R
Ricky Bobby
Guest
From amazon.com:
This album is mainstream garbage, February 13, 2007
Reviewer: RpgFan (glendale, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
This album is the worst mainstream piece of garbage I have ever heard.
The only reason they won so many grammy awards is because the academy
of music is a bunch of left wing liberals and they want to stick it to
the president.
Real good, basically your telling people its ok to bash your country
while playing in another country and then we will reward you with a
bunch of grammy awards for it.
Complete drivel, these losers will never get a cent of my money.
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5 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
Hate it, February 13, 2007
Reviewer: M. Skinner (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews
and HATE THE DIXIE CHICKS. I used to be a huge fan but since they
can't keep their traps shut - I hate them and what they now stand for.
Sing music and keep your politics out of it.
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9 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
No stars for this mess!, February 12, 2007
Reviewer: D. Kowlessar "CD QUEEN" (MD) - See all my reviews
Bush bashers or not....this album's content is all about the Bush
comment and backlash The Chicks received a few years ago. If they
really wanted to move on they would have stayed away from the topic in
their music (at least for 98% of the album) but it is too redundant in
this album. Not their best work and I used to be a huge fan but they
are losing me by the year! Not worth the cash to buy this one.
Hopefully they will produce a more rounded album next.
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188 of 452 people found the following review helpful:
Taking the Long Way is such a political album that it reflects
Maines' Martyr Complex and Self-invovled Egomania!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
January 22, 2007
Reviewer: Nero's Fire Against The Christians "Murmillo Gladiator" (A
Coward's Mother Does Not Weep) - See all my reviews
Taking the Long Way--should be called "Taking the Liberal Sellout Way
for a Pop Audience While Stabbing Country Music Fans in the Back"--is
the Dixie Chicks' notoriously billed "comeback" album, after Natalie
Maines ineptly ruined their careers by provoking the real, American
patriots called country music fans!!!! It's impossible to separate
politics and current events from the music on this CD since Taking the
Long Way glaringly symbolizes the Chicks' defiant attitude towards
those (real Americans and patriots) who demanded an apology from them
for their anti-American, anti-Bush tirade on foreign shores in 2003.
Since they alienated the country music fan base--where they rightly
received death threats and had their CDs symbolically boycotted by
country music radio stations--the music on Taking the Long Way is
totally a 180 degree turnaround from the country on their prior CDs.
The vast majority of songs on this CD are pop/rock, and as such, they
egregiously appeal to a new audience, that audience being those in the
more liberal, blue states with an appetite for thoughtless pop/light
rocky music--the complete opposite of the patriots, real Americans and
conservatives making up the country music fan base. The Chicks'
calculatingly necessary shift to the musical left was born not out of
artistic "merit"; it was pressured on them by a country music fan base
that Maines segregated/antagonized with her anti-Bush tirade.
Likewise, because of their shunning of country music fans, their tour
last year saw many E-M-P-T-Y arenas and sub-par ticket sales with only
liberal, big cities really going to their concerts!!!! Taking the Long
Way also debuted with the lowest number of first week sales of ANY of
their albums.
This treasonous shift to pop music is seen instantly on the first
song, The Long Way Around. Though it begins subtly like a country
tune, it's clear they plotted a rockier tune due to the overpowering
basslines and speedier guitar "licks." The lyrical content of The Long
Way Around is also planned to appeal to a stereotypical liberals'
school of thought because of the shamelessly outright rejection of
traditional values espoused in that wreck of a song. Maines sings,
lewdly, about smoking (obviously some illegal or self-destructive
substance) with hippies and also repels the honorable, traditional
virtues of her high-school classmates from Lubbock, Texas, for
settling down and raising families with their husbands!!!!
Predictably, impressionable, liberal apologists will find merit in the
song's quaint resolve set to a hopeful melody.
From there, the album's ALL downhill in a worsening, downward spiral
as the Chicks furiously plan to attract liberals with their
suspicious, newly found values system and remorselessness about
Maines' anti-Bush tirade. In Not Ready to Make Nice, Maines scornfully
sings of berating Bush all over again if she had a second go at it!!!!
Contradictorily, Maines defies reconciliation, then wonders why the
heck she keeps paying the price of being hated by a large segment of
patriotic Americans, and rightly so. Also disturbing in the song's
lyrical content is Maines' admission that her tirade against Bush was
totally unwarrantable hatred of a perfect stranger and her plans to
tell her daughter that it's "ok" to do so. When Maines sings, "I'm mad
as hell," she's clearly using her continuous upkeep of her anti-Bush
controversy as a maneuver to generate interest around her band.
Despairingly, simple-minded liberals will misguidedly credit Maines
for what they misconceive as her "standing up" for what she believes
in. But, the impartial listener will sentence her for being so
arrogant that she presumes the world revolves around her and her
little controversy. Also noteworthy in that song is the
feint-but-audible rock guitar that's prominently used to underscore
Maines' resolve--again, verifying the theme that the Chicks have
basically turned into a rock/pop outfit.
Though I analytically went into detail on only two songs, I could've
just as easily dissected other songs like Easy Silence (comfort in
family interspersed with complaints about war and radio stations),
Everybody Knows (paranoia and insecurity about being in the
spotlight), Bitter End (irreconcilable partings), or Lubbock or Leave
It (ridicules Maines' southern hometown of Lubbock, Texas, with scorn
of liberal elitism). But, I focused on The Long Way Around and Not
Ready To Make Nice to make a convincing case and convict the Chicks
for writing an album with a political agenda.
Though the Chicks insecurely made their first, brittle foray into
writing some songs, they didn't independently write this record,
getting help from liberal radicals like Sheryl Crow. As such, the
songwriting quality is noticeably lowered from CDs like Home. This
album is just a phonily dressed-up version of the girls exercising
their martyr complex, as in assuming that they've been "through hell"
because of Maines' foot-in-mouth slur against Bush, yet it reflects on
them as a CD wherein they presume that their rightly deserved backlash
somehow elevated them to the status of "heroes," totally furthest from
the truth.
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11 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
Entertain us, keep your political thoughts to yourself, October 31,
2006
Reviewer: Rocknwoman "rocknwoman" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
I have been a long time fan, but..... I was very dismayed to hear what
Natalie said in concert, overseas. We pay entertainers to entertain
us, not cram their political views down our throats as the only
realistic, viable opinions. The freedoms we have in this country come
from a long line of soldiers that put on the uniform and stood up for
what America stands for. I saw them last week on the Oprah Winfrey
show and as the song says, their not ready to make nice, granted the
lyrics could be applied to many situations, but in this case we know
what they refer too. They owe this country a big opology, and until I
hear it, I won't buy their cd's anymore.
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11 of 73 people found the following review helpful:
Save your money, October 16, 2006
Reviewer: Dr. C. (Springfield, Missouri) - See all my reviews
I can't believe they ever won the Grammies that they have when I hear
any of their recent albums. I may not be the only one who thinks that
they aren't any good anymore when you consider that they had to cancel
a lot of their concerts on their last tour due to not selling enough
tickets at many of them. Save your money!
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17 of 92 people found the following review helpful:
Not much new, October 2, 2006
Reviewer: Bob "...think!" (USA) - See all my reviews
The Dixie Chicks are selling this album at a deep discount and are
cancelling concerts across America. There is a reason: they're
offering nothing new. More of the same. They haven't grown, and the
act has gotten old.
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26 of 70 people found the following review helpful:
Sadly Self-Indulgent, September 25, 2006
Reviewer: Tampa Quilter "Amazon Groupie" (Tampa, FL USA) - See all my
reviews
After all the hype, I'd hoped it would be an album back to their
musical roots; sadly it is not. Too bad.
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15 of 91 people found the following review helpful:
Please go away..., September 16, 2006
Reviewer: The Producer (Sarasota, FL United States) - See all my
reviews
It's slick, it's cute but it ain't country. Nashville needs to
regurgitate this crap and get it's soul back. As far as their
political evangelism goes: nobody cares. These dim-whitted chicks
tried to get into the Hollywood and Michael Moore "in crowd" with
their anti-American statements. It back-fired, didn't it Chickies?
Your grand kids could of had a much larger inheritance. Think about it
Natalie, the money is what country music is all about now and you have
thrown away a fanny load of it. Please go away.
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9 of 105 people found the following review helpful:
They've made a habit of bad behavior..., September 13, 2006
Reviewer: Jennifer Monk "jlm325" (Atlanta, Ga United States) - See all
my reviews
The Bush "incident" is not the first time these girls have behaved
poorly. Learn more about them and see how they replaced their lead
singer right after they had their record deal but before they cut
their first album. They've whined over royalty fees and sleazed up
country music with "outfits". When you buy their music, you enable
them to behave this way. I loved their music, just not their behavior.
This CD is just not very good, September 9, 2006
Reviewer: Bobby L (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
I have several other Dixie Chicks CD that I like but I just personally
hate this one.
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21 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
Nothing like their previous releases, August 22, 2006
Reviewer: L. DeJohn (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews
Where did their country sound go? It's nowhere to be found on this cd.
We kept skipping over the songs looking for something that sounded
like their usual country sound. This one needs to be placed in a
different music style. If you are looking for the same old sound, look
somewhere else. We were quite disappointed.
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39 of 105 people found the following review helpful:
Taking the Wrong Way, July 24, 2006
Reviewer: Karen Rhee (New York NY) - See all my reviews
I was interested to read the review below claiming that no one except
a redneck, pot-bellied Bush supporter who has never heard the CD could
write a negative review about it. I'm a female Korean immigrant who I
don't think qualifies as a "redneck." I've lived in the US for almost
twenty years but am not a citizen so I can't vote. My view of Bush is
mixed. I'm 5'6", 125 lbs, and do not have a pot belly. (I find it odd
that someone would make fun of the appearance of a Bush supporter
since my experience in the US has been, with regards to White people
at least, that the few non-Jewish, heterosexual males outside of
Hollywood who support the Democrats are usually unathletic, weird and
ugly looking, like that ugliest of Americans, Michael Moore - who has
a pretty large pot belly by the way.)
I did listen to the CD. I listened to it several times. I bought it so
I was certainly going to try to get my money's worth! The problem is
that the music really sucks. It sucks the first time that you listen
to it and when you try again, it still sucks. As far as the singing,
the reviewers who call it "whining" are telling the truth.
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36 of 108 people found the following review helpful:
White Trash Without Talent , July 22, 2006
Reviewer: Carl Niskanen (Seattle WA USA) - See all my reviews
Have you heard of intelligent eyes? Look carefully at the CD cover
photo. Intelligent eyes they are not. The Dixie Chicks have a distinct
"the lights are on upstairs but nobody's home" look. They are just
White trash from trailer park country and it is kind of amusing to
read glowing reviews of the bimbos' album from those who fashion
themselves as sophisticated and urbane. One reviewer suggests that
only tobacco-chewing Toby Keith fans couldn't fall in love the music
on this CD, but the man he describes sounds more like the Dixie
Chicks' boyfriends/husbands.
Well, I'm not a Toby Keith fan or a fan of country music. And I don't
chew tobacco. I bought this CD based on the extremely positive reviews
it got and feel like a victim of a con. I don't pay attention to
professional music critics but find reviews from the general public to
be more relaible. Not this time.
This CD was presented as a new style for the Dixie Chicks, which
should have been a good thing since I don't like their old style. It
is not country unless Southern hick accents alone make music country.
It was presented as a rock album (which is why I bought it) but it is
really an overproduced pop mess full of clashing instruments and, for
the most part, screeching vocals. Listening to it, I kept thinking
that Natalie Maines must have been suffering from PMS when it was
recorded. Well, what's ten bucks now-a-days anyhow?
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24 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
Don't bother, July 18, 2006
Reviewer: farmwife "cary" (niagara, ND usa) - See all my reviews
This album was a shocker! I was really disappointed and feel that the
chicks did not live up to the quality that I had come to expect from
them. It was as if they have all been off their prozac for a couple
months, very depressing and angry!
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43 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
Waste of Money , July 13, 2006
Reviewer: Jen Kim (San Diego CA) - See all my reviews
From the overproduced music to Natalie Maines whiny vocals, the music
on this CD doesn't make it. I bought this CD based on all the rave
reviews and feel like I was had. Who are the people giving all the
five star reviews? The Dixie Chicks friends and relatives?
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33 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
Not so much..., July 11, 2006
Reviewer: Viv Tyler (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
I really, really, wanted to like this. I LOVE the Chicks, always have,
and totally supported them through the whole political thing. But I
have to agree with the reviewers who have said that when all is said
and done, the songs aren't very good. Nothing catchy or moving on
here, like there usually is. Maybe it's because they used a bunch of
other songwriters, or something - I don't know. I'm very disappointed.
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42 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
Whoa, July 11, 2006
Reviewer: Kim Reading (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
Omigod what a lot of hype. I guess there are a lot of people around
who really hate Bush, huh? I'll count myself among them, but man,
there's gotta be a better way to show it than listening to this CD. My
friend gave this to me for a birthday present, and I was pretty
excited, given all the great things I've heard. But boy, this CD
really blows. I don't know what in the world all these people are
talking about, but I know one thing for sure - it can't be the music!
Don't blow your cash on this - get something good.
