The Odd Couple | Gnarls Barkley | Best of 2008 So Far, But Less Than I Expected

The Odd Couple | Gnarls Barkley | Shockingly Good!

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The Odd Couple

	The Odd Couple Gnarls Barkley Atlantic, 2008 average customer review:based on 60 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Best of 2008 So Far, But Less Than I Expected

From their collaboration on the song "Benzi Box" from the Danger Doom album, it was easy to see that Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo had incredible potential. In their first album, "St. Elsewhere", they took the world by storm with "Crazy", winning Best Song of the Year in 2006, and the world has been eagerly awaiting their second album.
Well, it's here now, and it's as amazing as could be expected. It doesn't blow "St. Elsewhere" out of the water by any means; it's easily apparent it wasn't meant to. "The Odd Couple" is a step in a different direction, with a more relaxed approach. Instead of the constant, break-neck tempo of their first album (although it's certainly still present in the single "Run") they've opted to go with a more natural sound. This could prove to be a wise move, as it makes it harder to think of Gnarls Barkley as part of a single genre. Despite the varied styles of their debut, it had an indisputable high-gloss polish that would lead some to label them as 'pop'.
The new sound is composed mainly of bass, hand clapping, and backup vocals, giving it a sound that many would describe as nostalgic. The good news is that it's still fresh, and I guarantee you haven't heard anything even remotely like it in years.
Unfortunately, although this is a great album and probably will prove to be the best of 2008, there doesn't seem to be a candidate for Best Song on "Odd Couple". However, the songs "Going On", "Run", and "Surprise" should be enough to satisfy fans. I also enjoy "Blind Mary", "Charity Case", and "Who's Gonna Save My Soul".
Overall, I would give this album a well deserved 5 stars, although no song stands out like "Crazy", the whole provides more than enough to go around. Watch and see as this album proves to be the best of 2008!

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Shockingly Good!

Their first LP seemed half baked, but this is an entirely different and better affair. Picking up where "Crazy" and "The Boogie Monster" left off, but moving boldly forward, Danger Mouse has fully blossomed into a really dope producer and Cee-lo's pipes have matured, resulting in a funky urban diary latered with grimy retro influenced hooks and samples. This record truly surprised me and is a masterpiece of sorts. Check out the 60's shag of "whatever" and the awesome futu-retro soul of "A little Better" with Cee-Lo's awesome vocal stylings.

Pretty on the inside.

Gnarls Barkley are back for their second go around, and not much has changed. Two years ago, I felt their debut was one of the most over-hyped releases of 2006, and I still stand by that claim. "The Odd Couple" is slightly better, but the duo didn't really capitalize on their debut, they just did more of the same, only to a less annoying extent.

I can't put my finger on what the problem is, but it seems to me that Gnarls Barkley try too hard. Listening to "St. Elsewhere" and "The Odd Couple", they both sound very labored. "The Odd Couple" has both strong and weak tracks. "Run (I'm A Natural Disaster)", the first single, could be interpreted as either exciting or irritating. It's so manic that it can get on the nerves after repeated listens. I think the first single should have been "Going On" or "Blind Mary", and then "Surprise" or "Neighbors". "Charity Case" and "Whatever" are also good, along with "Who's Gonna Save My Soul". One of the more interesting tracks, "Open Book" shows Gnarls Barkley stretching themselves in a different direction, but sadly, it's only that one song.

"Would Be Killer", "No Time Soon", "She Knows" and "A Little Better" slow the cd down and seem like filler to me.

Overall, I liked "The Odd Couple" slightly better, but I keep wondering if they're going to do something different. Maybe to others they sound original and innovative, but to me they sound like Terence Trent D'Arby meets James Brown meets Sam & Dave. They're mining ground that's already been mined. "Open Book" is maybe more like Tricky or other drum 'n' bass artists, but it was a different direction that was interesting to me.

Perhaps on their next cd they will stop trying to throw everything but the kitchen sink into their mix and instead focus their talents on a more cohesive album. Four stars, not five. Above average, but not great.

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