Beirut — Gulag Orkestar

Gulag Orkestar would be a standout record if judged on instrumentation alone.

Inspired by frontman Zach Condon's travels in eastern Europe, it's a safe haven for anyone craving more ukuleles, a big brass quarter, and a complete lack of guitars in their indie collection. Like a Balkan version of Neutral Milk Hotel, Beirut's first album is an ambitious 20-year-old's take on mournful marching songs ("Bratislava," "The Gulag Orkestar") coupled with whimsical visions of beauty and romance ("Postcards From Italy," "Rhineland").

The fact that these songs are filtered through Condon's weary, unpolished vocal style adds to their exotic and old-fashioned texture. Hands down, Gulag Orkestar is the best audio tour of the year.