Hopes and Fears About The Forthcoming Dixie Chicks Album
A new album by the Dixie Chicks is on the way, and it’s no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.” Recent social media posts confirm the trio is working in the studio with super producer Jack Antonoff, and that a new record is coming “someday.” If they’re teasing us on social media already, that “someday” is more likely to be counted in months instead of years, which opens up a whole range of questions of what we might expect, and what the ramifications could be.
This will not be a reunification of the trio, though much of the media will mistakenly tout it as such (and already are). Natalie Maines, Emily Erwin, and Martie Erwin played multiple shows together opening for The Eagles in 2010, toured extensively in 2013 throughout Canada and Europe, and then launched a successful Untied States tour in 2016, which included playing the marquee performance with Beyonce at the 2016 CMA Awards. A new record would simply be a re-emergence of the band in the recorded space.
So what could we expect? What should we expect?
HOPE: The new record will be country.
Though misconceptions abound about the Dixie Chicks tied to the political upheaval surrounding the band in 2003, they’re arguably even worse when it comes to the trio’s actual contributions to country music. The 90’s, early 2000’s output from the Dixie Chicks is nothing short of neotraditionalist and acoustic country music gold, despite many considering them pop country mavens for no other reason than they were successful. They even had a #2 single in “Long Time Gone” written by Darrell Scott that protested the lack of influence from country legends in today’s country music in the final verse.
Though the band’s last record after the political imbroglio veered somewhat from the country realm, the legacy the Dixie Chicks has left has been very country, and very good. They’re three astute musicians, highly proficient at fiddle, mandolin, banjo, dobro, and guitar. Though they never wrote a lot of their songs, they knew how to pick good ones, with multiple tracks from Darrell Scott, Patty Griffin, Radney Foster, and Marty Stuart in their discography, and other selections from Bruce Robison, J.D. Souther, and other notable country songwriters. A new country record in the vein of Wide Open Spaces, Fly, and Home would, and should be welcomed by country fans.
FEAR: The new record will not be country.
It’s not unreasonable to think that the Dixie Chicks will take a sharp turn away from country with a new record. Their last album, Taking The Long Way was produced by Rick Rubin, and saw the band veering away from the country music space in part. Working with producer Jack Antonoff on the new album is an even more troubling sign. At least Rick Rubin knew his way around a country song after producing Johnny Cash, even if Rubin’s inclination is to lean more rock. Jack Antonoff is purely a pop and indie rock animal, or at least he has been up to this point in his career. In the production seat, Antonoff is primarily known for helping sway Taylor Swift 100% into the pop realm, first with the song “Sweeter Than Fiction” off the One Chance soundtrack, and then later with a couple of her songs from the album 1989.
Good music is good music though, and it would be understandable if the Dixie Chicks refused to feel beholden to country after being black balled from the format. But what the Dixie Chicks do best is play acoustic roots. If they get swept up in making Sheryl Crow-style generic roots rock, or try to work in electronic beats and synth, it just won’t be as cool and meaningful as a full bore return to country. It could feel hollow. Perhaps Antonoff can recalibrate his skills to the trio’s strengths. But there’s reasons to worry he will try to sway them to the sounds of the here-and-now, instead of what’s at the heart of what made the Dixie Chicks so important to country music.
HOPE: It will be a moment of unity, and a homecoming.
The Dixie Chicks were wronged, and at this point it’s not even worth debating that, though of course many will. They were deplatformed before we knew what deplatforming was, and their story serves as a good lesson about how the lynch mob mentality that is even more pervasive now due to social media is unhealthy, and unjust, and should be avoided in music and all parts of life from both the left and right. If they come out with a cool country record, it could help heal wounds and divisions, and re-foucus people’s minds on music instead of the massive dissent roiling society. The Dixie Chicks are a legendary band in country music. They sold nearly 30 million records and won 10 CMA Awards. Whether you agree with the mild comments Natalie Maines made about the Iraq War and President Bush, this band part of the country music family, and deserves to be welcomed back into the fold.
FEAR: It will be a source of division in country music and beyond.
Instead of binding wounds, the return of the Dixie Chicks will rip open scabs if the trio decides to get decidedly political or polarizing either with their music or their public personas (pay special attention to Natalie Maines). That doesn’t mean they have to “shut up and sing” for this to work, but if they make their return to the studio all about pouring salt on wounds and evening the score, it will just be another thing that draws divisions in society and country music, as opposed to giving renewed attention to what an important legacy the Dixie Chicks left, and could add to in the future.
FEAR: The media will muddy this up.
Expect the media to have a field day with this issue. In fact, they already are. They will weaponize the return of the Dixie Chicks with think pieces full of misconceptions and outright lies meant to virtue signal to their Twitter feeds and foster click bait. This is what we saw with Kacey Musgraves who went out of her way to make her recent album Golden Hour as apolotical as possible, yet the media couldn’t wait to pounce and use it as a wedge, telling country fans how they should be pissed off at her for trouncing on their conservative values.
Expect the media to specifically get the way the Dixie Chicks disbanded wrong, which they have been doing for 15 years now. The trio’s last record, 2006’s Taking The Long Way sold 2.5 million copies, debuted at #1 in all of music, and won five Grammy Awards after mainstream country disowned them. The Dixie Chicks didn’t disband because country blackballed them. In fact the blackballing backfired, and made them heroes and icons to many. The trio could have carried on quite successfully. They disbanded because they wanted to spend more time with their families. Also, they played the marquee performance at the 50th Annual CMA Awards in 2016. The country industry has already welcomed them back into the fold. It’s outlying fans that still need to come around, but they will do so better with facts as opposed to misinformation and demeaning think pieces.
