Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Beirut Blares Gypsy Brass in 'Flying Club Cup'
Listen
• 0:00
MELISSA BLOCK, host:
Zach Condon is the young singer-songwriter who grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But his musical interests go far beyond the American Southwest. His band is called Beirut. Its debut, which drew on Balkan gypsy music, was a surprise hit. And it's just released its latest effort titled "The Flying Club Cup."
Will Hermes has a review.
(Soundbite of song "Elephant Gun")
Support for LAist comes from
Mr. ZACH CONDON (Vocalist, Beirut): (Singing) If I was young, I'd flee this town, I'd bury my dreams underground. As did I, we drink to die, we drink tonight. Far from home, elephant gun, let's take them down one by one…
WILL HERMES: The first time I heard the group Beirut, I was charmed but a little confuse. Named for a city in Lebanon, that group turned out to mainly be a precocious 19-year-old drop out named Zach Condon who made home recordings. His voice sounded a bit like the British singer Marcy, and he surrounded himself with old-world instruments like accordion, ukulele, and lots of brass.
(Soundbite of song "Elephant Gun")
HERMES: As it turns out, Condon's homemade recordings found a sympathetic ear, and with a bit of dressing up, were released to critical halleluiahs. And so he abandoned his bedroom, quickly assembled musicians for a touring band and then recorded an album with them called "The Flying Club Cup." Here's a song from it.
(Soundbite of music)
Mr. CONDON: (Singing) Uptown the streets in a calming way, and outside is warm as a bed with a maid. And I find the tall waves and raise, that makes the days go on his way.
HERMES: The first Beirut record grew on the brassy traditions of Balkan music, a sound that's been getting a surprising amount of mileage in the Indie rock world lately, what with acts like DeVotchka, Gogol Bordello and Balkan Beat Box.
Support for LAist comes from
That gypsy sound is still present on "The Flying Club Cup," but there's also a strong flavor of French music, which Condon soaped up during a trip to Paris and many hours spend admiring old Charles Aznavour and Jacques Brel records.
(Soundbite of song "Cherbourg")
Mr. CONDON: (Singing) And afar from you is a long way down, I found a better way in your arms. And afar from you is a long way down, I know a better way (unintelligible).
HERMES: Zach Condon may never have formally studied Balkan music or have a drop of French blood in his body, but he knows what sounds good instinctively, and makes music like a good fusion chef just as Paul Simon and Talking Heads and the Clash did back when they were blending international styles.
Will Condon take heat from fuddy-duddies for a cultural appropriation and corrupting traditions? Probably some. But I think Beirut's brand of fusion is a positive thing. And if it inspires American Indie rock fans to check out traditional Balkan music or Jacques Brel recordings, all the better.
Bon appetit.
(Soundbite of music)
Support for LAist comes from
BLOCK: "The Flying Club Cup" is the new CD by the group Beirut. Our critic is Will Hermes. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance. -
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
Best of LAist