The End.
Just kidding, please welcome Nicole to the BYT team with her review of Girl Talk and Dan Deacon last night in Baltimore, along with some visuals by the homewrecker photographer extraordinaire Bao Nguyen. Show them some love. -cale
When it comes to this experience, expect a hot, sticky mess. That's what those showing up to Baltimore’s 2640 Space at St John’s Church last night got – that and a whole lot of ass-shaking goodness, brought by Wham City’s Golden Girls glasses-wearing Dan Deacon and one of the kings of mash-up DJing, Girl Talk.
Things started off late as White Williams finally hit the stage of the church. After a quick set Dan Deacon began setting up complete with his (recently stolen and returned) glowing green skull and continuing to perpetuate the rumor he only owns one shirt. Feeling under the weather he eventually yielded to Girl Talk’s Gregg Gillis after only about 20 minutes of high-pitched, super-fast antics. Have to admit, I was slightly disappointed. Last time he was in town at the massive Virgin Festival there was a sassy as fuck dance contest and cries of ‘Horsey Horsey!’ as Deacon did his best to get shit together and started.
Quick on the set up, complete with a huge inflatable Halloween spider Girl Talk was bringing the crowd onto the stage despite some confusion from some on who or what Girl Talk exactly is. “So how many people are in Girl Talk?” one girl asked.
Inflatable guitars, mics and a beach ball made its way through the crowd as mash-ups of everything from Smashing Pumpkins to Elton John to Tag Team’s ‘”Whoomp There it is,” kept kids on their feet and moving as he pushed back the cutoff for the curfew as much as possible. The beach ball smacked into Gillis’ laptop, creating a quick moment of quiet before he grabbed the mic and thanked the crowd for not being dicks, especially those on stage around him. A couple hair tossles of the guys around him later he was back in the mix with the screen behind asking R U M@therf#cking Ready? More motherfuckers were in fact ready to spend their Tuesday night at church than ever.
St. John’s Church had officially become the church of Girl Talk. It was loud, it was nonstop and it was the best Bible study I think I’ve ever attended.
By the end of the alcohol-free show with the 11 p.m. curfew, the wooden floor was a mass of wet, a few fans walked off with hugs and some inflatable piece of the set-up a la Girl Talk, Dan Deacon had recovered his lost glasses, and everyone could walk out with the knowledge that Girl Talks thinks Baltimore kids are in fact, still fucking cool.
So be ready for hundreds of awkward kids ass shaking tonight’s sold out show at the Black Cat. So here’s to no curfew and remember if you ain’t got no money, take your broke ass home.
Catch more of the same tonight at The Black Cat mainstage, if you already have tickets that is.
If it was anything like last time when he infiltrated the backstage at Bliss, you're in for a treat.
Wed Sept 19
GIRL TALK, DAN DEACON, WHITE WILLIAMS
$15 Mainstage 8:00pm
http://www.myspace.com/girltalkmusic
http://www.myspace.com/dandeacon
http://www.myspace.com/whitewilliams
Previously in Live DC:
- 5/25: LiveDC: The Polyphonic Spree @ Sixth & I
- 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
- 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
- 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
- 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
- 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
- 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
- 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
- 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
- 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather
God loves a cheerful giver.
roll call for tonight:
i'm in + 3
damn, that looks like a good time.
*bites tongue*
Just give in Michael - you know you wish you were there.
im dreading going. sweaty hipsters and bar lines...fun. who needs 2 tickets?
I was witness to the debacle that was this "event" on the backstage only because I had no idea what it was (And is part of the reason I have remained partially angry at Mr. Eastman - he was responsible for it).
I like music. I love music. I love entire songs. And I can appreciate the holy fuck out of a well-done re-mix. So do let's not say I'm a purist for artist written music solely.
What I don't like are partially mixed together songs. Never have, never will. Especialy when they're mixed together with hip-hop.
Yeah I'm old, and yeah I'm grumpy but this shit is mediocre at best. At BEST it is mediocre. At worse it's just some kid with a laptop and no real vocation for creating actual music.
Now I suppose he could prove me wrong and we could have endless conversations over whisky about theory and form and consonance and dissonance and mono-homo-polyphony and all that, but I won't hold my breath.
And I also dislike "buzz" which is what the majority of the people there tonight will be there for. The buzz. This summed it up nicely:
"“So how many people are in Girl Talk?” one girl asked."
The worst musician in the world can, should the power go out, still entertain a crowd somewhat. What will this guy do? Thumb in the ass antics?
