One of my dear coworkers got me into this still-relatively new band, Beirut. No, you do not pronounce that t. That would be scandalous!

This is the thing:

It's hard to put words on really really good music. The following is what I can get out past the ocean of music in my head.

Beirut was started by this kid from Santa Fe, New Mexico a few years back. He's only 23 now, and, as a modern composer, I have put him on my shelf with Rufus Wainwright. I am very impressed by a good, strong voice, but when that voice is backed by a veritable orchestra, I am beyond impressed. The music of Beirut makes me feel like I'm floating and drifting up and down in the sea. Some songs make me want to waltz when I'm supposed to be working. Other songs make me want to sigh and smile and think of whoever I'm in love with at that particular moment. The choruses that I can understand I sing loudly and masculinely along with. I can't compare, of course, but the songs move me so that I can't help myself.
The two albums I have are Gulag Orkestar and The Flying Club Cup. It was a good decision to get both at once, because I don't know how I could go on with just one or the other. The music videos I've seen on Youtube are simple and charming, and I love watching this skinny boy play his trumpet as he guides his musicians through the songs.