Glory Ho

I’ve always been a big fan. Spunky, cowgirl hip, remarkable vocal and instrumental talent, melodies that reminds me of home and lyrics that elucidate strength and softness. A little Charlie Daniels, a little cherry cheesecake, but chock full of sophistication, they’ve helped country become more cosmopolitan. And I’m all for that.

As I’m sure you heard, a few years ago, at a London performance, on the cusp of both their Top of the World tour and America’s invasion of Iraq, Dixie Chick lead singer Natalie Maines announced to the audience, “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas.”

It was (and still is) her opinion. Protected by free speech, a constitutional right, Natalie certiainly broke no laws. Just a rule. That one about insulting your primary fan base.

It’s not something I would have chosen to say to a crowd of millions on foreign soil. Regardless of my opinion on Iraq or Bush, it just wasn’t a dignified move. But because she’s from a genre of music known for their conservative (and often radical) views, I understood her need to clarify. And I’m sure thousands more wholeheartedly agreed with her anyway.

But many more did not. Overnight their reputation crashed like a pick-up truck in an old country song. The KYGO’s and WLLR’s of the USA banned their music. Sponsorships were pulled. The Free Republic, an independent online forum for grass-roots conservativism, organized and riled their devoted followers to hold cd-burning parties. Country’s primarily red-state audience spat into their spit cups with protest and outrage. Even moderates were stung by this interpreted lack of support for our troops. Hate mail and death threats followed. Maines eventually made apologies but they were later retracted.

By expressing their political views and reacting to controversy with somewhat naïve, knee-jerk reactions, the Chicks had shot themselves in the feet. More than once. While many fans remained, that group was a fraction of their original following.

***************

In 2006, after three years of musical silence, they released Taking the Long Way Around. With songs like “Not Ready to Make Nice”, “Everybody Knows” and “Bitter End”, their lyrics do more than just mention the emotional strain of audience rejection and unintentional martyrhood. But there’s not one note of apology or backpedaling. Not one regret. With an album full of messages, the Dixie Chicks held their ground.

Touching on personal experience with IVF, Alzheimers and marriage, the new album also proves that the Chick’s music can evolve with their own lives. Furthermore, they hired Rick Rubin (a guy who’s worked with the Beastie Boys, Neal Diamond, Johnny Cash and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others) to produce a different sound. Less sugar and twang. More aggression and gospel. He claims it’s rock. I’m not so sure.

But everyone loves a little more controversy. While their latest Accidents and Accusations Tour wasn’t a big ticket seller and I’ve heard that radio play is harder to find, a Grammy sweep, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal proved at least, well, something. CD sales have skyrocketed. And we all know what an “above the fold” position on Itunes says. With a sigh of relief, the Chicks have slipped from purgatory back to earth.

I admit, I’m still in love. With the fight, the orchestral sound, the high-pitched melodies. Everything. This music is part of who I am. There’s no getting around it.

But it’s not quite over.

*****************

I recently watched Shut Up and Sing, a self-produced documentary which detailed their three year journey through the mud. There was backstage footage, song-writing sessions and even on-stage coverage of the Chicks return to London, three years after “the comment.”

Like a true outlaw, she repeated her original statement about Texas and Bush, confirming, in case anyone hadn’t heard, that she wasn’t the least bit sorry.

The documentary also showed me a little more about who they really are. Sisters Martie McGuire and Emily Robison seem like normal thirty-somethings with strength, traditional values, natural talent, husbands and children. Unfortunately, Maines is a different story. Even in her own documentary, she comes off as ignorant, arrogant and immature. I can respect any opinion if it’s based on a little bit of knowledge, self-awareness and maturity. That wasn’t the case.

But what did I expect? That just because I like her music I would like her?

Disappointing? Yes. Deep down, we all hope that our favorite musician, quarterback, author or actress is a little like ourselves. Which is precisely why it’s somewhat dangerous for these demigods to share too much with their audience. At lesat now they know the consequences.

I will never hear Natalie Maines voice quite the same way again. But the Dixie Chicks are not evil. They are not running sweatshops in Asia or paying a ridiculously low-wage to senior citizens at WalMart. I just don’t like one of them.

What I do like is their music.

****************

Lyrics to the Dixie Chicks song “Not Ready to Make Nice”

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting

I’m through with doubt
There’s nothing left for me to figure out
I’ve paid a price
And I’ll keep paying

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
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

I know you said
Can’t you just get over it
It turned my whole world around
And I kind of like it

I made my bed and I sleep like a baby
With no regrets and I don’t mind sayin’
It’s a sad sad story when a mother will teach her
Daughter that she ought to hate a perfect stranger
And 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

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
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

I’m not ready to make nice
I’m not ready to back down
I’m still mad as hell and
I don’t have time to go round and round and round
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

Forgive, sounds good
Forget, I’m not sure I could
They say time heals everything
But I’m still waiting