The Odd Couple Reviews

• Even Better Than St. Elsewhere

  
  By A1EK0KJ1LLQB7L on 2008-03-19
  "I got some bad news this morning
  Which in turn made my day..."
  
  If you've seen the video for "Run (I'm A Natural Disaster)," the first single from Atlanta based Gnarls Barkley's second LP, The Odd Couple, you'll get a sense of the juxapositions that run through the rest of the densely layered, emotionally complex album: 60's and 70's pop and soul bumping up against modern hip-hip and electronica; breezy, upbeat sounding music over dark, even menacing sounding lyrics and vocals. If the result is occasionally disorienting, it's also almost unfailingly intoxicating and just plain fun to hear. Even though the strongest material is weighted towards the first half, The Odd Couple is head and shoulders a better album than St. Elsewhere, and that album wasn't too shabby. Here's hoping that Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse, the two talented musicians behind Gnarls Barkley, are just beginning to build a body of work for their band. Standout cuts: "Charity Case," "Going On," "Run [I'm A Natural Disaster]" and "Surprise."
  
  

• No sophomore slump here

  
  By A2NMPDBX9HEJCS on 2008-03-20
  If you didn't like the last album, there isn't much here that will change your mind. If you *did* like it -- The Odd Couple is even better. The first five tracks, in fact, are so good that the middle suffers, but only by comparison. For any other artist of this kind, even the weakest material on The Odd Couple would be a welcome addition.
  
  And that's the other thing -- these guys don't really sound like anybody else. If you pinned me down, I'd say it's like Beck, The Gorillaz, and DJ Shadow got together in their prime to make an album. But instead of needing three bands to catalyze that sound, Gnarls Barkley only needs two people. These are some extremely talented guys.
  
  

• Best of 2008: Soul Meets Beats With Gnarls Barkley Again

  
  By A1IANEBSMVGHS9 on 2008-03-23
  After their amazing St. Elsewhere back in 06, Gnarls Barkley came back with an AMAZING album that consolidates them within a space where Cee-Lo's soulful voice blends in perfectly with the loops and beats of DJ Danger Mouse.
  
  Demanding fans who learned to love the unbelievable work in songs such as the now-classic "Crazy" will not be disappointed: the appropriately titled "The Odd Couple" has a slight emphasis on the power of Cee Lo's vocal floating in a space full of 60's nostalgia with the unmistakable touch of Danger Mouse's work crafting the perfect balance with a sound that has earned them a permanent spot among the most creative acts around these days.
  
  This album is my first choice to the list of Best Music of 2008.
  
  

• A perfect couple!

  
  By A24N1BAS3CU27H on 2008-03-25
  Gnarls Barkley return with their aptly titled sophomore album "The odd couple", delivering more of the same stuff that was on their smash hit Grammy winning platinum debut.
  
  It is filled with the same kooky, psychedelic funk/pop, with lyrics touching on paranoia, mental anguish, and other dark aspects of human nature. While it may not contain another "Crazy", all 13 tracks are brilliant, from opening, sunny "Charity case" (with brief bursts of lovely harmonies), to the morose piano tinkled lament "Who's gonna save my soul".
  
  "Going on" starts off deceptively almost country-ish, before morphing into an uptempo clap-fest with eerie harmonies against an organ back drop. Lead-off single "Run" is a sunny retro sounding song (a bit like Outkast's "Hey ya") featuring Cee-Lo wailing "Run children, run for your life" with chilling urgency.
  
  Returning to sombre is the atmospheric "Would be killer". Starting with bird sounds is "Open book" before disjointed drums and swirling strings sweep in. Next is the psychedelic Beatles-esque "Whatever", the surf rock/dub feel of "Surprise", the atmospheric "No time soon" with skittery beats, the lo-fi sounding "She knows", and the Motown sounding "blind Mary".
  
  The chilled trip hop "Neighbour" deals with an envious neighbour, while closing cut "A little better" is a brooding Blues-ey song dealing with mental anguish, but with a hopeful outlook (I love the echoing ending).
  
  Each of the 13 tracks averages at about 3 minutes, and so cut right to the chase. For those who loved "St. Elsewhere" (and not just the "Crazy" single), you will love this. A fitting follow up.
  
  
  

• Better than "St. Elsewhere"?

  
  By A70YTUFJY5HXN on 2008-04-18
  I've been living with this CD for about a fortnight now and while I absolutely love it, while I strongly believe that Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green are one of the most innovative and exciting duos in music right now, and while this album offers much of what I was hoping for - fresh, modern music, soulful vocals set to solid beats, and deep, introspective lyrics - I found that it took a little longer than St. Elsewhere to get into. Nothing jumped out and grabbing me by the b**s like a handful of the tunes on "St. Elsewhere" did and I initially struggled to see how some reviewers could consider this the better album.
  
