Best of 2008: #23, Girl Talk

Rank: #23

Album: Feed the Animals

Artist: Girl Talk

Label: Illegal Art

Continuing our list, number 23 is the oft-talked about Girl Talk, (a.k.a.- Greg Gillis) and his new record, Feed the Animals.  I'll admit, I didn't see the initial appeal of the album- a lengthy collection of mixes, released free online (a la Radiohead's In Rainbows).  Upon completing the album for the first time though, way back during the summer, it was apparent to me.  This album has more energy than just about anything you'll listen to- this year or any other.  It's definitely your type of record if you're one of those people who rarely listens to songs all the way through.  Gillis' music ADD here is what drives you through the 14-track tribute to musical expression.

In my opinion, the best part of Feed the Animals has got to be the large varieties of music sampled.  I don't have the time to amass a final count, but the wikipedia listing on the album looks to be somewhere in the hundreds.  The opener, "Play Your Part (Pt. 1)" , alone takes from 25 different tracks, spanning from Ludacris to Twisted Sister to Rage Against the Machine.  With so much music to comprehend per track, I wouldn't recommend listening to it while doing work or trying to relax.  However, if you're looking for something fun to dance to, or just hang out and have a good time with- this is, without a doubt, your record of choice.  Ask my former colleague Heath, who's probably listened to this album around 50 times (haha).  Though I don't feel you'll need a comparison to want to check this out, see The Hood Internet, The Kleptones, and DJ Danger Mouse.

Best Track: "What It's All About"