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Danger Mouse Update

Six-time nominated, two-time Grammy-winning artist/producer Danger Mouse - half of the #1-selling mega-duo Gnarls Barkley, half of the way-out cartoon-based collaboration Dangerdoom, and sonic architect for the Rapture, Gorillaz, and Sparklehorse - is keeping himself busy. Even for him.

In July, he wrapped up producing Martina Topley-Bird's long awaited sophomore album entitled The Blue God. Best known for her work with trip-hop pioneer Tricky, the British star's debut Quixotic (2003) received rave reviews and was a finalist for that year's Mercury Music Prize. The Blue God will be released in 2008 on the influential label Independiente. As with many Danger Mouse productions, the album was a collaborative project with Danger Mouse contributing his songwriting and performing talents alongside his unmistakable production.

Danger Mouse is currently in the studio producing The Black Keys' fourth album, as yet untitled, but set for release in 2008 on Nonesuch. The Akron-based blues-rock duo, known for their stripped-down aesthetic, their passionate fanbase and their hit "Have Love Will Travel," have never worked with an outside producer before Danger Mouse. Expect a career-pivoting record.

Danger Mouse recently finished producing a new album for the London-based Shortwave Set tentatively entitled Replica Sun Machine. The record features a 24-piece orchestra conducted by Van Dyke Parks (noted for his work with the Beach Boys, Joanna Newsom and other misfit geniuses), with further contributions from The Velvet Underground's John Cale. Replica Sun Machine is expected to be released in early 2008. The Shortwave Set is already buzzing in the UK - the [London] Times called their debut disc "rich and inventive," while the Daily Telegraph simply said that it was "Fabulous."

Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo, his partner in worldwide Gnarlsification, have been hidden away at an Atlanta-area ranch, creating the follow up to the debut, multi-platinum Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere album. Expect the as-yet untitled disc in late 2007 or early 2008.

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com