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The Safest Bet

A big thumbs up to Βλαχοκυριλές for his recent prank on Greek media. A photoshoped bet on Betfair regarding the burn-down of the new Christmas Tree during the holiday season. Of' course, even the big media channels such as Skai and Ant-1 replicated the news without even noticing that it was a joke. Hands-on proof of the quality of journalism in Greek media. Well done mate!!



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2008 - A Year in Review

This is the final post for 2008...This has been the first year together on the net (under the blogspot roof) and we would like to thank everyone that read, commented or just passed by our spot.

I won't go into details about the year that is about to leave us (at least not personal details). I won't be bitter either...So I'll just leave this year with memories and a recap of our favorite albums...and of'course with many wishes to everyone..

Happy new Year!!

100. The Breeders - Mountain Battles
99. Drive by Truckers - Brighter than Creation's Dark
98. The Bug - London Zoo
97. Rodes - Silent Disco
96. Mogwai - The Hawk is Howling
95. Black Keys - Attack & Release
94. Florence and The Machine - Kiss With a Fist
93. Ryan Adams and The Cardinals - Cardinology
92. Tilly and the Wall - O
91. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
90. Lackthereof - Your Anchor
89. Primal Scream - Beautiful Future
88. Does It Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into
87. Dark Dark Dark - The Snow Magic
86. Plus/Minus - Xs on Your Eyes
85. Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
84. Bodies of Water - A Certain Feeling
83. Fantastikoi Hxoi - Kyriarxoi Toy Sympantos
82. Duffy - Rockferry
81. Billie the Vision & the Dancers - I Used to Wander These Streets
80. Talkdemonic - Eyes at Half Mast
79. Grand Archives - The Grand Archives
78. School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms
77. Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
76. Beach House - Devotion
75. Maybeshewill - Not for Want of Trying
74. Q-Tip - The Renaissance
73. Pas/Cal - I Was Raised on Matthew, Mark, Luke & Laura
72. I'm from Barcelona - Who Killed Harry Houdini?
71. Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
70. Black Kids - Partie Traumatic
69. Dr. Dog - Fate
68. Tindersticks - The Hungry Saw
67. Miaou - All Around Us
66. The Raveonettes - Lust Lust Lust
65. Tricky - Knowle West Boy
64. Times New Viking - Rip It Off
63. Blood Red Shoes - Box of Secrets
62. My Brightest Diamond - A Thousand Shark's Teeth
61. Atlas Sound - Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel
60. The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
59. Gutter Twins - Saturnalia
58. British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?
57. Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
56. Joan as Police Woman - To Survive
55. Spiritualised - Songs in A&E
54. Emiliana Torrini - Me and Armini
53. Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Sunday at Devil Dirt
52. Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors
51. Silver Jews - Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
50. TV on the Radio - Dear Science
49. Deerhunter - Microcastle
48. Trouble over Tokyo - Pyramides
47. Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves - Roll with You
46. Titus Andronicus - The Airing of Grievances
45. Sons and Daughters - This Gift
44. Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid
43. Throw me the Statue - Moonbeams
42. Port O’Brien - All we Could do was Sing
41. Ray La Montagne - Gossip In The Grain
40. The Dodos - Visiter
39. 2L8 - He & She
38. Black Mountain - In the Future
37. Calexico - Carried to Dust
36. Santogold - Santogold
35. The Notwist - The Devil, You + Me
34. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer
33. Air France - No Way Down
32. M83 - Saturdays = Youth
31. Norma - Book of Norma
30. Envelopes - Here Comes the Wind
29. Old 97's - Blame It on Gravity
28. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
27. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
26. Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Lie Down in the Light
25. Okay - Huggable Dust
24. Walkmen - You & Me
23. Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster...
22. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
21. Portishead - Third
20. Sun Kil Moon - April
19. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
18. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins
17. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
16. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
15. Vanilla Swingers - Vanilla Swingers
14. She & Him - Volume One
13. Monika - Avatar
12. The Kills - Midnight Boom
11. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals
10. Nick Cave and the Black Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!
9. Sigur Ros - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust
8. Beck - Modern Guilt
7. Foals - Antidotes
6. Lindstrom - Where You Go I Go Too
5. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes
4. Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing
3. Get Well Soon - Rest Now, Weary Head! You Will Get Well Soon
2. No Age - Nouns
1. Shearwater - Rook



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2008's Top 100 Albums [5 - 1]

This is it...The moment we've been waiting for after a dozen of posts. The last countdown to the best album of 2008! I have to admit that while the 5 albums included in this final list where quite easy to pick, the No.1 spot actually surprised me as well. Unfortunately 2008 may have had its share of good records, but none of them really stood out as a masterpiece. This made this list even harder, but at the end I just had to go with the album that actually stayed in my playlist the longest during this year...So here it is..