  But, slowly and eventually it came to me, much like a celestial revelation. The more I listened, the more I got it. This album is absolutely incredible. Take songs like "Charity Case" (love the backing vocals by Sierra Simone) and "Who's Gonna Save My Soul", (rumoured to be the second single; Cee-Lo definitely has one of the most soulful voices around at the moment and just check out the opening lyrics: "I got some bad news this mornin'/ Which in turn made my day/ When this someone spoke, I listened/ All of a sudden had less and less to say"). Once I REALLY started to listen, both made me think, ah, yes, this is just like old times! This is what Gnarls Barkley are all about!
  
  Then there's the incredibly danceable "Going On", the manic lead single, "Run (I'm A Natural Disaster)" and to be honest, so it goes right up to the final track, "A Little Better". I do have favourites though: All of the aforementioned, "Whatever", the western-styled "Surprise", "Blind Mary" (another strong contender for a single, methinks) and "Neighbors". That's more or less every song on the CD.
  
  So the answer is yes. In my opinion, and without any doubt, this IS a much better product than "St Elsewhere". What I'm not so sure about is whether it will have the same mass appeal. This one requires a bit more thought and most people just don't have the patience these days.
  
  I'm just saying.
  
  
• Crazy But Not Quite Like "Crazy"
  By A3SV72ZAHH2IDH on 2008-03-25
  The exprimental 2006 collaboration between R&B singer/Rapper Cee-Lo (ex Goodie Mob) and Producer Danger Mouse who worked with Gorrillaz and the world's most reserved Rapper/Producer MF DOOM (who always wears a mask not to reveal his face) proved successful. The odd couple known as Gnarls Barkley scored one of that years biggest hits with "Crazy" from debut album St. Elsewhere The music they delivered was odd, witty, playful and very exprimental with samples from all kinds of genres. The paranoid hit "Crazy" had sampled some obscure Spaghetti Western from the 60's and further proved what you can do if you have fantasy, humour and alot of time on your hands. The rest of the album had it's moments aswell even if the oddity that you found on song number 12 was a bit too much in my opinion. However, "Crazy" became the only hit from "St Elsewhere" and the album eventually sold almost 4 million copies, far more then they ever thought it would do. Gnarls Barkley had no other choise then to get back into the studio and record it's successor, "The Odd Couple" and it's released just two years after.
  
  
  Before getting into their new album let's start by saying that the whole point with their debut album was to explore new territory, not only musically but also within themselves and to have fun during the process. And "St Elsewhere" succeeded with finding new angles of two very strong personalities and also to make remarkable music that was both unique and challenging. That "Crazy" became such a big hit and closely associated with them was just a bonus and perhaps at times even a liability. On their sophmore effort they don't try to re-create "Crazy" nor making overly commercial radio singles, instead they dig deeper into their creative minds and the end result is something rather diffrent with alot of dark midtempo's that are innovative but take more listens to enjoy. Having said that, the album is still unpredictable, charming and funny at it's best and should atleast make some people content. The album gets a good start with "Charity Case", a beautiful slowtempo with distorted female vocals. Next up is "Who's Gonna Save My Soul" a somber slowtempo which feature a very powerful performnce by Cee-Lo but the song itself is dark and depressing. "Going On" is most likely about dying. It got this very catchy electro beat sound on it's hook and I'd say it's one of the best and most engaging songs. "Run" is the closest you got to "Crazy" cause it's the only uptempo this album offers. It got this 60's rock feeling mix with dance music and surely got the hit potential aswell. The lyrics go like "You can't win child,
  /We've all tried too/ You've been lied to/ It's already inside you
  /Either you run right now, or you best get ready to die" I'm not sure wether the songs refers to running away from danger or run to the floor to dance? That's the brilliance of GB's unpredictable lyrics. "Would Be Killer" on the other hand is just to dark and obscure when Cee-Lo sings he's some kind of evil-minded serial killer. Infact, he sound rather evil here. "Open Book" feature tribal drums and a hard electro beat and plenty of shouts of desperation. Another really odd number. On the 60 pop esque "Whatever" Cee-Lo sounds whiny for the major part and sings about a lonewolf kid that doesn't have any friends. The song is actually whatever to me. Cee-Lo offers some of his best lyrics on "Surprise", yet another 60's sounding pop/soul song. The lyrics here are ironic but that's not surprising?.
  
