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Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication

12 Feb 07 - 01:49 AM (#1964584)
Subject: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Stilly River Sage

Music is still an acceptable form of commentary and protest, so say those who voted for the five Grammy awards the Dixie Chicks [Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, and Emily Robison] received. I didn't watch the program, I never do, but I'm glad to see they not only came out on top, they did it their way.

From the Washington Post:

LOS ANGELES -- The Dixie Chicks completed a defiant comeback on Sunday night, capturing five Grammy awards after being shunned by the country music establishment over the group's anti-Bush comments leading up to the Iraq invasion.

The Texas trio won all the biggest categories, including record and song of the year for the no-regrets anthem "Not Ready to Make Nice." They also won best country album, which was especially ironic considering they don't consider themselves country artists anymore.

"I'm ready to make nice!" lead singer Natalie Maines exclaimed as the group accepted the album of the year award. "I think people are using their freedom of speech with all these awards. We get the message."

Mary J. Blige's comeback also was richly rewarded: She received three trophies for her double-platinum album "The Breakthrough." The Red Hot Chili Peppers won four for their double-disc "Stadium Arcadium."

The Dixie Chicks won all five awards they were nominated for, sweet vindication after the superstars' lives were threatened and sales plummeted when Maines criticized President Bush on the eve of the Iraq war in 2003. Almost overnight, one of the most successful groups of any genre was boycotted by Nashville and disappeared from country radio.

With "Taking the Long Way," the women relied on producer Rick Rubin's guidance for an album that was more rock and less country. (Rubin, who also produced "Stadium Arcadium," was honored as producer of the year.)

The standing ovations the Chicks received Sunday illustrated how much the political climate has changed regarding the Iraq war, and even Bush.

"That's interesting," Maines crowed from the podium after the country award was handed out earlier in the night. "Well, to quote the great 'Simpsons' _ 'Heh-Heh.'

"Just kidding," added Maines. "A lot of people just turned their TVs off right now. I'm very sorry for that."

Bandmate Emily Robison noted, "We wouldn't have done this album without everything we went through, so we have no regrets."

All the trophies collected by the Dixie Chicks (who shared song of the year honors with songwriter Dan Wilson), Blige and the Chili Peppers contributed to the evening's old-school feel.

[snip]

find the rest of the story by following the link at the top.


12 Feb 07 - 02:23 AM (#1964597)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: fumblefingers

They didn't win because of Texas country fans. Nobody plays their stuff down here.


12 Feb 07 - 02:28 AM (#1964601)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Muttley

They won because they're bloody GOOD

Go Dixies!

From Australia

Muttley


12 Feb 07 - 03:09 AM (#1964608)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Maxine

I saw them backing The Eagles this year at Twickenham. They really were very good although didn't play Travelling Soldier which was a shame.


12 Feb 07 - 04:30 AM (#1964635)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Scrump

It's good to see that their criticism of the Iraq war didn't stop them winning awards, whatever you think of their music.


12 Feb 07 - 08:31 AM (#1964735)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Beer

Fantastic.


12 Feb 07 - 08:36 AM (#1964739)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Alba

Well earned.
Way to go Dixie Chicks!


12 Feb 07 - 09:25 AM (#1964763)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Wesley S

And their performance was introduced by Joan Baez. Symbolic? Hmm....


12 Feb 07 - 10:04 AM (#1964797)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: gnu

Told ya so!


12 Feb 07 - 10:10 AM (#1964805)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: wysiwyg

The tide always turns, eventually.

I'm happy for them, but I think "How do you like me now" is more realistic than that they actually proved anything. I love the Dixie Chicks and I love their outspokenness. I agreed with Natalie's assessment of Bush. I've had many, many times (even here here at Mudcat!) when I haven't been "ready to make nice." :~)

But although I'm happy for them, I just don't think their Grammy matters much to what they will still have to deal with, except maybe financially.

~Susan


12 Feb 07 - 11:09 AM (#1964860)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: teddy_bear_picnic

It should be said though, that they did issue an official apology to Bush, but, hey, whatever.

As much as I thought it was a mediocre effort, I was sure "Modern Times" would take the crown. I haven't heard the Dixie Chicks record, so maybe I'm selling them short.


12 Feb 07 - 11:11 AM (#1964863)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Peace

It's as it should be. YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!


12 Feb 07 - 11:55 AM (#1964919)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Stilly River Sage

Their "apology" was conditional--they were sorry it caused consternation. They didn't apologise to Bush.

SRS


12 Feb 07 - 12:20 PM (#1964939)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton

They were very polite in their so-called "apology". They wanted to acknowledge that not everyone agreed with them and they respected that without compromising their basic apprehension about Bush.