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15 of 99 people found the following review helpful:
Make a political statement......Don't buy Dixie Chicks , July 6, 2006
Reviewer: harry44callahan (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews
Contrary to the other reviewer, I AM appalled at the un-American
statements which have been made by the 'Chicks. So, until they learn
to keep their politics to themselves, I think they should reap the
reward of their statements. Country music fans are notoriously
patriotic folks; they should know better than to alienate thier
fanbase. I used to be a fan, but no more.
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19 of 84 people found the following review helpful:
worst ever, July 5, 2006
Reviewer: J. P Petko - See all my reviews
they are now more into politics than music and they have no one to
blame but themselves. their music has suffered for it.
there best music is behind them.
now, if you want something good , might i recommend alison krauss. she
has talent and no axe to grind.
Disappointing, July 4, 2006
Reviewer: D. Inman (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
The CD was completely disappointing. The music was dark. There's not a
single cut worth replaying. Will some cowboy please come and take them
away.
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47 of 116 people found the following review helpful:
TRIED TO SELL IT AT A YARD SELL BUT COULDN'T GIVE IT AWAY!, June 30,
2006
Reviewer: R. CORLEY - See all my reviews
I WAS GIVEN THIS FOR MY BIRTHDAY. IT IS THE WORST BIRTHDAY GIFT AN
AMERICAN CAN POSSIBLY RECEIVE. I COULDN'T GIVE IT AWAY.
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16 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
Really bad album, June 29, 2006
Reviewer: K. Smith (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
The Chicks should sing and get out of politics. This whole album is
geared to making a statement. Shut up and sing girls!! We don't care
about your opinions.
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25 of 106 people found the following review helpful:
Would not buy their album, June 26, 2006
Reviewer: M. Pritchard - See all my reviews
It doesn't matter how anyone rates this album..I used to love their
music and I liked their spunkyness. Now, no way..Natalie has pushed
the limits of respect of this wonderful place-America. There is a way
of voicing your opinion without being mean and downright "in your
face". She should eat a little humble pie.
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28 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointed fan, June 25, 2006
Reviewer: LRD (Schaumburg, Il United States) - See all my reviews
I looked forward to the new Dixie Chicks album, but was quite
disappointed. The one star rating is for the two passable songs on
this CD, "The Long Way Around" and "Not Ready to Make Nice". The rest
are really quite boring. By the fifth or sixth song they were all
blending together.
I don't have a problem with their politics. I recently bought Neil
Young's "Living with War". I don't have a problem with the branching
out into country rock. I do think they should have found some good
songs to cover instead of doing all their own stuff.
Maybe they felt they should make this statement, but for the great
musicians and singers they usually are, this is a pretty poor attempt.
Not worth the money!!
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55 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
This sucks I-man, you lied., June 25, 2006
Reviewer: Philip C. Gossett III "Dead head Phil." (East Coast.) - See
all my reviews
I got this for my wife, I had to suffer through it yesterday on the
way to Red Lobster. Some of the songs had a nice mellow beat and
sounded all right, but most of it sucked, the singing sounded
monotone. Way to much drama to boot, save your money. Imus said this
was good, he was wrong. I was disapointed.
TCBRN.
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23 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointed, June 25, 2006
Reviewer: L. Cook (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
First CD I bought of theirs & am disappointed. Will probably pawn off
the cd onto someone I know.
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48 of 101 people found the following review helpful:
Yeah, I get it already, June 18, 2006
Reviewer: Christopher Meadows (Christiansburg, Va.) - See all my
reviews
As a fan of the Chicks' music, I'm disapointed to say that this is
pure political agenda driven CRAP, though I think we pretty much all
expected that. This album is basically an in-your-face retaliation of
their past fallout with the political crowd. I'm all for free speech,
but if your a firm believer in not mixing music and politics then this
isn't for you.
Hey Chicks, the true fans could care less about your political
beliefs, right or left. Just stop with the politics and play MUSIC!
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91 of 170 people found the following review helpful:
Silly, June 16, 2006
Reviewer: Rozella - See all my reviews
Initially, I didn't think this album was worth reviewing; but, the
whiny single is so silly and pathetic it could not be helped. The
NRTMN single is basically a temper tantrum insisting that the Chick's
are just "not ready" to forgive the people who disagree with them.
Excuse me, but I don't remember anyone apologizing to them in the
first place. Apologize for what? Just as these ladies have the right
to state their views; people have the right to react to it in any way
they please. How ridiculous that these girls think someone is
apologizing to them for disagreeing. Typical whiny Hollywood elitists
who think they can state their opinions and no one can disagree. These
girls are tired and angry.
Also, how offensive that severel reviewers say that "republicans are
racist". Excuse me; but, I am black. I am a Republican. I can vote,
think, believe whatever way I choose. I don't have to subscribe to the
liberal dogma that I believe to be destructive to my people just
because some uppity, white suburban housefrau (who's never been to my
neighborhood or one like it) says some ignorant lie about a political
party. (Pat) Please stop assuming that you speak for me. Your attempts
to keep my people slave to one politcal party is your way of keeping
us powerless. That's not happening anymore. We have the right to
diversity of thought, too.
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43 of 103 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointed, June 16, 2006
Reviewer: Music fan in TX (Lewisville, TX United States) - See all my
reviews
I looked forward to the release of this CD for a long time, but now
that it's here I have to say I'm disappointed. My opinion has nothing
to do with politics (which seems to be the motivation for many of the
other reviews - good and bad). I've been a fan of the Dixie Chicks in
the past because their music was full of life and fun to listen to.
While musically this record is impressive, lyrically it's just
self-absorbed and whiny. It's obvious that the events of the past
couple years have taken a huge toll on them, but I think they could
have crafted a more meaningful response had they stuck to the humor
and light-heartedness of some of their earlier releases. They have
been quoted as saying this album is more "mature." I disagree - if
anything, this is just one long (slow, BORING) temper tantrum about
how the world has mistreated them, which isn't a very mature response
to adversity. Nothing like playing the victim to get attention - but
not a good way to get people to really listen to and appreciate your
music. Sorry Chicks - find your spark and try again.
Blah, June 14, 2006
Reviewer: gooup "gooup" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
Since my first review hasn't made it onto this page (hmmm ... am i
sensing some lack of freedom of speech on the part of Amazon?! Say it
isn't so!)
So, i will repeat myself. Unimaginative, angry, bitter and otherwise a
self-important pity party of an album
How i WISH i could give it NO stars.
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39 of 111 people found the following review helpful:
Don't waste your money, June 14, 2006
Reviewer: Bonnie D. "bondem777" (United States) - See all my reviews
Instead of wasting your hard earned dollars on this fluff, go and buy
the Wreckers album, which is much better. I am tired of hearing about
George Bush. This has nothing to do with George Bush. That is old
news, and the Chicks are still trying to use it to sell albums. The
fact is, it's not a great album, and you can make a political
statement in many ways that are totally free, so why waste your money?
I also am disappointed in the fact that Dixie Chicks are going so far
as to bash their own fans these days. Pass this one by.
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34 of 119 people found the following review helpful:
A shocked former "fan", June 11, 2006
Reviewer: flowerbud (NY) - See all my reviews
After buying this CD ~ the CD isn't all that great by the way, most of
the people on here who are giving it more than 3 stars are on here for
political reasons, obviously ~ there was a statement made by the
chicks which said they don't want any fan who has Toby Keith or Reba
McIntyre in their disc changer. I was appalled and immediately took
action...I threw "Taking The Long Way" out the window. There! Now
everybody's happy.
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30 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
Not sure what to say..., June 11, 2006
Reviewer: TexasGal "TG" (TX) - See all my reviews
I admit, I feel the same way about Bush that they do, so yes, I went
out and bought the CD because of that. Now I know that just because I
agree with them politically doesn't mean the music was great. This
album is depressing, as someone else said, it's blah! Sorry chicks,
love you anyway. Keep expressing yourself, you're a great example to
women everywhere! As for me and my music purchases, I'll stick to
buying what I know is real talent, like Bruce Springsteen and Neil
Young.
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31 of 101 people found the following review helpful:
Overrated, June 11, 2006
Reviewer: Robert T. Hutchison "rthutchison" - See all my reviews
People are hyping this for political reasons. Check out the Wreckers
album instead.
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20 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
Still not a Chicks fan, June 10, 2006
Reviewer: e "10acErnie" (Music City USA) - See all my reviews
I'm not a fan of the Dixie Chicks, never was. I really don't like the
watered down, Cookie Cutter, Pop Country stuff. However, I'm a big
Rick Rubin fan so I decided to check this album out. I love the work
Rubin did with Johnny Cash..... and the Chili Peppers new album is
great......and The Cult, Electric album is one of the greatest albums
of all time.....and The Beastie Boys.....yeah!!! Rick Rubin can do no
wrong.......well almost no wrong, I guess.
If you are a DC fan you'll probably like this album, but to me it
sounds like Sherly Crow.... if Crow couldn't write songs and had no
talent.
If you want rootsy, genuine, heart felt Country get Barricades &
Brickwalls by Kasey Chambers. BTW The Chicks have always said Kasey
Chambers is a big influence on them. The difference is Chambers has it
in her soul and the Chicks have to try to be good....and it just ain't
working.
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23 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
Why is it....., June 10, 2006
Reviewer: Princess "me" (NY) - See all my reviews
that my review was deleted? I just read alot of people say that their
reviews for this dumb CD had their original reviews deleted, just like
mine. Well, I could care less, but those of you who shout "Free
Speech" remember that it doesn't just pertain to you anti-Bush people,
it pertains to everyone. The big mouthed Natalie said some things that
ticked us off, she needs to live with her consequences. I bet you if
none of the reviews were deleted, this CD would only have one star.
It's amazing how a 4 1/2 star CD of these women can't even sell enough
tickets. Amazing, huh?
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23 of 97 people found the following review helpful:
alright at best, June 10, 2006
Reviewer: BlondieChicago (Chicago) - See all my reviews
They are trying a little to hard..... I think it's over girls just let
it go.
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30 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
The Chicks Don't Shine In This One, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: Sadie "Sadie" (Ventura, CA United States) - See all my
reviews
I knew this wasn't supposed to be country, but I still expected it to
be as great as their other albums. I was wrong. It's quite
simply....boring. I've played their other albums over and over until
I've memorized every word. After listening to this one twice I still
can't get into any of the songs. They all sound alike, there's not a
hit in the bunch. No peppy or happy songs in the bunch. It's like the
women are all depressed at the point in their lives when they made
this album, and it shows in the music. I'm hoping something good
happens for them so they'll come out with some music that shows their
real talent.
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25 of 75 people found the following review helpful:
what happened?????, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: jose canseco "ingolf" (evergreen state) - See all my reviews
I have been a Dixie Chicks fan for a long time. This alum was a great
dissapointment. I was expecting more of there traditional bluegrass
background and catchy tunes. The entire album made me want to fall
asleep. Its like they were doing an acustic session. The material was
brutal. It feels like they forgot what made them famous.
Not what I expected, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: M. Fidelman "avid_history_reader" (Carlsbad, CA United
States) - See all my reviews
Because of their snub of their fan base, I thought they had the good
sense to deliver a spectacular album to "show up" their many critics.
They failed in this attempt and have alientated even more people by
their recent comments.
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26 of 80 people found the following review helpful:
B Flat CD, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: E. Jaleski "The Listener" (Longboat Key, FL) - See all my
reviews
This CD typifies the reasons for illegal downloading - two good songs
followed by filler. The CD goes over the top in presenting a boring
repetitious wall-of-sound, performers made weary by dullness and the
most unimaginative drummer I have heard on a major release in a
decade. DCX could lose the drummer.
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21 of 85 people found the following review helpful:
Not Willing - To Forgive or Forget, June 7, 2006
Reviewer: Alan Rockman (Upland, California) - See all my reviews
Little "Clueless" Natalie wants to go Hollywood. Little Natalie was
never really Country anyway, even if the other two spoiled brats were.
She's not willing to make nice. Well, that's Ms. Maines' or Mrs.
Pashdar's prerogative, but it is also ours to tell the little girl and
her Dipsy Clucks bye-bye too.
C'mon Nashville. Enough of the Maines, the Clucks, the Urbans, the
Chesneys, the Crows and the Flats. Give us more Paisleys, more Evans -
and musicians steeped in the tradition of Owens and Cash. Not some
little girls sans brains and sans talent.
Just read that Dipsy Cluck ticket sales for the summer shows have
nose-dived into the dungheap they created. Gee, I wonder why? Maybe
Natalie or some of her Neo-Fat friends can tell us all why. Then
again, maybe not.
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22 of 106 people found the following review helpful:
Three Drab Queens., June 7, 2006
Reviewer: Ms. AJ "Right" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
If you think this album is selling for its quality, think again.
It's selling because the Chicks figured out that picking fights with
powerful politicians works for getting your name in the news.
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35 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
BLACK MAN'S REVIEW WAS THROWN OUT!, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: Papa Baggy T (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
Well it does look like there still is segregation in some places.
Namely on a very liberally biased site like this that had deleted my
original review of this recording.
ain't that something?
