Dixie Chicks - "Taking the Long Way"

[jennylou]

I was so excited to hear that the Dixie Chicks have released a new album. I love the Dixie Chicks. :) It seems that some country radio stations are still snubbing their nose at them, over Natalie Maines' 2003 comments about Bush. I know I've heard their "Not Ready to Make Nice", but I don't know if it was on country - or another radio station! I flip stations quite a lot, but I'll be paying attention now!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/23/AR2006052302026.html


To be sure, "Taking the Long Way" isn't all about lashing out. The album includes songs about Alzheimer's ("Silent House"), exes ("Favorite Year"), children ("Lullaby") and infertility ("So Hard"). But make no mistake: The Dixie Chicks are hardly biting their tongues here.

So, what are your thoughts? Excited by a new album? Or are you still boycotting them?

[IrisHope]

So stinking silly to boycott someone for saying something about Bush! It actually makes me want to start listening to them.

[jrdhbunny]

To be honest, I think any boycotts are less about the Bush comments, and more about the way they've thumbed their noses at the country music community. A little while after the brou-ha-ha, they came out with a statement that they no longer wanted to be considered country artists. Justified or not, that made a lot of people angry.

[msnicolea]

You know, I boycott businesses and artists all the time if I disgaree with their political leanings or contributions or their policies (if they are extreme--not just to the right ;->) or their rants (Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson). I understand why people were angry, even though I think it was BS, but what is appalling to me is the extent to which people went. The DC received DEATH THREATS--for what? For speaking their minds? People burned their music--threatened DJs/radio stations--absolutely over the top, disgusting behavior, much of it exhibited by self- proclaimed conservative Christians. More hypocrisy.

I think Natalie Maines has a voice like an angel--I have all their CDs--they are the only "new" country I listen to.

[DansGirl]

To be honest, I think any boycotts are less about the Bush comments, and more about the way they've thumbed their noses at the country music community. A little while after the brou-ha-ha, they came out with a statement that they no longer wanted to be considered country artists. Justified or not, that made a lot of people angry.


I agree. Plus, there latest comments about rednecks, etc. haven't helped. Personally, I really don't care about DC's political views - I just love their music & was really excited for this new album. But I don't understand bashing an industry that has helped you succeed. It puts a sour taste in my mouth about them - but I'll still buy the album b/c their music rocks. 'shrug'

[ajlanden]

Politics or NOT the new album is GREAT!!!!!!! What great entertainers and musicians they are!

[allyray231]

Love them.

Did you guys see "The View" yesterday. I guess the DC said something in the Time article how they would not appear on the show and the hosts flipped out?

Here is the article from the Post
May 24, 2006 -- THE ladies from "The View" shredded a copy of Time magazine yesterday after getting dissed by the issue's cover girls - controversial country music group, The Dixie Chicks.
"We are furious!" roared "View" moderator Meredith Vieira in the opening moments of the show, "Furious!"

In Time's cover story this week, Dixie Chick Emily Robison says that the group takes its political views very seriously and will try to limit appearances to high-caliber, meaningful gigs.

Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines' "new motto is, 'What would Bruce Springsteen do?' " says Robison. "Not that we're of that caliber, but would Bruce Springsteen do 'The View'?"

Even with a new CD to promote, the group has no plans to appear on "The View," the article says. "They're . . . not doing . . . 'The View,' " sneered co-host Joy Behar as she tore the article into confetti and tossed the shreds over her head.

When the singing group was starting out, however, it had no problem appearing on the show and was even interviewed by former co-host Debbie Matenopolous.

"This is obnoxious, obnoxious," said Vieira. "We started these girls - back in 1998, they couldn't get arrested. We were one of the first national shows to give them a platform, because they deserve a platform - they are incredibly talented performers."



The Dixie Chicks alienated their Country Western fan base in 2003, when during a performance in London, they said that the group was ashamed to be from Texas because President Bush was from Texas.

The Chicks apologized soon afterward, but have since taken the apology back.

"It's one thing to diss the Bush administration, it's treason to diss 'The View'!" said Behar. For the next hour, the four hosts of the women's coffee klatch show repeatedly slammed the Dixie Chicks until the show was over - when Vieira made it clear they were joking around and invited The Dixie Chicks to appear anytime.



http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/66446.htm

[msnicolea]

I think that's hilarious. And who does Meredith Viera think she is--Tommy Motola? "We started these girls"--yeah, ok.

Meredith Viera doesn't even want to be on that show--who could blame the DCs?

[jennylou]

To be honest, I think any boycotts are less about the Bush comments, and more about the way they've thumbed their noses at the country music community. A little while after the brou-ha-ha, they came out with a statement that they no longer wanted to be considered country artists. Justified or not, that made a lot of people angry.

Not once have I ever heard, nor read that.