5. Fleet Foxes - Fleet FoxesThis was definitely one the debuts of the year. Sounding like from another decade, this set of youths managed to produce the most unique sound this year and given hope to many indie lovers around the world that new and exciting music can still be plausible in the internet era. A dreamy album that accompanied me through most of this year's summer.



4. Fuck Buttons - Street HorrrsingI know BLR and all my other friends will probably have serious doubts about this one, but I just couldn't resist the electric noise of these guys. Annoying at times, with endless loops, strange sounds and irritating noises...somehow all this just ties in perfectly to produce an exhilarating album that numbs the mind and all senses. I just love noise...



3. Get Well Soon - Rest Now, Weary Head! You Will Get Well SoonThis has to be the debut of the year. Following the footsteps of Beirut, Get Well Soon produces a mix of instrumental, indie and pop sound in a stunning debut filled with grand orchestrations, loving melodies and an unforgettable voice. Who would expect a German youngster would have taken the world with such excitement...Everyone is just waiting for his next steps..(thanks to Elafini for introducing this masterpiece to us)



2. No Age - NounsThis was a real tough one for me...a real contender for the No.1 spot that just missed out on the last few meters..Lo-fi punk noise that brings memories of Sonic Youth and Pavement..and all this only by two guys..Raw, fresh, noisy, electric...pure power from first to last track. These guys were a real revelation during this year. They made me feel young, alive and kicking again...And they kick ass during lives sets...



1. Shearwater - RookThis is it...the No.1 spot for Album of the Year for Athens66. No surprise really since we loved it from the first time we heard it and kept on hearing it throughout the year. Shearwater finally got serious and produced an amazing rock album with haunting melodies, powerful lyrics and a solid feel of rock. It may not be the most unique sound, it may not be groundbreaking, but it is one of the most complete and fulfilling album we heard this year. One of the few that we'll be getting back to during 2009 as well. What can I say..it just hit all the right spots for me...




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Full Moon Athens

Most of you probably never learned about this during the holiday season but we had a full moon here in downtown Athens (although all media chose not share this with you). The moonshine was visible only in front of the central church in Athens (full coverage below).


PS. Thanks to indymedia and PoPoCulture for this.




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2008's Top 100 Albums [10- 6]

We are almost there..we've made it through 90 spots so only 1 more post remains for 2008's No.1 album of the year (according to Athens66 of'course). To any of you that have read more than a couple of post of Athens66, this Top 10 will be more than obvious...but before we reveal everything let's have a look at the 5 albums that just didn't make it to the real top..

10. Nick Cave and the Black Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!Never been a true fan of Cave (although I more than respected his work and truly understood what people found in his music), however this album was simply too good to be ignored. It's amazing how a guy can still produce fresh and exciting music after dozens and dozens of releases. From the first song to the very last, this album sets the story and the mood for an incredible journey that only Cave could produce. Dig it..

Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!

9. Sigur Ros - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaustThere is no denying it, Sigur Ros are one of my all-time favorite bands (up there with Belle and Tindersticks). So I owed it to them (and to myself) to give them more than just one chance for this new sound they suddenly introduced. Much happier, much lighter and even with English lyrics. This was a real u-turn in their carrier but at the end I really enjoyed what they offered. Refreshing, melodic, upbeat...words that noone expected to use to describe a Sigur Ros album...Loved it no mater what anyone says..

Festival

8. Beck - Modern GuiltBeck is back with yet another album, this time with some help from Modest Mouse. Now a new Beck album ain't that big of a news (since he has been more than consistent in album releases the last few year). However, this one reminded us of the good old Beck, with instant hits, cunning lyrics and simply an overall great album. This is the Beck we came to love years ago..