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25 of 124 people found the following review helpful:
I'll Be Consistent, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: cherie (new york) - See all my reviews
I so very much agree with The Twizzler from Philly and Green-T from
Chicago. All of these wine&cheese/art gallery rats/birkenstock
wearing/patchouli smelling progressives singing the praises over this
group and this CD truly shows me how desperate so many of the Left are
in their rage for Bush & Co.
My roomate, a left leaning Dem bought this CD along with a few others
lefties in her study group just "to show support for Natalie" LOL She
never even opened the CD! I did and i hated it for the simple reasons:
I don't like country music or folk music in general.
I couldn't stand the angsty whining of these three "chicks."
I thought this stuff became passe with the death of Kurt Cobain and
the decline in popularity of Lilith Fair pseudo-folkies like Fiona
Apple, Morissette and that other Natalie - Natalie Merchant.
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15 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
Buy it and move to Canada!, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: Leave it if you don't love it (Peoria, Illinois) - See all
my reviews
If you don't like living here & enjoy verbally tearing down your
country as this trio does please buy this trash and move to Canada.
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40 of 110 people found the following review helpful:
Come On Amazon!, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: The Twizzler (Philly Style) - See all my reviews
You guys really need to stop the machinations with the reviews. So
many 1-star/2-star reiews of books, DVDs and CDs get deleted so that
the overall approval rating stays up there. If you delete them because
they lack relevent content, that I can understand. But, by the same
logic you should do the same with the 5-star reviews that similarly
lack relevency.
I've read at least several dozen 5-star reviews and many of them have
only an obligatory "Loved it!" comment, showing me that so many
haven't heard this CD. Many even say that they haven't heard the CD or
don't own it. One reviewer from Phoenix said, "I hate country music
and never owned a Dixie Chicks album... I listen to punk rock, rap,
R&B but I just want to stick it to the rednecks..." Why are such
reviews as these allowed to stay?
Reviewer Green-T is correct in her observation that so many of these
rave reviews are really just to spite true C&W fans. For example, here
in Philly, at the time of the Natalie Maines anti-Bush tirade, college
radio station WXPN started playing Dixie Chicks songs. They never
played a Dixie Chicks songs before that. It is all pathetic
politicking. And as for the ratings here and the Billboard Charts it
is misleading.
This CD is so below the quality of the previous DC releases. Their
bluegrass-friendly, easy going style has been replaced by the
bitterness and resentment and moany wailing similar to the
personalities of so many of their newfound "fans." Their is an
overemphasis on Natalie to the point of it being sickening. Emily
Robison and Martie Maguire are by now pretty much a backup band!
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34 of 121 people found the following review helpful:
THE REASON IT'S #1 ..., June 6, 2006
Reviewer: Green-T (Chicago) - See all my reviews
Look down at the customer forums and most of the full starred reviews
and check out the new Dixie Chicks supporters.
People who've never bought a Country CD in all of their lives bought
this one just to make it a hit and thereby make a statement. They look
down on all of us Country fans. Heck! they look down on this country
itself, Period!
Real Country Music fans know what's up and we're not buying into it
for a minute.
So enjoy your fair weather friends Natalie. You and me and cousin
Bobby Lee all know they won't stick around, especially not by the time
the next CD comes round. If another one come round that is.
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27 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
No Passion, Uninspired, Hollow, June 5, 2006
Reviewer: Sir Loin Ofbeef "No" (Carmel, IN United States) - See all my
reviews
I am a fan of the Dixie Chicks and have loved their previous work, but
something about this album seems rushed. All the songs feature lyrics
which never really go anywhere, it's almost as if they're being too
safe. I really didn't like it. I want my money back Natalie!
Self Destructing Effort?, June 5, 2006
Reviewer: The Penitent (Denver) - See all my reviews
The DC belong to that group of artists that do not have a defined
stile. Their music is not Country or pop, some sort of estrange "in
between". These artists achieve phenomenal success for a sort period
of time, but they never sustain the test of time. They have a couple
of songs and one or two albums that skyrocket and that's it. In the
case of DC "Wide Open Spaces" and "Home"
They also seem to be on a mission to actually speed up the
disintegration process and disappear into oblivion as fast as
possible. Their hysterical and nonsensical remarks and opinions
already alienated them years ago. It's OK not to apologize if you
actually believe in what you say regardless on how stupid it may
sound. But if you are trying to come back at least do not talk about
it, let it go, don't remind your fans, people are forgiving, just do
what you do best; music.
Unfortunately this outing is their worst, the songs are permeated by
the controversy and hate they generated, the vocals sound whinny, and
the music overproduced.
Sorry, skip this one.
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7 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
no thanks, June 3, 2006
Reviewer: Brad Fiennes (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
I received one of the CDs alexlee purchased to give away as gifts. The
music was awful, the Chicks are traitors, and their fans are traitors,
so all things considered, I burned it. Thanks, alex.
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22 of 105 people found the following review helpful:
THEY SEEM TO HAVE LOST IT..., June 3, 2006
Reviewer: Dan Hammer "Dan" (Texas) - See all my reviews
THE FIRST TWO WERE GREAT BUT I DO NOT CARE FOR THIS ONE AT ALL. I GAVE
IT TO MY SISTER AND SHE GAVE IT TO A FRIEND AT WORK. I DO NOT KNOW
WHAT HAPPENED BUT THEY SURE AIN'T THE SAME CHICKS THEY USED TO BE.
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10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
Poor Attempt at Pop, June 1, 2006
Reviewer: C. Hicks - See all my reviews
While talented musicians, the Dixie Chicks need to stick to country
and stop trying to crossover to pop. This is their attempt to "dis"
their country audience... Poor attempt at that...UGH.
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39 of 133 people found the following review helpful:
Navel gazing, June 1, 2006
Reviewer: Mike Group - See all my reviews
The Dixie Chicks are three incredibly talented muscians who have shown
an amazing ability in the past for arrangement, performance, and
writing. Sadly, they have fallen into the trap of taking themselves
too seriously. They now believe that their lives and opinions are more
interesting to their fans than their music. Except for the title
track, this album is boring. Music should be about life, but not so
introspective that the only one who appreciates what is in the music
is the one performing it. This album is for the Dixie Chicks, not for
anyone else. A true example of finding your own navel more fascinating
than anything else outside of your own existence.
I've been listening to music for more than 40 years and I've seen it
happen many times before. As soon as an artist says, "This album is an
exploration of new territory, more mature, expression of myself, a
political statement, etc."; you can be sure it is going to be perhaps
their last gasp. What seems to happen is that the artist loses their
sense of 'joy' in the music and just become too serous. Some make it
through this period, re-emerge and return to their roots; most fade
away. This is probably the Chicks last album.
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29 of 111 people found the following review helpful:
Matured?, June 1, 2006
Reviewer: J. Pitts (Spring Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
The review said they matured but it seems to me they've matured from
the Dixie Chicks with a wonderful bluegrass sound to Natalie Maines &
the Dixie Chicks. The sisters are fading into the background. I bought
their previous albums for the bluegrass and because I thought the
sisters did such a wonderful job with their respective instruments.
It's so sad that one blurt of no real significance has changed all
that.
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19 of 151 people found the following review helpful:
Are All You Folks Naive Or Just Stupid !!!, May 31, 2006
Reviewer: RetiredVet "Redskins Rule" (Washington D.C.) - See all my
reviews
An Associate of mine bought this album ;and yes i suffered by
listening to the entire album;i am not a country fan per se,nor do i
care what people's political beliefs are since i am not into all
that,what is worse than war (been in a few) is anyone trying to profit
from it and say it's for the troops ,have you guys and gals listened
to these Women interviews on t.v. and radio not to mention print,they
are not in touch with reality,kinda like that guy that brainwashed his
wife Uh,oh yeah Tom Cruise ,this music as a whole is not 2 bad / Dixie
chicks ,please where do these clowns come up with these names for
bands,BUT this music is not 2 GOOD either,so forget these wannabees
and by a real album for real talent ;like Elvis or 1 better ;Carrie
Underwood,at least they aren't political and have a hell of alot more
talent!!if you don't like my review ,than that will prove my point!!!
nuff said...Dixie Chicks ,sounds like some form of chicken you cook
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16 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
Average pop cd by a no talent group, May 31, 2006
Reviewer: SouthernProud - See all my reviews
I am a huge country music fan. I have never been a fan of the Dixie
Chicks because their music has never been country in my eyes. The
Dixie Chicks do not have pleasant sounding voices. Their old songs
never appealed to me and their new anti America, Anti conservative,
anti southern, anti country music and their fans mentality do not
appeal to me. If you are a hateful, bigoted, close minded person, this
cd is for you.
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26 of 152 people found the following review helpful:
The worst album of 2006, May 28, 2006
Reviewer: hardrock ninja - See all my reviews
I was aghast on listening to this awful album which is more worse than
their previous efforts.They have abandoned country for boring
pretentious pop music tripe.I would not recommend this boring album to
anyone.To me Living with war from Neil Young is a much better album
and a much better purchase.
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29 of 174 people found the following review helpful:
Awful, Horrible, and a piece of Trash, May 28, 2006
Reviewer: Mr. Gary W. Hill - See all my reviews
If you liked the purity of all the instruments on Home you will hate
this Album.
The Chicks have gone steadily downhill since Home.
On their World Tour album they included that stupid steel guitar which
completely drowned out the banjo and violin.
This in your face, I can say anything I want, and you can kiss my rear
end attitude shows how little class they now have.
There isn't one good song on this album, plus I only heard the banjo
once and very little violin.
Save your money, and don't waste it on these fools.
They need to get back to what made them popular in the first place.
Sorry album, May 27, 2006
Reviewer: J. Rudd "musicman" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
This is a terrible piece of work and would not suggest it for anyone
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25 of 153 people found the following review helpful:
Actually,zero stars is more appropriate, May 26, 2006
Reviewer: progrocklover - See all my reviews
The Dixie chicks are not country anymore folks.They are more of a
vapid,awful pop band who are more into making boring synthesized
music.I could not hear even a single note of a guitar on this
album.And the attack on George Bush was sickening.Stay away from this
crap.Get any cd from Bob Dylan instead.
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30 of 142 people found the following review helpful:
More Contemporary Country Grabage, May 26, 2006
Reviewer: Joshua S. Johnson (Charleston, WV United States) - See all
my reviews
My wife and I heard the Dixie Chicks on Good Morning America
performing two of the songs from their new album. All of the political
drama aside, the songs I heard were nothing more than contemporary pop
country garbage. My wife, who is more of a Chicks fan than I agreed
that it did not even sound like their type of music. Their first two
albums showed merit and a touch of true country style. I wouldn't be
surprised to see this album hitting the bargain bin very soon.
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32 of 151 people found the following review helpful:
not impressed, May 26, 2006
Reviewer: C. Koch (pittsburgh) - See all my reviews
OK, just what genre does this group fit into now? Do they still
consider themselves country? adult contemporary? Pop? I just don't get
the fascination with this mediocre and self described controversial
and self promoting group - sorry. Don't waste your money.
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33 of 169 people found the following review helpful:
Bomber, May 25, 2006
Reviewer: S. Somers "yankeefan12753" (FLORIDA) - See all my reviews
I think this cd is the worst they have ever made. I will NEVER BUY
another cd from this group again!
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27 of 115 people found the following review helpful:
Love Dixie Chicks, Hate new CD, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: L. DeLuccio (California, United States) - See all my reviews
I love the Dixie Chicks, always have and loved them even more after
they spoke their minds. However, this new CD sucks! Sorry girls. It's
very depressing, it's not the "fun" chicks as all the other CD's it's
all very moody, slow and depressing and dark. I'm not happy at all and
I over paid by alot of money and I can't take it back, I'm probably
posting it on here soon to sell..
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27 of 143 people found the following review helpful:
Who Butchered the Dixie Chicks??, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: Terri W (Indiantown, FL United States) - See all my reviews
Politics aside, I eagerly anticipated the release of this CD. After
listening to it, all I can say is "where did they go"? Their
previously joyful- to-listen-to music has been replaced by the
rantings of a bitter woman (Maines). P U.
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24 of 200 people found the following review helpful:
don't waste your money, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: A. Cason "amandy" (TX) - See all my reviews
Very whiny. The lyrics and their voices make me cringe. I regret
buying any of their music.
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32 of 138 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointing, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: D. Dunn (Kalamazoo, MI USA) - See all my reviews
I've been a Dixie Chicks fan since I first heard Wide Open Spaces and
I have all of their albums. Their political statements don't bother me
so I have no grudge against them there. I just think that musically
this was a very forgettable album. The only track I really liked was
Voice Inside My Head, where Natalie really showed how strong her voice
is. The others songs that were passable were The Long Way Around and
Not Ready To Make Nice. I found Lullaby to be 6 minutes of boring
repetition. I guess I prefer a more country/bluegrass/acoustic sound,
most of the songs just didn't catch my ear. I also thought that the
album photographs were really ugly.
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27 of 178 people found the following review helpful:
Another One Bites The Dust, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: Richard J. Atkinson "ratkin" (Queensbury, NY USA) - See all
my reviews
So, let's see... The Dixie Chicks have totally abandoned the musical
style that made them famous (has anybody heard from Martie and Emily's
instruments lately?)in favor of a bland, guitar-based pop. They've
gone from writing and/or performing happy, up-tempo music with a
wicked sense of humor in favor of coming off like a collection of
whiny, preachy kvetches. And then to make up for all that, they've
decided to go out of their way to annoy the majority of their original
fan base. While I may own several Dixie Chicks albums, this one will
not be staying in my collection long enough to join them.
