We watched a ton of music videos from local acts this year. And we determined that music videos are cool, but cool music videos are cooler. So, in the great tradition of year-end listicles, we combed through the lot and have determined these 10 are a cut above the rest due to look, style and creativity. We probably missed a few, and if you think so, feel free to drop us a line in the comments. Onward...

10. SUMMER GIRLFRIENDS - "Goth Beach Party"

Some casual action on a garage-built beach until rain drives the girls in doors to their instruments. It's simple but visually striking. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5CNLT1dIR4

9. RABBLE RABBLE - "Cole's Bathroom"

The video's wild night silliness is perfectly soundtracked by Rabble Rabble's woozy crustpunk blues. And it totally reasserts the band as Chicago's rowdiest partiers. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJMpgCuVz4U

8. ORNERY LITTLE DARLINGS - "Prowler"

The release of this clip was unfortunately overshadowed by Ornery Little Darling's dissolution. But, hey, we're suckers for car chases. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEWDHkGdYDo

7. GOLDEN BIRTHDAY - "Human's Bleed"

There's something oddly intoxicating about this clip. Either the kaleidoscoping blues and pinks or the two weird fanged people. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EcNVjcDtGA

6. RUNNING - "038 Running (Live on Giant System Chicago)"

OK, so this isn't really an official video. But the dudes at Giant System did a great job of capturing RUNNING's sonic avalanche.

5. GYPSYBLOOD - "Endless Summer"

The creepy and noir-ish imagery in this video is instantly engaging when pair with the track's dark, angsty melodies. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb_RDKxJ-8g

4. DASTARDLY - "Dirtnap (Uncouth Hillbilly Gets What’s Coming To Him)"

Dastardly's most sinister sounding song get a proper video that features demented ramblings from a madman who may or may not be satan. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2xB9L2H8do

3. PISCES AT THE ANIMAL FAIR - "Heavy Metal Islam"

The controlled weirdness in this clip from experimental rockers Pisces at The Animal Fair is not only alluring but the high-definition production gives it fantastic color as well.

2. DISAPPEARS - "Love Drug"

Disappears embrace their psychedelic side on this hypnotic clip for "Love Drug." Colors and lights flare and flicker over old educational videos, which give it all an unsettling feel.

1. WHITE MYSTERY - "Rapid Overdrive"

White Mystery get puppet-ized in this stop animation adventure for "Rapid Overdrive." Epic doesn't even begin to describe it.