Dixie Chicks review-Stevie mention
 

Chad Smith played drums? Heartbreakers appearances? Cool!

Friday, May 19, 2006

Pop Life column: The best Dixie Chicks album few may buy
The Dixie Chicks' long-awaited fourth album is their best and most bravely honest. But who's gonna buy it?

By BEN WENER
The Orange County Register

Let's for a moment set aside the outspoken overtones of the Dixie Chicks' much-anticipated fourth (and best) album, "Taking the Long Way."

That's what most pundits and pop scribes will focus on, at the exclusion of anything else - like the profoundly intimate and label-defying music itself. "60 Minutes" already joined the fray, recently profiling the embattled trio and rehashing the furor that sprung up over Natalie Maines' off-the-cuff put-down of the president three years ago.

I realize Maines and fellow Chicks Emily Robison and Martie Maguire aren't shying away from this still-tense topic. More than a few tracks on the new album (in stores Tuesday) address fallout from "the incident," as they term it.

You may have heard the obvious example by now. Or perhaps only heard about it, seeing as a perusal of playlists at most country stations proves hardly any of them are spinning the Chicks' considered yet contentious first single, "Not Ready to Make Nice."

Its opening salvo: "Forgive/ Sounds good/ Forget/ I'm not sure I could." Its fierce chorus: "It's too late to make it right/ I probably wouldn't if I could/ 'Cause I'm mad as hell/ Can't bring myself to do what it is you think I should."

Or the bridge: "How in the world can the words that I said/ Send somebody so over the edge/ That they'd write me a letter/ Sayin' that I better shut up and sing/ Or my life will be over?"

OK, so I didn't really set aside outspoken overtones.

But that much I expected from this turning-point effort. Anything less than the bravest honesty would have been a cop-out. Much to their credit, the Dixie Chicks do not back down; if anything, they're apt to incur even more enemies (or indifferent ears) for refusing to retreat into the safety of pretty but empty country pap.

Notice that on KZLA's Top 20, "Not Ready to Make Nice" is nowhere to be found, though the tamer "Everybody Knows" (about "the psychology of celebrity," as Maines has noted) clocks in at No. 16. The lesson: Get jingoistic (like Toby Keith), and radio will play your up-with-America jingles incessantly. Be contrary and you better start looking elsewhere for media support.

So Roxanne and I have been wondering just who makes up the Dixie Chicks' fan base now, and whether "Taking the Long Way" will be the big crossover sensation it deserves to be.

Understand, while I'm just a recent Dixies convert, Roxanne has been a die-hard from "Wide Open Spaces" onward. I received an advance of the new disc two weeks ago, but I hadn't much seen the thing until three days ago. Rox immediately absconded with it, listening to it a dozen times.

Her initial reaction: It retains the warmth of the authentic country feel of 2002's "Home." That much I attribute not to the Chicks themselves (who for the first time co-penned every cut) or their writing partners (a first-rate array led by Semisonic's Dan Wilson but also including the Jayhawks' Gary Louris, Sheryl Crow, Neil Finn, Keb' Mo', Pete Yorn and Linda Perry).

I figure that warmth is due to a superior backing group (featuring a few Heartbreakers and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith) and, most of all, the instincts of producer Rick Rubin, gifted at capturing an immediacy that leaves you feeling like you're eavesdropping on the artists.

He brings the same spirit to this that he brought to Tom Petty's "Wildflowers," doing away with compact polish, allowing instrumentation room to breathe, letting the Chicks' vocal maturity shine through and get bolstered by resonant American country-rock.

That's really what this is: great, melodic, thought-provoking American music that incorporates strains from several genres until it's beholden to none. If anything, it's an extension of the SoCal rock tradition put forth in the '70s by the likes of Stevie Nicks and Linda Ronstadt, only infused with far more heartfelt commentary, spanning topics as standard as long-term love and as diverse as dealing with Alzheimer's and infertility.

It's startling progress that makes earlier Chicks records seem simplistic. They have evolved into something realer and deeper - as opposed, Rox says, to Faith Hill, who went pop with syrup poured on top.

"I could really hear this on Star 98," I told her as we listened again the other night.