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Sad, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: R Biggs "Tri" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
I don't write a review unless i feel stongly about it.
I'd give it less than one star if I could.
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28 of 227 people found the following review helpful:
pathetic!, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: Alonzo M. Layton "lon" (Wilmington, NC USA) - See all my
reviews
save your money! ... the bargain bins will be full of this album very
soon! You'll be able to buy this garbage very cheaply very soon.
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49 of 197 people found the following review helpful:
A let down, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: Douglas W. Jordan "D Jordan" (USA) - See all my reviews
The first thing that hit me in this CD was, as someone else posted,
that it sounded more like a Maines solo work rather than a Chicks CD.
Second, the songs, while ok, just did not have the same feel of their
last 2 CDs. I suppose given all that's happened that was inevitable
and that is unfortunate. Stylisticly this is nothing like "Home" or
"Wide Open Spaces" and if that is what you are looking for, save your
money, this one's not for you. I was and I'm very disappointed. With
this CD it's like they put on someone else's clothes, and they don't
fit.
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0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Run-Of-The-Mill Country Undercut by Adolescent Political Posturing,
February 13, 2007
Reviewer: UFO6 (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
I'd resolved to take an objective view of this album as a musical
work rather than as a political comment and, well, that's mostly
impossible - because the "Chicks" have apparently turned their musical
career into what Thomas Paine once called "a political hobbyhorse," in
much the same way as Michael Jackson devolved into self-absorbed
whining about the consequences of his own actions, in "Leave Me
Alone" and "Privacy."
Ignoring the embarrassing juvenility that is "Make Nice," this is
pedestrian post-Brooks pop-rock country - well done but not precisely
what one could call outstanding, much less the ...best music release
of 2006? Please. The selection of "Long Way" as
"Album/Record/Single/Country Album/Performance of the Year" is even
more embarrassing - as evidence that the "Grammy Awards" have become
little more than a soapbox for cheap political activism. Much like the
aforementioned single, as it happens.
So the folks in charge of the Grammys have subordinated their entire
2007 program to expressing their political views (Bravo, guys,) while
curious listeners can only respond to "Taking The Long Way" with a
bewildered "This...is IT?" Not specifically the gem that the hype
suggests.
Corrine Bailey Rae - that stunning new talent with a voice like a
Stradivarius - has got to be shaking her head in amazement like the
rest of us. But I suspect she, for one, is a musician classy enough to
take a snub without whining over it into a studio microphone.
P.S. - Oh and BTW: I never, ever sugar-coat a review for the sake of
"Helpful" votes. As the great percussionist and lyricist Mr. Peart put
it, "You can twist perceptions/ Reality won't budge."
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4 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
Pretty voices, October 29, 2006
Reviewer: Shane (Lowell, Mass) - See all my reviews
An okay cd. They do have pretty voices. I just don't hear anything
special on this cd. Sadly, Chicks fans are giving it 5 stars out of
loyalty. They cheapen Sgt.Pepper and other classics when they vote
this way. Please review this cd and if you give it 5 stars explain in
your comments that you are merely a blind fan. Politics..the Chicks
can say anything they want. I also hope Tim Russert records a cd of
songs.
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6 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
DISAPPOINTING, APART FROM 3 OR 4 'FAIR TO MIDDLING' TRACKS, October
27, 2006
Reviewer: Colin Spence (Formby, UK) - See all my reviews
I'd never heard of the Dixie Chicks until a few weeks ago when a
couple of their songs were getting some airplay over here in the UK -
so I bought this album (unheard).
I would describe their music, based on this album, as 'pop-rock with a
veneer of country'. Natalie Maines' voice reminds me a little of
Emmylou Harris, but less polished and too high-pitched for my liking
(although this may appeal to some listeners). The vocal harmonies are
pretty good (very 'tight') but, again, rather high-pitched. Lyrics are
OK but nothing special; The songs are not exactly melodic but most are
listenable (but many are very forgettable also).
Whilst the band members may be good musicians, there is little in the
way of vocal or instrumental variety - almost all tracks stick to the
lead voice/backing vocals/standard arrangement formula. Production, on
many tracks, is way over the top (even for this type of music) -
there's nothing subtle about it.
I quite liked the following tracks : 'The Long Way Around', 'Not Ready
to Make Nice', 'Everybody Knows' and 'I Hope', but the whole album has
a monotonous sound and predictable arrangements. If this is typical of
their music, I don't think I will be buying any more of their albums -
can't understand why there are SO MANY 4 & 5 star reviews.
UPDATE (22 Jan 07) : In view of the emotional fervour generated by
reviews of this album, I thought I'd come back to my review, having
listened to the album a few more times since.
Much of what I said before remains unchanged. However, I've had a
significant change of mind about the quality of the lyrics (I didn't
pay sufficient attention to them first time round), here are some
comments about the tracks which I preferred most - PLEASE NOTE : I am
reviewing the album in terms of how much I enjoyed the music, so if I
like the lyrics of a song, it does NOT mean that I also agree with
their sentiments :
'The Long Way Round' - well crafted pop song, catchy 'radio friendly'
melody, good lyrics and some deft fiddle playing.
'Not Ready To Make Nice' - dramatic song, decent melody, great lyrics
(pretty abrasive).
'Lubbock or Leave It' - strong 'rocker' with pummelling base; but it
is the clever and uncompromising lyrics that make this song.
'I Hope' - a soulful sound, some great guitar playing about 4 minutes
into the song.
The remaining songs have reasonably good lyrics but, in most other
respects, they are fairly ordinary (pleasant but bland). I don't
expect music albums to be perfect, by any means, but there is just too
much about the music here that I simply don't like, so I can't justify
more than 2.5 stars. However, many people do like this album (or, at
least, claim to), so I guess I'm in a minority on this one.
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18 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
The low price is a giveaway, September 24, 2006
Reviewer: V. Vanderbent (Riverdale, NY United States) - See all my
reviews
I should have known - this album is just for the diehard fans. How
good the Chicks were on Wide Open Spaces, this falls far, far short of
my expectations. Ballad after ballad, the album fails to deliver.
Strong harmonies, sure. Good vocal sound, OK, it's there. But albums
are ultimately about a story; if they are not, I'm not interested. I'd
rather go to a place like iTunes and purchase the songs I really like
and skip the rest. 'Taking the long way' lacks the story I am looking
for, the composition as a complete album, a sense of integration if
you will, synthesis. And that's what I should have known before
rushing to buy the CD on Amazon right when it came out: the price says
everything. If it's really a rock-solid album, it won't be on sale for
just under 10 bucks. They'll want more because they know it's worth
more. This is just to fill the Chicks' coffers and they should be
ashamed for doing that to their fans. Two stars at best.
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13 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
Mature?, September 22, 2006
Reviewer: ECU_Classic_Music_Fan (Charlotte, NC United States) - See
all my reviews
Why is it that whenever a musician becomes outspoken against the
system, any system, they are then forever labeled mature? Yes, their
marketing scheme worked miracles. Once they made their infamous
remarks in England they were able to easily cross over to the 'pop'
side of the music industry. Witness the cover shot of them on the
Rolling Stone right after the remarks. That doesn't make them mature
in my eyes. They're just another group of misled innocents who will
end up on Behind the Music in 15 years crying about how they were
taken advantage of during this period.
As for the cd, it's really no better or worse than what they did
before. Average, average, average.
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4 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
A Sure Winner!, August 18, 2006
Reviewer: Ralphie's Mom "RJG" (New York) - See all my reviews
I would recommend buying this CD. I was never into the Dixie Chicks
but heard a single track and decided to take a chance. I don't regret
it. The combination of words & music with the haunting violin solo's
make it a winning combination. Not your usual country sound; but
country matured!
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14 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
Taking The Long Way, July 25, 2006
Reviewer: Dardo Gabriel Golstein "Gato Orlando" (Buenos
Aires,Argentina) - See all my reviews
I think that is a boring album,and nothing related with another great
live performing of Dixie Chicks.Period!
I had waste my money!
Depressing - not a good effort, July 18, 2006
Reviewer: Richw "Rliege" (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews
I like the DCX. I think they are the best thing to happen to country
music in a long time; a breath of fresh air. I think their best effort
was FLY with WIDE OPEN SPACES a close second. They sounded like they
had fun recording both of these CDs, and the bands were outstanding.
But TAKING THE LONG WAY is slow and boring. The songs just run
together and all the fun is gone. The band is just average, like the
music.
I see many of the other reviews rate this 5 stars. I guess I just
don't get it or understand their enthusiasm. It's just not the same
sound.
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40 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
Harmless, Overhyped Fluff, July 14, 2006
Reviewer: Sean Wilson (Malone NY) - See all my reviews
Considering all the media hype and fanatically positive reviews, the
songs on this album turned out to be pretty unexceptional, even
boring. It's the kind of music that will soon be forgotten - but then
I don't think the Dixie Chicks are about music anymore. Politically
correct types will buy anything they put out and, judging by all the
crazed five-star reviews, may even convince themselves that the music
is something better than what it is.
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45 of 94 people found the following review helpful:
Dixie Chicks fans apparently don't read newspapers..., July 11, 2006
Reviewer: Fred in NYC (New York NY) - See all my reviews
It has been more than three weeks since Natalie Maines denounced
patriotism - but their fans still keep writing reviews here at Amazon
claiming they are "patriotic" (see below). How can you be both
patriotic and against patriotism at the same time?
The music on this CD quite unexiting. It would almost be boring except
for Ms. Maines whiny vocals, which are irritating enough to keep the
listener agitated. Don't waste your money.
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16 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
where's the spunk?, July 11, 2006
Reviewer: SPAR Neff "Linnea" (Newport News, va USA) - See all my
reviews
I'm a big dixie chicks fan despite Natalie's attempt to mix politics
with entertainment. I even enjoyed the pre Natalie Dixie Chicks. But I
wont stay a fan long if the albums are as dry as this one. The part I
like most about the chicks seemed to have fallen by the wayside. There
weren't any toe tapping, sing-a-long songs. I didn't like the remake
of "mississippi" I thought the original played during the Rock The
Vote concert was better. I understand the Dixie chicks had some
important things to say here but I feel there could be a more positive
way to do it. Sorry girls, still waiting for a good come back.
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51 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
Don't Wave the Flag - That Would Be Dumb!, July 4, 2006
Reviewer: Rick Walsh (Forest Hills NY USA) - See all my reviews
One reviewer claims that we should celebrate July 4th by buying this
CD instead of waving the Stars and Stripes. He claims that the USA is
"the focus of evil in the World." Given that the Dixie Chicks' Natalie
Maines recently denounced "patriotism" as "wrong," I guess that if you
hate your country, that would be a good idea. But the songs I've heard
from this CD are just highly commercial pop-fluff with whining
singing. Plus, I love my country. I guess I'll be a jingoistic yahoo
and celebrate the 4th by buying a Toby Keith CD instead.
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22 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
Not a sinlge hit on the album., June 30, 2006
Reviewer: Your #1 fan "Your #1 fan" - See all my reviews
Ok, take the war out of it, take the politics out of it, take whatever
baggage you have out of the equasion. I'm comparing this album to
their last three releases, and it simply doesnt measure up. The songs
(written by the Chicks themselves, and it shows) are kinda dull. No
hooks. No toe-tapping. Hey, I remember when these girls could sing fun
songs (Long Time Gone, I Can Love You Better), and beautiful songs
(Cowboy Take Me Away, Landslide, Wide Open Spaces or controversial
songs (Goodbye, Earl) - but you wont find any of those here. Just some
sad, self-indugent lyrics.
Buy a Dixie Chicks album if you're new to them, but don't buy this
one.
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38 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
Just an outlet to vent, June 29, 2006
Reviewer: KatCajun (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
Earlier work by far the best. This collection was nothing more than an
outlet to vent their continued frustruations with the media backlash.
These ladies are far too talented to produce a mediocre album. The
lullabies written about their children are worth listening to.
Hopefully, they'll learn that yes, we all have a right to free speech,
but it does cost (our soldiers' sacrifice and possibly their pocket
books)........ maybe next time will be better
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17 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
Not the normal Dixie Chicks, June 28, 2006
Reviewer: Nicole J. Munar (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
I have a couple Dixie Chicks CD's and this one is by far the worst
one. It is very dark, depressing and slow. It doesn't have their usual
upbeat, almost campy feel. I was disappointed.
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34 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
What a waste!, June 28, 2006
Reviewer: Tina "Momof3" (WV USA) - See all my reviews
I heard this CD only because my friend purchased it. This one doesn't
compare to their great albums in the past. Don't waste your money.
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17 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
Taking The Long Way, June 26, 2006
Reviewer: Ronald B. Glover (Huntsville, AL. USA) - See all my reviews
Another pitiful effort by this group. I am sick and tired of country
music imposters
This album is mainstream garbage, February 13, 2007
Reviewer: RpgFan (glendale, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
This album is the worst mainstream piece of garbage I have ever heard.
