After much anticipation and speculation, Gnarls Barkley has provided information about the new album THE ODD COUPLE. THE ODD COUPLE explores the forbidden underworld of popular music and human psychology, starting at the intersection of pulsating hooks and pure emotion. THE ODDS COUPLE takes the playful creativity that distinguished the duo's debut ST ELSEWHERE and expands the energy, the soul and the psychological complexity. It establishes Gnarls as a pivotal act of the 21st Century. There is something so refreshingly 'back to business' about The Odd Couple, the second album from Gnarls Barkley, aka Cee-Lo Green and producer extraordinaire Danger Mouse.

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(As if to announce this, they open the album with the same film projector affect that punctuated the opening of their debut). Their stunning, insta-classic first album St.

Elsewhere (featuring the now ubiquitous 'Crazy') cut to the quick on both the lyrical and production fronts: an album full of soul-stirring regrets and hopeful, transformational optimism from lyricist Cee-Lo and rip roaring beats from Danger Mouse (who has lent his talents a host of other projects including The Gorrilaz, the Black Keys and more) made for a so-called one off project that was so well-received and so fascinating, they answered hopes for another some two years later. Like its predecessor, Odd Couple is full of Cee-Lo's gravelly purr gliding on top of whirling beats and downright addictive hooks.The album starts out with a punchy bass riff ('Charity Case'), Cee-Lo's poignant lyrics punching through without the faintest trace of schmaltz or sentimentality: 'Oh can't you see/ If I help somebody, baby, there's mercy for me.' Danger Mouse's secret arsenal is his fanatically attuned ear; as a producer, hip-hop or otherwise, he may be in a class to himself at the moment. Few others can take such brilliant advantage of murky, B-movie style riffs ('Who's Gonna Save My Soul') along with hyped up, '60s surf/go-go flavored beats ('Going On,' 'Run,' 'Surprise') without giving his album a personality crisis.

At times, Odd Couple plays like a classic '70s soul album much more so than their debut. Of course, innovation is worthless if it doesn't sound good, and here, he wisely opts to keep these songs tight, accessible, melodic and, of course, welcome on the dance floor.As Danger Mouse brings the nasty beats, it's Cee-Lo's 'been there/done that' persona that provides the edge. It is in this duo that he has completely embraced his role as singer (vs.

Rapper), and his booming, raspy voice still sounds quite at home in this somewhat unusual partnership. He adopts the perspective of a disaffected teen to great effect ('Whatever') and sounds convincingly chilling on 'Would Be Killer' where he moans 'I've been entered by evil/ So someone best love me right now.' He is admirably cinematic on 'Open Book,' and stirringly soulful on 'No Time Soon' (which, instrumentally, may be Odd Couple's quirkiest track). At this juncture, Gnarls Barkley is clearly more than just another side project, with two albums this good under their collective belt. If nothing else, we can all keep our fingers crossed for a third.

There are down sides to instant successWere this to be the first release by Gnarls Barkley, I would give it 5 stars. It has a good mix of mo-town grooves with a modern spin that gives it an edge that is very desirable (just like their first release) in this day of regurgitated crap that all sounds the same.That being said, this is not the first release by the duo and so, they must contend with the stunning success of their damn-near-perfect St. Elsewhere.It really isn't that there is anything wrong with this album. It is an excellent effort with all of the desired qualities that made the first effort so wonderful. To be honest, in my humble opinion, this album doesn't really contain any standouts (as opposed to the freshman effort which had 'Smiley Faces', 'Just a Thought', 'Who Cares', and of course, the world-renowned 'Crazy'), though it is a thorough and solid effort that deserves a listen; it just doesn't have anything REALLY special like the first album did (but don't let that take anything away from what they have done here; it is really daggone good).This pair, Danger Mouse & Cee-Lo, have put out a strong sophomore effort that is deservedly receiving attention and rave reviews.

The fact that it is not quite 'St. Elsewhere' is immaterial.

These guys set the bar too high with their first album, but that should not be punishable by 1 star reviews, rather, it should be praised, as should this album, for keeping up the quality while not just remixing the first effort. Basically, I can't give this album 5 stars because I gave St. Elsewhere 5 stars.

Technically, I would probably give this album 4.25-4.5 stars.So, to sum up, St. Elsewhere is still the better of the 2 albums, but if you like that album, this shouldn't disappoint. Don't listen to the naysayers and morons that wanted an exact repeat of St.

That is what is wrong with music today; it all sounds the same and people want it all to sound the same; it's so freekin' boring. Damned if you do, damned if you don't; I guess.Don't hold it against these guys that they EVOLVED a little and DIDN'T rely solely on what they had already done; some of the reviewers are complaining, that is really what people mean if they say that this isn't St. Elsewhere and give it 1 or 2 stars. I definitely think this is worthy of the legend that will be known as Gnarls Barkely.I only hope that they have something special lined up for their third release; it's gonna get tougher and tougher for these guys to keep producing at the high level which they have now maintained through 2 albums. They have the opportunity to really be something special; let's hope it happens. The Odd Couple Really Makes Great SongsI have to confess that up to a week ago, I really didn't know Gnarls Barkley at all and I was influenced by the buzz during the last week to get a copy of 'The Odd Couple' for me.

I should say that I was thrilled to discover (so late) such great artists. They make unconventional, yet ingenious songs. Now I look forward to also adding 'St. Elsewhere' to my collection.Judging this release by itself, I found some songs that are really worth of listening to multiple times, like: 'Going On' (it has an enthusiastic hand clapping beat), 'Whatever' (with its very unconcerned lyrics), 'Surprise' (reminds a lot surf music in some passages), 'No Time Soon' (heart-and-soul lyrics), 'Blind Mary' (ever heard the Fine Young Cannibals in the 80s? Pay attention to how Cee-Lo sounds singing this song and you will know what I'm talking about) and 'Neighbors' (no special comments on this one, it's just great).This is a short length album (less than 45 minutes) so there is no way you can feel tired before the end of the recording.

Other songs that I have not mentioned are also cool, but I really prefer the ones I mentioned above. And if at least half the album is great, I should say I made a great purchase. If you decide to take this home, you won't be disappointed.

Gnarls Barkley The Odd Couple Zip Sharebeast

GNARLS BARKLEY THE ODD COUPLEGnarls Barkley has a unique style that must be heard to be appreciated.The raw energy and style on cuts such as 'Run(I'm a natural disaster)' and 'Who's gonnna save my soul' remind me of when rock and R&B were from the heart,not studio remixed and adjusted. This is definatly not on of those cookie cutter bands that you hear every day on the top 40 radio stations.Absolutly one of the best albums (talking sound wise and not sales) in the last couple of years.Listen and enjoy.