[lawyerlee]

Not once have I ever heard, nor read that.
I haven't either. :confused:

I love them, and I love their music. I have all of their albums except this new one, which I plan to get sometime soon. I downloaded "Not Ready to Make Nice" from iTunes almost immediately because I liked it so much. I'm excited to get the rest of their album. I hardly listen to any country music anymore because what's out there just isn't my taste, but they are one of my favorite groups. :)

ETA: I haven't heard "Not Ready to Make Nice" on the radio, but the only country station I ever listen to only plays country classics. I'm a geek, so I mostly listen to a lot of public radio. ;) :)

[jrdhbunny]

It was actually an interview with Martie Maguire. To be fair, Natalie Maines did say on their website that Maguire was misquoted, but the damage was done.

FWIW, there are plenty of country stars that have spoken out against Bush- Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw. I think the rehash of the Dixie Chicks' "feud" with Bush is a media/pulic relations ploy to sell more albums. <<shrugs>> To me, it's not worth it to boycott them just because they said something that I don't agree with. Heck, even Bush defended their right to say what they did!

[tgray99]

I loved the Chicks way back before they were even known outside of Texas (yeah, that was before 98, Mer). I went to their concert in Houston after Natalie said what she did. I'll still listen to their music now, I just hate that now, especially in Texas, if you listen to the Chicks, it's a freakin' Political Statement. Umm...what if I just like their music and want to hear it? I don't have to agree or disagree with their politics to like them.

[katmg]

I'll still listen to their music now, I just hate that now, especially in Texas, if you listen to the Chicks, it's a freakin' Political Statement. Umm...what if I just like their music and want to hear it? I don't have to agree or disagree with their politics to like them.

I feel the same way! They are still bashing them on one of our country radio stations here in town. I love their music - it is so fun - plus I love Natalie Maines' voice. I think it has been blown way out of proportion.

I will say I think it is a tad ridiculous that they are rehashing it all now that they have a new album out. Couldn't they just release the damn thing without all the media-attention grabbing moves?

[tgray99]

I feel the same way! They are still bashing them on one of our country radio stations here in town.
93Q or KILT? I hate 93Q, I try not to listen to it.

I'm listening to the album now. I adore the Lullaby, so sweet. Lubbock or Leave it is perfect, I've never seen a more self-righteous town in my life. It's like I'm going to hell for being Lutheran when I'm there. I read the lyrics to So Hard...such a touching song, it's about infertility. No one but these chicks would write a song about infertility. Go Chicks! :D

[mgrace]

I just got the CD the other day and from what I've heard it's really good. Love the Chicks!

[mrs_pell]

I used to listen to them, and had their CDs. Now, I just really don't like them. For me, it wasn't [only] what Natalie said, but that she later "apologized" for it...after record sales went down. Own what you say, and don't back down if it's affecting your sales. This latest stuff just proves to me more that she didn't mean her apology before. Again (just to be clear so I don't get flamed), she had the right to say what she did...I would have respected her a little more had she stuck with it.

Anyway, seems like they're pissing a lot of people off these days!

Buddy Holly Family Not Happy With Dixie Chicks' Song (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,194092,00.html)

I do still like their music, and will listen if it's on the radio. I won't purchase one of their cds though.

[PookiePrincess]

Here's a q&a article I found from Entertainment Weekly. I remembered reading something about Natalie Maines saying she was done with country, so I had to find it.


Let's say the album comes out and everyone who was outraged about your comments embraces it with open arms. Are you gonna go back to Nashville and say, ''Hey, we're back!'' Or has this completely altered the course you guys were on?
For me as a person, [The Incident has] completely altered the course I was on. For me to be in country music to begin with was not who I was. I liked Martie and Emily's playing, but I did not grow up liking country music. And I guess I was ignorant to the fact that the stereotypes behind country music were true — and it was disappointing. And so at this stage, I can never... I would be cheating myself and not setting a good example for my children to go back to something that I don't wholeheartedly believe in. So I'm pretty much done. They've shown their true colors. I like lots of country music, but as far as the industry and everything that happened... I couldn't want to be farther away from that. And it's easier when you're financially set, because you can be a little more ballsy, and just do what you want to do. I don't want people to think that me not wanting to be a part of country music is any sort of revenge. It is not. It is totally me being who I am, and not wanting to compromise myself and hate my life. All of my anger... I've pretty much gotten past that. Writing the album was therapy.

Here's the rest of the article.
Entertainment Weekly Article (http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,1154125-2-3_4||322351|1_,00.html)

I'm still on the fence about whether or not I will buy the new album. I have their other 3 and even pulled them out and listened to them a few weeks ago. I like the Chicks, but don't like hearing their political views. It's the same reason Green Day gets on my nerves. Once I hear a song or two, I might like it and buy it, but haven't decided for sure yet.

