Back in 2006 or thereabouts, there was a song playing on the radio that quietly ingrained itself into my brain. The lyrics were hypnotic and powerful, the bass background enticing my head to bop around whenever I heard it. Soon after becoming consciously aware of the song “Crazy”, by Gnarls Barkley, I ran to my local Best Buy and purchased a copy of the group’s debut, “St. Elsewhere.”
I enjoy music that is intelligent, unique and innovative. Gnarls Barkley, previously unbeknownst to me, quickly became a favorite for its smart, reflective and catchy lyrics and its equally intelligent and irresistible beats.
Gnarls Barkley is comprised of a duo with singer Cee-Lo (Thomas Calloway) and producer Danger Mouse (Brian Burton). Both individuals had had previous successes before their collaboration; Cee-Lo with 1990’s Atlanta hip hop group, Goodie Mob, and Danger with Jay Z’s” Black Album” and Gorillaz “Demon Days. The guys first met in 2003 and soon began collaborating on what would become “St. Elsewhere”, a masterpiece of song surpassed only by their sophomore effort “Odd Couple”.
St. Elsewhere, 2006
The smash hit Crazy is not the only gem to appear on the duo’s debut, St. Elsewhere. The album opens with the rolling of film introducing “Go Gadget Gospel”, an irresistible sample of all the complexity that is typical Gnarl’s fare. Its’ first line says it all:
“Pump up the peculiar while I yell unique”
The song is a frenzied mix of alternative beats, soul, hip-hop, and funk and epitomizes the infectiousness of what’s to come. Up-tempo favorites include the catchy “Gone, Daddy, Gone” and happy-go-lucky “Smiley Faces”. St. Elsewhere is not only about contagious rhythms, though. Lyrically, much of the album is just as alluring as the music. Some of the songs are deeply introspective and thought provoking.
Just a Thought” voices the taboo of vocalizing the occasional notion of suicide that comes with depression. “Boogie Monster” speaks to the realization of the dark side within all of us. “Who Cares?” is yet another self-deprecating ode to the inner self, exploring the many faces we wear in our daily interactions. These and other tunes from the St. Elsewhere album make it a must for aficionados of unique, intelligent and captivating music.
The Odd Couple, 2008
The Odd Couple, released in spring of 2008 is a sophomore effort that expounds on the landmark debut. The duo expands their sound on this LP by incorporating sixties-style dance grooves into the music. The result is more pop-friendly tunes with the potential for wider appeal.
Once again, the album opens with the familiar rolling of film leading into the hypnotic “Charity Case”. The tune couples rhythmic percussions and female background vocals with the driving vocals of Cee-Lo. Next up is the somber “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul?” which since “The Odd Couple’s” release has spawned a new EP with several new versions of this soon to be classic. “Going on” is an infectious melody with equally infectious lyrics. It’s a dynamic song, with highs and lows that hold the listeners’ ears and keeps the hand clapping throughout. Run” is a throwback to the dance shows of the sixties and seventies, with its’ hard driving vocals and thumping track. (Justin Timberlake makes a cameo appearance on the video reminiscent of Don Cornelius of Soul Train Fame.)
The album continues to entice listeners with other well-produced songs, such as “Blind Mary” and “Neighbors”. “Surprise” is a throwback to sixties, Mommas and Pappas-style California sound.
Likely Page Break
The Odd Couple is a rarity in music, a sophomore effort that’s better than the original. Although none of the singles have matched the success of St. Elsewhere’s “Crazy”, the album is a must have for any music lover’s collection.