The only reason they won so many grammy awards is because the academy
of music is a bunch of left wing liberals and they want to stick it to
the president.
Real good, basically your telling people its ok to bash your country
while playing in another country and then we will reward you with a
bunch of grammy awards for it.
Complete drivel, these losers will never get a cent of my money.
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5 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
Hate it, February 13, 2007
Reviewer: M. Skinner (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews
and HATE THE DIXIE CHICKS. I used to be a huge fan but since they
can't keep their traps shut - I hate them and what they now stand for.
Sing music and keep your politics out of it.
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9 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
No stars for this mess!, February 12, 2007
Reviewer: D. Kowlessar "CD QUEEN" (MD) - See all my reviews
Bush bashers or not....this album's content is all about the Bush
comment and backlash The Chicks received a few years ago. If they
really wanted to move on they would have stayed away from the topic in
their music (at least for 98% of the album) but it is too redundant in
this album. Not their best work and I used to be a huge fan but they
are losing me by the year! Not worth the cash to buy this one.
Hopefully they will produce a more rounded album next.
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188 of 452 people found the following review helpful:
Taking the Long Way is such a political album that it reflects
Maines' Martyr Complex and Self-invovled Egomania!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
January 22, 2007
Reviewer: Nero's Fire Against The Christians "Murmillo Gladiator" (A
Coward's Mother Does Not Weep) - See all my reviews
Taking the Long Way--should be called "Taking the Liberal Sellout Way
for a Pop Audience While Stabbing Country Music Fans in the Back"--is
the Dixie Chicks' notoriously billed "comeback" album, after Natalie
Maines ineptly ruined their careers by provoking the real, American
patriots called country music fans!!!! It's impossible to separate
politics and current events from the music on this CD since Taking the
Long Way glaringly symbolizes the Chicks' defiant attitude towards
those (real Americans and patriots) who demanded an apology from them
for their anti-American, anti-Bush tirade on foreign shores in 2003.
Since they alienated the country music fan base--where they rightly
received death threats and had their CDs symbolically boycotted by
country music radio stations--the music on Taking the Long Way is
totally a 180 degree turnaround from the country on their prior CDs.
The vast majority of songs on this CD are pop/rock, and as such, they
egregiously appeal to a new audience, that audience being those in the
more liberal, blue states with an appetite for thoughtless pop/light
rocky music--the complete opposite of the patriots, real Americans and
conservatives making up the country music fan base. The Chicks'
calculatingly necessary shift to the musical left was born not out of
artistic "merit"; it was pressured on them by a country music fan base
that Maines segregated/antagonized with her anti-Bush tirade.
Likewise, because of their shunning of country music fans, their tour
last year saw many E-M-P-T-Y arenas and sub-par ticket sales with only
liberal, big cities really going to their concerts!!!! Taking the Long
Way also debuted with the lowest number of first week sales of ANY of
their albums.
This treasonous shift to pop music is seen instantly on the first
song, The Long Way Around. Though it begins subtly like a country
tune, it's clear they plotted a rockier tune due to the overpowering
basslines and speedier guitar "licks." The lyrical content of The Long
Way Around is also planned to appeal to a stereotypical liberals'
school of thought because of the shamelessly outright rejection of
traditional values espoused in that wreck of a song. Maines sings,
lewdly, about smoking (obviously some illegal or self-destructive
substance) with hippies and also repels the honorable, traditional
virtues of her high-school classmates from Lubbock, Texas, for
settling down and raising families with their husbands!!!!
Predictably, impressionable, liberal apologists will find merit in the
song's quaint resolve set to a hopeful melody.
From there, the album's ALL downhill in a worsening, downward spiral
as the Chicks furiously plan to attract liberals with their
suspicious, newly found values system and remorselessness about
Maines' anti-Bush tirade. In Not Ready to Make Nice, Maines scornfully
sings of berating Bush all over again if she had a second go at it!!!!
Contradictorily, Maines defies reconciliation, then wonders why the
heck she keeps paying the price of being hated by a large segment of
patriotic Americans, and rightly so. Also disturbing in the song's
lyrical content is Maines' admission that her tirade against Bush was
totally unwarrantable hatred of a perfect stranger and her plans to
tell her daughter that it's "ok" to do so. When Maines sings, "I'm mad
as hell," she's clearly using her continuous upkeep of her anti-Bush
controversy as a maneuver to generate interest around her band.
Despairingly, simple-minded liberals will misguidedly credit Maines
for what they misconceive as her "standing up" for what she believes
in. But, the impartial listener will sentence her for being so
arrogant that she presumes the world revolves around her and her
little controversy. Also noteworthy in that song is the
feint-but-audible rock guitar that's prominently used to underscore
Maines' resolve--again, verifying the theme that the Chicks have
basically turned into a rock/pop outfit.
Though I analytically went into detail on only two songs, I could've
just as easily dissected other songs like Easy Silence (comfort in
family interspersed with complaints about war and radio stations),
Everybody Knows (paranoia and insecurity about being in the
spotlight), Bitter End (irreconcilable partings), or Lubbock or Leave
It (ridicules Maines' southern hometown of Lubbock, Texas, with scorn
of liberal elitism). But, I focused on The Long Way Around and Not
Ready To Make Nice to make a convincing case and convict the Chicks
for writing an album with a political agenda.
Though the Chicks insecurely made their first, brittle foray into
writing some songs, they didn't independently write this record,
getting help from liberal radicals like Sheryl Crow. As such, the
songwriting quality is noticeably lowered from CDs like Home. This
album is just a phonily dressed-up version of the girls exercising
their martyr complex, as in assuming that they've been "through hell"
because of Maines' foot-in-mouth slur against Bush, yet it reflects on
them as a CD wherein they presume that their rightly deserved backlash
somehow elevated them to the status of "heroes," totally furthest from
the truth.
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11 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
Entertain us, keep your political thoughts to yourself, October 31,
2006
Reviewer: Rocknwoman "rocknwoman" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
I have been a long time fan, but..... I was very dismayed to hear what
Natalie said in concert, overseas. We pay entertainers to entertain
us, not cram their political views down our throats as the only
realistic, viable opinions. The freedoms we have in this country come
from a long line of soldiers that put on the uniform and stood up for
what America stands for. I saw them last week on the Oprah Winfrey
show and as the song says, their not ready to make nice, granted the
lyrics could be applied to many situations, but in this case we know
what they refer too. They owe this country a big opology, and until I
hear it, I won't buy their cd's anymore.
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11 of 73 people found the following review helpful:
Save your money, October 16, 2006
Reviewer: Dr. C. (Springfield, Missouri) - See all my reviews
I can't believe they ever won the Grammies that they have when I hear
any of their recent albums. I may not be the only one who thinks that
they aren't any good anymore when you consider that they had to cancel
a lot of their concerts on their last tour due to not selling enough
tickets at many of them. Save your money!
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17 of 92 people found the following review helpful:
Not much new, October 2, 2006
Reviewer: Bob "...think!" (USA) - See all my reviews
The Dixie Chicks are selling this album at a deep discount and are
cancelling concerts across America. There is a reason: they're
offering nothing new. More of the same. They haven't grown, and the
act has gotten old.
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26 of 70 people found the following review helpful:
Sadly Self-Indulgent, September 25, 2006
Reviewer: Tampa Quilter "Amazon Groupie" (Tampa, FL USA) - See all my
reviews
After all the hype, I'd hoped it would be an album back to their
musical roots; sadly it is not. Too bad.
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15 of 91 people found the following review helpful:
Please go away..., September 16, 2006
Reviewer: The Producer (Sarasota, FL United States) - See all my
reviews
It's slick, it's cute but it ain't country. Nashville needs to
regurgitate this crap and get it's soul back. As far as their
political evangelism goes: nobody cares. These dim-whitted chicks
tried to get into the Hollywood and Michael Moore "in crowd" with
their anti-American statements. It back-fired, didn't it Chickies?
Your grand kids could of had a much larger inheritance. Think about it
Natalie, the money is what country music is all about now and you have
thrown away a fanny load of it. Please go away.
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9 of 105 people found the following review helpful:
They've made a habit of bad behavior..., September 13, 2006
Reviewer: Jennifer Monk "jlm325" (Atlanta, Ga United States) - See all
my reviews
The Bush "incident" is not the first time these girls have behaved
poorly. Learn more about them and see how they replaced their lead
singer right after they had their record deal but before they cut
their first album. They've whined over royalty fees and sleazed up
country music with "outfits". When you buy their music, you enable
them to behave this way. I loved their music, just not their behavior.
This CD is just not very good, September 9, 2006
Reviewer: Bobby L (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
I have several other Dixie Chicks CD that I like but I just personally
hate this one.
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21 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
Nothing like their previous releases, August 22, 2006
Reviewer: L. DeJohn (Santa Barbara, CA) - See all my reviews
Where did their country sound go? It's nowhere to be found on this cd.
We kept skipping over the songs looking for something that sounded
like their usual country sound. This one needs to be placed in a
different music style. If you are looking for the same old sound, look
somewhere else. We were quite disappointed.
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39 of 105 people found the following review helpful:
Taking the Wrong Way, July 24, 2006
Reviewer: Karen Rhee (New York NY) - See all my reviews
I was interested to read the review below claiming that no one except
a redneck, pot-bellied Bush supporter who has never heard the CD could
write a negative review about it. I'm a female Korean immigrant who I
don't think qualifies as a "redneck." I've lived in the US for almost
twenty years but am not a citizen so I can't vote. My view of Bush is
mixed. I'm 5'6", 125 lbs, and do not have a pot belly. (I find it odd
that someone would make fun of the appearance of a Bush supporter
since my experience in the US has been, with regards to White people
at least, that the few non-Jewish, heterosexual males outside of
Hollywood who support the Democrats are usually unathletic, weird and
ugly looking, like that ugliest of Americans, Michael Moore - who has
a pretty large pot belly by the way.)
I did listen to the CD. I listened to it several times. I bought it so
I was certainly going to try to get my money's worth! The problem is
that the music really sucks. It sucks the first time that you listen
to it and when you try again, it still sucks. As far as the singing,
the reviewers who call it "whining" are telling the truth.
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36 of 108 people found the following review helpful:
White Trash Without Talent , July 22, 2006
Reviewer: Carl Niskanen (Seattle WA USA) - See all my reviews
Have you heard of intelligent eyes? Look carefully at the CD cover
photo. Intelligent eyes they are not. The Dixie Chicks have a distinct
"the lights are on upstairs but nobody's home" look. They are just
White trash from trailer park country and it is kind of amusing to
read glowing reviews of the bimbos' album from those who fashion
themselves as sophisticated and urbane. One reviewer suggests that
only tobacco-chewing Toby Keith fans couldn't fall in love the music
on this CD, but the man he describes sounds more like the Dixie
Chicks' boyfriends/husbands.
Well, I'm not a Toby Keith fan or a fan of country music. And I don't
chew tobacco. I bought this CD based on the extremely positive reviews
it got and feel like a victim of a con. I don't pay attention to
professional music critics but find reviews from the general public to
be more relaible. Not this time.
This CD was presented as a new style for the Dixie Chicks, which
should have been a good thing since I don't like their old style. It
is not country unless Southern hick accents alone make music country.
It was presented as a rock album (which is why I bought it) but it is
really an overproduced pop mess full of clashing instruments and, for
the most part, screeching vocals. Listening to it, I kept thinking
that Natalie Maines must have been suffering from PMS when it was
recorded. Well, what's ten bucks now-a-days anyhow?
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24 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
Don't bother, July 18, 2006
Reviewer: farmwife "cary" (niagara, ND usa) - See all my reviews
This album was a shocker! I was really disappointed and feel that the
chicks did not live up to the quality that I had come to expect from
them. It was as if they have all been off their prozac for a couple
months, very depressing and angry!
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43 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
Waste of Money , July 13, 2006
Reviewer: Jen Kim (San Diego CA) - See all my reviews
From the overproduced music to Natalie Maines whiny vocals, the music
on this CD doesn't make it. I bought this CD based on all the rave
reviews and feel like I was had. Who are the people giving all the
five star reviews? The Dixie Chicks friends and relatives?
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33 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
Not so much..., July 11, 2006
Reviewer: Viv Tyler (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
I really, really, wanted to like this. I LOVE the Chicks, always have,
and totally supported them through the whole political thing. But I
have to agree with the reviewers who have said that when all is said
and done, the songs aren't very good. Nothing catchy or moving on
here, like there usually is. Maybe it's because they used a bunch of
other songwriters, or something - I don't know. I'm very disappointed.
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42 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
Whoa, July 11, 2006
Reviewer: Kim Reading (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
Omigod what a lot of hype. I guess there are a lot of people around
who really hate Bush, huh? I'll count myself among them, but man,
there's gotta be a better way to show it than listening to this CD. My
friend gave this to me for a birthday present, and I was pretty
excited, given all the great things I've heard. But boy, this CD
really blows. I don't know what in the world all these people are
talking about, but I know one thing for sure - it can't be the music!
Don't blow your cash on this - get something good.