I believe that there are plenty of Texans who will buy their music regardless of the imposition of the Religious Right on the Texas media and the Repugs who claim they can control people's tastes and attitudes.

These are wonderfully talented young ladies and although I'm not a big fan of their that they've written, I sure appreciate their performance abilities. (But I am rather critical of most songs I hear these days.)

But I applaud their courage and convictions and that influences me to become a fan.

Frank Hamilton


12 Feb 07 - 12:26 PM (#1964946)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Stilly River Sage

I'm not a Texan but I live in Texas and I've bought some of their albums. I'll need to get the last one.

SRS


12 Feb 07 - 02:03 PM (#1965046)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Barry Finn

Texas? What's Texas got to do with country music anyway? Isn't that a hideout for outlaws & besides some of the places there are considered to be so far to the right that there in South America, what direction are they headed for & who'd listen to them?

Good for the Dixie Chicks!
Barry


12 Feb 07 - 02:12 PM (#1965054)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Wesley S

What's Texas go to do with country music??????

Surely you jest!!


12 Feb 07 - 03:53 PM (#1965182)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Jim

WYSIWYG wrote,"I'm happy for them, but I think 'How do you like me now' is more realistic than that they actually proved anything."

I'm not sure that I know what this means, but when I hear How Do You Like Me Now? I think of my least favourite country tune, whose writer/performer, Toby Kieth is an extreme right winger who has spoken out against the Chicks. I think the Chicks have also worn anti-Toby Kieth t-shirts in response to his statement.


12 Feb 07 - 04:12 PM (#1965207)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Barry Finn

Wesley, about Texas, no I'm not joking. To some it might as well be considered as of the right wing of South America. It's politics & it's music (excluding Austin) is not in "sink" with the rest of the land, it should find a new nation to be part of.

Toby Kieth, who's he?

Barry


12 Feb 07 - 04:13 PM (#1965209)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Barry Finn

If that does happen please leave the Dixie Chicks in Austin & leave Austin to US.

Thanks
Barry


12 Feb 07 - 04:27 PM (#1965223)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Greycap

Well done, ladies, well deserved. You are great pickers & singers.


12 Feb 07 - 04:38 PM (#1965238)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Wesley S

Yeah Barry - You're right. Texas has had no influence on country music. When you think of names like:

Willie Nelson
Waylon Jennings
Clint Black
Asleep at the Wheel
Buddy Holly
Guy Clark
Lee Ann Rimes
Kris Kristofferson

Just to name a few. Yep - Texas is just a big waste of space when it comes to country music.It all comes from Nashville.


12 Feb 07 - 04:43 PM (#1965245)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Wesley S

Oh and I left out George Strait and Lyle Lovett as two others that never influenced country music.

Or Jimmy Dale Gilmore,Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Billie Joe Shaver ......


12 Feb 07 - 04:47 PM (#1965248)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Barry Finn

Willie & Waylon were only hiding out in Texas. Guy & Buddy were Texan by accident of birth. Texas claims anything thing that grows there or passes through & they put a toll on it to never mind their own slant & they'll claim anyone that can hold a note & whine of behalf of Bush & DeLay. We would like to invite you back into the Union if you'd just agree to leave all the trash behind. As for Nashville, they were the idiots that allowed the outlaws to get away in the first place & probably dam near chased them out & they should have stood up for the Chicks, so I don't look kindly on them either.

Barry


12 Feb 07 - 04:48 PM (#1965250)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,LilyFestre

WOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I saw the Dixie Chicks in concert a few years back and I must say that they were OUTSTANDING! They are actually as good as, if not better, in person than their CDs. Personality, ability, intelligence and a sense of humor...how can they go wrong? They continue to be one of my all time favorite artists!!!!!!!!!!

LQF


12 Feb 07 - 04:53 PM (#1965254)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,van lingle

...Kinky Friedman, Bob Wills, Steve Earle...


12 Feb 07 - 05:00 PM (#1965263)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,van lingle

...Townes Van Zandt, Junior Brown (a transplant)...


12 Feb 07 - 05:01 PM (#1965265)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: frogprince

Townes VanZandt...


12 Feb 07 - 05:02 PM (#1965269)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Peace

Ernest Tubbs


12 Feb 07 - 05:02 PM (#1965270)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Stilly River Sage

Anyone with a little time on their hands might want to visit the Texas Music Office. In section 6 there is a "Texas Talent Register A-Z" (any Mudcatters there? I don't see Jed Marum, for starters. He'll have to fix that!)

SRS


12 Feb 07 - 05:02 PM (#1965271)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Barry Finn

But can you still find them in Texas? To me it seems that they're all spending more time away than at home. I do think that that might be just the place for those that want to hide out or just be left alone. In Texas you don't fade away, you die in the dust.

