CD Review

Just who is Gnarls Barkley anyway? The play on the former burly Sixers and Suns forward is actually a collaboration between the acclaimed Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo from Goodie Mob. Whether you knew that or not, you’ve undoubtedly heard the single “Crazy,” with its handsome Al Green falsetto, "I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind." Since becoming a #1 single in the UK based solely on download sales, the song has been engrained in your subconscious, and the early success seems to have assured Barkley of a major slam dunk.

Between mix-mastering Gorillaz on Demon Days and Dangerdoom’s The Mouse and The Mask, plus releasing the newsworthy Grey Album, Dangermouse has defined himself as one of the nastiest SOB artist/producers out there today. Working alongside Cee-Lo allows Dangermouse to showcase his 70’s afro side with butt shaking beats and sinister soul on St. Elsewhere.

There are surprises, including a rowdy cover of the Violent Femme’s “Gone Baby Gone.” Cee-Loo’s voice certainly can carry a serious tone, as evidenced on the suicide hymn “Just a Thought.” The hot-shot collaboration bounces effectively between genres in true Dangermouse fashion. There are a few bumps on St. Elsewhere but the standout tracks keep you coming back for more, kind of like those other Dangermouse creations the past few years.