Continuing my look at the albums of 2006…
The blog recently featured some discussion about what constitutes a “supergroup”, with one contention being that the collaboration must include more than two people. By that definition, Gnarls Barkley isn’t a supergroup, but it sure put out some super music.
Producer Danger Mouse and Goodie Mob member CeeLo Green created the Gnarls Barkley persona as a lark, giving the character an elaborate and humorous backstory. That sense of humor is evident on their debut album St. Elsewhere, but it doesn’t get in the way of the music sounding great.
First single ‘Crazy’ became a worldwide sensation, topping the charts in several countries and making it to #2 in the U.S. It was nominated for a Record of the Year Grammy and named the year’s best song by multiple critics.
‘Crazy’ samples a track called ‘Last Men Standing‘ from the 1968 Spaghetti Western Django, Prepare a Coffin, an indication of how far and wide Danger Mouse and CeeLo were willing to go for inspiration.
Nothing else on St. Elsewhere is as undeniable as ‘Crazy,’ but it all feels of a piece. Green’s vocals blend perfectly with Danger Mouse’s beats, serving up a neo-soul confection that feels outside of any specific time and place.
I remember when
I remember, I remember when I lost my mind
There was something so pleasant about that place
Even your emotions have an echo in so much space, mm
And when you’re out there without care
Yeah, I was out of touch
But it wasn’t because I didn’t know enough
I just knew too much, mm[Chorus]
Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Does that make me crazy?
Possibly
[Verse 2]
And I hope that you are having the time of your life
But think twice, that’s my only advice, mm
Come on now, who do you
Who do you, who do you, who do you think you are?
Ha, ha, ha, bless your soul
You really think you’re in control?
[Chorus]
Well, I think you’re crazy
I think you’re crazy
I think you’re crazy
Just like me
[Verse 3]
My heroes had the heart to lose their lives out on the limb
And all I remember is thinkin’ I wanna be like them, mhm
Ever since I was little
Ever since I was little, it looked like fun
And it’s no coincidence I’ve come
And I can die when I’m done
[Chorus]
But maybe I’m crazy
Maybe you’re crazy
Maybe we’re crazy
Probably
[Outro]
Mm-woah, ooh
Ooh, woo-ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh-hoo, mhm
Meet Me In Montauk 
Not a Supergroup or Super Collaboration. Arguably, Gnarls Barkley put CeeLo Greene on the map, not the other way around. Regardless, “Crazy” is a great song, though I don’t think I know anything else from the album.
Green had released five albums before forming Gnarls Barkley, either with Goodie Mob or as a solo artist. So even if this led to much more popularity for him, he was certainly an established artist beforehand (as was Danger Mouse).
Established is not famous, which I maintain is required for “super” status.
I thought you were overruled on that point 🤣
I really like this one a lot! Great beat and good to dance to. They all have very weird names though 🙂