I must state here that before going on I'm just having a bit of fun with you who up hold Texas. You do have many reasons to be pat/riot/uck about the place. Give me a couple of minutes & I'll come up with omething.



Opps, sorry, I timed out.

Oh, you were the biggest for a long time (biggest is not best), then along came Alaska in the early 50's actually you didn't catch wind of it until the 60's & you've been a pain in he neck since.

Barry


12 Feb 07 - 05:15 PM (#1965286)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Wesley S

"But can you still find them in Texas? To me it seems that they're all spending more time away than at home."

That's called going on tour. It's when folks all over the country want you to come play concerts for them.

And you'll be trolling - excuse me - performing where tonight?


12 Feb 07 - 05:23 PM (#1965299)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: wysiwyg

Guest Jim, good catch! Yes, I slipped that in on purpose.

~Susan


12 Feb 07 - 06:22 PM (#1965357)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Barry Finn

OK , I'll end my kidding around, it seems I'm cutting a little to close to the bone, sorry.

But, so much for the Country Music Awards Asses. They snubbed the Dixie Chicks not more than 3 months ago. Says alot for what country music is to the commerical end of the business.

No more taking pot shots at Texas, promise, you get to keep Austin too.

Barry


12 Feb 07 - 06:28 PM (#1965367)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Cruz

Yes!


12 Feb 07 - 06:28 PM (#1965370)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,UpAginst TheWallRednectMothers

I AM a Texan, don't really like the Chicks music
that much, but I'll buy their CD anyway to
spite the conservs. (My hope was for Modern Times).

- Flaming Liberal frum Texas


12 Feb 07 - 06:31 PM (#1965373)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Cruz

Only a bona fide Texan could come up with a screen name like that Guest.

Good on Y'all.


12 Feb 07 - 07:30 PM (#1965451)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST

I agree, only a true (knuckle-draggin)texan could come up with a name from a song about a guy from oklahoma ("he was born in oklahoma, his wife's name is betty lou thelma liz") that was written by a New Yorker (Jerry Jeff Walker) and be proud of it.


12 Feb 07 - 07:48 PM (#1965475)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Nick

I like the Chicks just fine but what I saw was "Hollywood" thumbing it's nose at "Nashville" The Dixies just got in the way and so won some awards.
Nick


12 Feb 07 - 08:29 PM (#1965510)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Don Firth

HAH!!

There's a new wind a-blowin' through the land!

Don Firth


13 Feb 07 - 12:56 PM (#1966229)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Jeff

Yeah, there's a new wind, alright. It's blowing through the tunnel between Natalie Maines's ears! Honestly, regardless on which side of 'the controversy'(whatever the eff THAT is)you may reside she couldn't have embarrassed herself(not to mention her bandmates)any further. Yet w/each subsequent award the phrase, "better to be silent and have them THINK you're a fool..." Character and success are measured separately. The increasingly pained expressions of the other two whenever she approached the mic were VERY telling. The sisters are VERY savvy and gifted women. Poised, gracious, erudite, humble, appreciative...all in stark contrast to Ms. Maines. She came off as, in the words of my gf, "the MUFF hangin' out w/t hot 'chicks' at the club". Martie and Emily have made tough decisions before re personell and career direction. Look for them to gracefully suggest to Natalie she may be better off pursuing a solo career after this tour.


13 Feb 07 - 01:18 PM (#1966249)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Wesley S

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for that to happen Jeff. The Dixie Chicks started having success on the charts after Natalie joined the band. It would be reasonable to think that they own a lot of their chart success to her. Personally I don't see that happening. I could be wrong but I doubt it.

Something else I didn't see was the "pained expressions" you noticed. Could you possibly have imagined that?


13 Feb 07 - 01:44 PM (#1966274)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: Mary Katherine

Hilarious article on Chicks' Grammy win. Laughed out loud.

http://www.newwest.net/index.php/city/article/five_grammys_for_the_chicks_suck_on_that_toby_keith/C8/L8/


13 Feb 07 - 01:56 PM (#1966298)
Subject: RE: Dixie Chicks' grammy awards- vindication
From: GUEST,Jeff

Yes, they do owe alot of their chart success to her voice...and didn't she remind them of that? As far as the 'pained expressions'...check a copy of the show and watch them as she speaks. Not 'holding my breath waiting for that to happen'. It's an observation. Like you, I could be wrong, but I doubt it. Refer back to this thread in a year and we'll see where they are. Thought the most telling statement she made was, "For once I've got nothing to say." Turns out she never really did...great voice, not alot of depth.