Friday Afternoon Video: Girrrrl, Get Nastay!

Which came first? Leslie and the Lys or the Gem Sweater meme?

In 2003, Ames, Iowa resident Leslie Hall gained internet fame for her extensive, extensively ironic collection of gem sweaters.

Not long after, she formed a satirical rap band, Leslie and the Lys, and released her first album in 2005.

The fact that she's pandering in satire and irony, and also the fact that she studied performance art in Boston does little to ruin the pure delight that is a Leslie and the Lys song. No, not just song. Full-blown act.

Because here's the deal. Hall has a meticulously-formed character, one she had rarely broken over the past six years. Which is impressive considering she's only 27. In fact, one of the best things about her shows (with the exception of hers and the dancers' costumes, all hand-sewn by Hall's mother) is watching her struggle not to break character, even in interactions with the crowd.

Leslie and the Lys open for the ever-awesome Stereo Total Saturday night at Walter's.