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Beirut, a gig review, or, How I learned to love life and stop worrying about everything

Just before leaving NZ I ended up bunking with James and Ami for a bit. Technically I was not in the same bed and I slept in a different room, but I wanted to use the word "bunking" because I think it sounds neat. Hanging out at their place had its benefits, like drinking on their back deck in the sun, but the greatest was exposure to a world of music. The muse living within James extended my music collection from the 200 songs I'd been listening to since I was 16, to an overwhelming collection and a new appreciation for music that lives outside of the retard stuff we hear droning on the radio. And one of these bands I was introduced to was Beirut. I was hooked.

After two unsuccessful attempts to see them (first tour sold out in London the day before I arrived, and then they pulled out of the Benicassim festival a few weeks before I was to go) I was all but giving up hope. But in January of this year a golden platter was put in front of me. After selling the platter for a pretty penny, I used the proceeds to buy tickets to Beirut's 2009 tour. Last May my life became complete. I saw Beirut live.

And it was awesome.

I took my Beirut Virgin friend along who had never listened to a single note of their music. “What kind of music is it?” she asked. Er, well, er, there is a ukulele, accordion, double bass, trumpets, trombone, tuba, bass guitar and probably some drums. “Well, how do you dance to it or respond to the music?” Er, again, well, I guess you just listen and do whatever feels right. Perhaps sway a little?

But how does one define the music of Beirut? Perhaps a bit of folk,? Some country? Maybe Russian gypsy, Spanish, Parisian, or Mexican? World? It is music you can sit back and enjoy, get lost in, float away then return to earth with a big smile on your face that makes people think you might have been on the wacky dacky. I'm not sure there is a genre for it but I'd happily be told otherwise.

For those who don’t know, Beirut started out as a solo project for a very talented young dude called Zachary Condon. He roped in a few others to help out, eventually becoming the band Beirut. They have a bit of a cult following here in London, if not Europe, which makes it difficult to get tickets to their always sold out shows. One couple I got talking to, Dan and Nikki from Brighton, bought tickets to their first tour a few years ago by mistake (lucky buggers) but have since seen every show they've done in London (which is probably only 3... but still).

They played songs from both their albums, Gulag Orkestar and The Flying Club Cup. To my shame I’ve only got their first album but it means half the songs where fresh and new to me. I think my night was topped when Beirut Virgin turned to me during “Postcards from Italy” and said, "Doesn't this music just want to make you smile. It just makes you love life." And that is exactly what it does do. When Zach (can I call you Zach?) sings, his unique voice and the way he sings is like someone gently telling you to just forget about your worries. All will be OK. When i die, and if there are Angels, I want him to be one so he can sing me to my rest.

The best was saved until last though. The encore contained two new songs from their up-coming album. If the quality of the music is anything to go by then it is definitely a must have for the Christmas stocking. They were a little bit more up-tempo from what I've previously heard of but still fit well within the style I've come to appreciate. The final song of the evening left everyone on a high and I'm sure a few woman down the front screamed, tore their bras off and even fainted. Gulag Orchestra filled our ears and got the crowd wanting more. But alas their was none.

But everyone was happy and the world was at peace... for a little bit anyway.

For all of you in the USofA, they are touring in September and October. Their new album will be released on October 9th, or so I've heard.

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