7. Foals - AntidotesYannis Philippakis and his Oxford friends released their debut this year and quickly became one of my favorite bands. Following last year's personal rave for Battles' math rock, Foals are a bit less math and bit more pop and indie rock. This is all fine by me, since their sharp paced, constantly changing beats and melodies got stack in my brain and in my playlist throughout the year..This was my yearly math fix!!



6. Lindstrom - Where You Go I Go TooLindstrom is simply a musical genius. He only produced 3 tracks for this album but we couldn't ask for anything more. If you've never experienced space disco then this is your chance to travel into a different universe, dance across galaxies and endlessly gaze at the stars. I couldn't get enough of this record...

Where you go I go too



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2008's Top 100 Albums [15- 11]

Now this set is quite unique (not that the others weren't)..it features the most hopeful debut Greece has seen in years, two albums that were given away for free, an actress's debut and the most powerful duos around..sounds interesting enough? Let's take a closer look...

15. Vanilla Swingers - Vanilla SwingersThe first free surprise in this set. The duo from London debuted with a magical love story over the course of time. Simple, loving, addictive..and all these free for everyone to enjoy. I couldn't get enough of this record and is highly recommended to anyone that is looking for pure pop melodies..



14. She & Him - Volume OneShe & Him is what you get when you mix country-folk artist M. Ward and talented actress Zooey Deschanel. Retro, country, folk and even a bit cheesy at times..still the record is so unbelievably compelling that I would still love it even if Zooey wasn't such a charm. As opposed to our beloved Scarlett, this record is really worth getting into..



13. Monika - AvatarEndless posts and discussion have spawn in the Greek community regarding this 21-year old artist. No matter what people say, I'm glad there is finally a new breed of artists coming out that give us hope for things to come in the Greek music scene. Avatar was a splendid album by all means, with beautiful melodies and inspiring tracks. This is definitely the best Greek album in years and we are so looking forward to more..



12. The Kills - Midnight BoomVV and Hotel are one of the most electrifying duo around. Midnight Boom is one of the dirtiest pieces of garage rock you can find and we loved it from the first listen (followed by endless repeats). Put Hook and Line on your player, turn the music up and let time rock you by...



11. Girl Talk - Feed the AnimalsThis album is a Top 100 by itself. Girl Talk mixes and spins numerous tracks per minute and produces the dance/party album of the year. This is mixtape gone mad! I can see why some people can't stand Girl Talk's music style but for all those people on the dance floor, this is just irresistible. And all this for free...Feed the dancefloor!



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2008's Top 100 Albums [20- 16]

Yes...we finally made it to the Top 20 albums of 2008. Since these are (according to our personal taste as always) the the creme de la creme of the year, we though of slowing down and getting a closer look at each entry until we reach the No.1 spot. So let's get this final countdown started...

20. Sun Kil Moon - AprilMark Kozelek (the man behind Sun Kil Moon) is an amazing singer/songwriter. In April he has managed to produce an impressive collection of songs filled with warmth, rhythm and feelings. His voice is so cleansing at moments that can only be compared to legends such as Neil Young and Bonnie Prince Billy. Just take a listen to Heron Blue and all will be clear..



19. Vampire Weekend - Vampire WeekendOnly a few bands have been able to withstand the internet hype during the last couple of years...this is one of those. Weekend Vampire have managed to mix indie rock with surf and ethnic styles producing a unique style. Their debut has managed to bring new life to the New York indie scene and highlights how good and inspiring acts really can shine through (especially in such a bad year). From Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa to Oxford Weekend to A-Punk...even their tracks are so diverse in this debut!



18. Okkervil River - The Stand InsInterestingly enough, this year I've listened to more American bands than I would have thought. It seems that rock is coming back home and Okkervil River are one of those bands responsible for this.In Stand Ins, Sheff and Warren have managed to produce a set of tracks combining sweet melodies, indie rock and small anthems. This is just another classic indie rock album which simply said is more than enough for us. "Well we have lost our way, nobody`s gonna say it outright, just go la la la la la"



17. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ FightLast year we had The Twilight Sad..now it's time for their fellow Glasgowers Frightened Rabbit. It seems there's something about Glasgow bands that I just can't resist. Perhaps it's the heavy accent, the bitter melodies or just the dirty smell of alcohol in all their songs. Whatever the case, Frightened Rabbit produced a sophomore album filled with indie rock in the likes of Editors, Arcade Fire and so many other inspiring bands of the recent past.



