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Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Out & About

GNARLS BARKLEY

The Odd Couple

In 2005, Gnarls Barkley took us on a magical mystery tour through "St. Elsewhere" that pretty much drove us "Crazy" by its end. Now, Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo would like to save your soul, or seek out someone to save their own through song. Cee-Lo, the 21st century savior of soul, sings through coming to terms with the dissolution of his marriage and sensations of isolation over Danger Mouse's ever-intricate and entertaining soundscapes on a much darker and developed turn throughout the duo's latest: "The Odd Couple."

Songs like "Charity Case," "Going On" and "Surprise" sparkle with a '60s go-go shimmy and swagger despite their somewhat sad content. The same sour themes run through most of the album, especially on the disjointed shuffle of "Open Book" and angsty teenage-wino apathy of "Whatever." Storm clouds and desperado imagery can only come to mind on the organically orchestrated track "No Time Soon." But through Cee-Lo's sadness there is vibrant sunshine in the album's first single "Run" and the hopeful closing note, "A Little Better." The consistency of Danger Mouse's innovations with sounds and samples is something to be admired, and considering his forthcoming production credits with unique acts such as Beck and The Black Keys, his profound presence and lingering legacy might be as maddeningly unavoidable as the duo's years-old hit song.

This album might have been made by two grown men, but "The Odd Couple" reflects the perfect maturation for the Gnarls Barkley team as artists. Whereas its first release makes shifts in animation and character from song to song, its latest is a seamless portrait of emotion from dejection to redemption and everywhere in between. And of course, with Cee-Lo's effortless singing and Danger Mouse's ingenious spinning combined, very little else this year could sound more sweet, solid or stimulating in a single package.

Verdict: A fun and funky matrimony with a well-developed danceable darkness.

- Sami Promisloff

Snoop Dogg

Ego Trippin'

Throughout the album's meandering 21 songs, Snoop Dogg still raps about the typical themes of money, sex and the streets - staying admirably true to his gangster roots.

But when these themes are contrasted with his immense celebrity stature, the overall effect of his rapping is dull and uninspired, as if Snoop is consciously going through the motions to sell records.

That's not to say that "Ego Trippin'" has nothing to offer. With the help of producers Teddy Riley and DJ Quik, Snoop has created an album shimmering with '80s-style hooks and rousing beats. The production of "Cool" and "Sets Up" particularly shine.

Some of the album's content is effective, particularly when Snoop explores his sensitive side on the soul/R&B-influenced slow jams "Why Did You Leave Me," "Been Around Tha World" and "Can't Say Goodbye." He even delves into folk-rock with the sardonic marijuana anthem "My Medicine."

But the album's accomplished moments are diamonds hidden amongst coal. Most unforgivable is lead single/money shot "Sexual Eruption" (better known by its PG euphemism "Sensual Seduction"), a vocoder-drenched atrocity that Snoop Dogg didn't even write.

"Neva Have 2 Worry" amounts to little more than arrogant boasting, and hackneyed party numbers like "Life of Da Party" and "Staxxx in My Jeans" are so stale that Snoop's persona comes off like a caricature of itself.

The album's softer pieces cement Snoop Dogg's newfound role as a husband and father, but the misogynistic "Waste of Time" and "Gangsta' Like Me" complicate the issue. It's unclear whether Snoop wants to be perceived as a reformed family man or a street thug - a paradox that makes him both appealing and frustrating.

VERDICT: The superb production here can't mask Snoop's lack of originality, resulting in surprise-free hip-hop.

- John Barrett

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