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Written by Alex Hodschayan Saturday, 10 November 2007 09:07

While most of the tracks Gillis played were from 2006's Night Ripper, there were a few surprises, including a mash of Soulja Boy's "Crank That."

Mojo's, Columbia, Mo.

There are very few shows that can bring out a huge crowd in Columbia, unless you are '90s teen rock icons, but Girl Talk had everyone well, talking. A typical Thursday night at Mojo's consists of about 10 to 20 local hipsters drinking dollar PBRs and listening to some local band, but November 8 was quite the exception. When you first walked in, you could feel the energy; people were ready to drink, dance and party.

The show started during sound check when people rushed onstage, to the surprise of Girl Talk's Gregg Gillis. A few sound bites later, it began. The crowd was one of the most energized that I have ever seen. Think of a mosh pit filled with hipsters all dancing to their own beat, covered in sweat and spilling beer on everyone. While most of the tracks Gillis played were from 2006's Night Ripper, there were a few surprises, including a mash of Soulja Boy's "Crank That." At times such as this, the crowd would shout along as they danced uncontrollably. Being in the front felt like you were dancing in a wave pool. You could move, but you would be tossed in multiple directions with every move you made.

Gillis danced with members of the audience lucky enough to make it onstage. After a few stage dives, he took a moment to invite sex acts and public nudity to the stage, but Mojo's quickly shot that down. Although nothing extreme went on during the show, Gillis kept the crowd energized with encouraging words, downed beers, and tossed water; believe me, the water felt great. Gillis also took time during moments that were a bit calmer to shake as many hands in the audience as he could. It truly seems like he makes this music not just for himself, but for everyone, and that he truly respects his fans.

The show ended with people removing their shirts onstage, people in the crowd soaked in sweat, and everyone's favorite mash of Biggie Smalls and Elton John. While Girl Talk's set was around an hour, it only felt like 15 minutes. The show then flooded out to the after-party, Gillis himself included. | Alex Hodschayan