folk/indie/other
“Folk/Indie/Other” is what Beirut is categorized as on MySpace. This description fits, particularly the “other” category. The sound of Beirut is hard to put into words. Incorporating mostly brass instruments, Beirut is sensitively energetic in a progressive, melodic way that is emotional and beautiful. The music evokes feelings of different cultures and experiences, directly related to Condon’s eclectic and worldly adventures.
I recently saw Beirut live, for the first time, at Treasure Island Music Festival in October, which was noted by Condon to be the band’s last show of 2009. “Elephant Gun,” “The Akara” and closer-song “My Night with the Prostitute from Marseille” were among the best of the set. Beirut was the main reason I went out to the festival, and I left feeling I had witnessed something truly special.
One of the latest EPs Holland, a release from RealPeople, Condon’s electronic side-project (perhaps the reason I like it so much), is a bit more fast-paced, while maintaining the slow brilliance of Beirut’s noted tone. Holland is complemented by the March of the Zapotec EP, on which The Jimenez Band, a 19-piece band from Teotitlán del Valle, backs Condon. The two EPs were released together, the latter as a Beirut project. Both are amazing, and if you don’t have them already, listen to:
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Beirut-My Night with the Prostitute from Marseille-
RealPeople Holland - “My Wife, Lost in the Wild” – RealPeople Holland
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Beirut-Venice– RealPeople Holland - “The Akara” – March of the Zapotec
- “La Llorona” – March of the Zapotec
- “The Shrew” – March of the Zapotec (noted as Zach Condon’s favorite)