Young Zach Condon was a gifted musician even at 15, when he was producing his own lo-fi albums. When he dropped out at 16 and went traveling through Europe he fell in love with the sounds of the Balkan gypsy music and, upon his return, crafted a beautiful and haunting assortment of songs under the name Beirut. The following song is called “Nantes” from Beirut’s sophomore album The Flying Cup Club, released last year. Condon, who is in his early 20′s, plays the ukulele, french horn, trumpet on this album.

Well it’s been a long time, long time now
since I’ve seen you smile.
And I’ll gamble away my fright.
And I’ll gamble away my time.
And in a year, a year or so
this will slip into the sea
Well, it’s been a long time, long time now
since I’ve seen you smile

Nobody raise their voices
Just another night in Nantes
Nobody raise their voices
Just another night in Nantes

There’s also a magnificent series of live-action performances by Beirut, filmed by the geniuses at Les Concerts a Emporter (The Take Away Shows). After you listen to Nantes, check out this great set-up:

Both Beirut albums were on heavy rotation when me and my lady traveled to Paris earlier this year; they rounded out an altogether wonderful experience.