Beirut - March of The Zapotec and Realpeople Holland

Beirut
March of The Zapotec
Realpeople
Holland
(02.2009, Pompeii Records)
RIYL: Pinatas or Rainbow Bright


I first listened to the new Zach Condon releases without knowing any back story as to why there were two separate EP's released together and sounding so completely different. The first half of the release, Beirut's March of The Zapotec encompasses Condon's glorious world music brass laden half of his personality while Realpeople's, Holland represents his looping electronic side. I enjoyed both, but was slightly confused by the mash difference. So I did my homework and uncovered the glorious story of Condon wanting to record with an authentic Mexican band, finding one such random band in Teotitlan del Valle, Mexico called the Jimenez Band. The 19 members in the Jimenez band spoke only Zapotec so Condon worked through a translator to write the six crazy songs. On first listen I proclaimed them sloppy and accused them of sounding like a fiesta (in a good way) and making me want to hit a pinata without knowing this information. I told Mr. Thistle how it sounded like listening to the bands play in Mexican cities I have been in. I was right! I'm so good. Several short films showing the recording process in Mexico are due to come out online in the near future. Anyways, Holland on the other hand is released under Condon's original bedroom recording moniker, Realpeople. Holland is a joyous release that will make you want to invite your friends over, wear a side ponytail and dance the night away, in a chill manner, particularly the last cheery track, "No Dice." Overall it's a very enjoyable release showcasing all of Zach's many efforts in music from 2008. It's less romantic and swooning than previous releases, (and I love Beirut's romance) but a whole lot more fun.

-Sassigrass

Beirut - The Flying Club Cup

Beirut
The Flying Club Cup
(10.2007/Ba Da Bing!)
10.0/10

Just when you thought he couldn't get any more "multi-instrumentalist" on you, the now 21 year old, Zach Condon graced us with his second gorgeous release of the year, full to the brim with new instruments and layers. The Flying Club Cup lacks the immediate hits of Gulag Orkestar, such as "Postcards From Italy," but overall is a much more balanced and intriguing album. Zach finally moved overseas and now lives in Paris, so most critics are claiming that his music has evolved from Balkan folk to French, but I don't really see that. If anything, it feels more Irish to me. The Flying Club Cup has the highest production value of any release of his yet. It was recorded in Arcade Fire's now famous Masonic church studio. Members from A Hawk And A Hacksaw helped again, as well as Man Man, in order to make some of the most passionate and resonating songs I have heard all year. Beirut's style has seen a definite although slight change on this album. Upon first listen I enjoyed it, but wasn't fully convinced that this new Beirut could compare with one of last years best releases. After getting thoroughly addicted to it for the last few weeks and listening to nothing but, I think this may very well be the best album of the year. It's gorgeous vocal melodies get entwined in your brain and you have to keep listening the album on repeat. I am absolutely in love with this album.

-Sassigrass

La Blogotheque filmed every single song from The Flying Club Cup being played live. They are gorgeous. WATCH THEM ALL - CLICK HERE!!! ...or just watch the one below.

New Zach Condon and Iron & Wine

GOODIES
Today's goodies are two absolute delights. First up, Zach Condon's (Beirut) single from the The Believers Cue the Bugle Turbulent compilation.

Zach Condon- Venice

And next we have the new single from Iron and Wine's new album, The Shepherd's Dog, which will be released Sept. 25th. Enjoy!

Iron and Wine - Boy With A Coin

-Sassigrass

Beirut - Lon Gisland EP

Beirut
Lon Gisland EP
(2007, Ba Da Bing!)
10.0/10

I shouldn't be reviewing two of the most amazing albums of the year thus far back to back- two tens in a row is going to make me look like a softy, but I'm not. It takes quite a lot to musically please me, and I'm not lying when I tell you- Lon Gisland is amazing. Lon Gisland is the EP follow-up to the 2006 Beirut release, Gulag Orkestar, which is incredible in itself. It consists of five gorgeous songs from prodigy Zach Condon, a teen from New Mexico, that just happens to be making the most heart-breaking Eastern European style gypsy folk around. The rich sound of world music is captured almost single handedly with Condon writing and recording accordian, saxaphone, clarinet, keyboards, madolin, ukulele, horns, glockenspiel, and percussion laregly on his own. His good friends, and fellow whimsical folk musicians, A Hawk And A Hacksaw, helped Condon record his first album, after which he moved to Brooklyn and formed a band to help him in playing live shows and for future recording. His music is filled with exotic instrumentations and absolutely gorgeous vocals. When I listen to his voice I am baffled by how young he is. These are some of the most beautiful songs in my music collection. Even though it is an EP with only five songs, two of which are re-recordings from Gulag Orkestar, it is still worth the purchase. The repeated songs are equally amazing on both albums even though they are very different. This is one band that I would travel far distances to see. Oh, and Beirut just released a video for Elephant Gun which is the first track off of this EP. The video is almost as gorgeous as the song, but not quite. I really like his fake moustache in it though

-Sassy Grass