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OUTKAST Idlewild (Sony/BMG) |
 THE dynamic duo's sixth album comes in the shape of a CD inspired by the motion picture of the same name. Idlewild the movie hit US theatres around August, though to my knowledge it never had a chance to reach our sun-kissed (or is that haze- shrouded?) shores. Basically, the movie, a musical set in Prohibition- era American South, is about a club manager (Big Boi) who must contend with gangsters who are making eyes at his club and a speakeasy pianist (Andre 3000) who must choose between his love and his obligations to his pappy. Going by the movie website IMDb's rating system, this show ain't no great shakes. Neither is its accompanying album. But then again, the bubble had to burst sometime, didn't it? After all, with five super successful albums under its belt and some show-stealing movie performances by Andre, the boys have continually been raising the standards for themselves. But I didn't expect them to curl up and cry "uncle" without so much of a whimper of protest as they have done here. Not only does Idlewild not have the effervescent, energetic feel of their previous releases, but even their attempt at continuing the eccentric sound that has become synonymous with their music falls flat. Simply put, they just can't find their mojo. The reason for that could be that most of the songs on the CD are divided between Andre and Big Boi, with very few tracks actually featuring the both of them together. If y'all can still remember Hey Ya, then you'd realise that what made this duo great was the chemistry they shared. |
