Rock'n'roll fashion in 2008 was clouded by a fog of plaid flannel, neon leggings, and boat shoes. Even so, we at SPIN.com can find reasons to celebrate -- seven of them, in fact. Below, see our ranking of the intrepid artists who rose above the conventional horde.

When Brandon Flowers took the stage for the Killers' Saturday Night Live appearance, I think I spoke for most viewers when I gasped: "What is he wearing?" A black tuxedo jacket festooned with huge plumed epaulettes? What is that? Taxidermy chic? Showgirl cool?

Here's what I know about Katy Perry: Her album One of the Boys went gold, her single "I Kissed a Girl" went double-platinum, and her boyfriend is Gym Class Heroes cutie Travis McCoy.

Here's what I don't know about Katy Perry: How any of this is remotely possible.

January 20, 2009. Our 44th Commander in Chief spends his first night in the White House. Flush from victory and aglow with anticipation, he needs a proper musical backdrop to set the mood. Holding a cup of jasmine green tea, President Barack Obama strides across the eagle on the Oval Office rug, gazes pensively out the window, and considers the nation now under his charge.

January 20, 2009. Our 44th Commander in Chief spends his first night in the White House. Flush from victory and aglow with anticipation, he needs a proper musical backdrop to set the mood. Holding a cup of jasmine green tea, President Barack Obama strides across the eagle on the Oval Office rug, gazes pensively out the window, and considers the nation now under his charge. Or...

Last week I was lamenting the fact that Britney Spears is naked in her new video. You'd have thought I complained about Burger King pushing Whoppers. "How else is she going to sell records?" one of my fellow (male) editors responded. The other two (male) editors in the room nodded.