Hell he doesn't even have to be on stage. He's created a playlist. Him standing on stage sweating over his laptop is just performing because people are throwing quarters at the monkey. There's no reason for it other than to give the perception he's doing something other than hitting "enter" when the cursor is in the right place.
You can achieve the same result for less money by buying his CD and pressing "play" which isn't something you can do when that aforementioned worst band ever comes to town.
seeing girl talk live is just a dance party as is seeing pretty much any DJ. that being said the hype around GT and the people there due to the hype, as michael stated, will probably detract heavily from the evening.
I will say 2 things:
1. I am a little mortified of the whole sweat on sweat experience in general (unless its on special occasions) but that Girl Talk Bliss was fun. And when it became too much I just went to the red room to drink/unsweat in peace.
2. I sort of just want to keep saying "sassy as fuck" all the time now.
expect lots and lots and lots of sweat tonight. seriously, i slipped in a pool of it on my way out.
also, sassy as fuck is the new black.
True, it is as any DJ party. It's the hype and the crowd said hype is bringing that will ruin it.
And I wouldn't care otherwise except it's at the BC, which is having enough problems with underage drinkers - just like the last time GT played there. But hey, they booked it so they know what they're doing (I hope).
But unlike other DJs who actually put up songs with some semi-random occurance (those who don't plan their entire sets in advance and do take requests), this guy doesn't have to do anything other than hit "play." Don't let the hunching over the laptop and the head bobbing fool you.
Other DJs have to mix songs (good ones do) and deal with skipping CDs and mixers and all that other crap that goes along with DJing.
GT brings in a laptop and sets it on a table. The rest is just acting. Granted I'll give him that he put it all together beforehand.
Of course now it looks like I'll be at the Cat for drinks tonight. Just please don't confuse me with people who are there for this thing.
hoping he plays on the stage so all the fanboy/girls can hop up there and make some room on the floor.
expect lots and lots and lots of sweat tonight. seriously, i slipped in a pool of it on my way out." - looking less and less forward to this.
"
I hope they jump up on stage too. It will be funny to see them thrown out.
"The worst musician in the world can, should the power go out, still entertain a crowd somewhat. What will this guy do? Thumb in the ass antics?"
This would be true if all music was still made on harpsichords or whatever and it was the year 1725. Different people like different things, isn't that so fucking crazy?
Not crazy at all. And people can feel free to like this. Apparently 700+ do (or think they do).
I just don't.
Actually I have stood behind Gregg at a performance before and watched exactly what he was doing, I wasn't familiar with the software he was using but I could tell that he was doing a little more than just hitting play. He was (at least somewhat) choosing the order of the songs, and adjusting pitch a lot. He also had to deal with people kicking out his power cable. But yes, you're right, mostly it's just acting. But I don't think anyone really is thinking otherwise, I don't think he's tricking anyone. I mean, he let's people get behind him and see exactly what he's doing. You know me, I don't like top top 40 rap just as much as you, like I don't even know these rap songs he's mashing up, but it's fun to identify the underlying indie or classic rock or whatever tracks underneath - and not just for the novelty of it, but for how he truly makes a new piece of art with it. I mean, take Smash Your Head, I've never even heard that Biggie song before (I didn't even know who it was till someone told me) but I get chills when listening to it.
Anyway, some of his mixing has to be done ahead of time due to the complexity of it, it’s either do it ahead of time or don’t play live.
As for the buzz and the hype - if it makes the kids dance at a DC show like gangbusters (did I just type that?) then bring it on.
I'm not trying to convince you or anything just giving my 2 cents.
Although not wanting someone to play the Black Cat cause they might have a problem with underage drinkers is one of the few retarded things you've ever said. Unless I misunderstood that comment.
Also - I'm sure they'll find some way to let people be around him, that's like the whole point - maybe they'll have him play on the floor?
As an individual who has been to his fair share of Girl Talk shows, often time standing right next to him, observing him on his laptop, I felt I had to defend him and his performance.
The idea that Girl Talk is a guy who simply presses play on his laptop is ridiculous. His computer is not just open to iTunes with a playlist entitled “Baltimore Show”. He is cutting and looping wav files in real time during the concert often improvising new songs right onstage. It's NOT acting. I’ve seen his shows on consecutive nights and even though they are similar set lists, as with any other artist, Girl Talk often rearranges certain songs in according to the crowd response. Oh yes, and he takes requests. Yesterday I had the misfortune of being next to a girl who was leaning over requesting songs every 2 minutes.