Not a chance, she thinks. "It's still too country for that."

And she may be right. Star hasn't gone near the single, instead spinning lame fluff like "You're Beautiful" and "Bad Day" ad nauseam. Nor has KBIG picked up on the Dixies.

Nor is there really an overtly country cut to push on the KZLAs and CMTs of the airwaves. Consider "Lubbock or Leave It." Musically it sounds like a sop to Toby Keith fans, but the lyrics are pure venom spewed at the narrow-mindedness of Maines' hometown, which still won't play her records. Likewise, the gospel-infused "I Hope" isn't likely to please some church folk, as its first verse tackles the conflict of adhering to "thou shalt not kill" yet supporting war.

It's said that when the outcry of three years ago began, a new (primarily pop) audience came running to the Chicks' defense. Yet will they remain? And buy in big numbers?

I have no doubt "Taking the Long Way" will debut at No. 1 and become another breakout moment for the Chicks, who should solidify some new audience. But I also have no doubt that this won't sell as many copies as its predecessors.

That's what comes with being uncompromising: smaller returns, dismayed fans, greater self-satisfaction.

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I don't think this reviewer knows what he's talking about. If there's one thing I always loved about Fleetwood Mac it's that subtle political commentary they've infused into each one of their songs.

What I find interesting is the fact that he doesn't think anyone is going to buy it. WTF!? They have gotten major publicity for this album: newspapers, TV, interviews, lots of positive reviews, etc. Also, the single, "Not Ready to Make Nice" has been a top download on iTunes for several weeks, and it is getting major airplay on the radio. Also, they are playing the video A LOT on CMT. Also, they are planning a huge tour to back the album, which usually helps. Therefore, I think it has a great shot of selling well. Besides with the state that our country is in right now, what Natalie Maines said is looking pretty smart right now. Since time has passed, I'm sure some people have changed their opinion on her comment.

I know I am gonna buy it...probably the day it comes out. I love them.

I'll be buying too, but I agree with him that it won't sell as well as previous CDs. Music fans will buy it, Chicks fans will buy it. But the general public & country music fans may not, especially in the South & "red" states.

Technically, there's only three "red" states left:

http://www.surveyusa.com/50State2006...s060515Net.htm

And I think they've got the total population of my bathroom.

I agree the tide has turned (or at least, it's trying to turn ;) ) but I also think there are plenty of people who are middle age & older, who are country music fans, who will not buy this CD cuz they're still pissed off that Natalie dared to voice an opinion. I don't think it will bomb, but I doubt it will sell as many copies as Home did. JOM.

I think they're attracting a new audience. :nod: Maybe not enough to make up for the rednecks who are pissed off at 'em now, but I doubt this album will tank.

Did y'all see the other review I posted on the Rumours board?

I'll be buying it as well..But I agree that it won't sell as well. For the Dixie Chicks terms, it has already started off "slow." There's no big smash single preceding the release like their always is with them. Sure CMT may be playing the video, but it's nowhere to be found on the country charts, or country radio at all...However, I don't think it really matters. I predict it's going to be a great album, if the first single is any indication. And besides they said it themselves, they arent "ready to make nice."

well..
 

someone's buying it. It's been the number one album on Amazon.com for the last few days and it hasn't even been released. It's beating albums that already have by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen.

Country music needs the Chicks more than they need country music. I guarantee a #1 debut on Billboard. I'll be downloading my itunes version first thing Tuesday morning. I love my chicks...

Oh yeah no doubt I think it will debut at #1, but I don't I think it will sell the millions and millions the others have sold..

the only twixie chicks song I know is .... Landslide!! :wavey: :sorry: :nod: :o :( :confused:

you know..
 

what I really like about the Dixie Chicks is how they refused to compromise. I just finished reading an article in the New York Times where Natalie says " we need to approach everything like not one radio station is going to play one single song." Asked about country radio, she said, "Do you really think we're going to make an album for you and trust the future of our career to people who turned on us in a day?"

A Keith quote: "Just so you know, I'm ashamed the president of the United States is from the United States."