HOPE: People would put all the past polarization aside, and enjoy the music.
Seriously, get the hell over it, both sides of the debate. The current president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has said things about the Iraq War, former President George W. Bush, and the entire Bush family that make the off-handed comment by Natalie Maines 16 years ago now seem like child’s play. The Dixie Chicks were the victims of a hysteria—the same type of hysteria that has people on the right in the crosshairs for incredibly innocuous things today. If the Dixie Chicks come around looking to pick fights, then that’s on them. But they should be given the benefit of the doubt, just as the media and outsiders should give country fans the benefit of the doubt, and the merit of any new album should be based solely on the music itself.
– – – – – – – – – – – –
The lesson of the Dixie Chicks is just how out-of-hand politics can get, and why it should be compartmentalized within culture. It should be the understanding and commitment by all music fans, the media, and the industry to keep the institution of music a place everyone can put differences aside, and enjoy music together.
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 10:09 am
Folks, let’s please try to be civil to one another over this topic. We’re not going to solve the world’s political problems here. But hopefully we can come to some mutual understandings about the music of the Dixie Chicks.
Kevin wortman
July 5, 2019 @ 10:15 am
Politically, they can’t go wrong right now…I’m sure their attitudes/opinions are right in line with the mainstream and their targeted audience.
Mike W.
July 5, 2019 @ 10:43 am
Depends on who they want to cater to. I have no doubt if they go down the Americana route you would be right, but I think the mainstream Country audience still leans heavily to the right. I could see them getting push back from a lot of folks if they tried a comeback at Country radio….
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 11:12 am
They’re almost certainly going to be targeting the Americana route – they’re too country for country radio.
Kevin wortman
July 5, 2019 @ 11:22 am
Remember when Shania Twain caught Hell for saying she would have voted for Trump? Shania is pretty mainstream, right? Things have flipped. Being right wing and patriotic are now outlaw and left is the new mainstream.
R2D2
July 5, 2019 @ 11:35 am
Lol
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 12:03 pm
Shania caught hell from the media, and non country fans, esp. members of the LGBTQ community who saw her as an ally simply for wearing leopard print. Country fans didn’t give a shit one way or the other.
Kevin wortman
July 6, 2019 @ 6:53 am
Perhaps then, Mike Huckabee and the CMA foundation is a better example.
TilBillyHill
July 9, 2019 @ 7:54 am
I’m guessing this reply was tongue-in-cheek, trying to stay closer to the topic of the music of the Dixie Chicks.
It’s worth noting, though, that the reply was a major oversimplification. And, “country music fan” and “LGBTQ” are not mutually exclusive. Even this article oversimplifies it: https://www.them.us/story/shania-twain-trump-cancelled
Admittedly, the Shania Twain era is when I stopped listening to country radio for a while…all radio, really. Where I lived, radio choices were the classic rock station playing the same 20 songs on repeat (BTO must be royalty millionaires); a pop/rock station playing boy-bands and slutty barely-legal former Musketeers or a “country” station playing pop-country singers who issued their songs with dance remixes.
Mike W.
July 5, 2019 @ 12:05 pm
That’s ridiculous. Mainstream Country music is not a lefty dominated industry. I think things have thawed a bit where people no longer burn records for a Tweet, but it is still dominated by conservative fans.
Shania caught hell by non-Country media like Gawker or E! News. iHeart Media did not go after her one bit, nor did most Country media. Which was correct, she should never have been shamed for her vote.
hoptowntiger94
July 5, 2019 @ 1:13 pm
I dispute that claim about Mainstream. I watched the ACM awards this year and was surprised how progressive and left leaning – Brandi Carlile, Little Big Town, Keith Urban – and there was no Toby Keith or Hank Jr. moment. Maybe the fans still are right leaning (and I don’t even know what’s right or left anymore), but the artists seem to have really lean progressive in the mainstream.
Mike W.
July 5, 2019 @ 2:45 pm
Brandi Carlile is Americana so she is out, but even still while the artists may lean left, very few of them openly embrace it. I’ll put it this way. Last weekend Aaron Lewis performed on Huckabee wearing a MAGA hat. I don’t see a lot of similar level artists going on MSNBC and wearing Bernie hats.
I think there is a lot of trepidation from artists on both sides regarding speaking out, but chief among them is a fear of getting “Dixie Chicked”. Guys like Eric Church and Tim McGraw will walk that line, but even then they are very careful in trying to not offend Country’s majority conservative fanbase.
hoptowntiger94
July 5, 2019 @ 3:00 pm
Aaron Lewis will never be on the ACM or CMA stage, but Brandi Carlile was there performing with Dierks Bentley. There seems to be an industry push to bring her into the mainstream.
I agree most would rather walk the line. But there’s a reason Hank Jr won’t be inducted into the hall of game until he’s dead. He makes the mainstream uncomfortable. And that wasn’t the case when Toby Keith was putting boots in asses.
Mike W.
July 5, 2019 @ 7:49 pm
Well, I think Hank Jr. makes the mainstream nervous less because of his politics and more for his racist dog whistling and adherence to “birtherism”. If Hank Jr. was just ranting about government regulations weighing down economic growth, that would be one thing, but organizations won’t line up to honor him when they fear he might go all drunk uncle at Thanksgiving on the joint.