In terms of the whole “He’s Not a DJ” argument, he doesn’t claim to be a DJ. In fact, he often states that he is NOT a DJ. However, isn’t the whole idea of a DJ just a person who plays music that someone can dance to? I DJed for four years and I can tell you that’s really all you need to do to be a good DJ – play good songs that can make people dance. But if I were to go down your checklist of what a DJ is, taking requests, mixing songs, and putting songs in a “semi-random occurrence”, I actually think he qualifies under your requirements.
Of course, everyone is open to enjoy what they like and music is something that should be based on preference. I just think it is ignorant to criticize Girl Talk when you are obviously unaware of what he actually does onstage. In my opinion, it is just as ignorant as the girl who asks how many people are in Girl Talk. You don’t need to admire his music but I think there needs to be a certain level of respect given to a person who can make people dance, something seriously lacking in today’s music scene.
There is a lot to be said of what he is doing with music today. His music was even discussed on Capitol Hill on a hearing on the future of digital music and technology, and tonight, you might be able to spot a certain Pennsylvanian Congressman dancing onstage. The idea of sampling is something he did not come up with but he is taking it to a level where the sampling is so prevalent that the songs become his own and less of the artists themselves. I’m not saying that is a good or bad thing but it’s hard to argue that this is an important issue when it comes to the future of music.
When Thom Yorke was asked “If you had to chose between having only, listen, having only a computer or and acoustic guitar to record an album on, what would it be? Computer or acoustic guitar?”. Guess what he answered.
"Of course now it looks like I’ll be at the Cat for drinks tonight. Just please don’t confuse me with people who are there for this thing."
Not a problem. Can't say I would give a rat's.
I readily admit I talk out of my ass about most things.
I still didn't like his last event. I don't like any event like this. I don't like when my close DJ friends (ahem, Will) interrrupt a song to mix in another one. I admit I like my share of good mashups in moderation, but not all night. Purple Pills/Just Can't Get Enough anyone?
As far as the underage drinking at the Cat thing goes - everyone knows it's a huge problem. Fortunately most incidents involving underage drinking are taken care of quietly: they're told to leave.
It's when there's a fight or the police or ambulance is called (due to some 19 year old passing out from all the shots passed to him or her by friends) that the ABC board gets involved (they listen to the police scanner as intently as any bored WVA Redneck on a Saturday night). And ABC holds hearings on what happens.
There's a reason there aren't that many all age venues in this city and those that are around are constantly under attack.
The crowd that comes to these buzz-heavy shows don't give two shits about the Cat. This is probably the one and only time many will come to the Cat. They could care less if it closes down (unless GT was scheduled to play again in a few months).
Hank III (to go to the other side of the music spectrum) won't play at the Cat again despite it being a brilliant show and the fact that many of the "regulars" love his shows. It was the Manassas and outlying crowd that, again, for them the Cat is just a place where someone they want to see is playing, that fucked up any chances of his playing there again by fighting.
So yeah, if it came down to making it 21+ or having it closed down? I know what I'm choosing. (Note: Please don't think I'm blaming GT for it. I just know the crowd that was there last time. And I know the crowd that comes for events like this (and yes, some of the "normal" DJ nights are becoming problematic).
And if Yorke didn't say "acoustic guitar" then I'm breaking all my Radiohead CDs. Even the rarities and imports.
But then again I like Gordon from Ballboy better now anyway.
I'm not sure I get why an acoustic guitar is more valid to you than a computer as a music making tool. Radiohead being a prime example of the relevance of each.
Yawn. Nice pics, Bao.
what's wrong with sweat? what's wrong with underage drinking? what's wrong with you people?
i'm 30, i'm no fucking kid, and it if wasn't for underage drinking, i wldn't be the 145 pound rockstar barely standing before you.
dj's are great, and girl talk is a more innovative dj than most. he takes mash-up to its logical conclusion, complete chaos. love it. love the sweat, love the kids, love the underage drinking, party on.
Kids, don't let the fascists at the cat keep you down! Dante is afraid of children!
The whole dj vs not-at-dj argument is about as meaningful argument as vinyl vs. CD vs. mp3 as was the band vs. rapper/dj. You can't argue against something that obviously works and has social momentum behind it, you can only point out that it's not for you.
GT is sold out.
I wanted to attend.
I am not underage.
I like DJ'S.
I like musicians.
And gee golly, I like to dance.
Anyone on here who is anti-gt have a ticket they would like to get rid of?
You had me at "The End." That's an incredible picture!
sassy as fuck
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I am not against computers as music making tools. Hell I was way into Front242 a loooooooooooong time ago. One of my favorite bands is VNVNation. I was huge into the electronic/industrial scene.
