Athens66: Music

The Legends are back Over and Over again

The Swedes are back! (or at least Johan Angergård). The new record by the Legends is coming out in May from Labrador records and a first quick listen to it is more than promising. Johan has shifted style a bit on this one and moves more into noise pop and shoegaze, without losing the swedish pop style(which we all love). Someone commented that it sounds like TPBPH and there's nothing wrong in that in my book. I'll definetly give it a couple of more spins before I make up my mind if I just like it or love it! I surely recommend it nevertheless..

The Legends - Seconds Away

Artist.Site Buy.Labrador

Röyksopp - Junior

The Norwegian electro-pop duo is back after 4 years since their last hit album. You have to give them credit for consistency, both albums since their brilliant debut back in 2001 took 4 years before released. Their latest one is called Junior and is coming out on March 24th on Caroline label.

Royksopp ft. Lykke Li - Miss It So Much

The new album continues on the path set by Melody AM and The Understanding. It is a blend of pop, electro and a bit of retro house. The usual suspects are there; Norwegian singer Anneli Drecker and Swedish singer Karin Dreijer. however, this time the duo also collaborated with Sweden's latest pop idols, Robyn and Lykke Li.

Royksopp ft. Robyn - The Girl And The Robot

The album follows the easy path of The Understanding. Flawless pop with catchy beats and melodic vocals. However, while all these elements blended perfectly on their debut Melody AM, two albums later it sounds like Röyksopp are starting to repeat themselves. There are some good tracks in there and the whole album is quite enjoyable, but that's all there is to it. No hidden gems, no memorable and inspiring tunes like Eple. Hope the guys get back on track soon..otherwise this would be the last record from them that I'll bother to give another go.

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

How Guilty can you Get with A.C. Newman?

A.C. Newman is no stranger to those even with the slightest knowledge of the indie scene. He has been around since the ‘90s with his first band Superconductor but his real break came initially with Zumpano and especially at the start of the millennium with the acclaimed New Pornographers, where he’s been the true leader ever since. After recording two albums with the Pornographers, Newman managed to release his debut solo album back in 2004 titled The Slow Wonder. In a similarly timely fashion, after a couple more albums with his superband, he is back with his sophomore solo outtake (out January 2009 on Matador label).

A.C. Newman - Submarines of Stockholm

Get Guilty is a showcase for Newman’s obvious talent to create memorable tunes with such an ease. The album kick offs with the grand entrance of opening track There are Maybe Ten or Twelve where Newman proclaims us to “make of that what you will” and sets the pace of what is to follow; a genuine indie trip that flirts more with pop rather than rock. Rhythm, simple guitar riffs and vocals on the forefront are definitely more dominant in this record as to Newman’s work with the New Pornographers. The album fits somewhere between the classic borders of power-pop and pop underground, leaning more on the first territory.

A.C. Newman - There are Maybe Ten or Twelve

In general, Newman’s solo follow-up album is a classic power-pop album that has all the right elements but is lacking in the details. Most of the melodies are beautiful and instantly enjoyable; however they lack the depth that would make this album withstand the sands of time. Most of the tracks are based on a single guitar riff and the production is more on the minimalistic side, which unfortunately is evident in a number of songs. Newman’s lyrics remain witty as ever but also lack the depth as his compositions. If you put all these together, Get Guilty is a solid offering which however doesn’t add much to Newman’s already successful career and will easily be forgotten amongst his first solo attempt and the New Pornographer’s work (which we are expecting as well quite soon).

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

A hand in the Sky (En Hand i Himlen) from Jonathan Johansson

Yes, I got into this one as well. Jonathan Johansson is the new pop sensation from (where else) Sweden and his single En Hand i Himlen is just amazingly addictive (you've been warned). Here is his first official video and we'll be waiting for his album out on the 9th of February from Hybris label (I already pre-ordered it from the links you can find at the end of the post). Will be back with more details once I get my hands on it. God damn Sweden...