I just wonder what market will pick them up. I'd say country radio is probably done with them, but I don't know if a top 40 or even a mix station would play their new music (I haven't heard the new CD).

[TracieB]

I love the Dixie Chicks and have already bought two of their new CDs (on accident... hubby surprised me and didn't know I already bought it). I could give a rat's ass about what she said and really get riled up over people who boycott their music because of the statement. The girl had death threats over a statement... and people think she's the one with problems?? C'mon, give me a break!!

I like the Chicks music, it's fun to sing along with, and that's that. I don't judge an artist by their political statements and truly believe that they received the harshest criticism because they were pretty much the first musical group to speak out about the President. Nowadays, there are TONS of musicans singing about impeaching the President and worse, and yet they don't get branded like the Chicks did? Insane. I know a part of it has to do with country fans and how in general, they are Conservative, but people really need to get over it.

And for those who think rehashing the "Incident" is all a ploy to get sales up? Did you really think they could release a new album without it being brought up?!? I mean, that's a major, major thing they are known for and they haven't said much about it since it happened. I do agree that Natalie should have never apologized... I truly think she apologized due to major pressure from outside sources.

FWIW, it's been in the Top 10 in the Top 20 Countdown on VH1 for two weeks now. Go Chicks!

That was a LOT longer than I thought it was going to be ;)

[thedoorchick]

It's one thing to disagree with your country's leadership and their views and/or actions. I have no beef with that. It's something else entirely to diss them during a concert in a foreign country. When the people paid to hear their music. And, presumably, didn't ask for their political rants.

And they are just entirely too angry and self-righteous, and have been ever since that incident. You can own what you believe, without angatonizing millions of people. This whole album is one giant "take that!" What's the point? Do they want to sing, or do they want to make political hay? I am in complete disbelief, actually, that much of this entire album is more of their ranting.

Incidentally, I had not heard the Lubbock song, but what in the world is wrong with Lubbock? I lived there for five years, and it's the best place I've ever lived. I'd move back in a second, if my job was there and my husband was agreeable. But clearly that's an aside.

As far as the death threats, that is ridiculous.

NM's "apology" was made under pressure from her label, and I have never in my life heard one that was more insincere. She might as well never have said a word. Again, if you're going to say something, own it.

They are still bashing them on one of our country radio stations here in town.
I'd say that's probably because the DC's are bashing the whole country music industry. Tit for tat.

To be honest, I think any boycotts are less about the Bush comments, and more about the way they've thumbed their noses at the country music community. A little while after the brou-ha-ha, they came out with a statement that they no longer wanted to be considered country artists. Justified or not, that made a lot of people angry.

I agree with this comment.

I have no interest in buying this album, partly because I don't want to support them or their music, and partly because I can't imagine I would like it. They've turned their backs on country music, which is the majority of what I listen to (therefore, the likelihood that the style of music on the album is something I would like, is pretty slim), and I don't think I could bear to sit through the lyrics.

[mimieliza]

I adore the Dixie Chicks, and I started listening to them precisely because of what they said about the Bush administration, and how they refused to back down (I love the commentary on the Top of the World tour album - very subtle, but very powerful in their reslove). I bought Home out of curiosity and then ran out and bought everything they had recorded. They have certainly gained a fan here (well two if you count DH - he loves them as much as I do). :)

I love the new album - I've been listening to it all weekend. I love how they mix up musical styles (country, definitely, but a lot of blues thrown in). And I agree with the political sentiments in Not Ready to Make Nice and think it's a great, powerful song (although I like the subtlety of Truth No. 2 a little bit more).

My big beef is that their two tour shows in my vicinity are on Nov. 9 and 11 - the day before and after my due date. :rolleyes: DH thinks we should still go and I should try and have the baby at the concert so we can meet them (JK of course, but it's fun to thinks about). :D

[cr8zyforaf]

I love the chicks and did buy the album - which for the most part is OK (my favorite is Lullaby) - a bit too political/take that for my liking.


I like the Chicks, but don't like hearing their political views. It's the same reason Green Day gets on my nerves.

I couldn't agree with this more...I get totally annoyed when famous people try to shove their views down my throat. I think a concert is supposed to be a fun event, not a political statement...I pay good money to hear the music of a band at a concert, not the bands political statement. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I think the death threats were a bit insane HOWEVER, to bash one's country on foreign soil...totally wrong in my opinion.

[tgray99]

I always thought that Natalie said what she did (I'm not questioning whether she meant it, I'm quite certain she did) because at that time, there was a strong anti-US sentiment in the UK and she was looking to gain some fans or at least some credence as an American act touring Europe at the time.

