Yesterday while I was driving in the car to meet a friend for lunch, I heard a Dixie Chicks song. And for the first time in many years, I heard another Dixie Chicks song on the way home, which makes two Dixie Chicks songs in one day!
You may be asking why this is a big deal to me.
Ever since Natalie Maines made a comment about being embarrassed that George Bush was from Texas, many county music radio stations have all but erased them from their playlists. I remember living in both Missouri and Texas--both areas where county is quite popular--and hearing DJs say that they will never play the Dixie Chicks again because of the "unpatriotic" comment that they made. Keep in mind, this was during the beginning of the war on terror and it wasn't cool (like it is now) to publically be negative about President Bush. So, country music fans all across the country (who tend to be, or used to be supporters of our current president) called for people to stop listening to the Dixie Chicks. Even years later, when they released a new album (which was outstanding) they couldn't get people to come to their concerts. People were still holding that comment against them.
I have always had a problem with those people who were so critical of Natalie Maines. First of all--the Dixie Chicks were HUGELY successful. They have real talent. Who doesn't love "Cowboy Take Me Away" or "Sin Wagon" or "Goodbye Earl?" They are a perfect mix of country, rock, and bluegrass. They appealed to so many people. But with one comment, their fans denounced them and turned their backs on them.
Granted, I realize that celebrities can't just say nasty things without consequences, but to completely write them off and ignore the great music that they produce is a shame.
I used to hear a Dixie Chicks song every time I got in the car. Now, I get excited when I hear one! Let alone two in one day. Maybe that happened because I live on the left coast. The people here probably love the Dixie Chicks for insulting President Bush.
But I still love the Dixie Chicks and value them for what they are--musicians. Not for their opinions.
4 comments:
I agree.
I also need to add my excitement about another musical genious - Bon Jovi.
My screen saver at work is a playlist from "My Pictures" so I added a handful of pictures of JBJ and the boys. I can't even begin to tell you how many people have been standing at my desk, watching pictures of my family roll by and asked "Who is that?" when they see Bon Jovi! How can you not know? How can you not know?
Hey Laura, I was telling Dion about your post here and we got to talking about the fact that we know others that you love, that we love too: Counting Crows and Indigo Girls....we were like "how do we know that?"
You must remember from 10 years ago! We always had similar taste in music. I remember Dion always singing "Ice Cream" by Sarah McLaughlin--I would get goosebumps and chills up my back. #1 because Dion was singing and #2 because I love Sarah.
Counting Crows has a new album coming out soon. Yay!
I have been thinking about music alot lately (that sounds weird) but I have realized that its been a long time since I have sought out new music that I enjoy. I either just listen to what dion listens to or what the kids want to listen to. Or old stuff. BUt lately I have started to listen to some new stuff that I chose, and it really changes LIFE....maybe thats too strong, but it really does make me remember that I am myself still and not just a mommy. :)
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