Dixie Chicks - Taking the Long Way
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Free Music Notes for Taking the Long Way
Free Music Review: Intelligent and catchy music! I am a new fan!
Hit: 5 Stars
First off, I am really enjoying all the one-star reviews here that are one sentence long -- or sometimes just one word. Very intelligent! Clearly, these reviews are submitted by people who have a blind obedience to our child-killing, money-grubbing president and/or Tobey Keith. I find it intriguing that those "reviewers" take the time to come here and spew their bile (even though they obviously have not actually listened to this amazing album) rather than doing something more constructive with their time, such as reading exactly what is going on in the world and how our government is killing innocent people in the name of money and God. Ass-kissing idiots. It's amazing how the same Americans who spout on and on about how America is the land of the free, will -- in the same breath -- harshly judge a fellow American who speaks his or her mind in a way that they find offensive. No wonder George W. won the election. Many Americans have lost sight of what freedom truly is. Hey, rednecks, how about a little tolerance for people not like you?
With that said, here is my take on the new Dixie Chicks CD ...
Honestly, I have never listened to a Dixie Chicks album before. I became interested in the band after Natalie Maines made her famous, blown-out-of-proportion-by-the-public statement against the president. I admire people who speaks their minds intelligently (even if I do not agree with them), and Maines does just that. Anyway, that's why I ran to the store to grab this CD on the day of its release. I was doing it to support the band, to let them know that there are people out here who believe in true freedom of expression. I did not expect to be blown away by this CD, but I am.
Much of the album features lyrics that provide a poignant kiss-off to country radio while embracing the future, such as on the rockers "Not Ready To Make Nice" and "The Long way Around". There is no fear in these songs, which is probably why much of the Bible Belt won't buy (or even listen to) the album. (Heaven forbid these people open themselves up to new ideas.) The Dixie Chicks' music is well-thought-out and melodious, and the flow of the songs on the CD is great -- the only problem I have is that "Lullaby" should be at the very end of the CD; it disrupts the flow of the CD a little, in my opinion.
This CD is pretty much country-rock, kind of in the Sheryl Crow/Lucinda Williams/Tift Merritt arena of music. Not quite country, not quite rock. This sound suits the band perfectly.
I was never a fan of this band before (although I love "Goodbye, Earl" and their version of Stevie Nicks' "Landslide"), but I am now. Here's to the future, Dixie Chicks! I am a new fan, and I am along for the ride -- even if we take the long way around, together.
Free Music Review: The Chicks In West Coast Offense Mode
Hit: 5 Stars
Having been burned and spurned by the short-sighted, politically ultra-conservative country music establishment because one of their own engaged in Bushwhacking, the Dixie Chicks have re-emerged into the light of day for the first time since their late 2003 "Top Of The World" CD with an album that is as tough an album as any C&W-influenced group has released in recent decades, TAKING THE LONG WAY. And aided and abetted by maverick producer Rick Rubin and a cadre of great Los Angeles session musicians, they've made this album without compromise to what Music Row thinks is "politically correct."
Indeed, this album finds the Chicks in the West Coast offense mode, with a sound and approach that echoes the best music made in Los Angeles between 1965 and 1982, when the traditional spirit of country and folk music were shaping what would be the city's sound during that time via bands like the Byrds, Poco, the Eagles--bands that Nashville pretenders like Rascal Flatts and Lonestar only WISH they could be. Natalie's lead vocals are as powerful and robust as ever, as are the sharp instrumental capabilities and harmonies of Emily and Martie (witness Emily's precise banjo on "Lubbick Or Leave It", and her sitar on "Voices Inside My Head"). And with each of the fourteen songs written at least in part by all three Texas ladies, the album touches on all they've experience in the three years between their last studio album (the bluegrass album HOME) and now, including the births of children, the personal trauma of Alzheimer's, the horrors of Hurricane Katrina ("I Hope") and, yes, even the Bushwhacking incident, which resulted in Natalie being threatened with death in Dallas during their "Top Of The World" tour. "Not Ready To Make Nice", which tackles the outrageously overblown reaction to Natalie's anti-Bush remarks, is by far one of the most vicious songs of its kind since Bob Dylan's 1965 classic "Positively 4th Street", but the rage within is deeply felt and totally justified.
