Top-20 Countdown - No.07

Stratos - no.07: Five Star Hotel - This Sound

Yes, George is a friend. Yes I have been listening to their songs, even playing them at the bar I used to DJ, in one form or another, for three years now. Waiting for this album to come out was like having your wife pregnant for aforementioned years. But it is out. And it is amazing. And we get to enjoy it in its best form yet. And listen over and over to this incredible music. Thanks a lot George, keep it up!

My review of "This Sound" for Screw magazine, issue 21:

George Begas, Yiannis Kretsios, Yiannis Varelidis, Euripidis Papadopoulos and Antonis Vellios are members of a group that all of Thessaloniki (OK, all of "smart" Thessaloniki) was waiting impatiently to make their first CD. And finally we have it in our hands... and it's stuck on repeat! Gorgeous music with a view, style and balls that thousands of much more experienced groups would be jealous of, from both sides of the Atlantic. Pop? Yes, but also rock and electronica merging harmoniously. For those who cannot understand unless they compare one with another artist, I will give one name: Camera Obscura (yes they will be the opening act for them in Thessaloniki on the 29th of October). You want more? St. Etienne. OK, enough with ask the audience, now go get the CD!

Selections: Minimal, Underground, Highway Traffic

Giannis - no.07: Hot Chip – One Life Stand