Courtesy Girl Talk
Gregg Gillis, better known by his DJ alias Girl Talk, has been a long-time favorite of hipsters and hip-hop enthusiasts. In performance, he hunches over his laptop, sweating and rocking rhythmically. By the end of his set, he’s invariably shirtless and surrounded by fans who are equally sweaty from all their booty popping, arm waving, and moshing. Girl Talk’s distinctive style relies on the irreverent juxtaposition of pop sweethearts and public enemies—or new dogs and OGs—and the resulting mixes are are fresher than the sum of their parts. For example, his brand new CD, All Day, pits “Party in the USA” against “Robbin’ Hoodz” to create a softer M.O.P. and a bad-ass version of Miley Cyrus. The album, now available for download, has thus far earned excellent accolades. We recently asked Gillis to reveal a few of his personal faves.
Mother Jones: What’s your favorite release this year?
Girl Talk: Rick Ross’ Teflon Don—it’s heavy in many different ways.
MJ: What’s the latest song, good or bad, that super-glued itself in your brain?
GT: Diamond, “Lotta Money”
MJ: Shuffle your iPod (or equivalent) and name the first five songs that pop up.
GT: I don’t use an iPod and have about 30 total mp3s on my computer right now. First five that pop up on Windows Media Player shuffle:
1. Bobby Byrd, “Hot Pants”
2. That Dog, “Never Say Never”
3. JT Money, “Who Dat”
4. 10cc, “I’m Not In Love”
5. Mandrill, “Honey Butt”
MJ: Name a guilty pleasure—something you like to listen to but don’t like to admit it.
GT: I don’t like things secretly.
MJ: Three records you never get sick of listening to?
GT: 1. Nirvana, Bleach
2. Nirvana, Nevermind
3. Nirvana, Incesticide
4. Nirvana, In Utero
MJ: Favorite holiday-related song or album?
GT: Paul McCartney, “Wonderful Christmastime”
MJ: Favorite politically themed song?
GT: Ice Cube, “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted”
MJ: Favorite song written pre-1980?
GT: That is an impossible question! My favorite song of 1980 might be Robbie Dupree’s “Steal Away.”
