St. Elsewhere Soul

In 2006, Danger Mouse is King Midas of the music world. He has an uncanny knack for creating jagged, dense, frenzied beats and odd, eerie, vivid soundscapes that never compromise the music039s natural flow. Meanwhile, rapper and singer CeeLo, a veteran of Atlanta039s Dirty South scene, has never been one to be constrained by hiphop conventions, and is a willing partner in adventure. The result is an intrepid psychedelic blend of pop, hiphop, soul, and rock that consistently challenges and delights. It039s no wonder that 34Crazy,34 with its modest riff, irresistible hook, and disarming opening line 34I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind34 became a worldwide Internet sensation a full six months before the official release of St. Elsewhere. But that relatively simple soulpop gem is the tamest track on this wideranging, often dark and introspective collaboration. In fact, the duo considers Gnarls Barkley to be a wholly new creation, as opposed to a collaboration of existing artists. 34Everybody is somebody, but nobody wants to be themselves,34 CeeLo croons on 34Who Cares34 He and Danger Mouse try very hard not to be their old selves as they creatively and confidently break down boundaries, but the brilliant cores of their musical personae CeeLo039s eccentric spiritual soul man and Danger039s bold sonic explorer remain. Marc Greilsamer.