The Last Drop » Girl Talk

New Issue: Girl Talk

TopDrop — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:01:52 +0000

Girl Talk, All Day – For an artist that I’ve extold numerous virtues, including a top spot for 2008, I was beginning to get worried after hearing the latest release. I thought I was witnessing the beginning of a demise in quality. In reality, it’s just a different beast than previous work.

I love Feed the Animals. I love the energy, the mixes, the bigness, the audacity, the Journey ending. All of it. And I thought that Feed the Animals was Girl Talk. And that’s where I got hung up for All Day. I mean, with a title like All Day, wouldn’t you expect craziness? Wouldn’t you want over the top? I blame Mr. Gillis for the inappropriate naming. However, I commend him for the overall output. All Day starts out fast out of the gate but then hits a mid tempo stride. That’s where I got (initially) lost. Where was Kelly Clarkson fighting against Nine Inch Nails? Shouldn’t it be getting bigger? Well, bigger isn’t always better. I didn’t know I needed to let this album simmer, but upon subsequent listens, it’s greatness shown. It gets in your head, it ruminates, it gets self referential. Overall, it’s more thoughtful. And it burns longer. Literally. At a weighty 71 minutes, it’s a stretch. Yet, it finds a way to stay relevant throughout the entire mix. Now, I still take issue to the ending – Imagine just seems ill matched for the overall tone of the album. But I’ve found more of the mash ups taking root in my brain than anticipated. It still doesn’t match the sense of tapping into the contemporary zeitgeist that Feed the Animals did upon release. But it does make a lasting impression.

New Issue: Girl Talk

TopDrop — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:28:00 +0000

Girl Talk, Feed the Animals – “Hi, my name is Greg Gillis. Thank you for coming to my show”. This mantra was repeated at least 50 times at the end of his show in London. No one wanted to leave. We all just stood and clapped while a Journey loop played on in the background. At this point, Greg was only wearing his underwear (briefs) and his old Nike Air Force 1s (high tops). Throughout the entire show the crowd was ripping at him, wanting more and going absolutely nuts. This was my first true experience of organized insanity brought on by music alone.

Aparantly, this effect often occurs at Girl Talk shows, thus Greg decided to name his next album Feed the Animals. And I am well satisfied. Chock full of unthinkable musical collages that find a way to work seamlessly. This album is so hard to describe without giving away the excitement of the first listen. His use of pop samples from across the ages is a cross between a house party and Name That Tune. You feel smarter for knowing where all of the pieces are from but you don’t need to know them to enjoy the album. It’s just, well, good. I can’t find any better words than that right now. Except it’s also (semi) free. Go to his website, pay what you want (thanks Radiohead and NIN for starting a wonderful trend) and check it out for yourself.

Top Drops: June

TopDrop — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:13:00 +0000

Whew! What a long month in between posts. My negligence can be explained. But it may take a while and I’d rather not waste the blog space. Suffice to say, I am sorry for those who have waited patiently for my top picks of June. In response, I shall make it brief as one album has dominated my life for the past 6 weeks. No contest. And a shoe in for a Top Drop of 2008

Girl Talk, Feed the Animals – The formal review is forthcoming. Just know two things:
1) This album is amazing
2) You can pay what you want for it. Click on the album link and check it out for yourself.