TilBillyHill
July 9, 2019 @ 7:27 am
I think the radioactive moment was when he went on TV talking not about music, but politics, and made an analogy about a Republican golfing with President Obama being like a Jewish Prime Minister golfing with Hitler. He looked like a little kid trying to impress everyone that he knew Netanyahu’s name, not realizing that the context in which he used the name immediately revealed the limit of his understanding.
The Dixie Chicks didn’t liken the US President to Nazis, let alone equate him to Adolph Hitler specifically. Comparing comments and consequences, Hank Jr.’s fall was smaller and his rebound faster. Granted, he has a longer history in country music (albeit one in which he went from “Young Country” boundary-pusher to solidly mainstream). Bocephus was included performed a song as part of the Kris Kristofferson tribute in 2016. Dierks Bentley performed in the same show. Toby Keith was in the lineup (even as printed on the t-shirts and posters), but did not appear. (No statement was made about him dropping from the line-up, let alone why.)
If the criteria is the music, I think Hank Jr. and the Dixie Chicks both belong in the CMHoF. Whether that happens in their lifetimes (or any of ours) is uncertain.
TilBillyHill
July 9, 2019 @ 7:06 am
Carlile’s “Keep Your Heart Young” deserved a spot on country radio, along with a lot of other music squeezed out by the replaying of the same same-sounding tracks every hour. (A moment of silence, please, for the “no repeat work-day.”) We saw her in concert around 10 years ago (around the time I saw Hank Jr. in concert for the first time). I don’t recall any song, lyric, or anything else about her show that was overtly political… unless you count a rousing cover of “Folsom Prison Blues.” From her early days, she sang country, and always has had a country twang and cry to her voice.
Lewis’ “Country Boy” arguably is more political, for example, referencing the Gadsden flag. CMT played (maybe still plays) that one almost into the ground. Ironically, Lewis is the one with the music background farther from country, having fronted a “hard rock” band.
To my ears, both of them have songs that earn a place in the country genre. Maybe not all of their songs fit there. Award shows these days probably are not a good indicator of…well…most things actually about the music. I’d see Sturgill as a better comparison to Lewis, and would see Sturgill as the least likely of the 3 to be on an award show.
I’d see Carlile as the most likely to have had trepidation about the reception she would have received if she had initially focused on making a career strictly within the country genre. Lewis and Sturgill might not show up on awards shows, but they also probably didn’t have as much risk as Carlile did of being shunned for something outside their music before they even played their first chord in Nashville. John Rich = political, bro-Country/hick-hop, and welcomed / foisted upon us on award shows and “reality” shows, etc. (Even he has some decent country songs.)
For several reasons, I’d guess that the inclusion of Carlile originates more from the artist side (like having Linda Perry in the House band for Dolly’s tribute and performance) more than the corporate side (like including cast members from “Nashville.”)
Meanwhile, country radio played the heck out of a Tim McGraw song with a subtle reference to abortion. It’s a well-written song that treats the subject with the sobriety it deserves.
Music doesn’t have to shut up about politics. It just needs to not suck.
liza
July 5, 2019 @ 9:27 pm
Politically it will be 50/50. It always is.
Chris
July 5, 2019 @ 10:22 am
It was wrong then and it would be wrong today to make a big deal out of it. Honestly I feel like if they came out against Trump in this day and age it would be heralded as standing up for the common good. I hope your right and the new Album is country. It would be a crime if it ended up “bro” sounding with electronic beats/clap tracks/ bad writing etc.
Ralphie
July 5, 2019 @ 11:48 am
The difference between 2003 and 2019 is the general population is a lot more “woke”. Back then libertarians were considered radicals. We were still living in a true two-party system, and if you questioned anything in anyway about the Bush administration you were considered a traitor/terrorist/Democrat.
ScottG
July 5, 2019 @ 12:55 pm
Not only are we in the “Trump age,” we are now also a lot further away from 9/11…something that was still relatively fresh in peoples minds. It’s easy to forget that there was a fair amount of patriotism around that issue. Obviously, history now looks back a little differently, but it was pretty tangible back then.
Ralphie
July 5, 2019 @ 1:14 pm
Meanwhile, the Left is obsessed with Russia when they, and everyone else in this country, should be horrified by Trump’s continuance of the U.S.’s cozy relationship with the country whose citizens made up 17 of the 19 high-jackers on 9/11 — Saudi Arabia. Right-wingers have been fooled into thinking Trump is different than the presidents who have occupied the Oval Office since Kennedy was assassinated, just like they were fooled into thinking the Bush administration was concerned about middle-class Christian values.
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 1:19 pm
Hey Ralphie,
I appreciate your passion here, but let’s please try to refrain from outside political discussions that don’t involve the Dixie Chicks. It’s just going to lead to unhelpful back and forths.
Thanks!
Ralphie
July 5, 2019 @ 3:15 pm
It’s the Chicks’ own fault that discussions about them revolve around politics, and I don’t think it’s unhelpful at all to debate current events. The more woke we are, the more informed our decisions are.
Throwback Country
July 5, 2019 @ 10:36 am
Outstanding piece, Trig. Well said, both about getting over any ridiculous false narratives simplified or even fabricated by country music “fans” … and the Chicks needing to have thicker skin while picking and choosing both their battles and the direction of their music more carefully.
Charlie
July 5, 2019 @ 10:54 am
Speaking as someone who can appreciate the rare good pop country song, I think this release could be very interesting.
For some reason I can picture them covering ‘At Seventeen’ by Janice Ian at some point. Has anybody done that, as a sort of anti-bullying piece?
But yeah, screw any and all political bullshit. Complaining about the boss doesn’t mean you don’t support the company.