16. MGMT - Oracular SpectacularGoldwasser and Wyngarden have managed to get the whole world on the feet with their debut. Combining pop with electronica and psychedelia, they produced some of 2008's (or even 2007's according to some people) biggest hits with tracks like Time to Pretend, Kids and Electric Feel. No other band in 2008 has managed to have so many follower but also so many enemies. Love them or hate them, the definitely deserve a place in the Top 20..



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2008's Top 100 Albums [30- 21]

Can't get any closer to the Top 20 than this...it's the final set before entering the 20 finest albums of 2008 (at least according to our humble opinion). A couple of entries on this set are hailed as the best albums of the year in other lists but we basically don't care...

30. Envelopes - Here Comes the WindMore indie pop/rock from Sweden..Don't need to say much about Envelopes since we first in love with them during the year when we discovered them

29. Old 97's - Blame It on GravityTrue Americana rock...The Old 097's still got it...thank god..

28. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the UnderstatementNever really loved the album..but I have to admit, regardless of the endless times I've heard it on the radio, it still doesn't annoy me and only for this it's worth a place in my list..

27. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever AgoCan a single album you turn you into one of the best singers/songwriters out there? If it could then this was Ben Iver's moment..

26. Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Lie Down in the LightMore country and joyful than his previous work...still he remains our all-time favorite singer/songwriter..(and how couldn't he be on our list after we finally saw him live)

25. Okay - Huggable DustWhat it lacks in skills it more than compensates in feelings...

24. Walkmen - You & MeAnother fine album by the Walkmen...dark and lonely as it can get..

23. Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster...This group managed to release two albums in their first year and while the second may not offer much more...their debut was so much fun..

22. Lykke Li - Youth NovelsThe new Swedish pop queen? Only time will tell...but the debut was much more than just charming..(and far from mainstream pop crap)

21. Portishead - ThirdPerhaps the most controversial album of the year...endless discussions, reviews and posts just to sort out if the band from Bristol still got what it takes after 10 years of absence..This may not be their best work by far yet some of the tracks in Third were fucking amazing..



2008's Top 100 Albums [40- 31]

Another fine set for today with some surprises included (from both newcomers and past favorites). Let's get going then..

40. The Dodos - VisiterExperimental indie that reminded me slightly last year's album Yeasayer

39. 2L8 - He & SheGreek experimental music...dark and impressive..

38. Black Mountain - In the FutureA great sophomore album which in some parts it kicks ass..

37. Calexico - Carried to DustA real surprise this one...for me...never been a fan of Calexico but this album was a real joy

36. Santogold - SantogoldBreaking the myth of "white" indie releases..Santi stormed the world with one hit after the other..

35. The Notwist - The Devil, You + MeThey may have disappointed us during their live show...the album was still a great comeback

34. Wolf Parade - At Mount ZoomerThey are Canadian..they are signed by Sup Pop...what else do you need? (besides a full-scale grand rock album like this)

33. Air France - No Way DownElectronic Pop from Gothenburg...how could it fail?

32. M83 - Saturdays = YouthMissed them live but their 80's revival couldn't keep them out of our list..

31. Norma - Book of NormaAnother Swedish entry which we discovered almost at the last minute...incredible indie album that keeps us waiting for so much more..



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Christmas Time

Finally it's Christmas time and we get some time (although only a couple of days) to sit back and relax (and get wasted!!). To celebrate this, here's one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs from my childhood (from the good old days of MTV)...Run D.M.C style..



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2008's Top 100 Albums [50 - 41]

So we made it to the Top 50!! It seems that we'll finish this before the end of the year (but as we already said..you never know). Today's set is quite interesting since it contains a number of albums that reached a lot of people's Top 20 (but for some strange personal reason they just didn't make it on my list). Here we go..