  
  Breakup song, or is it about death again? "No Time Soon" is exprimental and melancholy but this time it works rather well cause of it's beautiful sound. "She Knows" seems to be a love song or something in that way, it's slow but forgettable. I couldn't quite figure out wether "Blind Mary" is a love song about a blind girl or to a certain Mary Jane. It's anyone's guess. I found the lyrics "She's my friend she doesn't judge me/ She has no idea I'm ugly/ So I have absolutely nothing to hide/because I'm so much prettier inside" to be rather funny actually. Aparently Cee-Lo got issues with his neighbours aswell on the next song called "Neighbour", when everything was already going wrong atleast he could have been more lucky with this. The song is once again sang in a melancholy and somewhat sarcastic mood. "A Little Better" seems to be about dying too. Not too remarkable, but it's sang in a faster way then most songs here. With 13 songs it closes the album.
  
  
  Overall, Some people are gonna love this and say it's ultimately one of the most exprimental, creative and original albums of the year, while others will say it's too exprimental, too somber and lacking from the obvious big hit single. At times this album is absolutely brilliant and it feels more coherant then their first one with it's themes and sound, on other occasions it's just to "artistic" and there are a few songs that could have been left out. Some more uptempo's wouldn't hurt and I miss Cee-Lo rapping. But the final outcome of this album isn't surprising me alot, Gnarls Barkley doesn't compromise nor settle for pretty radio hits. This project is all about exprimentation and getting the best out of themselves. And they suceed with that for the major part. However, It does have it's points with rich sound, smart lyrics and alot versatility in Cee-Lo's vovals. If you feel like this is what you asked for from the start, you should give it a try but people that expected them to make more songs like "Crazy" should be forewarned. Final rate 3'5. I certainly hope to hear more from them in the future.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Barls Gnarkley
  By AJ2GVT7WZBJ8X on 2008-04-05
  I don't like the term "sophomore slump." I feel like a lot of bands that experience this either only have one good album in `em or are victims of unwarranted high expectations. We won't call Gnarls Barkley's new record "The Odd Couple" a sophomore slump, then, in the hopes that they can again reach the greatness of "St. Elsewhere." Their new album, "The Odd Couple," suffers from the black plague of pop music: mediocrity.
  
  Gnarls Barkley was (is?) by no means a mediocre band. Their explosive pop single "Crazy" is the best song of the post-millenium decade, and will likely remain so. Their debut album is a wild romp through psychedelic soul, hip hop, punk, electronica, you name it. They are pioneers of this strange new breed of pop music that is seeping out of the ashes of the digital wreckage like a post-apocalyptic super-species. But this is not why their first record was good. It may be why the band appeals to such a broad audience, but it is not why the album is good. "St. Elsewhere" is good because it has good songs. The title track and others were like nothing you'd ever heard before. They were crafty, catchy, and fun, yet could be heavy and heartfelt. Pop music with substance was a breath of fresh air. Cee-Lo is a great singer and lyricist, and Danger Mouse's personality is equally present in beat form.
  
  "The Odd Couple" continues the tradition of the first album, showcasing the band's melting pot of style. It just doesn't have as good songs. Not bad, either. Just kind of insignificant and, what was that word?... mediocre. There are no alarms or surprises on this record. It's too heavy on preach and too low on sweets. It lacks the craftiness and hooks and instead spotlights Cee-Lo's lessons on how much more spiritually enlightened he is than you.
  
  Even the title of the album was kind of disappointing. Gnarls Barkley is known for their appropriation of other duos in pop culture, dressing up like "Doc" and "Marty McFly" from the "Back to the Future" series, or like characters from "Napoleon Dynamite" or "Star Wars." It's certainly fun, but for the title of their second and much-anticipated album, it's just too obvious, too easy. It's as if not much thought was put into it, and the lackluster hooks support this. Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo are certainly an odd couple, but come on, tell me something I don't know.
  
  
• Dissapointed After High Expectations
  By A8FQLGH4V7KI9 on 2008-04-09
  Amidst a few standouts (neighbor, run), this album really let me down. I was hoping for too much i guess. It just doesn't seem to go anywhere. The down-tempo ones are boring and the up-tempo stuff isn't catchy enough. You can't understand Gnarls on most songs, there's no lyrics inside the booklet, the hi-hat sounds lifeless in most loops, and where are the melodies? St. Elsewhere felt like he was on the brink of a dramatic shifting of the musical landscape, The Odd Couple feels like he forgot what he had going for him...
  
  
• Cee-Lo Green back in form
  By A1NN9AE7H9HQYD on 2008-04-21
  Ever since Cee-Lo was still rap-singing for Goodie Mob I loved this guys voice and great ability to flow. Having bought "Soul Food" and "Still Standing" from Goodie Mob it was clear to me that "Gnarls Barkley" at least needed a chance to earn respect. Their debut "St. Elsewhere" was cool and very successful worldwide, as is their sophmore release "The Odd Couple". Standout tracks are the first four plus "Surprise", which I absolutely love. Congrats to Cee-lo and Danger Mouse for putting it down once again. Check it out for yourself.
  