TilBillyHill
July 9, 2019 @ 8:02 am
Great song. There are a lot of old (and not-so-Old) folkie songs that would make great country songs. The lines between country, modern folk, and Americans are blurry for me, in part because a lot of what I think of as traditional country never makes it to country radio but is featured by the Americana Music Association (which also features artists who used to be on country radio, from Roseanne Cash and Rodney Crowell to Dwight Yoakum.)
Did any version of Darrell Scott’s “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” make it to radio? Did Patty Loveless or Brad Paisley even bother making it a single? I love Paisley’s version.
TilBillyHill
July 9, 2019 @ 8:18 am
Just dawned on me that Brandi Carlile’s “The Joke” is almost like a descendent of “At Seventeen.” In both, the early ‘winners’ don’t fare so well in the long run. Brad Paisley’s “Letter to Me” even notes that “these are nowhere near the best years of your life.”
Musiccitymang
July 5, 2019 @ 11:28 am
Look for this record to be woke! Beto and Bernie got nothing on poor little rich girl Natalie.
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 12:00 pm
Natalie Maines is a little rich girl? Didn’t know Lloyd Maines made that much playing steel guitar for Joe Ely and Terry Allen. She hasn’t helped the situation in moments though, almost delighting in sowing division.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 12:50 pm
Seriously – she’s clearly a bit of an asshole…but she’s also extraordinarily talented, and I care about that an awful lot more.
Lisa
July 5, 2019 @ 3:43 pm
I sure don’t like her personality, but that girl can flat out sing.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 3:48 pm
Exactly – I know venue owners that refuse to have Turnpike Troubadours, regardless of how much money they’d make…but that doesn’t change how great the music is!
CountryKnight
July 6, 2019 @ 6:37 am
Why did the venues refuse the Turnpike Troubadours?
Cool Lester Smooth
July 6, 2019 @ 12:11 pm
They’re apparently a nightmare to deal with (which makes sense, given the issues Evan’s been publicly dealing with over the last few years).
They’re great and they’ll always pack the house, though, so most people grin and bear it.
Never met someone with a bad word to say about WCG, though!
CountryKnight
July 6, 2019 @ 6:51 pm
Ah, I could see that.
WCG is a good one!
dukeroberts
July 9, 2019 @ 11:32 am
She’s apparently quite rich now, because her ex-or soon to be ex-husband has sued her for alimony. Can you believe that? A grown man? One who is also famous and makes decent money when he works – asking for alimony?
SameOld
July 5, 2019 @ 11:36 am
It feels like they’ve been teasing this album for more than a year now. My only hope is to see it come out sometime in my lifetime.
Ralphie
July 5, 2019 @ 11:38 am
“It will be a moment of unity,”
They’ll have to use different verbiage, if they want to avoid recollections of past controversy. F.U.T.K…….know what I mean? It was insulting when they assumed we would be stupid enough to believe them when they tried to say that shirt actually meant “Faith. Unity. Tolerance. Knowledge.” I would have had more respect for them if they had owned the true message. Even the most unintelligent person would know it meant “Fuck U Toby Keith”. The reason I lost respect for them, and in particular Natalie Maines, is because they would say or do something and then walk it back. Passive aggressiveness is a despicable quality. Own your thoughts and comments is what I say. Don’t say something, retract to avoid blowback, and then double down when you have nothing to lose.
IMO their best strategy for this album would be to let the music speak for itself and do as little PR and commentary as they can. Keep a tight lid on the preachiness please.
Mike W.
July 5, 2019 @ 12:14 pm
Toby was just as bad. Toby directly boosted his own career by capitalizing on the pro-war hysteria that gripped America during that period. I lost a lot of respect for Toby Keith during that time. He was more than happy to stir the pot if it meant more $$$ for him.
Ralphie
July 5, 2019 @ 12:54 pm
My comment wasn’t meant to excuse Toby Keith for anything. But, I will say that he owns what he says and believes. Even tho his views have been pretty close-minded over the years, and he acts like a douche the majority of the time, at least he doesn’t act like a crybaby on news shows or give some obviously false explanation for words or actions.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 2:35 pm
Toby’s a registered Democrat who voted for Obama, haha!
Dude’s a hell of a businessman, and a genuinely talented songwriter, but he was absolutely in that shit for the money.
Ralphie
July 5, 2019 @ 3:07 pm
But it’s well documented that he turned his back on the Democratic party during the Bush years, because he claimed W. was the only leader suited to take on the terrorists. Like I said, he said and did stupid things, but he always owned it. Whether it was for money or not isn’t the argument I’m trying to make.
Tom
July 5, 2019 @ 11:48 am
The best thing they could do musically is boot Natalie Maines out and bring back Robin Lynn Macy. But I’ve thought that ever since they became a major-labor act.
albert
July 5, 2019 @ 11:49 am
I don’t think we should expect this record to be some retro-sounding nod to ‘ authentic ‘ country music . The Maines-less chicks ( Courtyard Hounds ) and the Chick-less Maines were decidedly NOT that on their own CD releases and musically they were lost deep between the cracks .
the fact that the dixie chicks knew where to look and how to recognize good material outside the ranks should be an encouraging sign along with the fact that we’re starting with some pretty talented folks here both vocally and musically . to expect them NOT to implement some semblance of contemporary sonics , however , may be overly-optimistic in that they ARE trying to reach a mainstream demographic seduced and conditioned by those sonics . we might take some consolation , though , in the fact that they did release drumless tracks to radio and got played .hope floats.
imo , the backlash was completely and ridiculously over -reactionary . the way talk shows in these times exploit , disrespect , bully and make fun of politicians and , in particular , your president and our prime minister as well as world leaders in general makes the Chicks’ antics look like a dinner party faux-pas akin to using the wrong cutlery .
as a trio ,these women knew who they were and what they wanted to deliver musically . and they were on-the-mark in that respect . they did it their way . let’s hope their modus operandi hasn’t changed in that regard .
