Don’t judge this album by its cover, which looks like it was designed using Paint Shop Pro for Windows 95.

Not a minute in, the listener’s already immersed in exotic whistling, wah guitar, Troutman talkbox and Dr. Dre-style Steinway punches.

Then Big Boi’s first words on his astounding debut solo album: “Damn, that wasn’t nothing but the intro.”

http://www.amazon.com/Lucious-Left-Foot-Chico-Dusty/dp/B003FGWSL0i

The high degree of musical variety and ampleness on Chico Dusty can’t be overstated.

Outkast’s straight man takes the listener on a fantastic voyage through 23rd-century cosmic funk, militant opera, synth-tracked gospel, brass arrangements, salsa interludes, indelible deep-fried hooks and, on Tangerine, a psych guitar line awash in congos and shakers for T.I. to talk greasy over.

Big Boi’s lyrically on point, too, balancing cavalier wit and grown-man profundity that puts this album among Outkast’s best. Your move, 3000.

Jason Richards