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15 of 99 people found the following review helpful:
Make a political statement......Don't buy Dixie Chicks , July 6, 2006
Reviewer: harry44callahan (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews
Contrary to the other reviewer, I AM appalled at the un-American
statements which have been made by the 'Chicks. So, until they learn
to keep their politics to themselves, I think they should reap the
reward of their statements. Country music fans are notoriously
patriotic folks; they should know better than to alienate thier
fanbase. I used to be a fan, but no more.
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19 of 84 people found the following review helpful:
worst ever, July 5, 2006
Reviewer: J. P Petko - See all my reviews
they are now more into politics than music and they have no one to
blame but themselves. their music has suffered for it.
there best music is behind them.
now, if you want something good , might i recommend alison krauss. she
has talent and no axe to grind.
Disappointing, July 4, 2006
Reviewer: D. Inman (Atlanta) - See all my reviews
The CD was completely disappointing. The music was dark. There's not a
single cut worth replaying. Will some cowboy please come and take them
away.
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47 of 116 people found the following review helpful:
TRIED TO SELL IT AT A YARD SELL BUT COULDN'T GIVE IT AWAY!, June 30,
2006
Reviewer: R. CORLEY - See all my reviews
I WAS GIVEN THIS FOR MY BIRTHDAY. IT IS THE WORST BIRTHDAY GIFT AN
AMERICAN CAN POSSIBLY RECEIVE. I COULDN'T GIVE IT AWAY.
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16 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
Really bad album, June 29, 2006
Reviewer: K. Smith (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
The Chicks should sing and get out of politics. This whole album is
geared to making a statement. Shut up and sing girls!! We don't care
about your opinions.
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25 of 106 people found the following review helpful:
Would not buy their album, June 26, 2006
Reviewer: M. Pritchard - See all my reviews
It doesn't matter how anyone rates this album..I used to love their
music and I liked their spunkyness. Now, no way..Natalie has pushed
the limits of respect of this wonderful place-America. There is a way
of voicing your opinion without being mean and downright "in your
face". She should eat a little humble pie.
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28 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointed fan, June 25, 2006
Reviewer: LRD (Schaumburg, Il United States) - See all my reviews
I looked forward to the new Dixie Chicks album, but was quite
disappointed. The one star rating is for the two passable songs on
this CD, "The Long Way Around" and "Not Ready to Make Nice". The rest
are really quite boring. By the fifth or sixth song they were all
blending together.
I don't have a problem with their politics. I recently bought Neil
Young's "Living with War". I don't have a problem with the branching
out into country rock. I do think they should have found some good
songs to cover instead of doing all their own stuff.
Maybe they felt they should make this statement, but for the great
musicians and singers they usually are, this is a pretty poor attempt.
Not worth the money!!
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55 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
This sucks I-man, you lied., June 25, 2006
Reviewer: Philip C. Gossett III "Dead head Phil." (East Coast.) - See
all my reviews
I got this for my wife, I had to suffer through it yesterday on the
way to Red Lobster. Some of the songs had a nice mellow beat and
sounded all right, but most of it sucked, the singing sounded
monotone. Way to much drama to boot, save your money. Imus said this
was good, he was wrong. I was disapointed.
TCBRN.
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23 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointed, June 25, 2006
Reviewer: L. Cook (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
First CD I bought of theirs & am disappointed. Will probably pawn off
the cd onto someone I know.
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48 of 101 people found the following review helpful:
Yeah, I get it already, June 18, 2006
Reviewer: Christopher Meadows (Christiansburg, Va.) - See all my
reviews
As a fan of the Chicks' music, I'm disapointed to say that this is
pure political agenda driven CRAP, though I think we pretty much all
expected that. This album is basically an in-your-face retaliation of
their past fallout with the political crowd. I'm all for free speech,
but if your a firm believer in not mixing music and politics then this
isn't for you.
Hey Chicks, the true fans could care less about your political
beliefs, right or left. Just stop with the politics and play MUSIC!
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91 of 170 people found the following review helpful:
Silly, June 16, 2006
Reviewer: Rozella - See all my reviews
Initially, I didn't think this album was worth reviewing; but, the
whiny single is so silly and pathetic it could not be helped. The
NRTMN single is basically a temper tantrum insisting that the Chick's
are just "not ready" to forgive the people who disagree with them.
Excuse me, but I don't remember anyone apologizing to them in the
first place. Apologize for what? Just as these ladies have the right
to state their views; people have the right to react to it in any way
they please. How ridiculous that these girls think someone is
apologizing to them for disagreeing. Typical whiny Hollywood elitists
who think they can state their opinions and no one can disagree. These
girls are tired and angry.
Also, how offensive that severel reviewers say that "republicans are
racist". Excuse me; but, I am black. I am a Republican. I can vote,
think, believe whatever way I choose. I don't have to subscribe to the
liberal dogma that I believe to be destructive to my people just
because some uppity, white suburban housefrau (who's never been to my
neighborhood or one like it) says some ignorant lie about a political
party. (Pat) Please stop assuming that you speak for me. Your attempts
to keep my people slave to one politcal party is your way of keeping
us powerless. That's not happening anymore. We have the right to
diversity of thought, too.
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43 of 103 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointed, June 16, 2006
Reviewer: Music fan in TX (Lewisville, TX United States) - See all my
reviews
I looked forward to the release of this CD for a long time, but now
that it's here I have to say I'm disappointed. My opinion has nothing
to do with politics (which seems to be the motivation for many of the
other reviews - good and bad). I've been a fan of the Dixie Chicks in
the past because their music was full of life and fun to listen to.
While musically this record is impressive, lyrically it's just
self-absorbed and whiny. It's obvious that the events of the past
couple years have taken a huge toll on them, but I think they could
have crafted a more meaningful response had they stuck to the humor
and light-heartedness of some of their earlier releases. They have
been quoted as saying this album is more "mature." I disagree - if
anything, this is just one long (slow, BORING) temper tantrum about
how the world has mistreated them, which isn't a very mature response
to adversity. Nothing like playing the victim to get attention - but
not a good way to get people to really listen to and appreciate your
music. Sorry Chicks - find your spark and try again.
Blah, June 14, 2006
Reviewer: gooup "gooup" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
Since my first review hasn't made it onto this page (hmmm ... am i
sensing some lack of freedom of speech on the part of Amazon?! Say it
isn't so!)
So, i will repeat myself. Unimaginative, angry, bitter and otherwise a
self-important pity party of an album
How i WISH i could give it NO stars.
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39 of 111 people found the following review helpful:
Don't waste your money, June 14, 2006
Reviewer: Bonnie D. "bondem777" (United States) - See all my reviews
Instead of wasting your hard earned dollars on this fluff, go and buy
the Wreckers album, which is much better. I am tired of hearing about
George Bush. This has nothing to do with George Bush. That is old
news, and the Chicks are still trying to use it to sell albums. The
fact is, it's not a great album, and you can make a political
statement in many ways that are totally free, so why waste your money?
I also am disappointed in the fact that Dixie Chicks are going so far
as to bash their own fans these days. Pass this one by.
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34 of 119 people found the following review helpful:
A shocked former "fan", June 11, 2006
Reviewer: flowerbud (NY) - See all my reviews
After buying this CD ~ the CD isn't all that great by the way, most of
the people on here who are giving it more than 3 stars are on here for
political reasons, obviously ~ there was a statement made by the
chicks which said they don't want any fan who has Toby Keith or Reba
McIntyre in their disc changer. I was appalled and immediately took
action...I threw "Taking The Long Way" out the window. There! Now
everybody's happy.
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30 of 88 people found the following review helpful:
Not sure what to say..., June 11, 2006
Reviewer: TexasGal "TG" (TX) - See all my reviews
I admit, I feel the same way about Bush that they do, so yes, I went
out and bought the CD because of that. Now I know that just because I
agree with them politically doesn't mean the music was great. This
album is depressing, as someone else said, it's blah! Sorry chicks,
love you anyway. Keep expressing yourself, you're a great example to
women everywhere! As for me and my music purchases, I'll stick to
buying what I know is real talent, like Bruce Springsteen and Neil
Young.
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31 of 101 people found the following review helpful:
Overrated, June 11, 2006
Reviewer: Robert T. Hutchison "rthutchison" - See all my reviews
People are hyping this for political reasons. Check out the Wreckers
album instead.
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20 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
Still not a Chicks fan, June 10, 2006
Reviewer: e "10acErnie" (Music City USA) - See all my reviews
I'm not a fan of the Dixie Chicks, never was. I really don't like the
watered down, Cookie Cutter, Pop Country stuff. However, I'm a big
Rick Rubin fan so I decided to check this album out. I love the work
Rubin did with Johnny Cash..... and the Chili Peppers new album is
great......and The Cult, Electric album is one of the greatest albums
of all time.....and The Beastie Boys.....yeah!!! Rick Rubin can do no
wrong.......well almost no wrong, I guess.
If you are a DC fan you'll probably like this album, but to me it
sounds like Sherly Crow.... if Crow couldn't write songs and had no
talent.
If you want rootsy, genuine, heart felt Country get Barricades &
Brickwalls by Kasey Chambers. BTW The Chicks have always said Kasey
Chambers is a big influence on them. The difference is Chambers has it
in her soul and the Chicks have to try to be good....and it just ain't
working.
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23 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
Why is it....., June 10, 2006
Reviewer: Princess "me" (NY) - See all my reviews
that my review was deleted? I just read alot of people say that their
reviews for this dumb CD had their original reviews deleted, just like
mine. Well, I could care less, but those of you who shout "Free
Speech" remember that it doesn't just pertain to you anti-Bush people,
it pertains to everyone. The big mouthed Natalie said some things that
ticked us off, she needs to live with her consequences. I bet you if
none of the reviews were deleted, this CD would only have one star.
It's amazing how a 4 1/2 star CD of these women can't even sell enough
tickets. Amazing, huh?
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23 of 97 people found the following review helpful:
alright at best, June 10, 2006
Reviewer: BlondieChicago (Chicago) - See all my reviews
They are trying a little to hard..... I think it's over girls just let
it go.
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30 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
The Chicks Don't Shine In This One, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: Sadie "Sadie" (Ventura, CA United States) - See all my
reviews
I knew this wasn't supposed to be country, but I still expected it to
be as great as their other albums. I was wrong. It's quite
simply....boring. I've played their other albums over and over until
I've memorized every word. After listening to this one twice I still
can't get into any of the songs. They all sound alike, there's not a
hit in the bunch. No peppy or happy songs in the bunch. It's like the
women are all depressed at the point in their lives when they made
this album, and it shows in the music. I'm hoping something good
happens for them so they'll come out with some music that shows their
real talent.
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25 of 75 people found the following review helpful:
what happened?????, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: jose canseco "ingolf" (evergreen state) - See all my reviews
I have been a Dixie Chicks fan for a long time. This alum was a great
dissapointment. I was expecting more of there traditional bluegrass
background and catchy tunes. The entire album made me want to fall
asleep. Its like they were doing an acustic session. The material was
brutal. It feels like they forgot what made them famous.
Not what I expected, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: M. Fidelman "avid_history_reader" (Carlsbad, CA United
States) - See all my reviews
Because of their snub of their fan base, I thought they had the good
sense to deliver a spectacular album to "show up" their many critics.
They failed in this attempt and have alientated even more people by
their recent comments.
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26 of 80 people found the following review helpful:
B Flat CD, June 8, 2006
Reviewer: E. Jaleski "The Listener" (Longboat Key, FL) - See all my
reviews
This CD typifies the reasons for illegal downloading - two good songs
followed by filler. The CD goes over the top in presenting a boring
repetitious wall-of-sound, performers made weary by dullness and the
most unimaginative drummer I have heard on a major release in a
decade. DCX could lose the drummer.
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21 of 85 people found the following review helpful:
Not Willing - To Forgive or Forget, June 7, 2006
Reviewer: Alan Rockman (Upland, California) - See all my reviews
Little "Clueless" Natalie wants to go Hollywood. Little Natalie was
never really Country anyway, even if the other two spoiled brats were.
She's not willing to make nice. Well, that's Ms. Maines' or Mrs.
Pashdar's prerogative, but it is also ours to tell the little girl and
her Dipsy Clucks bye-bye too.
C'mon Nashville. Enough of the Maines, the Clucks, the Urbans, the
Chesneys, the Crows and the Flats. Give us more Paisleys, more Evans -
and musicians steeped in the tradition of Owens and Cash. Not some
little girls sans brains and sans talent.
Just read that Dipsy Cluck ticket sales for the summer shows have
nose-dived into the dungheap they created. Gee, I wonder why? Maybe
Natalie or some of her Neo-Fat friends can tell us all why. Then
again, maybe not.
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22 of 106 people found the following review helpful:
Three Drab Queens., June 7, 2006
Reviewer: Ms. AJ "Right" (North Carolina, USA) - See all my reviews
If you think this album is selling for its quality, think again.
It's selling because the Chicks figured out that picking fights with
powerful politicians works for getting your name in the news.
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35 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
BLACK MAN'S REVIEW WAS THROWN OUT!, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: Papa Baggy T (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews
Well it does look like there still is segregation in some places.
Namely on a very liberally biased site like this that had deleted my
original review of this recording.
ain't that something?
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25 of 124 people found the following review helpful:
I'll Be Consistent, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: cherie (new york) - See all my reviews
I so very much agree with The Twizzler from Philly and Green-T from
Chicago. All of these wine&cheese/art gallery rats/birkenstock
wearing/patchouli smelling progressives singing the praises over this
group and this CD truly shows me how desperate so many of the Left are
in their rage for Bush & Co.
