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.
This 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. 
I 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...
This 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)
This 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...
This 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...
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..
There 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.. 
Beck 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.. 
Yannis 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!!
Lindstrom 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...
The 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..
She & 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..
Endless 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..
VV 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...
This 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!
Mark 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..
Only 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!
Interestingly 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"
Last 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.
Goldwasser 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..
More 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
True Americana rock...The Old 097's still got it...thank god..
Never 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..
Can 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..
More 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)
What it lacks in skills it more than compensates in feelings...
Another fine album by the Walkmen...dark and lonely as it can get..
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..
The new Swedish pop queen? Only time will tell...but the debut was much more than just charming..(and far from mainstream pop crap)
Perhaps 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..
Experimental indie that reminded me slightly last year's album Yeasayer
Greek experimental music...dark and impressive..
A great sophomore album which in some parts it kicks ass..
A real surprise this one...for me...never been a fan of Calexico but this album was a real joy
Breaking the myth of "white" indie releases..Santi stormed the world with one hit after the other..
They may have disappointed us during their live show...the album was still a great comeback
They are Canadian..they are signed by Sup Pop...what else do you need? (besides a full-scale grand rock album like this)
Electronic Pop from Gothenburg...how could it fail?
Missed them live but their 80's revival couldn't keep them out of our list..
Another Swedish entry which we discovered almost at the last minute...incredible indie album that keeps us waiting for so much more..
Another masterpiece which impressed me on first listen but didn't come back to many times after that
More indie rock from a style that seems to have dominated 2008
Catchy beats, smoothing voice...it however sounded a bit too mainstream for me (although it ain't)
A classic R&B/soul album in 2008?? Yeap..courtesy of Eli "Paperboy" Reed...couldn't get any more real than this..
Amazing 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)
Another all-time favorite from Glasgow..Just listen to Gilt Complex and you'll understand why I love them..
Great album but (once again) I've never gave it enough time (don't ask me why)
Lo-fi debut which I just couldn't resist...
This one could have been much higher if I only noticed it a bit earlier...easily a Top 20...
Amazing voice, endless talent...a new breed of soul/folk..Powered by our love for Music. Based on TheBuckmaker theme and inspired by Hooves on the turf. Stay Tuned!.