  
• St. Elsewhere Part II (& Better)
  By AKW4KJ4GZUTPI on 2008-04-24
  The Odd Couple sticks pretty close to the formula that was established on their debut. Dangermouse does his best to incorporate every instrument known to man in his beats & Cee-Lo is at his paranoid best. The 1st three tracks flatter to deceive as they almost sound conventional but Dangermouse throws a curve ball on "Would Be Killer" & "Open Book" just to remind us that this is after all a Gnarls Barkley release. Beyond that however the weirdness fades and tracks like "Surprise" sounds like nothing more than two hip-hopsters experimenting with a bit of rock.
  
  Lyrically Cee-Lo plays the role of paranoid mad man but every once in a while, as on "Blind Mary" he throws in a bit 'sweet & innocence' in the mix. The same 'sweet & innocence' that is found in movies like 'There's Something About Mary'
  
  Ultimately it is the fact that Gnarls Barkley do not break any new ground that make this a better, albeit less challenging, affair. They stick to the script with great effect making for an album that you can listen to from front to back and then repeat.
  
  
• Greatness
  By AXGWM6WAP3BJ5 on 2008-03-20
  I really love this album...
  
  I've been a fan of Cee-lo's for a minute now...
  When he hooked up to make Gnarls Barkley, that made it even better...
  
  This is one of those cd's that sounds great on first listen and keeps getting better...especially lyrics wise...
  
  There's a lot of stuff to be missed first time around...
  But then when it hits, it hits...
  
  Long live good music...
  I've had enough of this recycled pop that floods the radio
  
  
  
  
• Good not great - a few sparkles, a few duds.
  By A3DG3O8XQOKHHN on 2008-03-24
  Gnarls has slackened up a bit. There are no real bangers, some of the high octane energy is gone, and some songs are just plain duds. They had a chance to make a pretty tight release, but there are too many dull songs here for that.
  
  [...]
  
  
• Love it
  By AJ49F3BSNMZ9U on 2008-04-10
  Love the new album. I was a fan of a few of the singles from the first album. On their sophomore effort, Gnarls Barkley has fully accomplished consistency. The entire project sounds like it was meant to go together. The tracks just flow together so fluidly, and they all feel like part of the same family.
  
  Would recommend highly if you like that mid-tempo, funk infused vibe.
  
  
• Hits like the last one
  By A2XJQW1U45SKZN on 2008-04-21
  I loved the first album (there were a few tracks I liked more then others) and this album did the same thing for me. There were a few songs that I liked, but I wouldn't put on repeat, and others that I've listened to over and over. Some of the songs follow the same feel and patterns as the first album - others are different. Overall, definitely worth the price and a good one to have.
  
  
• The Odd Couple Indeed
  By A2YGA8BJ759AK7 on 2008-05-26
  After listening to this album a dozen times, including now as I write this review, it has become a personal classic. While the immensely talented Danger Mouse has crafted some sensational beats on this album, for me, Cee-lo stands out and beyond anything he did on St. Elsewhere with his powerful voice, and amazing lyrics. I have developed a soft spot for this album because the lyrics from song to song almost form a narrative, as Cee-lo describes the various stages and thoughts he has throughout encountering relationships. So many of the lyrics beautifully delivered by Cee-lo, who for me is pretty much the new Al Green, can describe situations I have gone through, and thoughts I have had, whilst in a meaningful relationship, and after a depressing breakup. Cee-lo's great lyrical talent earns him a top spot on my list of song writers, and I'll go through each song to give you an idea of how this CD forms somewhat of a narrative by describing a few of the tracks that stood out for me.
  
  1. Charity Case - First of all, this is a tremendous opening song for the CD. The beat is nice and Cee-lo's lyrics are spot on. The content of the lyrics is quite fitting as an introductory song to a CD labeled 'The Odd Couple,' as it deals with what would appear to be two people talking about their differences. Who these people are is not exactly certain. Cee-lo could be talking about his relationship with Danger Mouse, which could go along nicely with the theme of the CD, but given that there is a female backup singer in this song, who responds to some of the lyrics Cee-lo delivers, leads me to believe that the entire CD is about relationships in general.
  