TXMUSICJIM
July 5, 2019 @ 11:53 am
Bottom line is the music! If it’s good wonderful if it ain’t it ain’t. We shall see but their track record has been one of good to great tunes.
Atomic Zombie Redneck
July 5, 2019 @ 12:01 pm
I’m hoping it will be a country album, but I loved Taking The Long Way just as much as their previous releases, so I’d be fine with them experimenting a bit.
I’m also ok with them getting a little political with the new songs, if it’s organic and not forced.
They’re a great band and I’ve been hopeful that we’d get a new album for years. I can’t wait to hear it.
On a side note, I despise the term “virtue signaling”. It’s very rarely used in justifiable context, much like “social justice warrior”.
gothcountry
July 5, 2019 @ 12:12 pm
I have both terms thrown at me just because I give a shit about people.
Atomic Zombie Redneck
July 5, 2019 @ 12:24 pm
Same here.
Mark Cooper
July 5, 2019 @ 12:05 pm
I’m not afraid I will not like the new album. I love everything they have recorded. Most fans I know are excited about the future of the DXE CHIX. I have a fund I’m going to use for next years tour. My next show will be number 42.
Dragin
July 5, 2019 @ 12:38 pm
As long as they leave politics out of their music all will be fine! I listen to music to escape from the fucked up shit in this world. I cannot stand it when an artist uses their celebrity to promote an agenda, no matter what side it is!!
Mike W.
July 5, 2019 @ 2:53 pm
Why can’t an artist do both? Why can’t an artist put out a record that has a variety of topics, from love to heartbreak to drinking to social issues? You can always hit “skip” on that one political or social issues track.
I may not totally dig “White Man’s World” by Jason Isbell, but “That Nashville Sound” is an awesome album even if I am lukewarm on that particular track.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 4:08 pm
Damn straight – “Dress Blues” is political as all hell, to the point where ZBB changed one of the lines to avoid offending possible segments…it’s still a great fucking song, though.
(Hope the High Road and Flying Over Water are another two absolute jams that are simultaneously quite political)
sbach66
July 5, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
“FEAR: The media will muddy this up”
That’s not a fear. That’s a certainty.
Lugnut
July 5, 2019 @ 12:54 pm
I think they will occupy the same influential space as The Band Perry. Literally hundreds of this new album will fly off the shelves in the first few months after its release.
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 1:01 pm
They sold out many amphitheaters on their 2016 tour. The press will absolutely slobber over this record. You won’t be able to ignore it.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 2:36 pm
Still devastated I couldn’t get tickets.
albert
July 5, 2019 @ 1:08 pm
I think the difference is that the Chicks have a HUGE fanbase to this day . If they tour this record it will sell ……with or without radio .
Mad_Habber
July 5, 2019 @ 1:05 pm
I am not sure what the big hoopla was about what she said, and I don’t really care. Them not getting on the radio with their last album made me like it more since the radio loved to wear their songs out before she said whatever it was she said.
As far as political driven music goes I am not ready to make nice still stands up as a great song regardless if you agreed with what she said or not. I’ll take that kind of music over ‘drinking on a tailgate’ any day.
Steve C
July 5, 2019 @ 1:18 pm
I loved the Dixie Chicks! I had their CD’s (still do–even the non-country one).
However, Natalie’s comments were no one’s fault but her own. If her audience was alienated, they had the right to be. I had difficulty listening to them for quite some time. Why? Because it didn’t fit (at all) with their music. They weren’t Springsteen, U2, or other artists whose politics bleed into their music.
It’s the same as with an musical act that decides to go beyond the music with their political statements: I don’t care. To go after GWB personally while playing overseas just struck me as too much. I’d feel the same with any artist attacking any President.
Some of my favorite rock artists are socialists. It never affected my love for their music. The situation with the Dixie Chicks was different because Natalie’s comments seemed discordant with their music.
Nevertheless, if they produce some quality country music, I’d go right back to buying their stuff. If it’s going to be some pop-rock pc-preaching, no thanks.
Country When Country Wasn't Cool
July 5, 2019 @ 1:52 pm
If I could be The Decider on this one, the Dixie Chicks would go back to the more traditional, acoustic sound of their first three albums. I doubt that will happen though, as they will move forward. Even if it’s closer to Taking The Long Way, that would be fine. I doubt they will go in a synth pop direction…they are far too proficient on actual instruments. They won’t be making a record targeted at s specific audience…they proved they don’t need to. But it is 2019, and I think country radio is open to them again. I’m guessing they will make a hybrid of country, bluegrass, rock, and some surprises…but nothing shocking enough to turn everyone off. Like always, it will be excellent. Like before, they will sound like no one else on the radio. I’m excited to hear new music from them.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 2:39 pm
The Long Way Around might honestly be my favorite song of theirs.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 5, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
Honestly, I expect something similar (style-wise) to Jade Bird’s debut from April:
10-12 tracks that span all the different genres that the “Americana” space encompasses…but that always include real instruments, great vocals and intelligent lyrics.
hoptowntiger94
July 5, 2019 @ 2:48 pm
Are the other two still doing the Courtyard Hound thing? If so, they may be getting their traditional jollies from that outfit and letting the DC franchise veer into the pop lane (Miranda/ Pistol Annies).
