Beirut/ Gulag Orkestar

If you like: Devotchka, The Shins, Andrew Bird
Release Date: May 9, 2006 (Ba Da Bing!)

Gulag Orkestar is a gypsy's tribute to nostalgia. Beirut brings you on his personal odyssey through the Balkins. "Rhineland (Heartland)" and "The Canals Of Our City" exemplify this influence with his mandolin, horns, hand percussion, and accordion. Beirut's lyrics describe a life of wanting more, but believing that "there's nowhere to go." Originally from New Mexico, Zachary Francis Condon became Beirut after his time traveling in southeastern Europe. Gulag Orkestar was recorded mostly in his bedroom, but wrapped up in a studio with Jeremy Barnes, of Neutral Milk Hotel and Heather Trost. The indie-folk undertones help enhance this introduction to a foreign sound.

1. "The Gulag Orkestar"- 'They call it night and I know it well'
2. "Prenzlauerberg"
3. "Brandenburg"
4. "Postcards from Italy"- My pick. 'In my good times, there were always golden rocks to throw'
5. "Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)"
6. "Rhineland (Heartland)"
7. "Scenic World"
8. "Bratislava"
9. "The Bunker"
10. "The Canals of Our City"
11. "After the Curtain"