  Here's the first verse to give you an idea of what the song is like. The lyrics in brackets are sung by the female backup singer:
  [Cee-Lo]
  "I don't know what matters to you at this moment
  But that's all that matters to me
  How are you? (How are you?)
  Knock on wood
  Well I'm not doin so good
  (I bet you pro-ba-bly couldn't tell)
  (Although you're worth it, I'm still not well)
  And I don't understand how I'm so understandin
  I guess that that's all I can be
  How are you? (How are you?)
  I think I can help
  But I can't help myself
  (Shouldn't I be happy? You need my help)
  (I usually just talk, to myself)"
  
  The chorus is a nice catchy tune, with the lyrics "give it away now" repeated, and here Cee-lo is likely talking about his heart. The word charity is most likely associated with Cee-lo's apparent desire for some compassion, where he is in need of some charity. Some other stand out lines in this song are the following,
  [Cee-Lo]
  "Now all apologies baby but I'm bleedin too
  Are you needin me like I'm needin you
  Even my shadow leaves me all alone at night
  Guess I need to start to take my own advice"
  
  Cee-lo's smart delivery and wonderful voice leads to quite a memorable track. It runs with the idea of a couple conversing about the situations they've gone through, and feelings they've felt, now that they have broken up, and the lyrics in this song fit perfectly in that regard.
  
  Sly's Rating - 9/10
  
  2. Who's Gonna Save My Soul - This is one of my favorite songs on the album, and is quite a moving one with some quite well crafted lyrics. The somber mood established by Danger Mouse's tremendous beat goes along very nicely with the theme of the song. This song jumps back to when Cee-lo first discovers his relationship is over, and if you've ever been there, it is a very unpleasant moment. Somehow this song manages to capture that intense feeling of sorrow and turn it into something beautiful. I can't possibly describe how that happens by posting some of the lyrics, as the tempo and tune of the song have much to do with that, however some of the lyrics might be able to give you a good idea.
  [Cee-Lo]
  "I got some bad news this morning
  Which in turn made my day
  When this someone spoke I listened
  All of a sudden, has less and less to say
  Ohhhhhh how could this be?
  All this time, I've lived vicariously
  Who's gonna save my soul now?
  Who's gonna save my soul now?
  How will my story ever be tollllld now?
  How will my story be tollllld now?"
  
  [Cee-Lo]
  "And maybe it's a little selfish
  All I have is the memory
  Yet I never stopped to wonder-ahhhhh
  Was it possible you were hurtin worse than me
  Still my hunger turns to greeeeed
  Cause what about what I neeeeeed?!"
  
  Sly's Rating: 10/10
  
  3. Going On - Cee-lo's progression with getting to terms with his lost relationship receive an extremely uplifting song on the third track. It carries that almost over the top optimism that you try to muster inside yourself when you're trying to come to terms with a break up, like no matter what happens, you'll be ok, or, you'll be able to go on, in this case.
  Here are some lyrics from the song. This time the bracketed lyrics are simply echoes of Cee-lo's lyrics, done by Cee-lo, as this song is pretty much Cee-lo's inner monologue about what he's going to do to move on with life.
  
  [Cee-Lo]
  Anyone that needs what they want, and doesn't want what they need
  I want nothing to do with (do with)
  I am to do what I want, and to do what I please
  Is first off my to-do list (to-do list)
  But every once in a while, I think about her smile
  One of the few things I do miss (do miss)
  But baby I've got to go, baby I've got to know
  Baby I've got to prove it (prove it)
  And I'll see you when you get there
  
  [Chorus: Cee-Lo]
  But I'm going on... and I'm prepared to go it alone~!
  I'm going on... to a place in the sun that's nice and warm
  I'm going on, and I'm sure they'll have a place for you too
  Oo-hoo-ooh
  
  The song ends with a sensational instrumental by Danger Mouse, which to me kind of symbolizes Cee-lo's progression into the place in the sun that's nice and warm that he described.
  
  Sly's Rating: 9/10
  
  4. Run (I'm A Natural Disaster) - This song is all about Cee-lo doing something completely drastic in a vain attempt to get over the break up, which again if you've been there, is probably something that crosses your mind when encountering depression and sorrow. This was the single for the CD, which is bizarre in my opinion, as it is probably one of the more depressing songs, despite the quite vibrant beat.
  
  [Cee-Lo]
  "Yeah it's still the same, can't you feel the pain?
  When the needle hits the vein, ain't nothing like the real thang
  I've seen it once before and oh it's something else, good God!
  Cool breeze come on in, sunshine come on down
  These are the teardrops of a clown, the circus is comin to town
  All I'm sayin is sometimes I'm more scared of myself
  You better (MOVE!) I said (MOVE!) Ha yeah"
  
  This is one of the songs I had trouble understanding, as for whatever reason, Cee-lo seems to be talking to children throughout the song. In the chorus, he exclaims, "Run Away! Run Away! Run Children! Run for you life!" This might in fact be Cee-lo doing something as drastic as literally approaching a bunch of children and unloading his angst on them.
  Sly's Rating: 8/10
  
  5. Would Be Killer - Here we progress into Cee-lo's dark and brooding angst, as he contemplates what would typically be unthinkable. He delves into thoughts of murder and deep depression. The production on this track is especially on point by Danger Mouse, as he maintains that creepy brooding expression you might expect to see on Cee-lo's face while he sings this song.
  