Jonathan Johansson - En Hand i Himlen

Artist.Site Preorder.Bengans

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are More than Welcomed

Alex, Kip, Kurt, and Peggy make up the New York band the Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Together since 2007, the band is releasing on February 3rd their self-titled debut on Slubmberland label and is probably the best debut i've heard so far this year (and the best album for that case). Their music has a nostalgic feel of shoegaze and noise pop, combined with a bit of chamber pop. Something like Belle and Sebastian clashed with My Bloody Valentine!

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Hey Paul

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - This Love is Fucking Right!

Sure there are numberless influences to be spotted on their debut but who cares when it all sounds so beautiful and fresh. I've been trying to find words to describe or explain why I enjoyed this album so much but the plain truth is that this one is simply a joyful record that you want to listen to again and again. I've read a number of reviews while trying to describe this feeling I get from the album, but the best one came from 17 seconds which rightfully states that "the band hail from New York City but this is an album that feels like it’s spiritual home is Glasgow". Yeap...can't help but fall in love with a pure at heart Glasgow album...

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

Kingsbury GiveAway

Kingsbury are a band from Florida that's been touring and recording for more than a couple of years now. They released their first 2 EPs back in 2006 and followed up with their first full album entitled The Great Compromise. The band is now back with a new EP titled Lie to Me.

Kingsbury - Lie to Me

Kingsbury - The Great Compromise

The band's music is a mix of progressive rock, folk and indie rock. They have quite an interesting songwriting ability, focusing a lot in creating a solid flow instead of just blending different styles. Don't expect however a monolithic approach since their songs do differ and make up for an interesting offer. In general, I found their music very accessible and immediately got into their personal style and rhythm.

Kingsbury - The Open Sea

Kingsbury - This Place is Coming Down

One of the great things about Kingsbury is that they have embraced the digital age and have made all their material available for free from their site. You can find the links to all EPs and LP on the end of this post, along with the band's site and link to donate some money if you (like me) enjoyed what you listened. Nice move..

Artist.Site Artist.Donate
DownloadFree.LieToMe
DownloadFree.TheGreatCompromise
DownloadFree.TheOpenSea
DownloadFree.ThisPlaceIsComingDown

Telefon Tel Aviv eager to Immolate Yourself

Telefon Tel Aviv is an electronic duo from New Orleans. They released their first full LP back in 2001 and followed up in 2004 with Map of What is Effortless (both out on Hefty label). Their music blends IDM with ambient and caught the public's attention especially with their sophmore album. Their sound always reminded me somewhat of Anything but the Girl with its mix of computer-generated electro and ambient vocals.

Telefon Tel Aviv - The Birds

The guys are now back with their third album after their switch to Bpitch Control label. The offering is called Immolate Yourself and will be out on February 3rd. I've goten the chance to get a peek at their new material and first impressions are wary encouraging. It seems that their change in labels also brought a change in style, moving away from expiremntal IDM into more pop and ambient electro.

Telefon Tel Aviv - Helen of Troy

Immolate Yourself is heavily based on synths and powerful yet smoothing vocals. I have to agree with b-webb's review that this change shows similarities with M83. The album is in general more joyful than their previous attempts and is quite keen on the pop side, destined for more airplay. The beats are a notch higher and the vocals are more uplifting and dance savvy. All this without however discarding their ambient past. I have to say that this change works in most tracks, although at some point you get the feeling of a build-up and climax that is never fully delivered.

PS. These YouTube trailers are starting to become quite a popular promotional concept nowadays. So here are a couple provided by Bpitch Control.

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

Antony & The Johnsons keep The Crying Light

Antony Hegarty is by far one of my favorite voices in music (along with Tinderstick's Stuart Staples, Tom Waits and Tori Amos). After his debut in 2000 with Antony and the Johnsons (mainstream re-release on Secretly Canadian in 2004) and masterpiece follow-up I Am a Bird Now in 2005, a lot of people have been on the wait for his comeback (especially after his hit successful collaboration with Hercules and the Love Affair last year).

