Heave Media

A Truly Odd Couple

Gnarls Barkley expands on their sound.

Gnarls Barkley

The Odd Couple

Released on Nov 30, -0001

The title of this album can be taken to mean a multitude of different things. Perhaps, it’s implying how the seemingly polar opposite pair of Danger Mouse (Brian Burton) and Cee-Lo Green (Thomas Callaway) can create such unique and admirable music. Or maybe it’s suggesting how strange it is that such a distinctive style of music could be an underground hit as well as an international chart-topper. After Gnarls Barkley’s platinum premiere album, someone is bound to raise the question, is this record going to be a sophomore slump of sorts, or do we have another history making record on our hands?

Gnarls Barkley’s second full-length album, The Odd Couple has been out for only a few days, and is already getting worldwide attention. The album was released online seven days before the US release in stores, a daring move by the group, but a move that could spur some positive outcome. The record’s first single “Run (I’m A Natural Disaster),” is already breaking into the charts in the UK, despite a controversial music video. The video for the single was banned from airplay in the UK due to its dizzying special effects, which caused it to fail an epilepsy test. The first single from this album introduces us to a previously unknown facet of Gnarls Barkley’s sound; featuring feisty vocals on Cee-Lo’s behalf and old school beats with a catchy backfill of children singing during the chorus.

We see more signs of growth in the tracks “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul” and “Would Be Killer.” Both of which highlight Cee-Lo’s matchless and varying voices, sober melodies and, at times, frightening messages. The sheer amount of genre variations on this album may be part of what makes it so easy on the ears. “Whatever” takes a departure from the formerly established sounds of the group; and while teamed up with “Surprise,” have a happy-go-lucky feel to them with samples relatable to some of the popular classic rock bands of the 70’s.

The Odd Couple has a more poppy feel than their previous work, with songs like “Charity Case” and “Going On.” Not to mislead you and say that this is a poppy album, which is most certainly not the case. Near the end of the album we see a shift in energy and start seeing more mellow and thoughtful tracks to conclude this sophomore triumph.

High Point: The Odd Couple is reminiscent of old Gnarls Barkley tunes but with a more experimental edge.

Low Point: While I consider most of the album to be pretty good… select songs may be a bit too poppy or slow for your taste.

Quick point: The music video for “Run (I’m A Natural Disaster)” is all over Youtube. Remember, if any video has ever been banned, they’re probably just trying to hide something good.

Posted by Andrew Scott on Mar 25, 2008 @ 12:00 am