via brooklynvegan
Roughly around the time that I was dedicating most of my time to teenage angst and emo music, Zach Condon was doing something slightly more constructive and arguably cooler (by a very slim margin, of course). Pre-dating the Balkan folk style that distinguishes Beirut's music, The Joys of Losing Weight was an unreleased album that Condon had put together at age fifteen under the moniker of The Real People. I read that Zach had some solo material before Beirut, but I didn't know of the digital availability of The Joys of Losing Weight until recently (Thanks, Nate!). When I started listening to "Untitled 18," I felt like I was given a rare glimpse into Zach's musical development. For one, the track opens with a beautiful guitar intro, which is something I did not expect from him. But, this album is from a time when Condon was still able to wrap his wrist around a guitar, before he underwent surgery and traded in the guitar for a ukulele. Although I absolutely adore the uke and Beirut is my inspiration for buying one, I didn't miss it one bit in this bossa nova-inspired track. As a fan of Beirut, I think it's exciting to hear something that is distinctively different, even if it was from seven years ago.
Beirut explores more of this project with their Realpeople Holland EP, which is currently available for download with the March of Zapotec EP. Grab the rest of The Joys of Losing Weight here. Beirut plays three shows this week, one at MHOW and two at BAM. I may possibly have an extra ticket to MHOW, if there are any takers.
Yes, this was a pre-show hype post. I can't help it, I am so stoked to see them. My fingers are crossed for one of the following events to occur:
1. "Transatlantique" is on the set list. Unlikely but not impossible.
2. Beirut plays rarities from The Joys of Losing Weight. Highly unlikely and pretty impossible.
3. Owen Pallett or Ed Droste join Beirut for "Cliquot." I must be insane for wasting a wish on this one.
Untitled 18 - The Real People (Zach Condon) | Alternative Link
February 2, 2009
"Untitled 18" - The Real People (Zach Condon)
December 4, 2008
Beirut - "In the Mausoleum"
via LA Weekly's Blogs
I may have stopped breathing for a few seconds today when I found out that Beirut will be performing at BAM Howard Gilman Opera House in February. Recently, I've been revisiting a lot of Beirut material. Partially, it's because I got a ukulele, and I particularly enjoy playing Beirut songs. My roommate just asked me why I keep on playing the same Beirut songs over and over on the uke. Well, one reason is because I haven't learned anything else. Another is that practice makes perfect, silly. Not that I could ever be Zach Condon, whose talent drives me absolutely mad with jealousy. I don't like that we're the same age, yet I have accomplished nothing in comparison (Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes also makes me feel worthless). Damn you for making music that I love.
Well, I no longer have to fantasize about Zach Condon making a surprise guest appearance at Final Fantasy and Grizzly Bear's BAM show with the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Beirut may have cancelled their recent tour and gone on a brief hiatus, but it sounds like they're ready to come back with a new album, a new tour, and possibly a new direction. Well, as long as the new Beirut sounds as good as the below songs, I will have no complaints. And, it'd be nice to have some new uke material.
Tickets for Beirut's Sounds of Brooklyn @ BAM on February 6 go on presale tomorrow, open to Friends of BAM. General public sale begins next week on December 12. Unfortunately, I am not a Friend of BAM. But, if you are, and you are a kind person who is willing to purchase tickets for a gracious (and financially reliable) blogger, you have my contact info.
In the Mausoleum - Beirut
Elephant Gun - Beirut