[MLA]

Meh. I don't really care what they said. Honestly, it all seems so silly to me. I lost any respect I might have had for them as a group when they apologized for insulting Bush. Then to take back the apology?!? WTF? Are we in 2nd grade here? It's just stupid.

And I've never really considered them country. Their lead singer wasn't a country artist before being in the Dixie Chicks, and their music is far more pop than country to me.

I like a lot of their songs, and their political views don't really affect my view of their music. Hell, Billy Joel was a cheating bastard, but I'll still listen to his music. There's a difference between one's artistic life and one's personal/political life. Sometimes they collide, and that's fine. That's what makes art, but to discount someone's music because of their political or social views just seems pointless to me.

[bookworm]

It's one thing to disagree with your country's leadership and their views and/or actions. I have no beef with that. It's something else entirely to diss them during a concert in a foreign country. When the people paid to hear their music. And, presumably, didn't ask for their political rants.


I've actually thought about this statement a lot today (you know, not actively, but during a particularly boring telecon...).

I have no problem with boycotting a company/store/brand/group because you don't agree with their opinions and/or practices. And I certainly have no problem not buying an album because you don't like the music (fwiw, I don't care for the Dixie Chicks' music).

But I don't really understand why saying what they/she did was inappropriate. I understand that it's not appropriate to go to my job at BigCompany and start sharing my political opinions, but I think that line is pretty blurry when you're talking about a field that is as much about personality as it is about skill. Is it inappropriate to do anything other than sing, if one is performing in a concert? If she had said "God Bless America!" or "I hate Snapple!," would that also be inappropriate?

I can't figure out how to quote two posts at once, but someone else also commented about criticizing the president "in a foreign country." Why is that especially egregious? I was in Paris the day after the 2004 election, and every American I met was sighing and bemoaning the future (somewhat melodramatically, I admit). Was that worse because we were on foreign soil? Mitigated because it was to other Americans?

As I said, I've spend an inordinate amount of time today trying to figure this out, so if anyone is willing to take the time to enlighten me, I'd appreciate it. I'm not promising to agree with the rationale :), but I'm honestly interested in understanding it.

[wendalah]

lead singer wasn't a country artist before being in the Dixie Chicks

Just a note, though: She may not have been a country artist per se, but her father is legendary in the country world. She was definitely raised with an appreciation and respect for the country music world.


If she had said "God Bless America!" or "I hate Snapple!," would that also be inappropriate?

If Snapple were sponsoring their tour, then perhaps ;).

[wendalah]

BTW I wouldn't worry about them too much. The album is already at sales of over 300K for first week.

[bookworm]

If Snapple were sponsoring their tour, then perhaps ;).

Yeah, I'm not sure why Snapple. I was trying to think of something generally non-controversial, and that's what popped into my head :).

[isign]

Originally Posted by thedoorchick
It's one thing to disagree with your country's leadership and their views and/or actions. I have no beef with that. It's something else entirely to diss them during a concert in a foreign country. When the people paid to hear their music. And, presumably, didn't ask for their political rants.


That's the big thing here. The stations don't play them and haven't since the original statement was made. Me - I like the DC, but I don't like how they said that, and then 'apologized' and now are taking back the apology. If you are going to say something, own up to your beliefs and don't be so wishy washy. Am I going to buy their album - not sure yet, I want to listen to it first, which I can't do on the radio here :)

[K-L-U]

I listened to them before and I got their new CD. It is a GREAT cd. It seems to me that no one has even accepted their apology. So why do people care if they took it back. They actually said, "I am sorry for what I said but am not sorry for the meaning behind it". I thinkt that there is a fine line in what she says. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. If she would have apologized any time sooner would people think the way we do now. Sure they would.

I have no problem with what she said. I think everyone is going to have their personal views in what they think is right or wrong. Just like abortion. This could go on and on and on..

[thedoorchick]

It seems to me that no one has even accepted their apology. So why do people care if they took it back. They actually said, "I am sorry for what I said but am not sorry for the meaning behind it".
Yeah, this is where I get really confused about what the purpose of the "apology" really was. What exactly was she saying she was sorry for? (That's probably a rhetorical question; I'm not sure anyone really knows).

I can't figure out how to quote two posts at once, but someone else also commented about criticizing the president "in a foreign country." Why is that especially egregious?
Well, that's a good question, and worthy of discussion. To me, the fact that they said what they did when they did, seemed very disloyal to their own country (NOT necessarily their own President, though obviously they are not loyal to him). It's like they were trying to make sure they didn't get lumped in with all those crazy Americans who supported Bush at the time. Why was it necessary to proclaim, presumably out of the blue, that they were ashamed of him? I still don't understand the point of that. Surely most Brits aren't interested in the DC's opinions of the current administration.

