Show Review: Beirut - 10/10/06

This show didn't "hit" me right away. It wasn't a Dismemberment Plan. It wasn't an Arcade Fire. But like a fine wine, I think this show will age well. Beirut constisted of seven people on stage...I think. It was difficult to tell exactly. In between songs, they would all wander from instrument to instrument, the only constant being Zach Condon front and center. The band played like they were drunk on aforementioned wine, sloppily strumming ukuleles, tromping around the stage. It wasn't immediately impactful but the experience felt wholly unique and singular.


Youtube Link
MP3 - Scenic World (Live - 10/10/06)

Prior to this show, I had always associate Beirut and Zach Condon with the ukulele. Now, I feel the trumpet is his most valuable asset. Everytime that horn came in to add a new line of melody, the song was raised to another level. "Elephant Gun," from their newly recorded EP (which also contains a new version of "Scenic World"...see above video...) benefits from Zach's exquisite trumpeting as well.

Youtube Link
MP3 - Elephant Gun (Live - 10/10/06)

The night ended with half of Beirut down in the audience, Zach pointing his trumpet towards the ceiling, and everyone clapping along. It was a great ending to a great show and the more I think about it, the more I agree with myself.

Youtube Link
MP3 - Untited (Closing Song) (Live - 10/10/06)This show didn't "hit" me right away. It wasn't a Dismemberment Plan. It wasn't an Arcade Fire. But like a fine wine, I think this show will age well. Beirut constisted of seven people on stage...I think. It was difficult to tell exactly. In between songs, they would all wander from instrument to instrument, the only constant being Zach Condon front and center. The band played like they were drunk on aforementioned wine, sloppily strumming ukuleles, tromping around the stage. It wasn't immediately impactful but the experience felt wholly unique and singular.


Youtube Link
MP3 - Scenic World (Live - 10/10/06)

Prior to this show, I had always associate Beirut and Zach Condon with the ukulele. Now, I feel the trumpet is his most valuable asset. Everytime that horn came in to add a new line of melody, the song was raised to another level. "Elephant Gun," from their newly recorded EP (which also contains a new version of "Scenic World"...see above video...) benefits from Zach's exquisite trumpeting as well.


Youtube Link
MP3 - Elephant Gun (Live - 10/10/06)

The night ended with half of Beirut down in the audience, Zach pointing his trumpet towards the ceiling, and everyone clapping along. It was a great ending to a great show and the more I think about it, the more I agree with myself.


Youtube Link
MP3 - Untited (Closing Song) (Live - 10/10/06)