked.
Score = 5
I totally forgot about Zooey Deschanel! I voted for Scarlett Johannsen. I never even bothered to listen to her album but she is the hottest. Too bad P-Diddy didn't make the list like I voted for!
Score = -1
not impressed with the guys' list at all.
Score = -4
Ah hello Beth from Times New Viking. She's freaking awesome! Seriously though the guys list is embarrassing...
Score = -2
Yes! I voted for Mary Pearson from High Places, but Beth's great too.
Score = 0
lykke li is my new girl-crush. zooey at number one, does not suprise me, almost every guy i know is obssessed with her.
as for the guys, only ezra from VW really does it for me. a bit of sufjan..
i like my boys tall, dark and handsome.
Score = -1
YES for RA! God he is sexy..
Happy to see Conor on the list as well :)
Score = 2
andrew vanwyngarden trumps bradford cox any day of the week.
Score = 0
thom yorke, you have got to be fucking kidding me. he and brandford cox looked like they just crawled out of the grave.
Score = 1
bradford, whatevs.
Score = -1
You know you're style of music is lacking looks when Thom Yorke places in the top #100 for indie rock crushes
Emily Haines is a babe though
Score = 1
the list was indie crushes, not the most attractive....havent any of you had a crush on someone for any reason other than how they look? I would crush on Bradford Cox for writing my favorite album and song of the year....and I was hot for Spencer Krug before I even knew what he looked like. Also, I think if something is awful no level of attractiveness can redeem it. Consequently, I repeal my girlcrush on Scarlett Jo- because I cant stand her album.
.
Score = 1
In my opinion, at least some reasonable base-line of attractiveness is necessary for a crush. Not sufficient; there must be some other factor(s) at play as well, but ... I simply never find myself with a crush on an individual that I do not in any way find attractive.
Score = 0
O LOVE STEREOGUM, END OF STORY
THE LIST IS GREAT
Score = 0
Of all the guys in Deerhunter, Lockett Pudt should've been on this list. Now he is cute.
Score = 0
First off, congratulations to everyone complaining about Mr. Cox being ugly. I think thats just about as awesome as calling an amputee a freak.
Second, i kind of just started reading stereo/videogum so forgive me, but i had no idea Zooey Deschanel even made music. Its fantastic that she does but i have been crushing on her for a long time anyways.
Also, Kevin Barnes is amazing. I don't really see how anyone crushes on his on stage genderfucking and general craziness but whatever.
Score = 4
are you for real? this is worthy of discussion? report? who cares about this?
Score = -2
oh if only there could be a zooey-sufjan lovechild
Score = 1
Not to sound like a 14-year-old fangirl, but I absolutely ADORE Andrew Vanwyngarden. Yay for putting him in the top 10! (although I'd have given him several spots better than Thom Yorke.)
Score = 1
No Andrew Bird?
Score = 5
Seconded.
Score = 0
All I'm gonna say...Dan Rossen. Chris Bear. Chris Taylor. Ed Droste. Any one of them.
Score = 1
I have the biggest crush on Chris Taylor. all the Grizzly boys are so handsome... I'm surprised they didn't make the list!
Score = 1
I'll admit it. I voted for Yorke. And I am a girl.
In my defense, lots of others voted for him too, and I bet there were loads of votes for Chris Martin and Brendan Flowers.
I think I picked Feist, but I can't remember. She was hilarious on Colbert's special.
Score = 0
I agree with everyone who said Grizzly Bear. I'm gay and would happily make out with Ed Droste...right now.
Score = 0
i have a major girl crush on Zooey Deschanel.....so i'm very happy to see she's number one. :)
Score = 0
As appears to be the consensus, I definitely think the girls list is much better than the guys.
However, I would take Jenny Lewis off the list, move Lykke Li up to number 2 and and put Regina Spektor at number 3. I'm really surprised she didn't make the list, but maybe it's because she's not super indie or anything. But she is really, really cute and makes good music.
Score = 0
you can have your ezra, sufjan, and all those other fags, but as for me..........I'M DIGGING UP ELLIOTT SMITH'S CORPSE AND FUCKING THE SHIT OUT OF IT.
Score = 0
How in the world did Kevin Barnes beat Conor Oberst?!
Score = 0
How in the world can you comment after the comment right before yours and not mention anything about it at all.
Score = 0