Peter Bjorn and John Essentials

Swedish trio Peter Bjorn, and John formed in '99. After releasing two hook-filled indie albums, equally influenced by The Beach Boys and the Shout Out Louds, they saw their third LP, Writer's Block, become a surprise worldwide hit in '06. The band initially declined to chase down greater fame, following up their breakthrough with '08's largely instrumental Seaside Rock. They continued in this experimental vein with '09's Living Thing, which performed well despite an unexpectedly darker tone. '11's well-received Gimme Some found them returning to their pop roots.