Girl Talk – Feed the Animals

Feed the Animals, the new release by Girl Talk, contains so many samples, it boggles the mind to think how you could begin a project like this. Containing samples from countless artists, all shoved into a seemless album going from one catchy sample to the next. Combining new songs with well selected nostalgiac riffs and placing them perfectly ontop of eachother.

Due to the fact that this album contains so many current hits, Girl Talk literally finished the album less than a fortnight ago (June 10, 2008), quickly going into mastering, before being released solely on the internet to download for free. Taking the same tact as Radiohead and NIN, this is bound to create some PR for Girl Talk, who gained more widespread awareness with his 2006 release, Night Ripper.

What is meant to be listened to in one single sitting, all the songs blend into the next, and can appropriately be downloaded (legally off Girl Talk’s website) as one mp3 for $5. A cut up version can also be downloaded for free off the site, and with gapless playback enabled, provides the same experience.

This is surely one album you can put on at a party and be sure that everybody will at least know one sample in a minute block. If they dont, they have been living under a rock for the past 45 years.

Highlights include: What It’s All About, Play Your Part (Pt. 1) and Set It Off.

MP3: “What It’s All About” – Girl Talk

Ratatat – LP3

Consisting of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast, this New York duo combines synthesizers, guitars, bass, and some of the best beats in a long time. It really must be heard to understand the amazing sounds these guys put out. Expected to be released on July 8th, 2008, this is the “third” major release by Ratatat.

The first two and a half minutes are eerie, letting the listener get ready for the ride. And it is just that. A ride. Welcome to the awesome hip-hop infused electro-rock sounds of Ratatat. Leaping from one hook to the next, this group seems to have an endless supply of catchy tunes, with sounds you wish you thought of. You can easily stick this album on repeat, as the songs have no vocals to get caught up in. Its purely the music. Its hard to single out the best parts of the album, as all the songs interweave and are all excellent. Sticking seemingly unrelated genres in the middle of their trademark sound somehow works. Mi Viejo is a perfect example of this, as Latin influences penetrate the otherwise alternative sound. LP3 is little different to their previous albums, self titled “Ratatat” and “Classics”, but somehow feels more whole. This album is fun, enjoyable and very easy to listen to. Definitely one to get.

Highlights include: Falcon Jab, Mirando and Dura.

MP3: “Mirando” – Ratatat