Cee-Lo drops 'The Lady Killer' and goes ‘On the Record’

Cee-Lo Green is the soul machine who as of late, has been producing major heat. Several weeks ago, he and I had a one-on-one chat after the listening party celebration for The Lady Killer, which officially dropped yesterday, November 9 and his Fuse TV interview show, “Lay It Down," which debuted October 20.

Those who have followed Cee-Lo’s career know he has been consistently strong solo, in a duo (Gnarls Barkley), and in a group (Goodie Mob, almost OutKast). Previous efforts, including the Stray Bullets mixtape, released last summer, were all well above average. For the third album, though, the third time is definitely a charm. Standouts include the silky smooth “Fool For You” featuring Philip Bailey. “Love Gun” featuring Lauren Bennett, is a passionate, rocked-out romp, and yes, “F*ck You” is still as irresistible as ever.

In totality, The Lady Killer is a concise codex of gems that never sounds forced or contrived. It’s as if Green jumped in a time machine back to the late 60’s and early 70’s, pulled out the music, added 2010 context and put it all together as a straightforward, listen-through set with emphasis on the craft of songwriting.

If you haven’t copped it, go ahead. But in the meantime, the good folks at NPR are still streaming it in its entirety. They even had the balls to post “F*ck You” uncensored. No word on how much longer it will be there, so hurry up and take a listen.

Overall, critical and fan reviews of the album have been positive. Sure, a few may bemoan the lack of another wildly catchy “F*ck You” kind of track. Fortunately, Green is moving forward with feelings, not gimmickry. It’s like Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes with James Brown style soul, James Bond gloss, and early Playboy club sexuality all in one. For people who really don’t get it or can’t feel it, I’m sorry. I don’t know what the f*ck they’re talking about.

In short, The Lady Killer is f*cking awesome.

Get an hour of Cee-Lo Green on Fuse TV. He’ll appear with Touré for the half-hour, “On the Record” at 10:30 p.m. Immediately following at 11, see “Lay it Down” where Green interviews the seminal rap group Public Enemy. ( Fuse is located at channel 161 for Metro Atlanta Comcast subscribers).

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