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 3:51 pm
I don’t believe Emily and Martie are actively doing the Court Yard Hounds thing, but that was always sort of a side project. Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s an on and off thing indefinitely. The Dixie Chicks is the franchise.
ScottG
July 5, 2019 @ 2:56 pm
The way I see it, at BEST this will be along the lines of ok song “picking” by good musicians making ok pop country. I would say that I guess this is a “watchdog worthy” story. Or maybe I’m too much of a naysayer and should give it a chance …considering they make #31 on the SCM all time best albums list.
J. Burke
July 5, 2019 @ 3:08 pm
They are very very talented. However bad mouthing the President in another country was not a good move. Also they seemed to forget who bought many of their cds…..right wing country music fans…not the far left Hollywood crowd who loved their stance but wouldn’t be caught dead with a Dixie Chick’s cd or at a DC concert. At least they won’t be ashamed that the President is from Texas this time.
Bottom line is show is the great songwriting, musicianship and vocals that Mr. Merle Haggard praised and leave the political statements home.
For the Toby Keith haters, take a look on You Tube of him entertaining the troops overseas and the reaction of those putting their lives on the line everyday. Also find another person who has visited the troops more often than him (Bob Hope excluded).
Mike W.
July 6, 2019 @ 9:34 am
Toby deserves credit for doing the USO tours, but that should hardly absolve him for beating the war drum to further his own career, all while he nor any of his sons or daughters were getting shot at.
Toby used the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to boost his career and I have yet to see him be contrite about that fact. Course, maybe he is too busy running a successful chain of restaurants…oh…wait…
dukeroberts
July 9, 2019 @ 11:46 am
One man’s “beating the war drums” is another man’s “supporting the troops”. Seeing as how most people know war is horrible even without having been involved in it, and that we have seen Toby follow up words with actions in support of the military, I would give him the benefit of the doubt that it wasn’t something as cynical as beating the war drum just to sell records.
TheKillerRocksOn
July 5, 2019 @ 3:12 pm
it could be straight up EDM and the leftist media will embrace it as a country classic. should fit right in with the current ‘left good, right bad’ climate. theyre engraving the grammy as we speak..
Buzz Meeks
July 5, 2019 @ 3:33 pm
As I have said on previous articles, nothing is more depressing than seeing conservatives embrace and promote victimization. “Left good, right bad” is like taking a line right out of the liberal playbook 101…….”poor, poor us cant catch a break, everyone is against us, whaa, whaa!!!” Reagan conservatism is unfortunately, dead.
DrunkOnGlug
July 5, 2019 @ 6:09 pm
hardly a ‘poor me’, cause I couldn’t give less shits either way, but a conscience observation about the current situation with the industry. Objectivity in the media has gone the way of your Reagan conservatism.. carry on
DaveCephus
July 5, 2019 @ 3:30 pm
I always thought the dixie chicks sucked and thought it was funny when natalie opened her big mouth and squashed there career and I could care zero about there comeback because there music is shit and her attitude is even shitier
dukeroberts
July 9, 2019 @ 11:48 am
“their”
Don in Waco
July 5, 2019 @ 3:55 pm
The music world is better when the Dixie Chicks are recoding. Of course there will be some sort of controversy drummed up and any number of folks are threatened by an assertive female. Heck at this point the kids may be in the band. Looking forward to the grandchicks.
OlaR
July 5, 2019 @ 4:15 pm
A new Chicks album…well…ok…nice…
Other News:
Dylan Scott (yes…the guy is on Curb & will release a new EP soon…Mo Pitney on the other hand…) sing…ruins Keith Whitley tracks incl. “Tell Lorie I Love Her” feat. Lorrie Morgan, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” & “When You Say Nothing At All”. (Release Date: 08/15)
I can’t wait for the FGL cover album of Earl Thomas Conley tracks.
Blackh4t
July 5, 2019 @ 4:17 pm
It was very mild comment at the time that blew out of proportion.
Right now I can’t see many people caring about someone not supporting the president.
Ive seen t-shirts that have the US flag and ‘I apologise for our president’ written in many languages.
I can see many people saying “so that’s all she said???”
Nick
July 5, 2019 @ 4:21 pm
This comment may get lost here, but it’s relatively related to the Dixie Chicks.
Is there any chance you could review Runaway June’s new album? I heard they’re the first all-female trio to have a top 15 hit on “country” radio since the Dixie Chicks. I enjoy reading your articles and album reviews and they typically help me find a bunch of new artists and albums that are never placed on the new music sections on Spotify (even though I never expect Spotify to give artists like these any recognition). I’ve listened to the album a few times (and I think there’s some really strong songs on there), but I’m just curious as to how you rank it.
Regardless of if you actually review it, thank you for your work! I’ve used this website for over a year now and I check this website almost everyday.
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 6:39 pm
Runaway June is on the radar. Thanks for the interest Nick.
Blackh4t
July 5, 2019 @ 4:22 pm
Also the F.U.T.K was cool. I almost made a T-shirt that said ‘Freedom Understanding Tolerance Knowledge’ for when tk played at a festival.
Especially after Robert Earl wrote a song about him.
Ralphie
July 5, 2019 @ 5:22 pm
Speaking of Robert Earl…did anyone have the privilege to see him and Tyler perform at the July 4th festival/celebration in Kerrville? I wanted to be there so bad.
