Another corker

(Morning Star, Friday 01 September 2006)

ALBUM: Outkast - Idlewild
(RCA)

OUTKAST have plundered through their musical career, confounding critics with their intelligent soul-tinged rap and rap-tinged soul on a wave of publicity from famous relationships and acting careers.

So it is quite surprising that they have managed to turn out, once again, a fair corker of a record.

Sadly, Outkast's sound is less individual nowadays and the prevalence of trumpets which once set it apart from the pop landscape in 2002 are now de rigueur for a band with pretensions of soul.ut, from the Outkast-by-numbers funk of Mighty O, the bluesy Idlewild Blue (Don'tchu Worry 'Bout Me) is a breath of fresh bluegrass, a modern take on a musical tradition which swaggers with their unmistakable sound.

Elsewhere, Morris Brown takes in a strong gospel influence and The Train exhibits anthemic positivity, while PJ and Rooster trundles in sounding like Star Wars's own Max Rebo Band, all indefinable but enjoyable noises.

Outkast are a classic band in the making, with all the heart of pop, the soul of Motown and, now, the inspiration of a bluegrass twang. They're an international treasure and their place in music history is cemented.