Hooves on the Turf

As it turns out, it was to toss a few new songs at the learned ears of loyal fans that Beirut pulled together a very last-minute show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Along with the buzz that tickets would soon go on sale had come a letter from frontman Zach, saying the band would be canceling European dates set for the summer, feeling a reinvention and a “fresh perspective” was in order. Having heard the few new songs tonight, and seeing that the band is in a pretty top shape, I’m now confident these urgent steps lead to a strengthened Beirut. While previous recordings may have been a commendable homage to the street musicians that sparked a vision in Zach, while in Paris, the new songs indicate inheritance of specks of dust of what remains of the Yugoslavian soul. If these songs truly represent what is to come, we will finally be able to say: not only does Beirut pay tribute to Kocani Orkestar, it plays music of the same league. Even if I’m disappointed by the rest and the new music doesn’t get there yet, it seems to be on its way. Zach also sang a pleasant Portuguese song, which said to me: he’s still got his palms open for what other bits of soul the wind might bring.

Read Part II or view the full post to see what Zach looks like when reading the lyrics of a Portuguese song.

May 18, 2008.
Music Hall of Williamsburg