CountryKnight
July 5, 2019 @ 6:11 pm
Most overrated group in recent memory
ScottG
July 5, 2019 @ 6:54 pm
Yeah but by who?
CountryKnight
July 6, 2019 @ 6:55 am
Pretty clear that it is my opinion on the group.
ScottG
July 6, 2019 @ 7:53 am
Sorry my comment was a little cryptic. I agree, but am more questioning who overrates them and if it matters (to me at least). As an example, I think a Grammy award (of which they have 13) is more often a sign of cheesy music, media endorsement, the “right” politics, and gimmicky marketing than quality. This conversation, once again, shows the chasm between what (I think) is good and what is popular. They are overrated, but by people that, with minor exception, would never have any influence over what I listen to. If popularity mattered (to me), I’d be listening to pop country – wait, no – I’d be listening to Lil Nas, Sean Mendez, Billie English, Khalid, and Ed Sheeran / Bieber. But instead I’m listening to a lot of the artists mentioned here, (when here is not in watchdog mode).
CountryKnight
July 6, 2019 @ 2:41 pm
ScottG,
My apologies for the sharp tone.
I completely agree with your assessment. Those awards are all about playing the game in politics and media endorsement.
I have said this before but the resulting outrage was the big thing for their legacy. They are now martyrs and their average music is elevated because of it.
ScottG
July 6, 2019 @ 3:37 pm
No worries, I was pretty vague.
Cool Lester Smooth
July 6, 2019 @ 5:27 pm
I think he’s claiming that Trigger is overrating them by writing a lengthy piece about how the political brouhaha by a bunch of snowflakes has grown to overshadow their goddamn amazing music.
ScottG
July 6, 2019 @ 6:13 pm
CLS,
No that’s not what I am “claiming.” My comment was more on what I consider mainstream music’s shallow status and what it means to be overrated in that context. I personally do think they are overrated but that doesn’t really bother me because I don’t value most of the entities that would give them that status.
CountryKnight
July 6, 2019 @ 6:48 pm
No, I have always considered them to be overrated. Just like you have always been their fan boy who dislikes any criticism of their craft.
Three's Company
July 5, 2019 @ 6:18 pm
Awww dude. These girls are now WOKE.
1. They are going to go where they think the most hurt can be done to the faction which has hurt them.
2. They are going to go where money will support their “wokeness” no matter the musical substance.
1 + 2, above = Venue Guaranteed To Assault The First Two-Hundred Patrons Wearing A MAGA Cap.
Lindsey
July 5, 2019 @ 6:58 pm
I’m as conservative as most anyone could be, and I bought a Dixie Chicks cd at E.T.’s Record Shop last night. (No, it wasn’t the only thing I bought there.)
Rev. Bob Harrington
July 5, 2019 @ 7:25 pm
Well I’ll swan !! I too am as conservative as most anyone could be, and just like you bought a Dixie Chicks cd at E.T.’s Record Shop last Saturday, but unlike yourself did not make it to the door before Audrey Williams’ ghost threw an ashtray at me. Am guessing its sumpin’ bout them girls she just don’t buy.
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 8:13 pm
Not sure why you keep leaving weird ass comments. But if you can’t stick to one screen name, especially if you’re trying to leave subversive coded shit, you’re comments are not going to get posted here.
T-grondo
July 6, 2019 @ 9:46 am
Hey Rev…. You should lay off the Sacramental Wine…..!
Oh, and quit chewin’ those Sacramental Peyote Buttons….!!!!
hoptowntiger94
July 5, 2019 @ 7:58 pm
Brought up your article to two industry people and they said …. the Dixie Chicks are too old for country radio.
Trigger
July 5, 2019 @ 8:10 pm
My article doesn’t say anything about country radio. I would say that’s an entirely different subject. I’m sure some are pinning hopes on them being accepted back on country radio with open arms, but I definitely wouldn’t put myself in that corner. Screw country radio. With the internet and streaming, it’s just one piece of the pie. Sure, it’s great when country radio shows signs of improvement, but I think hoping some music from the Dixie Chicks we haven’t even heard yet gets played on country radio I think would be foolish. In other words, I would agree with those two industry people. But you never know.
Seth of the Wilderness
July 6, 2019 @ 3:53 pm
“Screw country radio.”
Been waiting a while for you to say that. Bravo.
TilBillyHill
July 9, 2019 @ 9:26 am
Reminds me of RWH:
“What you won’t find up in Heaven are…
Country program directors and Nashville record executives”
TilBillyHill
July 10, 2019 @ 8:37 am
I’m not sure whether to read that as the industry people saying that they personally think the Dixie Chicks are too old to play, or that they think that country radio programmers would deem the Dixie Chicks too old to play. Are they expressing their opinion of the band or their opinion of country radio? Each of the Chicks is younger than Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney, who both also have been on radio longer. Not that a double-standard on Country radio surprises anyone here. Even Luke Bryan and Jason Andean are only 4 and 5 years younger than the youngest of the Chicks.
Ben
July 5, 2019 @ 9:56 pm
I’m about as conservative as you can be, but if I would love a fresh batch of Dixie Chicks tunes. One of my all time favorite bands. Do I agree with them politically? Not on most things, but who cares? They made damn good country music and hopefully this will be more of the same. I am dreading the media coverage of it however.
Big Pete
July 6, 2019 @ 4:29 am
Are Dixie Chicks even still relevant in this day and age? I remember all the hubbub that caused them to go silent, and they where off the radar for a very long time. No doubt there’s an dedicated fanbase that wish to see them back on stage, but compared to all the talented ladies currently making waves in country music, Dixie Chicks seems less interesting to me, but then again i never was an hardcore fan. This will be interesting.
