Allan Mutuku-Kortbæk’s Picks:

1. When Saints Go Machine
With an opening spot at the Roskilde Festival, 2011 was a phenomenal year for DenmarkÂ’s electro-pop duo du jour, who followed up on the success of their debut album with the seminal album Konkylie, an EP that captured the hearts and souls of Saints fans old and new.

2. The Raveonettes
The endearing Shoegazing duo from Sønderborg have sailed casually through 2011, cementing their reputation as one of the best exports of the nation with their fifth album, Raven in The Grave, and solid performances at both Roskilde and Vega.

3. Wafande
Few artists have captured the spirit of the times as well as the nomadic Wafande. His seismic tune ‘Lang Vej Hjemme’ encapsulated the disappointments of a nation bored stiff by the growing popularity of a certain right-wing political party. His collaborations with the likes of rising starlet Lil Kaka have bred a new culture of critical thinking amongst Danish youth.

4. Hymns From Nineveh
After wandering about in Italy, Norway and The Netherlands, devotional folkpop band Hymns From Nineveh have finally started to garner success locally. HFNÂ’s eponymous album hit the streets in February, featuring contributions from over 20 artists, and unsurprisingly skyrocketed up the charts. This was followed by an enigmatic performance at Roskilde and a string of fascinating shows at all manner of venues, from churches to prisons.

5. I Got You On Tape
Dreamy rock quartet I Got You on Tape have continued to surprise and impress as the years have gone by. 2011 saw the four mates deliver a poetic, contemplative and well-made album, Church of the Real, adding perspective to their intriguing musical repertoire and laying the foundation for what can only be a promising 2012.

Best of the rest:
6. Reptile & Retard
7. Malk De Kojn
8. Sebastien Lind
9. Klumben
10. TurboWeekend

Aviaja Bebe Nielsen’s Picks:

1. Agnes Obel
ObelÂ’s distinct sound is very minimalistic, with a piano moving us softly through the brilliant album Philaharmonics, ?lled with storytelling and poetic lyrics. Obel does not make feel-good music, but if you dare to enter her melancholic darkness, a beautiful adventure awaits.

2. Raised Among Wolves
Here is the recipe of indie/folk in its purest form. If you like Death Cab for Cutie or Final Fantasy you will like these uptempo, melodic, capping, beating, blowing, playing and singing boys too.

3. The Raveonettes
Sharin Foo and Sune Wagner have the recipe for true retro rock. They have their roots ?rmly planted in a simple structure with their guitar-driven sound, low beats and simple, melodic structure. Raven in the Grave was not nearly as pop as their previous albums, but more melancholic and thoughtful. They are even better live.

4. Hymns From Nineveh
Jonas Petersen’s album Hymns from Nineveh contained some beautiful songs inspired by the Bible. He has managed to capture something divine in his sound, and you can almost sense a religious vibe. His sound has a resemblance to Jeff Buckley, Antony and The Johnsons and José Gonzalez.

5. D-A-D
D-A-D roared back into full rock nÂ’ roll mode in 2011. Their distinct voluminous sound with pounding drums and blistering guitar solos make D-A-D a classic that you canÂ’t avoid and one that you either like or donÂ’t.

Best of the rest:
6. Nephew
7. Oh Land
8. Ginger Ninja
9. Tim Christensen & The Damn Crystals
10. Søren Huus