Girl Talk: "Feed the Animals" Indeed

Previously mentioned, in more places than I can count, mash-up maestro Girl Talk released Feed the Animals last Thursday. 2 years after his breakout success, The Night Ripper, Greg Gillis is pretty much the face (but not the creator) of this evolving genre. So far, the Hood Internet, Car Stereo (Wars) and Immuzikation are the only ones close to Girl Talk. Since the classic The Night Ripper, Mr. Gillis has quit his day-job, won a Taco Bell eating contest, and went from doing shows for small gatherings to selling out venues and joining the festival circuit (this year at DEMF, Lollapalooza and All Points West to name a few).

This time around, Girl Talk went with the Radiohead approach by releasing Feed the Animals with the "pay what you want" option. Very interesting, and being the stats nerd that I have turned into, I would love to know how many units sold on the first day/week. I don't think Soundscan will be seeing those records. I bought my copy for $10, which included 14 DRM-free mp3's, plus $3 shipping to get the physical copy this fall (for reasons previously mentioned).

After having the weekend to digest it, I've decided that its okay that its not The Night Ripper. 2 years changes a lot and they are in fact, 2 totally different "Animals". Feed the Animals is much more accessible to the masses sprinkled with more "classics" than you can count. What it lacks in obscure/cult samples, it makes up for in smooth transitions. There are very few spots where an '80s legend couldn't line up with a rap star. While I can't say it has a true "Juicy"/"Tiny Dancer" moment, Animals has some head-turning spots:

-"What Its All About" (Jackson 5 "ABC" + Rihanna "Umbrella") Girl Talk manages to make a young MJ sound electric over the catchiest song from last summer.

-"Set It Off" (Mary J. Blige "Real Love" + the Guess Who "These Eyes") Mary J. Blige's soulful vocals are even better over this stripped down classic.

-"No Pause" (Yael Naim "New Soul" + Eminem "Shake That" + Swizz Beatz "Money In the Bank") The catchiest of all Apple songs, paired with Eminem's filthiest party jam, and a little help from Swizz Beatz makes for a prime mash-up.

-"Play Your Part (Pt.2)" (Huey "Pop, Lock & Drop It" + Journey "Faithfully") While I'm more partial to the Soulja Boy and Journey version I heard in sweat soaked Chicago, I can't think of a better way to conclude the album.

My favorites change each time I listen to it. Cop it while you can. The more popular Mr. Gillis gets, the more I worry that some artist will get grumpy and try to get in Girl Talk's pockets. Look for Girl Talk to continue his non-stop touring through the Fall.

Girl Talk - No Pause

Buy Girl Talk's Feed the Animals here. Preview it here.

Cut Copy: Summertime "Colours"

I've been slacking again, but its only because of:

a) moving out of my apartment
b) trips to Caseville
c) mourning the end of my beloved Pistons' playoff run
d) the slew new music keeping me occupied

Those good reasons and the fact that my current file-sharing site, File Den, decided to ban me from use (if anyone has any better ones, let me know), should explain my absence. At least I didn't "leave you without a dope beat to step to" (see Nark Inc.).

By now, Lil' Wayne sold a "Millie", Lollapalooza released its 2008 schedule, and Girl Talk took the Radiohead route with Feed the Animals(more on that later). You also might have noticed Cut Copy's rise to fame. From February to May, their tracks (and remixed tracks) have ruled the Hype Machine's top 50 and have quickly risen to my iPod's top 100.

There isn't much more I can say about these Australia natives, other than that they know how to make catchy, yet thoughtful ("So Haunted") dance hits. In what could be confused for a number of styles, Cut Copy manages to create an electropop sound with guitar, drums and keys. At times In Ghost Colours sounds like an 80's throwback ("Lights and Music") without the cheesy haircuts and outfits, and at others its simply, good indie rock ("Midnight Runner" & "Unforgettable Season"). In Ghost Colours could possibly be the album of the summer with breezy songs like "Feel the Love" and "Hearts on Fire".

Cut Copy is currently touring the U.S. and making stops at Pitchfork and Monolith. Everything I have heard about their live show sounds amazing and makes me jealous I missed their Magic Stick show.

Cut Copy - Feel the Love

Cut Copy - So Haunted

Narkworthy 6/3: Nark Inc.