ScottG
July 6, 2019 @ 8:07 am
In addition to their fan base, the journaVists will be out in full force behind this one, and as usual, not because of the actual music.
Corncaster
July 6, 2019 @ 8:11 am
Overblown, then and now.
JF
July 6, 2019 @ 12:39 pm
Jack Antonoff makes me really nervous. Despite being arena headliners, the Chicks are somehow also one of the most underrated bands in country. Their last few have been incredible. Also, they are a hell of a lot more outlaw than anyone else in mainstream country. Hope its good.
wayne
July 6, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
I think I will leave this topic alone and show restraint other than to say I dread the drooling media over this one. Well, I actually dread them over anything.
SavingJack
July 6, 2019 @ 6:09 pm
I understand your concerns about Jack Antonoff, but all signs indicate he’s a producer in the traditional sense — he bends to the whims of the artists he works with. He’s become famous for making bright, large, 80’s-influenced pop music (and has admitted that artists tend to seek him out for that sound), but his work is actually quite varied. Check out the newest Lana Del Rey songs, (Mariner’s Apartment Complex, Venice Bitch, and Hope Is A Dangerous….) to see his more organic stuff.
I have no doubt he could produce and co-write a solid country album. Whether the Dixie Chicks want to is another question.
c
July 6, 2019 @ 9:36 pm
I remember living through the witch hunt that ensued after Natalie’s comments. At the time, I thought the attacks against them were ridiculous, and, looking back, I think many people can see that the reaction was hysterical and disproportionate to what was said. She didn’t like Bush. She said so. We have freedom of speech in this country. I don’t care what country she said it in. She shared an opinion about a person who did quite a few terrible things, including starting unnecessary wars that claimed many lives. The irony is that the people who attacked the Dixie Chicks are now the ones who decry all the liberal “snowflakes” who they think are taking political correctness too far and limiting free speech. You can’t believe in free speech for some people and not others. Natalie had the right to voice her opinion without having her CDs bulldozed and receiving death threats. I love the Dixie Chicks. Always have and always will. Their music is wonderful. I’m excited about their return. I’m not looking forward to how all this will be written about in the mainstream media and people looking to create clickbait. What should matter is the music, and I hope it’s good. I loved Taking the Long Road.
Black Boots
July 7, 2019 @ 10:43 am
For the record I know Jack, and he loves real country. He actually wrote and performed some country songs with Lana Del Rey and they’re on YouTube if you’re curious
Trevor Curtis
July 8, 2019 @ 11:06 am
I love that all the people who hated on the Dixie Chicks for expressing their opinion didn’t blink an eye when people like Hank Jr. and Toby Keith went after Obama.
Hoff
July 8, 2019 @ 12:29 pm
Wide open spaces. Fly. Home. Taking the long way. All great Dixie chicks albums, each with their own unique sound. Each one breaks new ground, and they all have that irreplaceable blend of voice and instrument you will not hear anywhere else.
Who cares what was said, or if it will be on radio. What ever they release, you know it’s going to be great in its’ own way. Just great music coming back for us instead of the crap on country radio. We should all be thankful.
One another quick note, saw the PBS specials for the Ken Burns Country documentary. Another reason to be thankful that others like us appreciate good authentic country music, respecting where it’s heart came from.
TilBillyHill
July 9, 2019 @ 6:12 am
Trigger – thanks for all of the thought and analysis you expressed in this post. The way you organized it and touched on a variety of perspectives was especially useful in the context. I haven’t read through the comments yet, but my hope is that readers followed your lead in avoiding histrionics. Just before reading this, I read your post about Confederate Railroad’s ejection from a lineup because of the band’s name. Coincidentally, Confederate Railroad is a band I have seen in concert in the mid-90’s (as first opener on show that had Mary Chapin Carpenter in second slot and Vince Gill as headliner), and the Dixie Chicks are on my concert bucket list.
dukeroberts
July 9, 2019 @ 12:11 pm
I think it was more the fact that she said what she said in another country. I don’t think it would have been as big a deal had she said it here. She should have said it in Texas, but she didn’t have the nerve, because basically she was saying she was ashamed to be from Texas. I’ve always felt bad for Martie and Emily, getting saddled with what that loudmouth twit said, and having to back her up due to band loyalty. You’ve gotta watch what you say and make sure not to upset your fan base. My old radio boss told me that after I did an on-air bit criticizing Steven Seagal and pro wrestling.
Mike
July 9, 2019 @ 1:29 pm
The funny thing about their Bush comment in 2003, said in Britain, was that nobody in Britain really cared and few even knew who they were.
the realist
July 10, 2019 @ 6:42 am
Who cares. The Dixie Chicks have already burned that bridge. To hell with them.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
July 10, 2019 @ 10:00 am
I won’t buy it
Euro South
July 11, 2019 @ 3:09 pm
Natalie Maines was born on the very same day as me. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t make me have a soft spot for her.
That said, Dixie Chicks’ heyday was the last time that the biggest band in Country Music played really great Country Music. Now if that’s not something to be nostalgic about, I don’t know what is.
Woogeroo
July 14, 2019 @ 2:07 pm
I always thought they had a great sound, but was never a super fan.
They are obviously talented, but I’ll wait an hear.
I always like those songs ‘I can love you better than that’ and ‘sin wagon’ is probably my favorite, so nice up beat picking.
Their harmony when they use it was amazing.