Beirut

In the past year, I've been attracted to and exploring more and more music of the Eastern European Folk persuasion. I can't get enough of it. I think it started with Gogol Bordello, after I saw the film "Wristcutters: A Love Story" at Sundance '06. Their gypsy/punk/dub-influenced music is featured in the movie, but most of it is on the gypsy folk side of things. After that, I found Beirut, led by wonder boy Zach Conden, who's like 20 years old right now and making some of the best music in the American music scene today. Gulag Orkestar, inspired by Balkan folk music and made without use of guitars, got me hooked. In January came Lon Gisland EP, which has done a good job tiding me over until October 9, when the new Beirut LP The Flying Club Cup will be released. Condon has said he was inspired by French pop music, of the grand, over-the-top kind for this album. From what I've heard so far, it holds up to what the band has done in the past. Check out this sampling and go to the band's website for a download of "Sunday Smile" from the new album. I also recommend viewing the "Elephant Gun" music video. Me likey.

Nantes (from The Flying Club Cup)
Mount Wroclai (Idle Days) (from Gulag Orkestar)
Elephant Gun (from Lon Gisland)

Beirut's homepage:

http://www.beirutband.com/