“2009 is the Year of the Eccentric Woman,” says VV Brown. So who are her peers?

Elly Jackson of La Roux

Jackson is one half of the Yazoo-esque synth-pop duo. Her ultra-1980s androgynous style is a far cry from the cartoonishly “sexy” look to which many female pop stars are encouraged to conform.

Florence and the Machine

Florence Welch’s wilful kookiness might be a bit annoying if she weren’t quite so charming. And her music – simultaneously folky and soulful – is fantastic as well.

Julie Feeney

Feeny is one of Ireland's most exciting musicians, and her second album, Pages, is an orchestral masterpiece.

Little Boots

Electropop princess Victoria Christina Hesketh took her stage name from Caligula (which means Little Boots in Latin). Can’t imagine any of the Pussycat Dolls doing that.