But with regards to Yorke I would rather HE be into the acoustic guitar over the computer as a music tool. I think his music is better with guitar. I like KidA, but I like his guitar work better.
I also have nothing against underage drinking. Drink all you want kiddies. The US is behind the times with regards to age-setting requirements. But since it can get places closed, places I like to frequent, just do it elsewhere. And don't be like the dummies who showed up last Saturday, all underage, all getting out of a Cab holding plastic cups filled with liquor right in front of the door staff. Or be like them. Just don't be surprised when you just blew $50 on a cab coming in from Falls Church and aren't let inside.
I love to dance. Anyone who has been to pretty much any DJ event anywhere knows this to be true. I just don't like GirlTalk. Big deal. It's a forum for discussion. I discussed it. I had an idea, that I wanted to share. Don't like it? So what, I don't care.
if i didnt have to go their to get my tickets i would have gladly met up at a bar around my house and sold them. but since i have to go anways im going to check it out.
martee said: "love the sweat, love the kids, love the underage drinking, party on."
All this freedom from the same man who yells at my dog for licking the spot where his balls used to be (that would be the DOG'S balls, btw).
But other than the double-standard for underage hipsters and dogs, I agree. Girl Talk is fun! One of my charges at the office gave me a copy of Night Ripper and it got me through a few tough days at work and a few parties when I didn't have time to make my own playlist. Have fun tonight ya'll!
his show in cleveland last february was absurd. thought about being a craigslist asshole and pawning off my ticket for 80 bucks (and yes, they're going that much), but remembered how much fun i had the last time around.
still can't find my shirt from that night.
I was out there last night for it and left after about 20-30 minutes. It was good, but it wasn't fun. People weren't dancing as much as they were doing the "jump-up-and-down and mosh" total bullshit. Even though it was sold out, the room looked sparse - one of the employees estimated that 10-15% of the people who had bought tickets and showed up had been kicked out for underage drinking before the show was over.
Congrats on these photos from Baltimore, Bao, right place and the right time for sure. Was impossible to move w/in a few meters of the stage last night - unfortunately.
"10-15% of the people who had bought tickets and showed up had been kicked out for underage drinking before the show was over. "
I was wrong again. My estimate was way low.
I hope some of them were the ones paying $100 a ticket on Craigslist.
"“jump-up-and-down and mosh” total bullshit."
Agreed. People don't dance anymore. They jump and bounce. It was horrible watching it during SoulFuck the other night.
ditto, Dave
and Michael, i stand corrected
unfortunately both Dan Deacon and Girl Talk were not all that they cracked up to be
i rarely say this, but truly, it was the worst show i've ever been to
hands down, and Dan Deacon was awful, his whole set sounded like a kiddie porn game show
and Girl Talk was like high school all over again, a bad DJ, mixing hip hop with a tin ear
i'm not kidding when i say Will does a much finer job with mashups, transitions and such within and beyond the hip hop genre
all the sets were late, i missed White Williams due to a light dinner at Bar Pilar, highlight of the evening: their mint julep
sat through all of Deacon's "midi file sounding" set on a black leather couch in the back of the Cat, annoyed to the max
all of his set was totally wrong
then i proceeded to sit in same said couch through the first 15 minutes of Girl Talk, waiting to be inspired, wondering why the stage was full with teenagers when this music wasn't getting me up to dance
then i left
at least i gave it a shot, only wasted $30 for 2 tix and an hour or so of my time
now i know better
"However, isn’t the whole idea of a DJ just a person who plays music that someone can dance to? I DJed for four years and I can tell you that’s really all you need to do to be a good DJ – play good songs that can make people dance. But if I were to go down your checklist of what a DJ is, taking requests, mixing songs, and putting songs in a “semi-random occurrence”, I actually think he qualifies under your requirements."
He-yo, watch out while this 4 year DJ re-writes the book on what a DJ is. I hope [s]he does the 4 principles of hip hop next!!
:semi-random occurence: is the next LOL.
:taking requests: is the old LOL.
if someone had told me that the role of the massive group of hot, ass shaking, barely dressed, under-aged girls at the b.more show was going to be played by a herd of lame, girlfriend-less, non-dancing, gamers, i would've CL-ed my ticket.
i think i felt old for the first time in my life last night.
I tried to warn you guys and all I got was grief.
Must work on my delivery I guess.
I'll admit it. Yesterday's show at the Black Cat was pretty bad. But hey at least I got good photos of the Baltimore show.
alexandra -- completely. agreed.