Gogol Bordello - Punk Rock Parranda

And if your spouse doesn't play a sitar
Don't expect a lot of commitment

When I first heard that "gypsy punk rock" exists I thought it was too good to be true. Lo and behold it is both too good AND true! Enter: Gogol Bordello. As bizarre of a concept as it may seem, it almost makes sense. Gypsies have no regard for authority or "laws" and isn't that what punk rock is built on more or less?

The band formed in New York but many of its members come from Eastern Europe. Lead singer, Eugene Hutz (who can be seen as the aspiring rapper in Everything Is Illuminated) was born and raised in Ukraine but lived in various countries throughout Europe before finally settling in the U.S. All band members bring with them their love for their own culture's music combined with their awesome musicianship.

"Punk Rock Parranda" off Multi Kontra Culti Vs. Irony perfectly displays the band members Eastern European influences. I'm sure those familiar with Flogging Molly will draw a comparison but all one needs to do is listen to Hutz's accent to be reminded that these guys are definitely not Irish. The lyrics throughout this song and the entire album are very quirky and often bring a smile to my face.

Favourite Part: How ridiculously untamed this song is. I can only imagine how crazy their concerts must be and kick myself for not going to their last show. I've heard they're absolutely amazing live so if you ever get the chance I'd highly urge you to go.

For anyone interested, Gogol Bordello is featured in a movie directed by Madonna and starring Eugene Hutz titled Filth and Wisdom. I haven't seen it myself but figure it can't be horrible when you have a band like Bordello in it and lines like, "If you want to touch the sky, fuck a duck and try to fly."

Beirut - Postcards From Italy

When she will marry me outside with the willow trees

And play the songs we made

What I love most about Beirut is that all his songs seem to take you to different places around the world, mostly Europe though. More specifically, Eastern Europe. This is no surprise considering the fact that he (Zach Condon) dropped out of high school to travel throughout Europe where he picked up a lot of his musical influences. This is especially apparent in his debut album, Gulag Orkestar. "Postcards From Italy," from what I can tell, has nothing to do with Italy and more to do with nostalgia and marrying a girl (perhaps one he met in Italy?). Who knows. But listening to this song, I can almost picture myself floating through the canals of Venice on a gondola while Zach serenades me with this song. If only ...