Alongside the Chicks, Rubin has assembled a literal syndicate of players (including Bonnie Raitt; Gary Louris of the Jayhawks; Marvin Etzioni of Lone Justice; and Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers) who have worked with some of the greatest names in country and rock (Linda Ronstadt; Maria McKee; Emmylou Harris; Rosanne Cash; Sheryl Crow; Tift Merritt). The after-effects of their Bushwhacking will obviously continue to infuriate the far-right, but that's not the Chicks' problem. They have nothing to apologize for in what they've done on this masterful album, and they'll let the chips fall where they may. For people who appreciate something more than the safe and P.C. Nashville schtick, this album is an absolute MUST.
Free Music Review: No walking on egg shells with Dixie Chicks' outstanding new album.
Hit: 5 Stars
Three years after the controversy surrounding the Home tour, the Dixie Chicks are back with a bang on their latest studio album, Taking the Long Way. Receiving some songwriting and musical help from friends like Neil Finn, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Chad Smith, Don Wilson, and Pete Yorn, the Chicks' Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire, and Emily Robison deliver an incredible, mature record destined for success, one that will greatly please long time fans and win over some new converts. This is the Dixie Chicks at their best, and it's been a long time coming.
The Long Way Around kicks off the album with a beautiful melody and chorus, with some of their strongest vocal harmonies ever set against a wonderful Tom Petty-like guitar sound. This is the way albums should begin. Easy Silence is a tender piano ballad with some beautiful violin and a great vocal by Natalie. Not Easy To Make Nice delves into some tough lyrics,"they say time heals everything..but I'm still waiting" but surrounds it in some unbelievably gentle strings and a great chorus. Everybody Knows and Bitter End are more traditional country ballads, while Lullaby is a 6-minute track that pays homage to its title. Lubbock or Leave It is a banjo-driven rockabilly track that will make you move on the dance floor, even as the cleverly sarcastic lyrics make you listen a few more times.
Silent House and Favorite Year are ballads that touch on the loss of family and friends. Voice Inside My Head combines acoustic and a wonderful slide guitar with a endearing chorus, "everytime I'm feeling down, I wonder what would it be like with you around." This Cali-beach sound continues on the slinky track I Like It, before slowing down on the bluesy ballad Baby Hold On (with John Mayer on lead guitar) and So Hard (a song which grows on you with every listen). The album closes with the uplifting and soulful I Hope, with its church organ and choral sound. A great way to end this amazing album.
Producer Rob Rubin concentrates the Dixie Chicks sound, drawing out the best of their songwriting and musical ability and making the tracks tighter and more focused. Its 14 tracks clock in at a lengthy 68 minutes, averaging about 4 minutes a song, a nice change in an industry where 45 minute records are the norm. Vocally the ladies are as wonderful as always, but their musicianship also impresses here. They have matured greatly in their songwriting and their lyrics, creating a distinct emotional palette that grows with every listen. Love or hate their politics, as musicians they make some of the best music today. Highly Recommended and one of 2006's Top 5 albums.
A.G. Corwin
St.Louis, MO
Free Music Review: WOW!! A SIZZLING, MONSTER PERFORMANCE: FIVE GRAMMY-WINNER !
Hit: 5 Stars
Five Stars? No, it deserves Six! This is the Dixie Chick's best CD to date with the legendary producer Rick Rubin (who also won a Grammy in 2007) pointing the way and it's SMOKING ! And it made a clean sweep with 5 Grammy awards in 2007, including Song, Country Album, Country Performance by a group, Record, and Album of the Year. Whew, the Dixie Chicks are the Real Deal. If country music sometimes taps deep, troubled emotions, then the 'Chicks' are in the deepest element on this CD. There was a time I tried very hard to write them off as a fad, but the music and the voices kept bringing me back to reality: These Women Can Sing, They Are One Heck Of A Group, And They Are Here To Stay! Natalie Maines may be the BEST female lead singer in the world in any musical genre. (Oh yeah, and they look really HOT in those clothes and heels!!).