Love your quote Keith..I also agree it's great they refuse to compromise...The critics say the first single is a big F-U to country music, well what do they expect? Do they deserve any better...no they dont

I am going to buy at least a couple of copies of this cd, just to piss "those kind of people off" Let the statement of rebellion begin!

Well, not an F-U to country music, but an F-U to the Nashville country music establishment, and country radio. I don't doubt that the Chicks still love country music. But the Nashville establishment has always been ****, and the best country musicians have always been the ones who struck their own path and refused to compromise with the idiots behind the desks.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Musi...eut/index.html

It always amazes me how people act shocked when they are vocal about a controversial topic and then their product does not sell.

Who's shocked? :shrug:

I did not mean anyone here - I meant the newspaper's implied shockdom ( :laugh:)

I'm a little surprised. I thought that this would have blown over by now. It has been several years, and Bush has proven to be a terrible President---his approval rating is in the toilet! All you have to do is look at the President's track record now. These people need to wake up and admit that he has made mistake after mistake. I'm tired of hearing excuses for W. Having said that, I don't understand why these people are still holding this against them. Can't they see she has a right to say this,and that it obviously had some backing. Get over it, country music! These are the same people that you made superstars. The Chicks didn't say anything that bad,anyway. We've all been ashamed of our President for one decision or another. Therefore, country music need to stop all this nonsense. I feel really bad for them, and I'll be buying their album tomorrow. :D

Dixie Chick: Bush owed ‘no respect whatsoever’

Maines takes back apology for ’03 remarks she made about president

The Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines apologized for disrespecting President Bush during a London concert in 2003. But now, she's taking it back. "I don't feel that way anymore," she said. "I don't feel he is owed any respect whatsoever."

NEW YORK - The Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines apologized for disrespecting President Bush during a London concert in 2003. But now, she's taking it back.

"I don't feel that way anymore," she told Time magazine for its issue hitting newsstands Monday. "I don't feel he is owed any respect whatsoever."

As war in Iraq loomed, Maines told the London audience: "Just so you know, we're ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas."

The remarks led to death threats and a backlash from other country stars, including a high-profile spat with Toby Keith. It also stalled what until then had been the group's smashingly successful career.

Bandmate Emily Robinson said she knew right away the remark wouldn't be taken lightly and got "hot from my head to my toes."

"It wasn't that I didn't agree with her 100 percent; it was just, 'Oh, this is going to stir something up,'" she told Time.

For band member Martie Maguire, the controversy was a blessing in disguise.

"I'd rather have a small following of really cool people who get it, 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," Maguire said. "We don't want those kinds of fans. They limit what you can do."

The Chicks' hits include "Landslide," "Goodbye Earl" and "Wide Open Spaces." Their new album, "Taking the Long Way," is due out May 23. The first single is "Not Ready to Make Nice."

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Not smart runnin' the mouth with that lil' barb towards Reba...As for me I am trying to get rid of the Dixie Twits cd's I have (Not because of the Bush remarks mind you...I just started to hate country music again!)

If anyone is interested in trading for the cd single of "Long Time Gone" & the deluxe version of "Home" (Includes a DVD w/music videos including their butchery of "Landslide") feel free to PM me.

I think most people really want to like Bush, though why I have no fukcing clue. I also think it is not so much their "attack" on W as it is the fact that that statement was inexplicably taken to be an attack on our troops overseas in a foreign land a la Hanoi Jane. I do not get the connection and could care a less what NM says or thinks. But, apparently, I am in the minority.

Interestingly, their concert apres deluge was a huge success, though it had sold out prior to the statement in London. But, still, people would seemingly eat the price of the tickets or burn them at the concert door rather than go if they hated them that much. That did not happen. So, their overall popularity somewhat survived. Personally, I think if they had come out with a good song that was not political, it would have had a better chance.

They're on Letterman tonight. I also find it interesting that their album drops tomorrow, same day as the Country Music whatever awards in the evening. :p

Funny...
 

on the local news tonite there was a story about how OKC country stations have decided to not play any new Dixie Chicks music on the air.

