Ed's Note: BBC Sound Of 2013 Poll Longlist

Words: Saam Das // Photo: bbc.co.uk

The latest installment of the BBC Sound Of poll was unveiled this week, to the usual mixed reaction ranging from joy to horror, by way of disinterest. I'm generally one of the more interested parties - indeed, I was even one of the "tastemakers" in the BBC Sound Of 2010. Listen to tracks from the fifteen-strong longlist below.

What's immediately of note upon seeing the BBC Sound Of 2013 longlist is that it rather echoes our UK Blog Sound Of 2013 poll - seven of the fifteen acts appear on both polls. What this actually means is more unclear. Perhaps it suggests that the cream of the crop does rise to the top. Or perhaps it suggests that marketing is a big driving factor of these polls - one of the main criticisms of such polls.

In reality, the overlap is probably more co-incidental. Some choices are fairly obvious, notably Haim, who have impressed UK bloggers and critics since their debut shows at The Great Escape in May. Others, particularly on the BBC list, feel more unusual. The appearance of The Weeknd and Little Green Cars especially raise an eyebrow.

The Weeknd already have a considerable profile while Little Green Cars are (relatively) unknown by comparison. Both fulfil the criteria of not having a top 20 UK single or album but it seems almost perverse to include them on the same list. But then again this is a list that mixes hip hop with pop with guitar bands. All genres that are described as "dead" every few months. Music makes little sense really.

These bands have found a new audience overnight. In my opinion, this is a good thing. Now you can judge for yourself, with the playlist below. (Special kudos to Kodaline for taking advantage and delivering a special, restrained version of LCD Soundsystem's 'All My Friends', which you can listen to below.)

BBC SOUND OF 2013 LONGLIST:



AlunaGeorge // A*M*E // Angel Haze //
Arlissa // Chvrches // Haim
King Krule // Kodaline // Laura Mvula
Little Green Cars // Palma Violets // Peace
Savages // The Weeknd // Tom Odell

Read more about the BBC Sound Of 2013 poll at bbc.co.uk. The winner of the poll will be announced on 4 January.