Some will disagree, and that's fine, but to me, it seemed very disloyal. And no, I do not think that those who don't support Bush are disloyal to America or not patriotic or anything like that (that should go without saying, but as many times as we've been over this, someone was bound to bring it up). It's hard to put what I'm thinking into words, but I, as an American (not as a Bush supporter) felt very betrayed by what they said.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

GO CHICKS!


The DIXIE CHICKS led the charts this week with their unapologetic seventh release Taking the Long Way, which sold an impressive half a million copies in its first week despite country radio's reluctance to play the album's first single "Not Ready to Make Nice." Other leading debuts included FOX's American Idol Soundtrack, Season Five: Encores, at number three with 150,000 copies sold and TOM DELONG's latest project ANGELS AND AIRWAVES, which landed at number four with 126,000 albums scanned. The Red Hot Chili Peppers fell four spots this time around, to number five, ending their two-week run at the top, but still selling a solid 112,000 copies. Landing outside the top ten this week were debuts from MICHELLE BRANCH's country duo THE WRECKERS, Stand Still Look Pretty, at Number Fourteen (43,000), and DEF LEPPARD's Yeah, an all-cover album that dropped at Number Sixteen (41,00).

[SingleWhiteFemale]

Why was it necessary to proclaim, presumably out of the blue, that they were ashamed of him? It wasn't actually "out of the blue," it was when things were heating up with Iraq, and I believe it was 3 days or so before we invaded the country.


So Toby Keith's commentary in "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" is acceptable, but the DC's dissent isn't? That is what I find appauling. Free speech only appears to be okay when the majority agrees with it.

[msnicolea]

So Toby Keith's commentary in "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" is acceptable, but the DC's dissent isn't? That is what I find appauling. Free speech only appears to be okay when the majority agrees with it.[/COLOR]

ITA!!!! Dissent is NEVER unacceptable nor is it un-patriotic.

[thedoorchick]

SWF, it was out of the blue because it was at a music concert, where presumably no one asked them what they thought of the President. Personally, when I attend concerts, I am not often thinking about politics even of my own country, let alone the politics of the foreign band on stage.

However, if someone did ask, then I stand corrected, it wasn't out of the blue. ;)

And who expressed an opinion on Toby Keith or his version of patriotism? It wasn't me.

[DansGirl]

[QUOTE=wendalah]Just a note, though: She may not have been a country artist per se, but her father is legendary in the country world. She was definitely raised with an appreciation and respect for the country music world.

[QUOTE]

I've thought about this too - and it makes me really dislike what she's been saying about country music lately. Her statements are sooo stereotypical.

*But I still bought the record & am waiting for Mr. Postman to deliver it. :rolleyes:

[wendalah]

I think Toby Keith is funny as shit. The red, white, blue song was a bit much but overall I kind of like him. Weed with Willie and all that. I'd drink a beer with him.

[philnikki]

Been avoiding "debatey" type issues on CC now for awhile because of the holier than thou types, but, this is an issue I have been following since it happened and struck a cord within me.

Let me prafce by saying that I love the DC's. Before the statement, during the statement and still after the statement, so I am positive I am biased.

It seems ludicrous to me to think that saying that she disagreed with with Bush's policy in a country that very much agreed with her was out of line. So if her feet are in US soil, its ok to disagree with Bush, but the moment she is out of the country, she is not allowed??? What sense does that make??? Its not like she was renouncing her citizenship, she was merely demonstrating her political views, which is the entire meaning of freedom to begin with!

And some of the best music ever recorded has been motivated by politics! I think most of the great artists of the 60's and 70's were all at least somewhat influenced by the political landscape at the time. Its part of what connects many people to the lyrics in the music and what they are saying. To each his own though when it comes to that, and I can see why some would say that at they don't like to hear that type of music, but to say it doesn't have a place at a concert seems, just somewhat off base to me.

And to say that they are rehashing all of this only to boost record sales doesn't make sense to me. Imagine actually getting a death threat over what you said. If you think you wouldn't take that somewhat personally and say it wouldn't influence you as an artist just doesn't make sense to me either. I can remember being the outcast over something petty in Jr. High, and I remember how that affected me then and still does today. I can't even being to wrap my mind around how that must of affected each of those women.

I am proud of them for not just wimpering away and letting it all just be done and over with just because we as Americans get bored with the latest scandal all too quickly. Good for them to bring it back up with a vengeance. And I am glad that it appears that the American public seems to be agreeing with them based on thier record sales!

[artist]

Hmm, I will have to go buy their album. Maybe their earlier one too. I am curious!

[wendalah]

On a completely different note, the sales numbers on this release are of particular interest (non-politically) because they show A) that FM radio is losing its hitherto stranglehold-importance as a promotional tool and B) Country music listeners aren't all hicks sitting in a field chewing straw and saying "What's this here Internet thang?"