That decision comes not from their recant of the Bush apology, nor the fact that they have taken swipes at Oklahomans Toby Keith & Reba McEntire (Man, It will be funny to see how the Chicks will react when they play OKC in Sept this year...Right down the block from the Ford Center is the somewhat new "Toby Keith's Bar & Grill"-Not to mention that Ford Motor Company sponsors Toby Keith and has placed ads with his likeness throughout the Ford Center.), But from their recent statements that they do not need country radio...So the stations here will abide by their request.

What troops where? Afghanistan? She made the comment in January 2003.

Yes, the troops in Afaganistan and we were on the verge of war with Iraq and everyone knew it - I mean after chomping at the bit, we went soon thereafter.

Again, on the heels of 9/11, it probabluy was not the smartest thing to go abroad and criticize a very beloved American President in a time of rising nationalism.

Please note - I am not saying she had no right to say it or that she was not speaking the truth about how she felt (it is not a factual/historical statement but a subjective one :shrug: ) - I am just saying she must own the consequences of her actions. Do I think the retaliation was too severe? Yes, I do. Do I think Fox News destroyed her based on a relatively benign comment from a silly girl singer all in the name of ratings? Yes, I so. But, such is life, which often is unfair.

I think she does! All three of them do. That's precisely what this album is about, isn't it?

I read a good quote from Natalie Maines in some article or other in which she said one of the reasons she was so shocked by the extent of the retaliation in the immediate aftermath of "the Incident" is because she had been naive about the nature of the groups' fans up to that point. She had no idea that so many of them had made the assumption that because they were country artists, they must be Republican and pro-war. Now that they realize that, they have no problem saying goodbye to that portion of their audience. As Martie Maguire notes in the article Brian posted: "I'd rather have a small following of really cool people who get it, 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."

Sounds like they're owning the consequences to me. Good on 'em.

I think they wanted it both ways. I think they recognize this new record is a comparative flop. So, they are saying that they don't care etc. I tend not to believe artists when they say that. I mean if they didn't care about that then they would not really comment on it. So, I think they care to an extent. In other words, I think they would have loved it if the song had been a huge hit - who wouldn't :shrug:

Interestingly, I know more than one anti-war person who did not like the fact that Maines appeared not to support the troops on foreign soil. People tend to confuse anti-war with not supporting the troops.

Well of course most artists (though no, not all) would love to have a big hit, especially if they've already had a few, but the argument that, "Well, if they didn't care they wouldn't say anything," is a bit specious, especially when it involves celebrities who are asked tons of questions about their careers.

And you can hope to have a big hit while at the same time not really minding if you don't.

Perhaps true - but you cannot, as here, alienate the majority of your audience and have that hope.

Well, who knows exactly how much of their audience they alienated? That's the question this record is going to answer. They've got no way of knowing how many folks turned on them until the numbers for this album start rolling in. (And it's especially up in the air given that many more people agree with Natalie's sentiment three years later.)

I missed Letterman. :( Anyone catch it?

I watched it. Girlfriend sang the SH*T out of "Not Ready to Make Nice." I believe Natalie's dad, Lloyd, was up on the riser playing keyboards. I was hoping they'd have time to talk afterwards, especially since Dave loves to bash Bush. But they didn't. He did mention how great they sounded.

I love the chicks. I love their new song and I will buy the new cd but they really do need to learn to keep their mouth shut. On the View this morning, they were talking about the Time article where the chicks totally diss the View, saying something alone the lines of "we're no where near the calibur of Springsteen but he would never appear on the View", meaning "their" too good for the View. Did I get this right? I didn't catch the whole thing, anyone see this? The cranky bitches went on and on dissing the chicks, about how they appeared on their show back in 98 and they actually helped start their career and how dare they say their to good for the View.

I agree. I think the how the tour sells will be the major factor.

I saw it back in '94 when Stevie sang Blue Denim. :wavey:
Man, she was cool!:thumbsup:

Very good point, I think that will likely be more revealing than the album sales, actually.

I shouldn't answer this, what with your using the wrong "their" and "to" but I'll forgive you cuz you're Canadian. :wavey:

I hate The View, except when Joy shoots dirty looks to Star or makes nasty comments to her. :laugh:

I thought you were a nurse, not a f**king grammar teacher ;) :wavey: