Credit: Photo by Gary Miller

Gnarls Barkley

Sunday, Sept. 28, Zilker Park

In a moment reminiscent of ACL Fest No. 1 when Al Green sang in the same spot, the massive Cee-Lo faced the red setting sun and declared, “It’s a beautiful day in Texas.” Danger Mouse bent his blue-tuxedoed frame over and opened fire on their third song, “Gone Daddy Gone,” a wickedly faithful cover of the Violent Femmes fave. The duo known collectively as Gnarls Barkley is a master of modern soul (and brilliant videos) and delivered its promise with electrifying performances of songs such as “Blind Mary,” “Going On,” and “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul.” “You’re not tired of that song yet?” “No!” they roared, still high on the rush of transcendent 2006 hit “Crazy.” “Me either,” grinned Cee-Lo. If what you want at an outdoor festival is that one joyful moment that connects every single body in a single song, there it was in black and white. And how sweet it is.

This article appears in October 3 • 2008.

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