The Strokes rock NME Awards

The Strokes' retro sound has been a hit with critics

New York band The Strokes are the toast of the NME Awards, but Damon Albarn's Gorillaz were snubbed again.

The awards by the weekly magazine - which is celebrating its 50th birthday - are widely seen as a more credible alternative to the Brits, which took place last week.

The Strokes, who were up for five awards, picked up three at the ceremony in Shoreditch, London, for band of the year, best album and best new act.

The awards are voted for by readers of the music weekly and its website.

Damon Albarn was snubbed again

But animated band Gorillaz were snubbed for the second time in a week, after coming away from the Brits empty-handed.

The cartoon band received four NME nominations, as well as six Brits.

The Strokes have become one of the music scene's hottest properties since their first single only reached number 78 in January.

From New York, their look and sound is reminiscent of the city's late-1970s punk heyday.

The music press immediately took to their stylishly rugged approach, and they have since enjoyed two UK top 20 singles.

U2 took the best live act award

Elsewhere at the NME Awards ceremony, Kylie Minogue followed up her two Brit Awards, with the best pop act honour.

And U2, who were controversially snubbed at the Brits, won best live act.

Northern Irish rockers Ash took the best single award for Burn Baby Burn.

Ian Brown beat off strong competition from Minogue, Ryan Adams, PJ Harvey and Andrew WK for the best solo artist award.

Outstanding

The late singer Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash last year, was honoured with best R'n'B/soul act and rap diva Missy Elliott took the Hip Hop act award.

Other winners include Radiohead (best video), Lostprophets (metal) and Basement Jaxx (dance).

The awards also gave a prize for best TV show, which went to BBC Two's hit comedy The Office, beating Jackass, Later with Jools Holland, The Sopranos and The Simpsons.

BBC Radio One's Evening Session took the best radio show gong, with The Charlatans honoured as the best session on the programme.

The band were also given the outstanding contribution to NME award.