  [Cee-Lo]
  Iiiiiiiiiii've got a secret
  Something I thought maybe I could do
  But I can't, now can I?
  Lucky - lucky youuuuu!
  
  [Chorus]
  Did you know I could be, a would be, killer
  If suddenly I should be, I would be, killer
  
  [Cee-Lo]
  Hurrrrrt people, hurt people
  Thissss is always howwwww
  Oh I've been entered by evil
  So someone best love me right now!
  
  I think the lyrics here mostly speak for them self. Cee-lo is thinking about doing something horrible unless he receives the love that he feels he deserves. Quite a horrifying place to be I would say, and the track reflects that really well.
  
  Sly's Rating 8/10
  
  So here is where my review will end, as it was a great joy of mine to unravel each track and discover the real theme of this album, and I wouldn't want to give it all away before you listened to this outstanding softmore album yourself. This isn't really an album review afterall, merely quite a personal interpretation of the general themes of the album. Having said that, I still feel this album is truly Barking something Gnarly, and it just so happens to carry a few themes that lead me to believe that the whole album is about relationships, so if that ain't your cup of tea, this album might not mean much to you.
  
  Sly's Album Rating: 9/10
  
  
• The Odd Couple is a PERFECT pair
  By A2EU0YOC0POMXI on 2008-03-23
  The dynamic duo is back with their follow up to the extremely successful debut St. Elsewhere, that garnered critical acclaim from scholars, D-boys, blacks, whites and everyone in between. With their sophomore album The Odd Couple hitting stores this week, the speculation and curiosity for the album is reaching its peak. "Is the album as weird as the first?", "Does it suffer from sophomore jinx?", "Have they sold out completely and let Timbaland produce the album?". Well the answers are NO, and thank God to the last question, ABSOLUTELY NOT to the second, and YES to the first (and I'm loving every minute of it). Odd Couple is a continuation from St. Elsewhere and with the brilliant formula Danger mouse and Ceelo used the first time around, it would only be logical not to fix it.
  
  The Grammy award winning group that consist of Danger mouse, who's still working his creative genius behind the boards as a producer, and Cee-lo on vocals. If you were a fan of, admired or had an undying love for St. Elsewhere than this album will solidify your love of this group. Odd Couple isn't a carbon copy of St. Elsewhere by any means, it just merely takes creative concepts and sounds, that are complimented by Cee-lo's vocal intensity, from the last album and displays it all on this album, see "Open Book".
  
  Pop influences plucked from the 50s and 60s, that are very reminiscent of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, are merged with soul sounds of that era and crashes smack dab into the Hip-Hop heavy, electronica experimentation of now BEAUTIFULLY. On songs like "Surprise" this musical collision course of sounds is the most apparent, while "Whatever" gives you a feeling of what the Beach Boys would sound like if they were around now and the group consisted of experimental stoners. Unlike the first album, the upbeat schizophrenic moments are toned down abit, think alittle less "Go Go Gadget Gospel" and alittle more "St. Elsewhere", the song that is, from their first album.
  
  Listening to This album can only be summed up as one word, an experience. With the textures this album display, you get a strong admiration for this duo and their knack for putting upbeat, fun, electronic, hip-hop beats to dark lyrics and menacing vocals. The juxtaposition of emotions and sounds displayed through out this album is gutsy and just plain fun to listen to, never knowing when or where a turn will come, proving that this Odd Couple is more of a perfect pair.
  
  
• The Odd Couple Really Makes Great Songs
  By A3T5ES5LR4DIVM on 2008-03-24
  I 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 dedide to take this home, you won't be disappointed.
  
  
• Great Album. Favorite of 2008
  By ANPIELRQWLR54 on 2008-04-04
  St. Elsewhere was my favorite CD of 2006, and 2007 saw little challenge. However, The Odd Couple takes the cake. The sounds have matured, but not the "sounds more and more like The Neptunes" way that most progressive producers. Cee-Lo is pumping out masterful vocals (as always) and dangermouse is really great in his production. This is the modern day A-Team of music.
  
  Back to the CD.
  
