Protest songs and Dixie Chicks

I wrote a story for today's paper about a recent wave of protest music, and I included the Dixie Chicks in a list of artists who have released songs taking the Bush administration to task for the war in Iraq and so on. To be honest, though, I think the trio's new album is the most overhyped music story of the year so far.

The "protest" song, "Not Ready to Make Nice," essentially declines to apologize for some unspecified transgression. If you read the lyrics, the Chicks could well be referring to the furor over the 2003 incident in which singer Natalie Maines told a London concert crowd, "Just so you know, we're ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas." Or they could be the words of someone getting over a bad relationship.

If it's the former, though, well, Maines already apologized, before de-apologizing.

Comments

[Ben]

Well, I'm just glad they're finally getting a little respect, after all the pain they've been put through for exercising their freedom of speech. Hell, guys, it was one little comment, and it seems like everyone in country music turned against them. I am disappointed in our country's behavior towards these little ladies.

[Dr BLT]

Here's my protest song, protesting the big "win" night at the Grammys for the Dixie Chicks:

I believe that the Dixie Chicks will bounce back, thanks to the political friends they know in high places that seem to have pulled a few strings for them prior to the Grammys, as I've noted in this song:

Playin' Politics (With the Dixie Chicks)
Dr BLT (c)2007
http://www.drblt.net/music/DixieChicks.mp3

[June]

Those same Grammy Awards folks who voted for the Dixie Chicks, presumably with their anti-war sentiments and extolling the virtues of so-called 'freedom/protest' speech also voted for artists that denigrate women, glamorize sex, violence etc. Supposedly these are 'avant garde' ideals too! In reality, the vote is a true reflection of the industry's values. But in the end, what really matters is the bottom line ($$$). And the bottom line is that country music fans won't buy Dixie Chicks no more! Good luck and goodbye Ditzy Chicks

[Flannery]

I've always found them to be pretty overhyped in general. Plus their cover of "Landslide" drives me to irrational rage, despite the fact that Stevie Nicks herself has praised it.