The punk scene respects its elders, so it makes sense that the first punk band to make noise coming out of Vegas topped a loaded category that also included Curl Up and Die, Faded Grey, Holding Onto Sound and Mercy Music. Too young to know M.I.A.? Begin your history lesson with 1984’s walloping “Boredom Is the Reason.” Miaband.com.

Runner-up: Faded Grey