Suprise Suprise... Beirut

From a classically trained standpoint: sloppy technique, some pitchy issues, tone quality occasionally lacking, and for the love, someone buy that kid a better piano! but me and my ears love it. I think I'm a bit late on this one too (hey at least I've heard of it at all) but Gulag Orkestar has a variety of instrumentation enough for a horrid horrid mess. Instead it immediatly makes me feel like I'm at a gypsy bonfire doing an impromtu breakdown. Pass the cheap beer and wine, it's time for a little shindig and tunes!While appreciated on my laptop at home and a handful of rides via BART to work, the beauty and depth of Beirut wasn't apparent to me until I took it on the streets. On Labor Day I decided to explore San Francisco more fully, visit some old favorite spots hoofing it. Up close a personal with the smelly and perfumed. Beirut accompanied me. I was feeling angsty and in need of some navel-gazing, so I went where my feet wished, stoped to write when feeling inspired and every minute taking in the embracing and comforting sounds of Beirut. Listen to Beirut when out and about in a largely unfamiliar city, or even around in your hometown and without a doubt, you'll feel you've been transplanted to a place more unrefined, but undoubtedly forgien and strangely familiar. The accordian has never sounded so good.