Antony & The Johnsons - Another World

On January 21st Antony is releasing his 3rd studio album titled The Crying Light, which includes a couple of songs from his Another World EP that was released a couple of months ago. And although I've had a copy of it for a couple of weeks now, I just found the time and serenity to give it a dedicated go (you can never rush into an Antony record).

Antony & The Johnsons - Aeon

The Crying Light is by far Antony's more melodic and emotional album to date. While feeling despair and melancholy are still dominant, the record also allows glimpses of light and hope. Antony's voice is again on the forefront on all tracks (as it should) while the music charmingly backs him up. If we are to be a bit skeptic, the album has an amazing homogeneity but this is also it's main drawback. All of the tracks offer a dreamy trip through sorrow and pain but no single one really stands out as was the case with his sophomore release. To others however, this may prove the real high point of the record, since it's by far his most detailed and solid work so far. Only exception to this is Aeon, which sets a stronger more powerful pace. One thing's for certain; Antony has once again sincerely opened up and offered us another set of tracks to haunt our thoughts and dreams during the endless hours.

PS. The album art features a 1977 portrait of renowned Butoh dancer, Kazuo Ohno (to whom Antony has dedicated the album)here in the usual awful quality

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

Animal Collectie rocking at the Merriweather Post Pavilion

Animal Collective is one of the most known bands around the blogsphere, with thousands of devoted bloggers hailing every new album either as Animal or as solo side projects (especially Panda Bear’s). A look at 2007’s best-of posts around the internet will quickly reveal the momentum of this avant-garde/experimental/noise-rock trio (a trio nowdays since the departure of Deakin back in 2007).

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes

Merriweather Post Pavilion (titled after the nearby outdoor concert venue in Columbia, Maryland) is their eighth studio album and has been in the making for the past year. The album was highly anticipated after the unprecedented success in 2007 with Strawberry Jam (which marked the switch from FatCat Records to Domino Records) and especially after the solo work of Panda Bear with his masterpiece Person Pitch (which even received the Album of the Year praise by Pitchfork). The album was announced by the band back in October of 2008 and is set for release on the 20th of January (although they have already included most of the tracks in their live shows for quite a while now).

Animal Collective - Brothersport

The album differs quite in many ways from their previous work. First of all, their sound has shifted vastly toward the electronic side, with samplers, synths and electronic drums dominating most of the tracks. On a second level, their music has lost a lot of its previous noise-rock elements and it now sounds more like psychedelic (or even sunshine) pop. All these make Merriweather one of their most accessible albums to date. Don’t be fooled however, this ain’t a mainstream-pop album by far; experimental and noise marks are still evident all over the album in a classic Animal fashion. Their new style seems to be progressing their sound into a more mainstream pattern and influences from last year’s indie/world/folk newcomers such as Vampire Weekend and Fleet Foxes seem to have affected the Collective (in my humble opinion). To be honest, this shift makes their album even more accessible for me as well; I love the Animals but their albums always required far more attention than I could offer most of the time. This one I can easily see popping in my playlist much more often than previous records and this is (or seems to be) a definite plus. Along with Franz Ferdinand’s release, it seems that Domino Records are embracing 2009 with quite a handful of pleasant surprises, with Merriweather Post Pavilion certainly being one of those.

PS. I just saw this unofficial (crappy) video to the new track My Girls, only to remember that I had uploaded this track on YouTube back in November after their live here in Athens. You can find the video here in the usual awful quality

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

Franz Ferdinand are throwing a party Tonight

Alex Kapranos and his gang are finally back! Franz Ferdinand are releasing their (much anticipated) third album titled Tonight on the 26th of January (out on Domino label). We were excited to hear these news and eager to get our hands on their new material, although the last album was kinda of a disappointment for us.

~~Franz Ferdinand - Lucid Dreams~~

The lads from Glasgow have allegedly been working on this album since late 2007 and had already introduced some of their tracks in live shows in order to get the fans' feedback. So did all this preparation and anticipation actually pay off? To sum it up in a few words...FUCKING YEAH!!