This mixtape was actually sitting on the burner for a week or so. After the onslaught of summer hip-hop, it took a little while to decide what would make the cut. After seeing the track list, 2 things jump out at me:

1. Neptunes, Neptunes Neptunes. Pharrell and Chad are all over this edition. N.E.R.D. is making me consider avoiding the inevitable leak and buy Seeing Sounds. Star Trak cohorts Kenna, Chester French and Mickey Factz make necessary appearances. Lastly, 2007 may have been the year of Timbaland, but 2008 might be all Neptunes. Between the Common track, N.E.R.D., and Pharell's work on Madonna's album, they certainly have a head start on Timbo.

2. Midwest Revival. Nark Inc. is filled with artists representing Chicago, Detroit and even Cleveland. It was hard to dissect a few cuts from Kidz In The Hall's The In Crowd, with so many to choose from. Common purists are going to be mad, but you can't argue with the Pharrell beat on "Universal Mind Control". Ann Arbor transplant Buff 1 makes the 1st of many future Nark features, Royce 5'9" makes two appearances, as does Cleveland newcomer and self proclaimed "stoner", Kid Cudi.

..and yes, Curtis and his silly vocoder made the list....whoops.

Nark Inc.
1. TQ - Paradise ft Krayzie Bone
2. X.O. - Grind Baby ft Cee Cee
3. Brisco - On The Run ft Akon & Flo Rida
4. Kid Cudi - Day n Nite
5. Common - Universal Mind Control ft Pharrell
6. Mickey Factz - The Water ft Lauryn Hill
7. N.E.R.D. - Spaz
8. Buff 1 - Beat The Speakers Up
9. Idle Warship - Fall Back ft Chester French
10. Elzhi - Motown 25 ft Royce 5'9"
11. Kenna - Say Goodbye to Love ft Lupe Fiasco
12. B.O.B. - Lonely People
13. Saigon - Believe It
14. NYGz - Ya Dayz R #'D remix ft Lady of Rage, Freddie Foxx & Royce 5'9"
15. Bun B - Swang On 'Em ft Lupe Fiasco
16. Wale - The Crazy
17. Kidz In the Hall - Middle of the Map Pt. 1 ft Fooch
18. Kidz In the Hall - Middle of the Map Pt. 2 ft Black Milk & Guilty Simpson
19. N.E.R.D. - Everybody Nose remix ft Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco & Pusha T
20. Kid Cudi - Dat New "New"
21. G-Unit - Rider Pt. 2
22. Rick Ross - Get Down ft Pharrell

Download Nark Inc.

The Black Keys: Southern Blues "Attack"

I haven't had time to mention The Black Keys' latest effort, Attack & Release, in the past month. Thats because its been a non-stop fixture in my cd player.

**Warning-Short Rant Below**
Yes, I actually went to buy this album because sometimes, I just miss the physical process of purchasing new music. In fact, I would probably switch to vinyl if it were possible to transfer the music to my computer, eventually. But there is something to be said for:
A)driving to a record store (unfortunately, I don't know any in my area)
B)paying cash
C)tearing off the plastic
D)checking for a scratch-free disc
E)perusing through liner notes
F)listening to a new album from start to finish
iTunes just can't give me that experience (and my wallet can't handle buying 10 albums a week).

Anyways, on Attack and Release, the Black Keys added a third party to their close knit duo, producer Danger Mouse. While many were nervous that Danger would disrupt the chemistry and success Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney had on past releases (I know Magic Potion, but need to check out the rest), fans shouldn't worry. If anything, he helped refine their garage-blues sound and only added when necessary. On the lead single, "Strange Times", Carney's drums sound as hard as ever and Auerbach's vocals have a commanding presence. Danger subtly sprinkles some psychedelic keyboarding and an eerie backing to complete the apocalyptic track. "Psychotic Girl" continues the dark tone with a creepy organ amid his haunting voice. Listeners are easily entranced by slight strumming of a banjo, as Auerbach tries to ward off the advances of a female who isn't who she seems.

If a little Danger Mouse, is too much for you, not to worry. "I Got Mine" showcases the duo at their best with thunderous chords with a Led Zeppelin feel. Other highlights include "Oceans and Streams" (a metaphorical bout with insomnia) and the mid-tempo cut "So He Won't Break" (maddening heartbreak).

Look for The Black Keys to continue to gain momentum with stops at Lollapalooza, Rothbury and their own tour this summer.

The Black Keys - I Got Mine

The Black Keys - Psychotic Girl

Narkworthy 5/20: B.O.B., N.E.R.D., Bun B ft Lupe

There was drought for a week or so, but when new, good hip-hop comes out, it is usually in bunches. Last week was no different with a plethora of summer-ready goodness from a variety of sources.

