Beirut - Nantes (buy at Amazon.com)

Beirut interpret gypsy folk from an indie perspective. At the center of the group is Zach Condon, who delves deep into traditional roots music from Eastern Europe and the Balkans as well as the mariachi of his native Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was first introduced to gypsy folk music through the films of director Emir Kusturica (Time of the Gypsies, Underground). Rather than trying to merely copy gypsy songs, he borrows its sounds to make emotive pop that’s full of joy, sadness and longing. - Dan Shumate, Rhapsody