[SingleWhiteFemale]

SWF, it was out of the blue because it was at a music concert, where presumably no one asked them what they thought of the President.I think we misunderstood each other. I was thinking timing as to day/week/month, you were thinking timing as to venue/place. :) Cool, I completely understand where you're coming from.
And who expressed an opinion on Toby Keith or his version of patriotism? It wasn't me.Me ;) I meant it as the DC say something on this end of the spectrum and they're hung out to dry, but TK says something inflammatory on the other end of the spectrum and it is a smash hit. As if it is okay for one view, but not the other :confused: Just my personal observance and beef with the whole thing.

[PinkMartini]

It's one thing to disagree with your country's leadership and their views and/or actions. I have no beef with that. It's something else entirely to diss them during a concert in a foreign country. When the people paid to hear their music. And, presumably, didn't ask for their political rants.

And they are just entirely too angry and self-righteous, and have been ever since that incident. You can own what you believe, without angatonizing millions of people. This whole album is one giant "take that!" What's the point? Do they want to sing, or do they want to make political hay? I am in complete disbelief, actually, that much of this entire album is more of their ranting.

As far as the death threats, that is ridiculous.

NM's "apology" was made under pressure from her label, and I have never in my life heard one that was more insincere. She might as well never have said a word. Again, if you're going to say something, own it.

I'd say that's probably because the DC's are bashing the whole country music industry. Tit for tat.

I agree with this comment.

I have no interest in buying this album, partly because I don't want to support them or their music, and partly because I can't imagine I would like it. They've turned their backs on country music, which is the majority of what I listen to (therefore, the likelihood that the style of music on the album is something I would like, is pretty slim), and I don't think I could bear to sit through the lyrics.

I couldn't have said it any better ;)

[wendalah]

I meant it as the DC say something on this end of the spectrum and they're hung out to dry, but TK says something inflammatory on the other end of the spectrum and it is a smash hit.

Depends on what audience you're talking about. You like the Chicks and don't like Toby probably partially due to political views. Reverse it and you have the same situation. Most people who don't like Toby Keith are pretty vocal about what an idiotic hick he is (including the Chicks themselves!).

[bookworm]

thedoorchick, thanks for taking the time to explain.

I don't have anything to add (other than to say I didn't have the same reaction/response), but didn't want to ignore your reply :).

[ee_chick]

I have the new album and have been playing it quite a bit this week. I think it's a great album - their best yet.

But... IMO, they come across as petulant teenagers in their handling of the Incident. I understand their outrage at the death threats - who wouldn't be furious? It seems as though they were mad at the whole controversy though - that their fans would be angry at them for their comment and that they would :gasp: complain loudly enough to affect playtime and sales. And that's ridiculous.

Instead of just standing by an anti-war sentiment they chose to issue a half-assed apology which they later retracted, pose for the Entertainment Weekly cover, and keep the controversy going. Two years later, after the furor has settled to a simmer, they release Not Ready to Make Nice (which I really like) as their first single, make a few more references to the Incident on their cd, put on a couple of other songs about small towns and small minds, and in case we missed their point say things like this


It also explains why the Dixie Chicks have made such a point of saying good riddance. "I'd rather have a smaller following of really cool people who get it," says Maguire, "who will grow with us as we grow and are fans for life, than people that have us in their five-disc changer with Reba McEntire and Toby Keith. We don't want those kinds of fans. They limit what you can do."

when they get the cover story of Time (http://www.time.com/time/archive/preview/0,10987,1196419,00.html). Geez, we get it.

Maybe it's just them effectively marketing themselves to the cool people they want as their audience. If it's not, I think it's a bit high school.

It obviously hasn't stopped me from buying or listening to their cd. It does seem that the Incident awakened them to their personal need to speak out and to have their music be very true to themselves. Good for them. Personally, I think it would be nice to see/hear less anger and more of this resolve, but I'm a conflict averse kind of gal :cool:

FWIW, I think people find it a bit more grating that they made their comments in another country for a couple of reasons. First, it smacks of pandering to their audience. "Thank God we can say this to our fans here, because our redneck fans in the US just aren't cool enough to get it." And secondly, I think there's a bit of the "I can talk trash about my family (country) but no one else can" sentiment involved.

[thedoorchick]

First, it smacks of pandering to their audience. "Thank God we can say this to our fans here, because our redneck fans in the US just aren't cool enough to get it."
I agree with this, and the thought has occurred to me before but I forgot to mention it. I can't imagine they would have made that same remark at a concert in Texas.

[PookiePrincess]

No, they'd have never made that remark in Texas (at the time) because people would have booed them. And then stopped buying their CD's and complained to radio.


I'd rather have a smaller following of really cool people who get it," says Maguire, "who will grow with us as we grow and are fans for life, than people that have us in their five-disc changer with Reba McEntire and Toby Keith. We don't want those kinds of fans. They limit what you can do."

