THE MOUSE AND THE MASK [PA]

Projects like this are far too weird to fail. Dr. Octagon, Deltron and Madvillain, to name a few, are all producer/rapper collaborations that became instant classics behind the creation of fictional characters and alternate universes, which gave their music freedoms that the average hip-hop albums just didn't have. Danger Doom is another link in the chain of collaborations, but unlike the previous company, The Mouse and the Mask is a frivolous, often hilarious romp that stands up as wonderful hip-hop even after the novelty wears off.

Danger Doom is the merger of DJ Danger Mouse and MF Doom, who became the underground's brightest talents in 2004 as a result of Danger Mouse's The Grey Album and Doom's Madvillainy. Although this project could have gone in any direction, they decided to take it to the world of animation, which makes sense: Danger Mouse (DangerMouse) and MF Doom (Dr. Doom) are based on cartoon characters. But The Mouse and the Mask doesn't go the superhero route. Instead, the basis for this album is the comic toons from Adult Swim, the late-night programs on Cartoon Network. As a result, The Mouse and the Mask is high on humor and creativity.

Although it's well known that Danger Mouse can make a mash-up record, he proves here that he can produce just as well. With hordes of inventive beats and amusing samples to go around, every song has just the right touch. Like The Automator's production on Dr. Octagonecologyst and Madlib's on Madvaillainy, each production is structured around the unusual themes of the songs. "Benzie Box," Doom's unofficial theme song, bumps like an update of the original Batman and Robin. Ghostface, former masked wonder from Wu Tang Clan, raps alongside Doom on "The Mask." "El Chupa Nibre" and "Sofa King," the openers, show off some of Danger's addictively melodic loops.

All of the Adult Swim favorites get a guest spot, many of which have songs made for them. "A.T.H.F." is an anthem dedicated to the Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Doom appears in court on "Basket Case," where he is defended by Harvey Birdman, superhero-turned-attorney-at-law for all toons. Space Ghost invites an unruly Danger Doom onto his talk show on "Space Ho's" and a discussion with Sealab 2021 becomes the topic of "No Names." A running joke throughout the album is Master Shake, who leaves a series of harassing messages on Doom's answering machine in hopes of rapping on the album.

With Danger's beats and Doom's clever raps, The Mouse and the Mask goes down as another classic producer/rapper team. Most collaborations are one-time affairs, but this will make listeners wish for a reunion. More than just good hip-hop, this is entertaining and funny as well.