My roomate, a left leaning Dem bought this CD along with a few others
lefties in her study group just "to show support for Natalie" LOL She
never even opened the CD! I did and i hated it for the simple reasons:
I don't like country music or folk music in general.
I couldn't stand the angsty whining of these three "chicks."
I thought this stuff became passe with the death of Kurt Cobain and
the decline in popularity of Lilith Fair pseudo-folkies like Fiona
Apple, Morissette and that other Natalie - Natalie Merchant.
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15 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
Buy it and move to Canada!, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: Leave it if you don't love it (Peoria, Illinois) - See all
my reviews
If you don't like living here & enjoy verbally tearing down your
country as this trio does please buy this trash and move to Canada.
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40 of 110 people found the following review helpful:
Come On Amazon!, June 6, 2006
Reviewer: The Twizzler (Philly Style) - See all my reviews
You guys really need to stop the machinations with the reviews. So
many 1-star/2-star reiews of books, DVDs and CDs get deleted so that
the overall approval rating stays up there. If you delete them because
they lack relevent content, that I can understand. But, by the same
logic you should do the same with the 5-star reviews that similarly
lack relevency.
I've read at least several dozen 5-star reviews and many of them have
only an obligatory "Loved it!" comment, showing me that so many
haven't heard this CD. Many even say that they haven't heard the CD or
don't own it. One reviewer from Phoenix said, "I hate country music
and never owned a Dixie Chicks album... I listen to punk rock, rap,
R&B but I just want to stick it to the rednecks..." Why are such
reviews as these allowed to stay?
Reviewer Green-T is correct in her observation that so many of these
rave reviews are really just to spite true C&W fans. For example, here
in Philly, at the time of the Natalie Maines anti-Bush tirade, college
radio station WXPN started playing Dixie Chicks songs. They never
played a Dixie Chicks songs before that. It is all pathetic
politicking. And as for the ratings here and the Billboard Charts it
is misleading.
This CD is so below the quality of the previous DC releases. Their
bluegrass-friendly, easy going style has been replaced by the
bitterness and resentment and moany wailing similar to the
personalities of so many of their newfound "fans." Their is an
overemphasis on Natalie to the point of it being sickening. Emily
Robison and Martie Maguire are by now pretty much a backup band!
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34 of 121 people found the following review helpful:
THE REASON IT'S #1 ..., June 6, 2006
Reviewer: Green-T (Chicago) - See all my reviews
Look down at the customer forums and most of the full starred reviews
and check out the new Dixie Chicks supporters.
People who've never bought a Country CD in all of their lives bought
this one just to make it a hit and thereby make a statement. They look
down on all of us Country fans. Heck! they look down on this country
itself, Period!
Real Country Music fans know what's up and we're not buying into it
for a minute.
So enjoy your fair weather friends Natalie. You and me and cousin
Bobby Lee all know they won't stick around, especially not by the time
the next CD comes round. If another one come round that is.
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27 of 93 people found the following review helpful:
No Passion, Uninspired, Hollow, June 5, 2006
Reviewer: Sir Loin Ofbeef "No" (Carmel, IN United States) - See all my
reviews
I am a fan of the Dixie Chicks and have loved their previous work, but
something about this album seems rushed. All the songs feature lyrics
which never really go anywhere, it's almost as if they're being too
safe. I really didn't like it. I want my money back Natalie!
Self Destructing Effort?, June 5, 2006
Reviewer: The Penitent (Denver) - See all my reviews
The DC belong to that group of artists that do not have a defined
stile. Their music is not Country or pop, some sort of estrange "in
between". These artists achieve phenomenal success for a sort period
of time, but they never sustain the test of time. They have a couple
of songs and one or two albums that skyrocket and that's it. In the
case of DC "Wide Open Spaces" and "Home"
They also seem to be on a mission to actually speed up the
disintegration process and disappear into oblivion as fast as
possible. Their hysterical and nonsensical remarks and opinions
already alienated them years ago. It's OK not to apologize if you
actually believe in what you say regardless on how stupid it may
sound. But if you are trying to come back at least do not talk about
it, let it go, don't remind your fans, people are forgiving, just do
what you do best; music.
Unfortunately this outing is their worst, the songs are permeated by
the controversy and hate they generated, the vocals sound whinny, and
the music overproduced.
Sorry, skip this one.
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7 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
no thanks, June 3, 2006
Reviewer: Brad Fiennes (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
I received one of the CDs alexlee purchased to give away as gifts. The
music was awful, the Chicks are traitors, and their fans are traitors,
so all things considered, I burned it. Thanks, alex.
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22 of 105 people found the following review helpful:
THEY SEEM TO HAVE LOST IT..., June 3, 2006
Reviewer: Dan Hammer "Dan" (Texas) - See all my reviews
THE FIRST TWO WERE GREAT BUT I DO NOT CARE FOR THIS ONE AT ALL. I GAVE
IT TO MY SISTER AND SHE GAVE IT TO A FRIEND AT WORK. I DO NOT KNOW
WHAT HAPPENED BUT THEY SURE AIN'T THE SAME CHICKS THEY USED TO BE.
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10 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
Poor Attempt at Pop, June 1, 2006
Reviewer: C. Hicks - See all my reviews
While talented musicians, the Dixie Chicks need to stick to country
and stop trying to crossover to pop. This is their attempt to "dis"
their country audience... Poor attempt at that...UGH.
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39 of 133 people found the following review helpful:
Navel gazing, June 1, 2006
Reviewer: Mike Group - See all my reviews
The Dixie Chicks are three incredibly talented muscians who have shown
an amazing ability in the past for arrangement, performance, and
writing. Sadly, they have fallen into the trap of taking themselves
too seriously. They now believe that their lives and opinions are more
interesting to their fans than their music. Except for the title
track, this album is boring. Music should be about life, but not so
introspective that the only one who appreciates what is in the music
is the one performing it. This album is for the Dixie Chicks, not for
anyone else. A true example of finding your own navel more fascinating
than anything else outside of your own existence.
I've been listening to music for more than 40 years and I've seen it
happen many times before. As soon as an artist says, "This album is an
exploration of new territory, more mature, expression of myself, a
political statement, etc."; you can be sure it is going to be perhaps
their last gasp. What seems to happen is that the artist loses their
sense of 'joy' in the music and just become too serous. Some make it
through this period, re-emerge and return to their roots; most fade
away. This is probably the Chicks last album.
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29 of 111 people found the following review helpful:
Matured?, June 1, 2006
Reviewer: J. Pitts (Spring Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews
The review said they matured but it seems to me they've matured from
the Dixie Chicks with a wonderful bluegrass sound to Natalie Maines &
the Dixie Chicks. The sisters are fading into the background. I bought
their previous albums for the bluegrass and because I thought the
sisters did such a wonderful job with their respective instruments.
It's so sad that one blurt of no real significance has changed all
that.
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19 of 151 people found the following review helpful:
Are All You Folks Naive Or Just Stupid !!!, May 31, 2006
Reviewer: RetiredVet "Redskins Rule" (Washington D.C.) - See all my
reviews
An Associate of mine bought this album ;and yes i suffered by
listening to the entire album;i am not a country fan per se,nor do i
care what people's political beliefs are since i am not into all
that,what is worse than war (been in a few) is anyone trying to profit
from it and say it's for the troops ,have you guys and gals listened
to these Women interviews on t.v. and radio not to mention print,they
are not in touch with reality,kinda like that guy that brainwashed his
wife Uh,oh yeah Tom Cruise ,this music as a whole is not 2 bad / Dixie
chicks ,please where do these clowns come up with these names for
bands,BUT this music is not 2 GOOD either,so forget these wannabees
and by a real album for real talent ;like Elvis or 1 better ;Carrie
Underwood,at least they aren't political and have a hell of alot more
talent!!if you don't like my review ,than that will prove my point!!!
nuff said...Dixie Chicks ,sounds like some form of chicken you cook
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16 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
Average pop cd by a no talent group, May 31, 2006
Reviewer: SouthernProud - See all my reviews
I am a huge country music fan. I have never been a fan of the Dixie
Chicks because their music has never been country in my eyes. The
Dixie Chicks do not have pleasant sounding voices. Their old songs
never appealed to me and their new anti America, Anti conservative,
anti southern, anti country music and their fans mentality do not
appeal to me. If you are a hateful, bigoted, close minded person, this
cd is for you.
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26 of 152 people found the following review helpful:
The worst album of 2006, May 28, 2006
Reviewer: hardrock ninja - See all my reviews
I was aghast on listening to this awful album which is more worse than
their previous efforts.They have abandoned country for boring
pretentious pop music tripe.I would not recommend this boring album to
anyone.To me Living with war from Neil Young is a much better album
and a much better purchase.
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29 of 174 people found the following review helpful:
Awful, Horrible, and a piece of Trash, May 28, 2006
Reviewer: Mr. Gary W. Hill - See all my reviews
If you liked the purity of all the instruments on Home you will hate
this Album.
The Chicks have gone steadily downhill since Home.
On their World Tour album they included that stupid steel guitar which
completely drowned out the banjo and violin.
This in your face, I can say anything I want, and you can kiss my rear
end attitude shows how little class they now have.
There isn't one good song on this album, plus I only heard the banjo
once and very little violin.
Save your money, and don't waste it on these fools.
They need to get back to what made them popular in the first place.
Sorry album, May 27, 2006
Reviewer: J. Rudd "musicman" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
This is a terrible piece of work and would not suggest it for anyone
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25 of 153 people found the following review helpful:
Actually,zero stars is more appropriate, May 26, 2006
Reviewer: progrocklover - See all my reviews
The Dixie chicks are not country anymore folks.They are more of a
vapid,awful pop band who are more into making boring synthesized
music.I could not hear even a single note of a guitar on this
album.And the attack on George Bush was sickening.Stay away from this
crap.Get any cd from Bob Dylan instead.
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30 of 142 people found the following review helpful:
More Contemporary Country Grabage, May 26, 2006
Reviewer: Joshua S. Johnson (Charleston, WV United States) - See all
my reviews
My wife and I heard the Dixie Chicks on Good Morning America
performing two of the songs from their new album. All of the political
drama aside, the songs I heard were nothing more than contemporary pop
country garbage. My wife, who is more of a Chicks fan than I agreed
that it did not even sound like their type of music. Their first two
albums showed merit and a touch of true country style. I wouldn't be
surprised to see this album hitting the bargain bin very soon.
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32 of 151 people found the following review helpful:
not impressed, May 26, 2006
Reviewer: C. Koch (pittsburgh) - See all my reviews
OK, just what genre does this group fit into now? Do they still
consider themselves country? adult contemporary? Pop? I just don't get
the fascination with this mediocre and self described controversial
and self promoting group - sorry. Don't waste your money.
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33 of 169 people found the following review helpful:
Bomber, May 25, 2006
Reviewer: S. Somers "yankeefan12753" (FLORIDA) - See all my reviews
I think this cd is the worst they have ever made. I will NEVER BUY
another cd from this group again!
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27 of 115 people found the following review helpful:
Love Dixie Chicks, Hate new CD, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: L. DeLuccio (California, United States) - See all my reviews
I love the Dixie Chicks, always have and loved them even more after
they spoke their minds. However, this new CD sucks! Sorry girls. It's
very depressing, it's not the "fun" chicks as all the other CD's it's
all very moody, slow and depressing and dark. I'm not happy at all and
I over paid by alot of money and I can't take it back, I'm probably
posting it on here soon to sell..
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27 of 143 people found the following review helpful:
Who Butchered the Dixie Chicks??, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: Terri W (Indiantown, FL United States) - See all my reviews
Politics aside, I eagerly anticipated the release of this CD. After
listening to it, all I can say is "where did they go"? Their
previously joyful- to-listen-to music has been replaced by the
rantings of a bitter woman (Maines). P U.
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24 of 200 people found the following review helpful:
don't waste your money, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: A. Cason "amandy" (TX) - See all my reviews
Very whiny. The lyrics and their voices make me cringe. I regret
buying any of their music.
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32 of 138 people found the following review helpful:
Disappointing, May 24, 2006
Reviewer: D. Dunn (Kalamazoo, MI USA) - See all my reviews
I've been a Dixie Chicks fan since I first heard Wide Open Spaces and
I have all of their albums. Their political statements don't bother me
so I have no grudge against them there. I just think that musically
this was a very forgettable album. The only track I really liked was
Voice Inside My Head, where Natalie really showed how strong her voice
is. The others songs that were passable were The Long Way Around and
Not Ready To Make Nice. I found Lullaby to be 6 minutes of boring
repetition. I guess I prefer a more country/bluegrass/acoustic sound,
most of the songs just didn't catch my ear. I also thought that the
album photographs were really ugly.
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27 of 178 people found the following review helpful:
Another One Bites The Dust, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: Richard J. Atkinson "ratkin" (Queensbury, NY USA) - See all
my reviews
So, let's see... The Dixie Chicks have totally abandoned the musical
style that made them famous (has anybody heard from Martie and Emily's
instruments lately?)in favor of a bland, guitar-based pop. They've
gone from writing and/or performing happy, up-tempo music with a
wicked sense of humor in favor of coming off like a collection of
whiny, preachy kvetches. And then to make up for all that, they've
decided to go out of their way to annoy the majority of their original
fan base. While I may own several Dixie Chicks albums, this one will
not be staying in my collection long enough to join them.
