Photos

Gnarls Barkley

Who they are: An alt-rock/hip-hop super-duo

When: 2003-present

Why they matter: Does anyone create more infectious grooves?

There was a time -- about all of 2006 -- where you could not walk down the street and not hear "Crazy," Gnarls Barkley's megahit from ... more their debut, "St. Elsewhere." And with good reason; consisting of superstars Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse, Gnarls combines R&B, rap, psychedelia and the occasional flash of rock 'n' roll, and the result is shimmering melodies over fluid beats, romantic and mysterious and slinky-cool. Quite honestly, this is the music you want for that very important first date. Don't blow it.

Extra credit: the Pharcyde, Fishbone, Goodie Mob, Jay-Z

(Chris McKay / Retna Ltd.)

Watch Gnarls Barkley in Concert
See photos: Revenge of the (Rock) Nerd