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analysis w/e 14.5.11 |
DVDs out 9.5.11 |
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@ DVDfever Youtube |
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May 11 2011 
DVDfever co uk
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If you fancy spending some of your well earned pennies, then invest in this CD. Of all the albums reviewed this year, this is the most, enchanting and fascinating of the lot. Honestly, there is nothing quite like this around at the moment. Santa Fe resident, 21-year-old singer-songwriter turned band leader, Zachary F. Condon could, dare it be said, be a musical genius. Temporarily living in Paris to get the feel of things for this concept album – ideas based on French cities and culture - Zach presents his second album with a mesmersing range of sounds. I say sounds as there so much going on instrumentally, and musically. OK, his singing isn’t going to light up the Eiffel Tower, but as a composite piece The Flying Club Cup is going to win him many admirers like his debut Gulag Orkestar from May 2006. This is the sort of album both fans, musicians (and even critics) like to get their teeth into.
With the CD having little if any prospect of a hit single, it’s hard to imagine that Condon will become a household name, not that that’s the intention. Condon’s objective, whether deliberate or not, is to gain credibility and respect from his peers and fans. This album does that with real conviction. Inspired by an early colour photograph he found showing a hot air balloon festival in Paris in the early part of the 20th Century, it progressed with him listening to music by Jacques Brel, Francois Hardy, Charles Aznavour and French chanson music, which were shrouded in huge OTT arrangements with plenty of drama. It also urged him to buy new instruments such as French horns, euphomiums and working with accordian and organ. During six months of recording, the photo was pasted to the wall of the sessions, as he paid homage to French culture. Initially, it was to have a city or town title similar to Sufjan Stevens naming each USA state on the album titles. Condon change it around a bit. The outcome is truly magnificent. Eighteen seconds worth of instrumental A Call To Arms, is just that, as if to warm the listener of the audio experience to come. It’s also a kind of warm up for the musicians. Neat and tidy, Nantes, would at a push, make wonderful single. A slow beginning builds to a beat embelished by a huge brass ensemble that swing and sway to the synchopation.
With a pseudo oriental string arrangement, the stunning In The Mausoleum could be used for dance purposes, as it bounces along with real gusto. In complete contrast The Penalty starts with a strummed eukulele gradually building with Condon’s vibrato topping the fun. Cherbourg, has more of a Spanish feel, elephant-like horn blasts simply add to the drama. There’s a lot more that could be said, but it might just get in the way of its enjoyment. Using several instrumentalists, now topping eight, they had a big hand in the sessions which they ambitiously hope to take on the road. Absolutely brilliant. Buy it now: you won’t be disappointed.
Weblinks: beirutband.com / myspace.com/beirut / 4ad.com
The full list of tracks included are :
As of April 2009, Blu-rays and DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TH-37PX80B 37" Plasma TV with a Sony BDP-1500 Blu-ray player and played through a Yamaha DSP-AX820 amplifier. PC games reviewed by the editor are on:
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Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