We know of their recent troubles coming off of brutally honest political statements, with radio stations instigating bans and others burning their CDs in public. Hey, this is America, the land of free speech: don't let politics block you from hearing this incredible music. Let the lyrics speak for themselves! And God bless us one and all!!!
Let's get to the music: and it is sensational. Long intricate pieces, each at least 3:54 minutes long. The 'Pieces De Resistance', the best of the best, are a sizzling "I Like It" with a hot backbeat, the sassy individualism of "(Taking) The Long Way Around" with it's burning fiddle interlude; the stark poignant beauty of "Not Ready To Make Nice" with it's dramatically-extended quicktime bridge, and "Easy Silence" will dazzle you with it's rapid-fire lyrics. The haunting lyrics of "Everybody Knows":
"Every time I turn around I run into my-self"; "Everybody knows I'm just barely getting by, every-body knows."
"Voice Inside My Head" with it's oddly familiar guitar intro is made for radio playing and CD repeat playing. The double-edged lyrics could be about their recent political troubles or a man left behind "ten summers ago". MORE great lyrics with a killer delivery on the bridge:
"I want, I need, somehow to believe, in the choice I've made. Am I better off this way?"
The Gospel-tinged "I Hope" is incredible and a must-hear performance. But will the Dixie Chicks find a radio station with the guts to play it? Maybe so, but for those that don't, it will be their audience's loss. This is powerful music that should not be missed. My Highest Recommendation! Five MAGNIFICENT Stars!
(This review is based on a 14 track ITunes Music Store download, plus a digital booklet and a 4:34 minute video interview.)
Free Music Review: Dixiie Chicks are back and better than before!!
Hit: 5 Stars
While most of America would rather rant on and keep the hate up against these beautiful and talented girls there fans that are true to them and there new found fans can see this album in the objective way that radio is lacking. This album is amazing in the writing of "Not Ready To Make Nice" all the way through every single song. While some want to only see the one line "I'm Mad As Hell" in the single "Not Ready To Make Nice" they are lacking the objectiveness and brains to see that what they are trying to get across is how they felt, how Natalie felt about "a mother who would teach her daughter to hate a perfect stranger" and quite frankly I would like to know why a mother would shove her view down her childs throat to hate a person she does not know. The other part is "how could some go as far as to take those words and write her a letter telling her to shut up and sing or her life would be over" and I'd also like to know who in there right and objective mind thinks they have a right to threaten a fellow American for there views and opinion. I certainly thought this nation was founded on the freedom to feel what you want and to speak what you feel not to go and follow everyone else because if you don't you might ruffle some feathers. No the girls have every right to what they wrote in these songs and to make it apparent that they were deeply hurt by the drastic measures of hatred and violence that were pointed in there direction. The people who choose to remain hateful are the one's who eventually will have to answer to there maker when they go from this life to the next because he will not accept the simple I had a right to hold onto a hate for these three beautiful women who are not only talented but also bright young women who do better at moving on then the rest of the radio and half of country music's fans. As for banning the music off of radio stations let me make this perfectly clear if a radio station is going to appoint themselves the choice of what we hear on radio and what we don't hear go right ahead because quite frankly I don't care to listen to a radio station that wants to dictate to me what they want me to hear rather than play a request. Radio is not the last line of defense to hear music. I own enough cd's that I can mix and make enough cd's of a mix I want to hear that can and will last me a lifetime. So Radio as far as I'm concerned if you are going to be as Unamerican as to dictate farewell forever I won't miss you at all. That is my opinion and it is my right to have just like it was the girls right to have without having to wonder if the rest of the world is gonna hate us for our thoughts and opinions.