Upcoming...Beirut: The Rip Tide

    Beirut fans rejoice! The Rip Tide is another solid release from the Balkan folk, Baroque pop, world folk (etc...) artist Beirut. I'm hesitant to say what most people are saying, that their sound is more refined and the song structure is better and that Zach Condon is hitting his stride finally, because there was something especially different about previous releases such as Gulag Orkester (2006), The Flying Club Cup (2007), Elephant Gun EP (2007), March of the Zapotec/Holland EP (2009). Yes, they were, looking at it from the opposite angle, less refined and orchestrated more instrument heavy, but they brought Beirut to this point, where their music has a unique and easily recognizable sound. Now I hear more influences, such as, I'm almost afraid to say, Sufjan Stevens. That may not be a bad thing; however, if there are other influential songwriters out there, as influential as Sufjan, Condon would be there (along with Sondre Lerche at least). Simply put, I do not want Condon to start sounding like Sufjan. I want him to sound like Condon. But, i'll let you decide.
    I think this album would be great running music, or movie music for some off-beat low-key comedy, the kind of which Michael Cera stars in. It just moves at a steady pace, almost like jogging. It has plenty of blocky repeated piano chords that almost sound quirky or off kilter (that perfect balance of tempo, where it feels like it is speeding up, but it is really settled quite nicely), ukulele, accordion and some brass thrown in quite nicely. My main complaint is that most of the songs start off with almost the same harmonically structured piano/accordion [only] chords and then progress quickly into the full ensemble, adding layers as they come. Not a horrible formula, though overused, but the honky tonk piano sound has never been my favorite--so, just personal preference perhaps?
    Overall, there are a number of killer songs: "Santa Fe" (nice harmonic vocals, and [I'll actually admit] use of the new wave-ish electric piano), "Payne's Bay" (has an epic pacing to it and the violin is great added timbre, the melody is super catchy! then the middle section that is like a brass band that builds is fantastic, especially the horn rips!!--deserves ten exclamation points), "Vagabond" (has a cool accordion or harpsichord part, whether it is real I don't know), "Peacock" (beautiful start to the song, very lovely, like Jonsi lovely), and "Port of Call" (excellent use of two against three in the rhythm! and the quick triplets against the waltz in the brass, and ascending lines in the trombones/horns?).
    Well, make sure and catch the entire album streamed on NPR: First Listen here (EDIT: no longer available). I do not have a track for the samples yet, as this album is not yet released. Enjoy there while you can and look back here, maybe after The Rip Tide comes out.