~~Franz Ferdinand - Bite Hard~~

First of all, Tonight sounds amazingly fresh. Love it or hate it, their sound has progressed and incorporates a lot more dance/neo-disco elements than before, without losing touch with their new-wave/indie basis. All tracks are full of energy (with the exception of the last couple of songs which are on the melodic/ballad side) and sound like the guys had a blast creating this material. For the hard-rock indie fans of Franz, this album may disappoint them even more than the previous due to their style twist. To those however that are open to a fresh sound, Tonight has the right elements of rock, dance and new-wave and will quickly get you into Ferdinand's new party style. After a number of spins (with more certainly following) I felt like I've just been out partying all night, with the occasional stops down the pubs for some refueling. If this isn't refreshing and satisfying then what? Besides, Franz have always been a genuine fun group that built their success more on the excitement and energy of their music than on complex compositions and cogitative lyrics. So they're back on the right track..at least for me. Cheers lads!

PS. Just got hooked to the 80's intro of Twilight Omens and the electro ending of Lucid Dreams (unfortunately the version I post here is shorter and doesn't include this)

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

Ambient Dreams from Kyte

Kyte is a new and upcoming band from Leicestershire. They have already released a self titled EP and have followed up with a second EP titled Two Sparks, Two Stars EP.

Their sound is pure ambient pop in the likes of Sigur Ros (similarities or influences as I prefer to call them are more than obvious). Regardless of all this, I found their EP really great and looking forward to their first full album (whenever that may be). Then we'll be able to truly see if they are able to differentiate themselves from the Icelandic kings and progress their style. If you care to oversee the similarities you will soon discover that Kyte actually bring their own personal style to the genre with more electronic elements and a bit more powerful and straightforward. Let's just wait and see..

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

Is it too late for The New Year?

This should have been the first post to open up the new year here in Athens66. Never mind that though, this album is still worth posting about. It could have actually even been a contender for our Top 100 albums of the year if we hadn't ignored it the entire year (only to discover it on the last week of December).

This is the self-titled (but actually their third release) album from The New Year; an indie rock band from Texas that was basically born after the breakup of the slowcore band Bedhead. The album was released at the start of September on Touch and Go records and retains the slowcore principles of previous records. As expected, the album slowly builds up and in some cases even lets loose. The melodies all blend in perfectly while the lyrics are somewhat on the light side. The album is a real joy to listen and is one of the few albums I've heard recently that actually feels like a complete work. It gradually builds on to you and doesn't let go until the end of the record. Guess the belated start to the new year was worth it.

Artist.Site Buy.Amazon

Looking back at Thee More Shallows

I thought of starting out the new year with a post from the past instead of the future. Today's clip comes from San Francisco's Three More Shallows. A genuine indie band that somehow I hadn't noticed all these years (even though they already have 3 full records). I've probably heard a track from them in the past but never really came back to check up on their stuff. The band blends indie with progressive accompanied by the haunting vocals of Dee Kesler. The best thing I've heard so far this year (a shame it took me so much time to discover them).

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

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 Foxes

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.

4. Fuck Buttons - Street Horrrsing

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...

3. Get Well Soon - Rest Now, Weary Head! You Will Get Well Soon

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)

2. No Age - Nouns

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...

1. Shearwater - Rook

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...

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 endalaust

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..

Festival

8. Beck - Modern Guilt

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..

7. Foals - Antidotes

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!!

6. Lindstrom - Where You Go I Go Too

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...

Where you go I go too

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 Swingers

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..

14. She & Him - Volume One

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..

13. Monika - Avatar

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..

12. The Kills - Midnight Boom

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...

11. Girl Talk - Feed the Animals

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!

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 - April

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..

19. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

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!

18. Okkervil River - The Stand Ins

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"

17. Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight

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.

16. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

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..

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 Wind

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

29. Old 97's - Blame It on Gravity

True Americana rock...The Old 097's still got it...thank god..

28. The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement

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..

27. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

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..

26. Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Lie Down in the Light

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)

25. Okay - Huggable Dust

What it lacks in skills it more than compensates in feelings...

24. Walkmen - You & Me

Another 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 Novels

The 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 - Third

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..