Gnarls Barkley finding success a little crazy

NEW YORK - Not that they're complaining, but the worldwide success of Gnarls Barkley's hit single Crazy and debut album St. Elsewhere is forcing the two principals of the soulful collective to alter their schedules.

"A lot of things have been pushed on the back burner by the success of Gnarls -- which is a good thing," said rapper Cee-Lo Green, who heads the combo with producer Danger Mouse.

"It's bittersweet, a double-edged sword. We didn't plan on touring for (St. Elsewhere), but here we are, three months into a tour. The dominoes are falling just as they should."

Both Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse have plenty on their plates outside of Gnarls Barkley. Danger Mouse is plotting a collaboration with rock outfit Sparklehorse, while Cee-Lo has plans to reunite with Goodie Mob and also made an album with Jazze Pha. But the rapper said the latter is unlikely to see the light of day.

"That was originally scheduled to be released prior to (St. Elsewhere)," Cee-Lo told Billboard.com, "but I must say that Capitol Records dropped the ball, and I'll say it just like that 'cause, frankly, I'm a little insulted by it. It's a very good project, and I wish people had gotten the opportunity to hear it."

Nevertheless, he added, "If I have my way, I'll be trying to push for it (to come out). I feel strong about that project."

Meanwhile, Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse are happily carting Gnarls Barkley around the world, performing under alter egos such as the Sam Cookes, Brushfire and Mr. Twig & the Berries. Next stop is Lollapalooza this weekend in Chicago.

Cee-Lo said he and Danger Mouse are also looking at a second album for what begin as a "casual" collaboration. "Now, with what it's become, I'd like to see what we could do if we really, really focussed," he said. "It's surpassed both of our expectations."

- REUTERS/Hollywood Reporter