Pitchfork

So often these days, record release dates get pushed back and pushed back, whether it's to create more buzz, more marketing opportunities, or more chances for them to suck less. But Downtown/Atlantic artists Gnarls Barkley-- totally non-sucky, and buckers of trends both musical and, now, logistical-- are throwing caution to the wind and sticking their sophomore set, The Odd Couple, in digital (and some physical) stores today, March 18, and all brick-and-mortar ones next Tuesday, March 25. The album's original release date was April 8.

So why the, uh, opposite of holdup? "They felt the timing was right to just go for it," a press release claims. "With the shifting seasons, furtive romantic entanglements and fierce college basketball rivalries, the latter half of March can be confusing. People need to be soothed and inspired now."

Right, right, brackets. It couldn't possibly have anything to do with the fact that The Odd Couple has been flitting about the internet for the last couple weeks for the low low price of zero, would it? Eh, whatever: at least these labels are making some kinda effort. Buy music! It's worth it!

Gnarls' move follows similarly old-model-busting actions of late by Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails and the Raconteurs among others, and we're curious to see which ones end up looking the best with a little hindsight.

In other Gnarls news, their video for "Run" is a powerful weapon against the denizens of the United Kingdom, and Danger Mouse will work with yet another funky dude-- one Beck Hansen-- on the midnite vulture's next LP. Oh, and Gnarls proper will hit the stage at the Hollywood Bowl July 27 to show off their "Mork and Mindy" costumes and probably play some music.