AAN Association of Alternative Newsmedia

Market Served: Metropolitan Area
Address: 1227 W. Summit Parkway, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 325-0634

Comeback Chicks

By Ted McGregor

The Inlander | May 31, 2006

Dixie Chicks

Taking the Long Way

After a rough couple of years, Taking the Long Way proves why the Dixie Chicks are among the best acts around. At least that’s how it feels after the first three tracks. If the CD ended there, it’d be five stars, but it goes on for another 11 so-so songs.

Today, most people agree with the Chicks’ notorious assessment of the president, but I’m not so sure they needed to rub everyone’s nose in it. “Not Ready to Make Nice” crackles with emotion, as Natalie Maines sings that she’s “mad as hell.” The Chicks have earned their chance to rail at the redneck Bush brigade in country radio, but I can’t help but thinking a little turning of the other cheek might have been a more powerful statement. Plus, people love the Chicks for their music, not their politics.

Rick Rubin overproduces for once, with too many guests and not enough fiddle and banjo. Maybe this record will put the Dixie Chicks in the mainstream, but I liked them as a country act better.

(Three-and-a-half stars out of five)

Download: “Easy Silence”

Tags: Dixie Chicks, Taking the Long Way

The Inlander

Founded in 1993, The Inlander has quickly become the most trusted source of news and entertainment information for the sprawling Inland Northwest. While the majority of our readership lives in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area -- a fast-growing part of the...

More »

Contact for Reprint Rights