Beirut
10/12/6
Empty Bottle in Chicago
This was the first time seeing Beirut, whose album Gulag Orkestar has been playing in my cd player for several months. It was also the third time they came to Chicago playing another sold out show. For those who don’t know, Beirut (or as I call them “Brooklyn Balkans”) have gained quite a bit of indie cred since their album release. In fact, I hadn’t seen such an around the door line since seeing Franz Ferdinand play the bottle a few years ago right after they released their self titled debut. The problem is, although there were many true devotees of the band, there were also some who had come mainly because of the hype. And there is a problem with having a fan base made up of too many hipsters… and that is they tend to get bored very easily. I don’t mean bored in terms of standing through an enchanting and energetic live set, which Beirut proved more than capable of putting on. I mean getting bored after one album. These are the kids who forget to follow bands on second and third albums. Hipsters aren’t interested in developing a relationship with a band. They are more interested in a fun night out and moving on to the next indie hit of the moment. It reminds me a little of slash and burn farming.
Not that there weren’t others who will remain devoted for as long as Beirut are capable of putting out the same sort of magical songs, because those were present too. Hopefully, even the most jadedly apathetic music fan enjoyed the experience of it and was perhaps changed in some positive way. I had heard some negative previous reports of technical difficulties and things of that nature but clearly they were at their best on this night. Playing with seven band members, they barely fit on the stage and the songs sounded great with all of the instrumentation, especially the violin and accordian. The trumpeting and saxaphone playing also helped bring their songs to a passionate life. At times, audience members were treated to different band members playing instruments and singing amongst them after they jumped off stage. At other times, it felt almost like a gypsy parade. They played most songs off of Gulag Orkestar as well as some new ones that held up well. In addition, they played an amazing cover of the theme song to Terry Gilliam’s 1986 film masterpiece Brazil which really made the night for me.
If you aren’t familiar with Beirut’s music, their own description sounds just right. Under sounds like, it’s written, “Jewish immigrants, Coney Island, and the old world.” I’m not sure what else you really need to know. Hear their music and visit Beirut on myspace
Click to see more pictures and remaining tour dates:
View the full 26 photo set on flickr here
Remaining Tour Dates:
Oct 25 2006 8:00P
College of Santa Fe Santa Fe, NM
Oct 26 2006 8:00P
Launchpad Albuquerque, NM
Oct 28 2006 8:00P
Emo’s Austin, TX
Oct 31 2006 8:00P
Sage Gateshead, England
Nov 1 2006 8:00P
ABC Glasgow, Scotland
Nov 2 2006 8:00P
Olympia Dublin
Nov 3 2006 8:00P
Academy Liverpool
Nov 4 2006 8:00P
Octagon Sheffield
Nov 5 2006 8:00P
Camden Roundhouse London
Nov 11 2006 8:00P
Les Inrocks festival Paris
Nov 12 2006 8:00P
The Luminaire London
Nov 15 2006 8:00P
Swarthmore Campus Swarthmore, PA
Nov 16 2006 8:00P
Brown University Providence, RI
Nov 17 2006 8:00P
SUNY Oswego Oswego, NY
Nov 18 2006 8:00P
Bennington College Bennington, VT
Nov 21 2006 8:00P
Bowery Ballroom New York City, NY
Nov 22 2006 8:00P
Bowery Ballroom New York City, NY