  I loved every single song EXCEPT for "Whatever" just on a philosophical level. I'm a teen, and I like the escapism of all the other songs, not so much relating to a large black man with a great voice with millions of dollars in his bank account.
  
  
• Shockingly Good!
  By A1Z50WEQJZMSBZ on 2008-04-08
  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.
  
  
• Good Solid Album
  By A3B8MI055LTPSD on 2008-04-15
  Good Solid Album - worth buying, agree with other reviewer that you need to check out Devin the Dude's Smoke Sessions Volume 1, especially for the fans that loved Crazy. Track 11 Da Real Thang off tha hook
  
  
• Amazing.
  By A3BRJ37Y2PVJN4 on 2008-04-20
  Coming off the mostly happy tunes of St. Elsewhere, The Odd Couple takes a more solemn tone to things. But that doesn't make it any less awesome. I don't think there's a song on this album that I don't like, though I am partial to Open Book, Blind Mary, and Going On.
  
  
• Bleeeeh
  By AAHERVSTDYU17 on 2008-04-23
  This review is mostly against Burton. Cee-Lo always holds it down but Burton just isnt cutting it. Most of the beats sound contrived and boring. St. Elsewhere was fresh and even though the looping beats wore my ears down, it was much better than this. Every track pretty much sounds the same, leaving you feeling...bleeeeh.
  
  
• This is no St. Elsewhere and it made me run away...
  By A262L4PY8IBY2F on 2008-04-24
  I am all for innovation and cutting edge originality, but this trip around Gnarls Barkley seem like they were trying too hard to lean on the success of the first album and didn't consider that sometimes going backwards for musical inspiration can sometimes be a disaster, as what is the case with this 50's/60's pop sounding album. Also the fact that Mr. Cee-lo doesn't lace this album with some rhyme dropping that would help to balance things out in my opinion. Now moving on to Danger Mouse, I like this dudes production because I was digging his electronica sound with a lot of 70's/80's appeal topped off with up to date sound arrangements, but as I have pointed out Gnarls has gone too far back for my taste with a sound that just does not do their talent any justice. It's like they both literally hopped in the back to the future vehicle to go play for people in the 50's as I do not sense any growth at all nor can I pinpoint the crowd that they are catering to in the present, I'm sure there are those that will disagree. But if you compare this album to the first I'm sure a lot will see my point, the music of the first album is much better hands down... If anyone disagree's then you must be of that crowd that I am unaware of... lol! Which is ok if this sound is your thing, but it seems quite commercial targeted as if some outside the artist influence stepped into the picture. But hey I could be wrong, but I do know a lot of artist do complain about this, so I won't be surprised if this later turns out to be the case...
  
  
• A near perfect follow up
  By A1WJNXMONL4WL2 on 2008-04-24
  After the 5 star truly amazing St Elsewhere, I wasn't really expecting anything extraordinary as a follow up - how wrong could I have been! Like St Elsewhere, there is not a single track that doesn't 'fit'. Maybe not quite as complex as St Elsewhere, but still quite simply a thrill to listen to. The coolest, slickest, smartest collaboration in recent memory!
  
  
• Don't be surprised
  By A1JUFCGU0L6H37 on 2008-04-29
  Back again, Gnarls Barkley cannot fail to deliver. Don't be surprised, though, if it takes more than one listen to get hooked. It happened on the second for me. Why, you ask? To me, it's because this is much more of a psychologically charged album than its feel-good predecessor. As exposed in St. Elsewhere, the feel of the soul-infused craziness moves deeper to a more manic state of soulful agitation in the Odd Couple. It may be a metaphor of the GB persona as there is a Jekyll & Hyde feel to this album; GB has descended from a self-aware state of craziness to a musical personality that seems to border on insanity, an ego uncontrolled and exploring its limitations.
  
  There is a definite progression in the songs from "Charity Case" all the way to "Surprise". If one can get beyond the groove, the precisely orchestrated beats, you might just feel the transformation. Lyrically, the Odd Couple is kinda creepy, albeit gloriously set to music. In this way it's more subtle than St. Elsewhere, but its depth is piercing. It's about the pain of being a self-described natural disaster, an ugly wretch, an open book for all to see, though possessing a final chapter yet to be written. There's a whole lot of pain, but a whole lot of soul here as expected, too. Danger Mouse is a genius, and Cee-Lo has got to be the reincarnation of Otis Redding. A perfect match.
  
  
  
• Away from Elsewhere, but still Barking Gnarly
  By AWRGM17GTMND8 on 2008-05-24
  The Odd couple is like a trip to the past. Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse combine 50's pop rock with soul and create an original sound. The songs are just as well written, just as well produced, but the overall quality as a whole is not as breathtaking as St. Elsewhere. Even though the album doesn't quite measure up to the original, it is still a must-have for any Gnarls fan.
  