I had no idea they said this. I think this might be the quote they said Martie was "misquoted" on, but that lumps me in as the kind of fans they don't want and I sure don't appreciate that!

[wendalah]

"I'd rather have a smaller following of really cool people who get it," says Maguire, "who will grow with us as we grow and are fans for life, than people that have us in their five-disc changer with Reba McEntire and Toby Keith. We don't want those kinds of fans. They limit what you can do."

What I don't understand is why she thinks these two groups of people are necessarily separate.

[isign]

Originally Posted by thedoorchick
It's one thing to disagree with your country's leadership and their views and/or actions. I have no beef with that. It's something else entirely to diss them during a concert in a foreign country. When the people paid to hear their music. And, presumably, didn't ask for their political rants.

And they are just entirely too angry and self-righteous, and have been ever since that incident. You can own what you believe, without angatonizing millions of people. This whole album is one giant "take that!" What's the point? Do they want to sing, or do they want to make political hay? I am in complete disbelief, actually, that much of this entire album is more of their ranting.

As far as the death threats, that is ridiculous.

NM's "apology" was made under pressure from her label, and I have never in my life heard one that was more insincere. She might as well never have said a word. Again, if you're going to say something, own it.

I'd say that's probably because the DC's are bashing the whole country music industry. Tit for tat.

I agree with this comment.

I have no interest in buying this album, partly because I don't want to support them or their music, and partly because I can't imagine I would like it. They've turned their backs on country music, which is the majority of what I listen to (therefore, the likelihood that the style of music on the album is something I would like, is pretty slim), and I don't think I could bear to sit through the lyrics.


ITA 100% They made it big through the country music genre & now are totally trashing those who supported them. What's wrong with being grouped in with Reba? I understand them not liking TK, but Reba is a legend, and an amazing artist. If I was a singer, I'd take it as an honor to be in the same category as her.

[ee_chick]

What I don't understand is why she thinks these two groups of people are necessarily separate.

Exactly. And even if she thinks they are for the most part, why even say it? Especially in an interview with a national publication.

Music /= politics for a lot of people.

[thedoorchick]

They made it big through the country music genre & now are totally trashing those who supported them.

Word. It's awfully convenient to say that country music fans apparently are not cool people and don't get it, when if it weren't for them, the DC's would still be playing on street corners in Dallas.

[isign]

I do know that they were huge here before the 'Incident', and then radio stations stopped playing them. I was going to buy their CD, I really liked them, but not now. Wouldn't want their CD near artists like Vince Gill or George Strait or Faith Hill. I guess I'm just not cool enough for them. :rolleyes:

[wendalah]

I work in a music division and there are a lot of people who are, probably by the Chicks' definition, "cool." And they like Reba and Toby. Our hip-hop programmer thinks Toby is hilarious and has a "White Tra$h With Money" poster in his cube.

I'm not exactly sure why poor Reba is getting trashed...she sings about pretty innocuous stuff.

Everyone here likes the Chicks, too. It's not an either/or thing.

[jimmysgirl424]

I love the Dixie Chicks and definitely plan on buying this album. But by the same token, I am buying Toby's new album as well and I have been a fan of Reba's for years. Does liking those two artists make me less of a Dixie Chick's fan? :confused: Oh, and to top it off; I sing DC songs AND Reba songs karaoke!! Sacrilege!!!!!!!!!!

[kam]

I totally get why they would trash a lot of the music genre. Living in the south for 4 years now, I get irritated every time the national news chooses to show the most dumb sounding, toothless guy in a wifebeater to represent southerners. Really, there are some pretty well-educated, well-spoken people down here with a great fashion sense and pearly whites. Sure, that guy lives in the south too but I'm sure the news has a choice in who they interview.

I think the DCs speaking out against some members of the country "elite" is the same kind of frustration. They are a part of country music too and are pissed off when there are members that play into the stereotype that's out there about country music.

Quite honestly, politics aside, their music is one of the only country music acts I could stand. Mainly because NM's voice is awesome. Other crossover artists, such as Shania (sp) and Faith I wasn't too keen on ever.


Hell, Billy Joel was a cheating bastard, but I'll still listen to his music. There's a difference between one's artistic life and one's personal/political life. Sometimes they collide, and that's fine. That's what makes art, but to discount someone's music because of their political or social views just seems pointless to me.

Yup. If I did that, I couldn't listen to any classic rock groups. I can't stand Paul McCartney but the Beatles still remain as one of my favorite groups (although I leaned towards John Lennon's songs, even though he too was a cheating bastard).