B.O.B. - Lonely People
This track from the next great thing from A-Town isn't exactly new, but I finally found a copy of it. B.O.B. drops some social commentary over a Beatles sample of "Eleanor Rigby" that would never get cleared, thank god for mixtapes. Some people are partial to Talib's take on this Beatles' gem, but this beat hits harder.

B.O.B. - Lonely People

Talib Kweli - Lonely People

N.E.R.D. - Spaz
Pharell & company sound amazing over another schizophrenic beat. The song is currently getting plugged by Microsoft and feels much more like a track from In Search Of... rather than Fly or Die.

N.E.R.D. - Spaz

Bun B - Swang On'Em ft Lupe Fiasco
After getting props on "Hip-Hop Saved My Life", Houston's best grabbed Lupe for this cut from "II Trill". Lupe's chameleon-like flow sounds more than at home over the thumping track, while Bun B does what he does best.

Bun B - Swang On-Em ft Lupe Fiasco

$35 to see Shawy Lo....I don't think so

In the past year, I have made it part of my daily routine to check Detroit venue websites for updated concert information. Live Nation and Ticketmaster, usually, only list concerts at "their" venues, and TourFilter only lists concerts a month in advance. So I have been relegated to checking each venue seperately, but it is a good way to waste time.

This week, I stumbled upon a listing for a Shawty Lo concert at The Fillmore on May 30th. I then proceeded to vomit in my mouth and tried to hang myself with "Laffy Taffy" when I saw ticket prices were $35 for General Admission, what!?!!?! That is, of course, if you don't feel inclined to buying $55 Mezzanine seats...GOOD GOD. Oh, and don't forget the convenience and building fees Ticketmaster slaps you with. Your grand total is now $46 or $67. Not very "convenient" is it?

It just made me think, who does Mr. L-O really think he is? I guess he could get away with that kind of highway robbery in Bankhead, but Detroit? I don't think so. Its just another example of how backwards the music industry is, specifically, the rap genre. Album sales are horrific (unless your last name is Mathers, Jackson, Carter or West) due to people sick of buying cd's for only 1 single, and this is the type of thing that will ruin the concert business too.

I mean, that is a lot of money see some "one hit wonder", scream into a microphone with 50 dudes on stage. Mind you, I wouldn't pay to see Shawty Lo for $5, but I've been to enough rap concerts, some good (DMX and Eminem) and some bad (a riot with No Limit Soliders), to know mainstream rap acts worth seeing in person. Jay-Z, Kanye & The Roots would be more expensive than Shawty Lo, but much more worth it. A)They don't use "hype men", B)have good openers (Mary J. Blige, N.E.R.D., Lupe Fiasco), and C)incorporate back-up bands.

It just shows the difference between rap/hip-hop genre and indie/rock music. This is exactly why you hear about small acts selling out venues and rap acts canceling dates. Considering tickets for Cut Copy and the Black Kids at The Magic Stick last week were around $15, for $46 Shawty Lo better play the guitar, do magic tricks and buy out the bar to make it worth it.

Shawty Lo - Dey Know (Million $ Mano Remix)

Jamie Lidell: So Soulful Man

Sure to be making waves this summer is singer/songwriter, Jamie Lidell. After realizing I hadn't heard of many of the artists that will be appearing at Lollapalooza, I checked out Mr. Lidell via Lolla's handy "Discover Artists" page. I was immediately impressed with Lidell's soulful ways and jealous of his genius skills on the piano. Seriously, when your mother tells you that you'll regret quiting playing the piano in 5th grade, she was totally right.

Lidell's latest album, Jim, was released last week and its upbeat rhythms are perfect for the upcoming, long awaited summer season. He seems to be channeling his inner-Sam Cooke on cuts like "Another Day" and "A Little Bit of Feel Good". Most of the songs deal with the usual subject of love lost and heartbreak, but have a retro-soul feel that leaves you uplifted, rather than depressed. Even when he slows things down on "All I Wanna Do", his crooner sound genuine and not cheesy.

Most of the info I have read about Jamie Lidell mentions that Jim and recent album Multiply are a departure from his Electronica days. If his past passion for electro is half as good as his soulful crooning, it would be worth checking out.

Jamie Lidell - Another Day

Jamie Lidell - A Little Bit Of Feel Good

See Jamie Lidell at Lollapalooza 2008.