The Dixie Chicks had a new album come out May 23rd, and I am absolutely floored by the response it has gotten. If you are not familiar with the Dixie Chicks and their current battle for the airwaves, it all traces back to a London concert back in March 2003, on the eve of the invasion of Iraq. Natalie Maines told the crowd, “Were ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas.” This one little comment exploded into a huge backlash which led to the group’s music being pulled from country radio stations, the band being booed off certain stages, death threats, and even an informal high profile spat with Tony Keith.
I find this to be a bit strange. How a whole genre of music decided to turn over on a trio of ladies over one comment that was said. There is an unofficial blacklist of the band to this day, which means radio stations and certain Dj’s refuse to play the Dixie Chicks’ music. I have personally never seen a genre that has such a blind following as Country music. Don’t get me wrong, I love God, Country, and Family, but I often think that we forget the outlaw aspect of what rock and roll and early country used to signify. Not only that, but I also think you can be patriotic and ashamed of you president at the same time. I actually applaud the girls on having the guts to actually say it in front of a crowd realizing the impact it is having even 3 years later. How many of us complain about him now?
Regardless of the blacklist that is in effect for the band. The new CD topped the pre sale request list at Amazon.com, scored many high profile interviews on talk shows, and national magazines. The CD is sure to hit a high selling landmark, particularly with younger listeners. I personally hope it does, not only for the political aspect of it all, but if the Chicks can beat mainstream radio, they can lessen the power the former powerhouse used to hold over up and coming artists. I predict this band will be a top seller in internet downloads and college radio, helping the little guys win. If we lessen the power of mainstream radio, they can’t blacklist any other artists, which means that instead of hearing the same 5 artists play heavy rotation every hour, you can make up your own mind on what you want to hear. Think about all the music you never got to hear or bands you never got to try out because they were blacklisted for one point or another. You can do anything you put your minds to, some times… you have to take the long way