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Sad, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: R Biggs "Tri" (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
I don't write a review unless i feel stongly about it.
I'd give it less than one star if I could.
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28 of 227 people found the following review helpful:
pathetic!, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: Alonzo M. Layton "lon" (Wilmington, NC USA) - See all my
reviews
save your money! ... the bargain bins will be full of this album very
soon! You'll be able to buy this garbage very cheaply very soon.
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49 of 197 people found the following review helpful:
A let down, May 23, 2006
Reviewer: Douglas W. Jordan "D Jordan" (USA) - See all my reviews
The first thing that hit me in this CD was, as someone else posted,
that it sounded more like a Maines solo work rather than a Chicks CD.
Second, the songs, while ok, just did not have the same feel of their
last 2 CDs. I suppose given all that's happened that was inevitable
and that is unfortunate. Stylisticly this is nothing like "Home" or
"Wide Open Spaces" and if that is what you are looking for, save your
money, this one's not for you. I was and I'm very disappointed. With
this CD it's like they put on someone else's clothes, and they don't
fit.
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0 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
Run-Of-The-Mill Country Undercut by Adolescent Political Posturing,
February 13, 2007
Reviewer: UFO6 (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
I'd resolved to take an objective view of this album as a musical
work rather than as a political comment and, well, that's mostly
impossible - because the "Chicks" have apparently turned their musical
career into what Thomas Paine once called "a political hobbyhorse," in
much the same way as Michael Jackson devolved into self-absorbed
whining about the consequences of his own actions, in "Leave Me
Alone" and "Privacy."
Ignoring the embarrassing juvenility that is "Make Nice," this is
pedestrian post-Brooks pop-rock country - well done but not precisely
what one could call outstanding, much less the ...best music release
of 2006? Please. The selection of "Long Way" as
"Album/Record/Single/Country Album/Performance of the Year" is even
more embarrassing - as evidence that the "Grammy Awards" have become
little more than a soapbox for cheap political activism. Much like the
aforementioned single, as it happens.
So the folks in charge of the Grammys have subordinated their entire
2007 program to expressing their political views (Bravo, guys,) while
curious listeners can only respond to "Taking The Long Way" with a
bewildered "This...is IT?" Not specifically the gem that the hype
suggests.
Corrine Bailey Rae - that stunning new talent with a voice like a
Stradivarius - has got to be shaking her head in amazement like the
rest of us. But I suspect she, for one, is a musician classy enough to
take a snub without whining over it into a studio microphone.
P.S. - Oh and BTW: I never, ever sugar-coat a review for the sake of
"Helpful" votes. As the great percussionist and lyricist Mr. Peart put
it, "You can twist perceptions/ Reality won't budge."
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4 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
Pretty voices, October 29, 2006
Reviewer: Shane (Lowell, Mass) - See all my reviews
An okay cd. They do have pretty voices. I just don't hear anything
special on this cd. Sadly, Chicks fans are giving it 5 stars out of
loyalty. They cheapen Sgt.Pepper and other classics when they vote
this way. Please review this cd and if you give it 5 stars explain in
your comments that you are merely a blind fan. Politics..the Chicks
can say anything they want. I also hope Tim Russert records a cd of
songs.
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6 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
DISAPPOINTING, APART FROM 3 OR 4 'FAIR TO MIDDLING' TRACKS, October
27, 2006
Reviewer: Colin Spence (Formby, UK) - See all my reviews
I'd never heard of the Dixie Chicks until a few weeks ago when a
couple of their songs were getting some airplay over here in the UK -
so I bought this album (unheard).
I would describe their music, based on this album, as 'pop-rock with a
veneer of country'. Natalie Maines' voice reminds me a little of
Emmylou Harris, but less polished and too high-pitched for my liking
(although this may appeal to some listeners). The vocal harmonies are
pretty good (very 'tight') but, again, rather high-pitched. Lyrics are
OK but nothing special; The songs are not exactly melodic but most are
listenable (but many are very forgettable also).
Whilst the band members may be good musicians, there is little in the
way of vocal or instrumental variety - almost all tracks stick to the
lead voice/backing vocals/standard arrangement formula. Production, on
many tracks, is way over the top (even for this type of music) -
there's nothing subtle about it.
I quite liked the following tracks : 'The Long Way Around', 'Not Ready
to Make Nice', 'Everybody Knows' and 'I Hope', but the whole album has
a monotonous sound and predictable arrangements. If this is typical of
their music, I don't think I will be buying any more of their albums -
can't understand why there are SO MANY 4 & 5 star reviews.
UPDATE (22 Jan 07) : In view of the emotional fervour generated by
reviews of this album, I thought I'd come back to my review, having
listened to the album a few more times since.
Much of what I said before remains unchanged. However, I've had a
significant change of mind about the quality of the lyrics (I didn't
pay sufficient attention to them first time round), here are some
comments about the tracks which I preferred most - PLEASE NOTE : I am
reviewing the album in terms of how much I enjoyed the music, so if I
like the lyrics of a song, it does NOT mean that I also agree with
their sentiments :
'The Long Way Round' - well crafted pop song, catchy 'radio friendly'
melody, good lyrics and some deft fiddle playing.
'Not Ready To Make Nice' - dramatic song, decent melody, great lyrics
(pretty abrasive).
'Lubbock or Leave It' - strong 'rocker' with pummelling base; but it
is the clever and uncompromising lyrics that make this song.
'I Hope' - a soulful sound, some great guitar playing about 4 minutes
into the song.
The remaining songs have reasonably good lyrics but, in most other
respects, they are fairly ordinary (pleasant but bland). I don't
expect music albums to be perfect, by any means, but there is just too
much about the music here that I simply don't like, so I can't justify
more than 2.5 stars. However, many people do like this album (or, at
least, claim to), so I guess I'm in a minority on this one.
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18 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
The low price is a giveaway, September 24, 2006
Reviewer: V. Vanderbent (Riverdale, NY United States) - See all my
reviews
I should have known - this album is just for the diehard fans. How
good the Chicks were on Wide Open Spaces, this falls far, far short of
my expectations. Ballad after ballad, the album fails to deliver.
Strong harmonies, sure. Good vocal sound, OK, it's there. But albums
are ultimately about a story; if they are not, I'm not interested. I'd
rather go to a place like iTunes and purchase the songs I really like
and skip the rest. 'Taking the long way' lacks the story I am looking
for, the composition as a complete album, a sense of integration if
you will, synthesis. And that's what I should have known before
rushing to buy the CD on Amazon right when it came out: the price says
everything. If it's really a rock-solid album, it won't be on sale for
just under 10 bucks. They'll want more because they know it's worth
more. This is just to fill the Chicks' coffers and they should be
ashamed for doing that to their fans. Two stars at best.
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13 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
Mature?, September 22, 2006
Reviewer: ECU_Classic_Music_Fan (Charlotte, NC United States) - See
all my reviews
Why is it that whenever a musician becomes outspoken against the
system, any system, they are then forever labeled mature? Yes, their
marketing scheme worked miracles. Once they made their infamous
remarks in England they were able to easily cross over to the 'pop'
side of the music industry. Witness the cover shot of them on the
Rolling Stone right after the remarks. That doesn't make them mature
in my eyes. They're just another group of misled innocents who will
end up on Behind the Music in 15 years crying about how they were
taken advantage of during this period.
As for the cd, it's really no better or worse than what they did
before. Average, average, average.
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4 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
A Sure Winner!, August 18, 2006
Reviewer: Ralphie's Mom "RJG" (New York) - See all my reviews
I would recommend buying this CD. I was never into the Dixie Chicks
but heard a single track and decided to take a chance. I don't regret
it. The combination of words & music with the haunting violin solo's
make it a winning combination. Not your usual country sound; but
country matured!
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14 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
Taking The Long Way, July 25, 2006
Reviewer: Dardo Gabriel Golstein "Gato Orlando" (Buenos
Aires,Argentina) - See all my reviews
I think that is a boring album,and nothing related with another great
live performing of Dixie Chicks.Period!
I had waste my money!
Depressing - not a good effort, July 18, 2006
Reviewer: Richw "Rliege" (Lexington, KY USA) - See all my reviews
I like the DCX. I think they are the best thing to happen to country
music in a long time; a breath of fresh air. I think their best effort
was FLY with WIDE OPEN SPACES a close second. They sounded like they
had fun recording both of these CDs, and the bands were outstanding.
But TAKING THE LONG WAY is slow and boring. The songs just run
together and all the fun is gone. The band is just average, like the
music.
I see many of the other reviews rate this 5 stars. I guess I just
don't get it or understand their enthusiasm. It's just not the same
sound.
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40 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
Harmless, Overhyped Fluff, July 14, 2006
Reviewer: Sean Wilson (Malone NY) - See all my reviews
Considering all the media hype and fanatically positive reviews, the
songs on this album turned out to be pretty unexceptional, even
boring. It's the kind of music that will soon be forgotten - but then
I don't think the Dixie Chicks are about music anymore. Politically
correct types will buy anything they put out and, judging by all the
crazed five-star reviews, may even convince themselves that the music
is something better than what it is.
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45 of 94 people found the following review helpful:
Dixie Chicks fans apparently don't read newspapers..., July 11, 2006
Reviewer: Fred in NYC (New York NY) - See all my reviews
It has been more than three weeks since Natalie Maines denounced
patriotism - but their fans still keep writing reviews here at Amazon
claiming they are "patriotic" (see below). How can you be both
patriotic and against patriotism at the same time?
The music on this CD quite unexiting. It would almost be boring except
for Ms. Maines whiny vocals, which are irritating enough to keep the
listener agitated. Don't waste your money.
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16 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
where's the spunk?, July 11, 2006
Reviewer: SPAR Neff "Linnea" (Newport News, va USA) - See all my
reviews
I'm a big dixie chicks fan despite Natalie's attempt to mix politics
with entertainment. I even enjoyed the pre Natalie Dixie Chicks. But I
wont stay a fan long if the albums are as dry as this one. The part I
like most about the chicks seemed to have fallen by the wayside. There
weren't any toe tapping, sing-a-long songs. I didn't like the remake
of "mississippi" I thought the original played during the Rock The
Vote concert was better. I understand the Dixie chicks had some
important things to say here but I feel there could be a more positive
way to do it. Sorry girls, still waiting for a good come back.
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51 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
Don't Wave the Flag - That Would Be Dumb!, July 4, 2006
Reviewer: Rick Walsh (Forest Hills NY USA) - See all my reviews
One reviewer claims that we should celebrate July 4th by buying this
CD instead of waving the Stars and Stripes. He claims that the USA is
"the focus of evil in the World." Given that the Dixie Chicks' Natalie
Maines recently denounced "patriotism" as "wrong," I guess that if you
hate your country, that would be a good idea. But the songs I've heard
from this CD are just highly commercial pop-fluff with whining
singing. Plus, I love my country. I guess I'll be a jingoistic yahoo
and celebrate the 4th by buying a Toby Keith CD instead.
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22 of 59 people found the following review helpful:
Not a sinlge hit on the album., June 30, 2006
Reviewer: Your #1 fan "Your #1 fan" - See all my reviews
Ok, take the war out of it, take the politics out of it, take whatever
baggage you have out of the equasion. I'm comparing this album to
their last three releases, and it simply doesnt measure up. The songs
(written by the Chicks themselves, and it shows) are kinda dull. No
hooks. No toe-tapping. Hey, I remember when these girls could sing fun
songs (Long Time Gone, I Can Love You Better), and beautiful songs
(Cowboy Take Me Away, Landslide, Wide Open Spaces or controversial
songs (Goodbye, Earl) - but you wont find any of those here. Just some
sad, self-indugent lyrics.
Buy a Dixie Chicks album if you're new to them, but don't buy this
one.
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38 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
Just an outlet to vent, June 29, 2006
Reviewer: KatCajun (Louisiana) - See all my reviews
Earlier work by far the best. This collection was nothing more than an
outlet to vent their continued frustruations with the media backlash.
These ladies are far too talented to produce a mediocre album. The
lullabies written about their children are worth listening to.
Hopefully, they'll learn that yes, we all have a right to free speech,
but it does cost (our soldiers' sacrifice and possibly their pocket
books)........ maybe next time will be better
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17 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
Not the normal Dixie Chicks, June 28, 2006
Reviewer: Nicole J. Munar (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
I have a couple Dixie Chicks CD's and this one is by far the worst
one. It is very dark, depressing and slow. It doesn't have their usual
upbeat, almost campy feel. I was disappointed.
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34 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
What a waste!, June 28, 2006
Reviewer: Tina "Momof3" (WV USA) - See all my reviews
I heard this CD only because my friend purchased it. This one doesn't
compare to their great albums in the past. Don't waste your money.
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17 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
Taking The Long Way, June 26, 2006
Reviewer: Ronald B. Glover (Huntsville, AL. USA) - See all my reviews
Another pitiful effort by this group. I am sick and tired of country
music imposters