In the past two years, I have taken no fewer than three road trips through the South. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the greatest part of the country: fantastic food (Paula Deen is from Savannah), warm climate and, of course, OutKast.
I turned to them the other day when I was feeling especially nostalgic for the lazy humidity of summer. I was quickly reminded that the only thing I need to do in order to take a four–minute trip south of the Mason Dixon is listen to “ATLiens.” It’s the title track off OutKast’s 1996 album, and it is probably the most evocative song I’ve ever associated with a place.
The languid (but still celebratory) pace and tone of the song are like a warm breeze. The beat is slow enough to relax to on a porch in a rocking chair, and the chorus is just energetic enough to make you want to say, “Oh yay–ur.” As the weather gets colder, I recommend an aural journey down south as the perfect way to fight the blues.