[lawyerlee]

Fresh Air has a piece on the Chicks and their new album today, in case anyone is interested. ;) :)

Dixie Chicks Return After Three-Year Gap in Albums (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5454105)

[kam]

For those red state liberals, a great article on the chicks that made me giggle.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13173142/


You jewel case stompers feel betrayed, I know. I’ve read the articles where they quote various regional radio station program directors, all giving variations on the same quote: “The Dixie Chicks are over. They’ve got bad attitudes. We’ll never play them again. They keep rubbing salt in the wound.” Well boo-hoo. You can’t believe that someone who made records you sang along to and loved could be so unlike you, could be so disrespectful to someone as clearly loveable as our own President? Then welcome to the disillusioned club. We liberals have been living in that state of disgruntled shock for six years already. Honestly, you should be grateful that the only people who’ve made you this pissed off in that amount of time have been Michael Moore and trio of country singers.


So you’re mad. And now you’re extra miffed that the Chicks could sway half a million traitorous citizens into buying their latest piece of anti-American propaganda.

But guess what? They did. And what it means is that you may have the Bush administration on your side of the pop culture war, you may even have a slim majority of America’s citizenry still on your side, but the rest of us are not going away any time soon. We are the people you think don’t exist, the ones advertisers can’t quite pin down, the ones who keep Molly Ivins employed. We are the red-state liberals. We vote and we buy CDs.

[kam]

For those red state liberals, a great article on the chicks that made me giggle.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13173142/


You jewel case stompers feel betrayed, I know. I’ve read the articles where they quote various regional radio station program directors, all giving variations on the same quote: “The Dixie Chicks are over. They’ve got bad attitudes. We’ll never play them again. They keep rubbing salt in the wound.” Well boo-hoo. You can’t believe that someone who made records you sang along to and loved could be so unlike you, could be so disrespectful to someone as clearly loveable as our own President? Then welcome to the disillusioned club. We liberals have been living in that state of disgruntled shock for six years already. Honestly, you should be grateful that the only people who’ve made you this pissed off in that amount of time have been Michael Moore and trio of country singers.


So you’re mad. And now you’re extra miffed that the Chicks could sway half a million traitorous citizens into buying their latest piece of anti-American propaganda.

But guess what? They did. And what it means is that you may have the Bush administration on your side of the pop culture war, you may even have a slim majority of America’s citizenry still on your side, but the rest of us are not going away any time soon. We are the people you think don’t exist, the ones advertisers can’t quite pin down, the ones who keep Molly Ivins employed. We are the red-state liberals. We vote and we buy CDs.

[curlyjr]

I love the new album, I think it is their best yet, I have always been a DC fan, even more since The Incident, and I just think it's so great that they are doing so well in spite of some people's problems with their past comments.

[Etoile]

I got tickets! I hear that their ticket sales are actually not going that well but here in Denver they sold out. I can't wait to see them.
I'm liberal, but I could care less what they say or think politically. I love a lot of conservative country artists despite their politics. I just love their music and I love to sing along with it. Sin Wagon is my favorite song to sing at karaoke.

[eli1126]

Bought the CD and love it! If they come to my area, I will wait in line for tickets. I certianly don't see any evidence that DC's sales are suffering, I went to Target a few times to get the CD and it was sold out.

Beth

[Katy]

I picked up the album as soon as I could and it's been playing non-stop in our house since. I don't have problems with what they said. And to be honest, I don't have much of a problem when 'stars' use their 'stardom' to speak out for causes they believe in, be it politics, vegetarianism, environmental issues or no white after Labor Day. I'd much rather see and hear that sort of thing than see other "bad influences" such as excessive drug use, eating disorders, law-breaking, or what have you.

Then again, quite a few of the performers we see talk politics on stage, so it's not a big shock to me. Bruce was doing it at the show we saw last week. It's part of the message of the music, a sign of the times. Like someone earlier said, that's what the music of the 60's and 70's was all about. That's what the punk scene was all about. Music has always been an indicator of what's going on in the World, why should it be any different now?

"I Hope" is my favorite song off this album - Pollyana that I am :o

[paiger]

I LOVE the album!! I guess everyone just reads what people say differently. I don't think they are dissing Reba at all. What I think is that they are saying that they'd rather have someone really listening to what they are saying on their album not just having it in their 5 disc changer with other multimillion- dollar-selling-country-artists. They could have easily said any hugely selling artist like Jessica Simpson and John Mayer. I don't blame them for coming out and talking about this now. After the Top of the World Tour, they did fall of the earth. They had death threats put on the entrances of their ranches where their children were at the time. So, not only where their lives in danger, but also their children. I haven't heard a single one of their songs on any Country stations around here or when I was in KY recently. So, exactly how are they going to let people know what they are about without discussing it.

I also saw Martie on TV in an interview discussing the misquote which happened during/after the Top of the World Tour. She was saying how they liked to change things up and Rock out basically, and it was completely changed around by the people that were hating on them anyway.