  1. Charity Case- A This track is a perfect transition between the albums. It's jazzy, it's soulful, and it's well written. "Are you needing me like I'm needing you" Cee-Lo is a genius.
  
  2. Who's gonna save my soul- A+ More of Danger Mouse. Although he is my favorite producer, he doesn't really make a huge spot in this album. This track however is a great example of Mouse's talent.
  
  3. Going On- B Not my favorite. It's a decent song, but nothing special.
  
  4. Run(I'm a Natural Disaster)- B- Out of all the songs on the album, I don't know why this is the single. It's not amazing production or vocals. Sometimes I just don't understand.
  
  5. Would Be Killer- C weak production. Weak Chorus. It's ok but you won't think of this song when you think of this album.
  
  6. Open Book- A Epic! Really different. I don't know where these guys come up with their material.
  
  7. Whatever- A+ One of the best tracks on the cd. Such a great idea! It really inspires you to throw away your worries.
  
  8. Suprise- A+ The 50's pop rock track. I love this song. The chorus is Fantastic!
  
  9. No time Soon- A- Good song. Kinda sad. Sad songs are sometimes the best songs.
  
  10. She Knows- C Sounds like an intermission. No chorus really. Not much of a song.
  
  11. Blind Mary- A+ Such a great story! I thought all creativity in the world was lost, but these guys have magic.
  
  12. Neighbors- A++ Best song on the CD. I love the singing throughout the whole song. You know you truly love a song when you want to hear every part and not just the chorus.
  
  13. A little Better- B+ I usually hate exiting tracks. This one is quite appropriate.
  
  If you enjoy the least bit of Gnarls Barkley, then pick up this album.
  
  
• You Gotta Be Kidding me
  By A3OBZ4F27KV8NO on 2008-06-17
  Is this stuff music? Sounds like a bunch of drug heads going on a road trip. Please, give me a break. This stuff is not music. A child can make noise but you expect more from adults calling themselves artist or musicians.
  
  I purchased this junk based on a recommendation from Sound & Vision Magazine. What a mistake. As I listened, I started doing paperwork because it was so horrible sounding and boring. Then this mess became like torture. Couldn't finish listening to this trash.
  
  This should be listed under miscellaneous instead of music. How it can be considered music, I have no idea.
  
  
• Awesome Again!
  By A39R1Q2KRN6NVD on 2008-03-27
  Once again cee-lo and dangermouse make a fantastic, complex album. Only complaint, as with Crazy, is it's too short!
  
  JC
  
  
• Okay this one is way too contrived!
  By AEZJZXEOCHI on 2008-03-31
  If it wasn't for such masterful production and C's strong and versatile voice, I would have scored this album much lower. I think it is a strong effort, but it is a far cry from the ingenuity and the flavorful vibes that their freshman output boasted. It appears that they tried so hard to be different, that they have coupled the attempts of many of their record store shelf mates; settling right into cliché of the sophomore jinx album. I was just expecting a little more. Four songs into the album, and ten blocks or so away from Best Buy, i really began to regret the purchase. For the remainder of the week, I intend to subjectively listen to this album, but my hopes aren't too high.
  
  
• The "Odd-ness" Grows on You
  By AFIX0GHKWKRAJ on 2008-04-04
  "Odd Couple" has the eclectic sound that St. Elsewhere had, but it lacks that fresh quality that the duo brought in 2006, when the world was blown away by "Crazy". I'm not one of those fans who is looking for another "Crazy", but rather I'm listening for the "new sound" that Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo (Gnarls Barkley) experimented with in St. Elsewhere. The mix between rock-funk infused (produced) Neo-Soul and dark vocals and lyrics surprised masses then.
  
  This sophomore effort is well produced, but doesn't stand out like its predecessor. The formula is pretty much the same: rock-funk infused Neo-Soul, however for some reason I was left waiting for something new or bored with the same sound I heard last album. Unlike "St. Elsewhere", "The Odd Couple" lacks a certain punch that would've had 2 years ago. It sounds odd to the ears. Like I said, it's either you are waiting for something "new" or bored with the sound you already heard in "Elsewhere". It took a couple of listens for the album to take effect and I was able to grove with it. It grew on me. Stand outs for me include Going On and Run (I'm a Disaster). The other tracks are growing on me too. To all Buyers, the stronger tracks are at the beginning of the album.
  
  Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo's experiment was hot then, but I wonder if the sophomore effort was even necessary. I hope they don't over kill this.
  
  

• Consolers Of The Lonely
• St. Elsewhere
• Third
• Accelerate
• Viva La Vida