New Beirut (AKA Natalie Portman's Favorite Band) - "My Night With the Prostitute From Marseille"

She once extolled the virtues of the Shins, and lives definitely were changed forever (though most of those lives belonged to the Shins themselves). And things are already on the (way) up and up for Greenpoint ambassador Beirut, but a little Natalie love goes a long way. Ms. Portman is putting together a $7.99 charity album to benefit FINCA International featuring previously released tracks from a bunch of artists you listen to (like M. Ward, DevBan, Antony, and of course the Shins). But what separates this from your run-of-the-mill iTunes Celebrity Playlist (aside from her best intentions and proceeds going to charity)? A brand new track from Zach himself. Obviously, he's thrilled.

 
[Portman pic via Nirali Mag]

Beirut even invited Natalie to sing on it and though she "wanted to so badly ... it didn't work out. I hope they extend the offer again." No trumpet, no ukulele, but a sweet synthy beat and lots of Condon's world weary croon. Hear it here.

Natalie also talks tunes... (via EW)

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: When did you become such a big music fan?

NATALIE PORTMAN: I've always been into music. I was a huge Debbie Gibson fan when I was 8 years old. She was my first concert. I went with my mom and my best friend, and I wore my hair in a side pony. I loved Tiffany, too. And then in middle school and high school I went through Nirvana, Juliana Hatfield, Jeff Buckley — my teen-angst period. In college I got more into indie and folk. I love this whole [freak folk] movement now with Antony and Devendra and CocoRosie and Sufjan Stevens.

...

EW: Back to music. Who are your all-time favorites?

NP: All-time, I think Stevie Wonder is probably my No. 1. And Radiohead, the White Stripes — they're modern-day classics.

UPDATE: The tracklist revealed -- a few more exclusives than we first figured. You go, Princess Amidala. (via P4K)

01 Tokyo Police Club - "Be Good"
02 Beirut - "My Night With the Prostitute From Marseille" [Exclusive]
03 Tom Brosseau -"Plaid Lined Jacket"
04 Curumin -"Tudo Bem Malandro"
05 The Shins - "Australia (Björn Yttling Mix)" [Exclusive]
06 Brett Dennen - "Ain't No Reason"
07 Sean Hayes - "Turnaroundturnmeon"
08 Thee More Shallows - "Oh Yes, Another Mother"
09 Angus & Julia Stone - "The Beast"
10 Antony & the Johnsons - "Paddy's Gone"
11 Vetiver - "Idle Ties"
12 Norah Jones - "Broken"
13 Devendra Banhart - "There's Always Something Happening" [Exclusive]
14 M. Ward -"What Is A Soul?" [Exclusive]
15 Wooden Wand -"Forgiveness Figg (Bethany Hotel Blues)"
16 Rogue Wave - "How We Landed" [Exclusive]

Posted at 4:02 PM
Tags: Beirut | Natalie Portman

8 Comments

just look at that dude. i bet prostitutes would turn him down. talent aside, of course. if they listened to his music, they'd definitely turn him down.

lol amirite?!

Posted by: stevie nixx at 10/26/07 4:13 PM | Reply
Score = 1

"Beirut even invited Natalie to sing on it"

hahaha, i bet he did, the sly dawg...

Posted by: seth at 10/26/07 4:32 PM | Reply
Score = -1

i love how every article about this, when it lists the artists on the comp, says "of course, the shins". as if she actually is that character from that movie.

Posted by: Liam at 10/26/07 5:42 PM | Reply
Score = 0

I would like Portman... if she could freaking ACT. She was lousy, unconvincing, and self-conscious even in "The Professional" as a little girl.

Decent tracklist and a good cause, tho. If we don't start encouraging contributions from the world's most ignored societies, the revolution will be here a lot sooner than scheduled.

Posted by: dc at 10/26/07 7:10 PM | Reply
Score = -1

A+ on Tom Brosseau selection

By the way, it's Princess Amidala

Posted by: Apexa at 10/26/07 8:06 PM | Reply
Score = 0

I used to love Natalie Portman before the soulless will to live-sucking Star Wars prequels arrived. Now that she's getting Thee More Shallows some exposure, I love her again.

Also can't wait for that new Rogue Wave track.

Posted by: seth at 10/26/07 9:24 PM | Reply
Score = 0

What's with all the Portman hate? She's lovely and adorable. The only movies offhand I can think of she was poor in were Star Wars and even Samuel L Jackson sucked in those. She was fantastic in Closer, quite good in Garden State, and very good in Paris je t'aime

Posted by: Nick at 10/28/07 5:14 AM | Reply
Score = 0

Oh how nice of her to compile music for the people in need of assistance. She can for once in her lifetime make some people dreams come true. She certainly knows how to make a mans nightmares come true, oh yes she takes a straight A on this. How nice! A change.

Posted by: Alexander at 06/03/08 12:22 PM | Reply
Score = 0