Beirut's third studio album from 2011. On The Rip Tide, Zach Condon brings to life an album much closer to home than any of his previous efforts. Rather than dreams of far-off lands (as all previous albums are indebted to foreign traditions), Beirut takes it back to his hometown with a more grounded, pop-friendly sound (as evident on"Santa Fe," named after his actual hometown). It was also the first time the band actually recorded everything together live, rather than laying down tracks one at a time. 9 tracks in all including "East Harlem," "Goshen," and "Vagabond," with guest vocals by Sharon Van Etten. Official 2019 reissue on Beirut's own Pompeii imprint.

• music label: Pompeii 2019

reviewed by TKB 12/2014