The Daily Swarm

Has the covert Internet marketing campaign for the Gnarls Barkley sophomore album already begun? Last week, Danger Mouse told NME that he and Cee-lo are currently in session in an Atlanta studio, while Rolling Stone got an early listen to a few tracks, proclaiming:

Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse have produced another album of super-catchy tunes that veer between retro-soul shakedowns, tricked-out psychedelic rock and trunk-rattling hip-hop. While nothing sounds as indelible as “Crazy,” the first two tracks that the pair are considering for a lead single are pretty ace: one is a funked-up organ groove complemented by French horns, a chorus of “la la la”s and Cee-Lo crooning in his throaty rasp, “Here it comes/Say it loud!” The other track, which we’re told is the duo’s favorite, is drastically different: a sinister ballad featuring intricately strummed acoustic guitar chords. Cee-Lo’s mood turns dark as he repeats over and over, “Who’s gonna save my soul?/I know I’m out of control.” It’s a stylish, spooky take on Robert Johnson’s delta blues—and even that suits them just fine.

Today, Iowa City-based blog Mission Freak posted this:

I think we’ve got a new Gnarls Barkley track on our hands, called “Run.” Rolling Stone has already heard a few songs, so you know they’re out there somewhere…but where? You heard it here first!

While they don’t cop to how they got their hands on it – or if it’s actually Gnarls Barkley at all – the vinyl-popping funk sure sounds like it could be legit. The as-yet-untitled album Atlantis The Odd Couple is supposedly due in April, so a late January leak campaign would be right on time.

UPDATE: Late tonight, Rolling Stone reports the Gnarls Barkley website got an update. Coincidence?