GNARLS BARKLEY - The Odd Couple

Something about the more-modern-than-mod organ and a-go-go loops on leadoff cut "Charity Case" may smack more of Smashmouth than DM & Cee-Lo intended, but Green's given room to redeem them on the following "Who's Gonna Save My Soul". Once they drop the beach-blanket feel for a spell, though, the pair get their hooks in with the synth-string stabs and spazzy drum-machine cycles of "Open Book", a high only equalled by the 13 beats straightening into 12 and back again on lush, flute-sampling "She Knows", as well as the dampened bass runs of The Old Couple's closer, "A Little Better".