Athens66

Never say never! Right after yesterday's review of Hot Chip comes an even better surprise. This time it's from four lads from Glasgow (the music city we love). We've seen Errors in the past, although we did mention back then that they sounded awful lot like Foals (which ain't a bad thing anyway). Now they are back with a new album titled Come Down With Me set to be released next month on Rock Action Records (Mogwai's label).

Their sound remains a mix of electro and progressive rock but with a lighter touch this time around. Tracks like A Rumor in Africa, Supertribe and Germany are simply top notch. There are times in this album where Mogwai clashes with Air and Foals with M83...which is actually much better than it sounds. Yet another rough gem from Glasgow!!

Those crazy Brits (Londoners to be precise) are finally back! Hot Chip have just released their fourth studio album titled One Life Stand. The record was released on Parlophone last Monday (February 1st) and we finally gave it a run for its money today.

Hot Chip sound much more mature in this record than ever before, although that doesn't sum-up much. The melodies are more synth-pop oriented and less electro, with obvious 80's influences. I would probably split the record in half, with the first five tracks setting a dance mood before mellowing down with Slash, Alley Cats and Keep Quiet. It's the upbeat and perfect 80's groove however of the first part and tracks like Thieves in the Night, One Life Stand and by far my favorite (and definitely track of the week for me) Hand Me Down Your Love that instantly made this album one of my favorite for 2010. Spot on lads!

Our friend Alt from Digits just sent us a link to a DJ mix he just posted on his blog. You all know how much we loved his debut album Hold It Close! , so we more than trust his taste in music. The mix features some of our favorite artists from 2009 like Au Revoir Simone, Little Dragon and Florence + The Machine. You can see the tracklist below and download the whole mix here. Enjoy!

1. Simian Mobile Disco – Cream Dream
2. Cloetta Paris – So Serious (Electric Light Orchestra cover)
3. Röyksopp – This Must Be It (Feat. Fever Ray)
4. Let’s Get Invisible – Viewers Like You
5. Staygold – Backseat (Feat. Spank Rock & Robyn)
6. Little Dragon - Runabout
7. Think About Life – Johanna
8. Au Revoir Simone – All Or Nothing
9. Circlesquare – Hey You Guys
10. Clare and the Reasons – You Got Me
11. Marina & The Diamonds – Obessions (Pink Stallone Crush)
12. Florence + The Machine – You Got The Love (The XX Remix)

Idea for a special show dedicated to Canada? Sure...especially after Classified's ode to Canada! Straight from Halifax..

Golden Ages hail from Philadelphia and produce psych-pop music in the likes of M83 and Animal Collective (with a touch of Lindstrom). They are set to release their second album in spring titled Tradition (although there's really nothing traditional to their music) on Deerhaus label. They have sent us two of their upcoming songs from the record which I found really worthy to share. Check them out and space out...

We've warned you about this :-) The 1st Poplie Radio party is finally here. This Saturday (30/1/10) we'll be waiting for you all at Higgs Bar downtown! Athens66 will be on decks from 23.00 till 00.00 spinning some of their favorite tunes...so we'll see you all there!!

Tonight we have a special show on Poplie Radio. Tune in from 20.00 till 22.00 here for our battle of the Scots..Glasgow vs Edinburgh only from Athens66 on Poplie Radio!

Our beloved Zooey Deschanel has finally announced the release of her sophomore album through her collaboration with M. Ward. She & Him will be releasing Volume Two (what else?) on March 23. They've already released a first single titled In the Sun. The single continues on the sweet country/folk/pop theme set by Volume One (which I simply loved). You all know I'm a big fan of Zooey, so I'm highly anticipating this one. Enjoy!

Another show behind us on Poplie Radio. This one was dedicated to Jay Reatard, with a special 20 minutes recap of a small part of this musical genius. Stay tuned next Sunday from 20.00 till 22.00 here. [download link of the show below]

Kid Capulet are a new band that started off at Sheffield Uni around a year ago. Emilie, Rupert and Alex offer a mix of indie rock in the likes of their influences such as Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Imogen Heap. Their sound still needs some work but I'm sure they are going to find their way especially after a few more gigs. They are actually playing at The Plug in Sheffield on the 25th of February, so if you're around the area be sure to check them out. Until then, here's Brighton from their demo material (more at their Myspace page below).