POP! Music: Beirut!

If you're like me, then you were disappointed to find out that you would be forced to miss both of Beirut's performances at the Avalon this week because of your unforgiving professors and your car breaking down. However, my luck turned on October 12th when my good friend Cindy told me in jest that they would be performing a free show at Amoeba Records that same day and I could always watch the live stream online. Little did my friend know, I was determined to see Beirut, and for this very reason me and one of my friends hopped into the "mom van" and drove to LA in rush hour. Not only did we make it in time, we were able to find free parking, and as any local knows, that is nearly impossible. The drive was worth it. This was my first Beirut show, so of course I was a little hesitant because there is always the fear that they will be terrible live. Of course, this was not the case. As the mini orchestra began to play, the entire audience was silent, hanging on to every note as if it would be the last piece of music they would ever here, and let me say that if they were the last band I ever saw live, it would be a good way to go out. They mainly played music from their new album, The Flying Club Cup, which I must say is excellent, but they did play some fan favorites from Gulag Orkestar. Much to my surprise, they did not play "Elephant Gun" or "Postcards to Italy" which was refreshing considering how overplayed both of these songs are. Their tone was impeccable, and they all performed as seasoned musicians despite their age.
Afterwards they held a signing where hundreds of hipster kids stood in line waiting to get a glimpse of the man that is Zach Condon. Of course, having driven all the way to LA, which is technically only thirty minutes from my house, I stayed to have one of my favorite bands sign my cd. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I was not disappointed at all. They were extremely professional but still had an air of approachability about them, which was refreshing.