Every year the BBC makes a “longlist” that they then whittle down to a shortlist of rising stars they predict will make waves in the music industry and help shape the sound of the following year.  In years past, the mysterious group of “UK-based tastemakers” who compile the lists have placed the spotlight on some big names just before they broke out (Lady Gaga, MGMT, Vampire Weekend), a few strictly-Euro acts (like VV Brown, Dan Black) and one or two we will never hear from again (Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong…that’s real, I swear).

This year, the BBC Sound of 2010 longlist includes a few up and coming acts I’ve featured here: Ellie Goulding, Marina and the Diamonds and Two Door Cinema.

I’m not sure how much sway a list put out by the BBC really has on any band’s success outside of the UK — and to be honest, it’s basically a rundown of artists who are already at the receiving end of an increasing amount of buzz entering the new year — but the list is interesting, if nothing else, in that it really demonstrates how different the music that is considered potentially commercially viable here versus there can be.  As much as I love Ellie Goulding, it’s hard to imagine her as a chart-topper in the US; although white rapper Devlin could follow in the famed footsteps of The Streets across the pond, when is the last time a British rapper had a significant hit Stateside (much love to Slick Rick)?

The official shortlist is unveiled next month.  And apologies to Taylor Swift, but Owl City?  Really, BBC?  Really?

See the full longlist and some selections after the jump — including another of my new favorites The Drums (pictured above).

BBC Sound of 2010: The Longlist

• Daisy Dares You
• Delphic
• Devlin
• The Drums

• Everything Everything
• Giggs

• Gold Panda
• Ellie Goulding
• Hurts
• Joy Orbison
• Marina and the Diamonds
• Owl City
• Rox

• Stornoway
• Two Door Cinema Club

I’ve long been a fan of the British show “Later…with Jools Holland,” based solely on YouTube clips of the musical guests.  I have no idea whether or not people actually watch it, or if it’s like the Carson Daly debacle and network execs leave his late night snoozefest on the air because who has time to create a new show these days?  However, judging from the caliber of musical guests, I’m going to say Jools is more than a few steps above Mr. D.  So much so, that I’m hard-pressed to find the equivalent on American TV.  “Later” showcases artists both established and new, and gives equal airplay to both.  Check out Ellie Goulding above, followed by some great clips from Miike Snow, Wild Beasts and Devendra Banhart after the jump.