50. TV on the Radio - Dear ScienceAnother masterpiece which impressed me on first listen but didn't come back to many times after that

49. Deerhunter - MicrocastleMore indie rock from a style that seems to have dominated 2008

48. Trouble over Tokyo - PyramidesCatchy beats, smoothing voice...it however sounded a bit too mainstream for me (although it ain't)

47. Eli “Paperboy” Reed & The True Loves - Roll with YouA classic R&B/soul album in 2008?? Yeap..courtesy of Eli "Paperboy" Reed...couldn't get any more real than this..

46. Titus Andronicus - The Airing of GrievancesAmazing post-punk debut...this is one of the albums that I will regret the most for not having it higher up the list (and one of the few I'm sure I'll give more attention to in 2009)

45. Sons and Daughters - This GiftAnother all-time favorite from Glasgow..Just listen to Gilt Complex and you'll understand why I love them..

44. Elbow - The Seldom Seen KidGreat album but (once again) I've never gave it enough time (don't ask me why)

43. Throw me the Statue - MoonbeamsLo-fi debut which I just couldn't resist...

42. Port O’Brien - All we Could do was SingThis one could have been much higher if I only noticed it a bit earlier...easily a Top 20...

41. Ray La Montagne - Gossip In The GrainAmazing voice, endless talent...a new breed of soul/folk..

The Team

Athens66 started off as a common project by a bunch of friends but quickly turned into almost a personal blog (although some remains of previous posts can still be found). Currently, the Team has been narrowed down to two members, who besides being old friends and schoolmates share the same joy for Music, Movies, Alcohol and Pro Evolution sessions.

The sole purpose of this blog is to shout out whatever comes in mind about movies, music, reality, fantasy and all the rest. Nothing posted here is to be taken seriously, but then again what is? Since this blog is still quite fresh, we are definitely open to suggestions and directions (although most of them will just be ignored)

Team Members

Recommended

High Places - High Places vs. Mankind Titus Andronicus - The Monitor Caribou - Swim Sambassadeur - European The Radio Dept. - Clinging to a Scheme Portugal. the Man - American Ghetto Local Natives - Gorilla Manor Errors - Come Down With Me Hot Chip - One Life Stand Shearwater - The Golden Archipelago Royal Bangs - Let it Beep Magnolia Electric Co - Josephine Phantogram - Eyelid Movies Digits - Hold it Close Au Revoir Simone - Still Night, Still Light Kordan - Fantasy Nation Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport Dial M for Murder - Fiction of her Dreams Throw me the Statue - Creaturesque Atlas Sound - Logos Noah and the Whale  - The First Days of Spring Delorean - Ayrton Senna Reverie Sound Revue - Reverie Sound Revue Portugal the Man - The Satanic Satanist Pony Pony Pony Run Run  - You Need Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse - Dark Night Of The Soul Camera Obscura -My Maudlin Career Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Pains of Being Pure at Heart Antony & The Johnsons - The Crying Light Franz Ferdinand – Tonight Norma – Book of Norma Belle and Sebastian - The BBC Sessions Vanilla Swingers – Vanilla Swingers Lindstrom - Where you go I go too Black Kids – Partie Traumatic Beck – Modern Guilt The Old 97s – Blame It On Gravity Monika - Avatar Sigur Ros - Me? su? i eyrum vi? spilum endalaust Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! Bonnie 'Prince' Billy - Lie Down In the Light Shearwater – Rook Okay – Huggable Dust Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer Lykke Li - Youth Novel Los Campesinos – Hold on Now, Youngster Metric - Grow up and Blow away No Age - Nouns Battles – Mirrored The National - Boxer Foals - Antidotes British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music? The Kills – Midnight Boom

Write to Us!

If you want to recommend us a new group, advertise on our blog or just bitch about the things we post, just send us an email at martdnv [at] gmail [dot] com and we'll get in contact with you!

Disclaimer

The content provided on this blog is for promotion purposes only. If you like the music, please support the artists and purchase the CDs of the music you like. Files should be deleted within 24 hours. Athens66 is not responsible for anything you may download. If you find any content that is violating the copyright law, please send us an email at martdnv [at] gmail [dot] com and the material will be removed.

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