I'm surprised the DC haven't collaborated with John Mellencamp, someone else stuck in the MOR trying, but failing, to 'say something.'

What I want to know is why you even bothered to listen to this, let alone review it? You knew - heck I knew - that you'd dislike it.

You reviewing the Dixie Chicks would be like me reviewing Dick Cheney's speeches on human rights - I - and you - can pretty much guess what I'd say about it before I even did it.


That said I do agree with you on one thing - that it's a cheap, easy manipulative trick to suggest that all critics can be dealt with when you're really only dealing with the extremists making death threats.
Unfortunately I see people on the right - Michelle Malkin, Ben Domenech, etc - doing the same trick all the time.

Wow...does someone have an agenda or what? You can think whatever you want politically, but you shouldn't critique music based on it. The song is a brilliant, heartbreaking piece of art, and there is no denying that the Chicks are brilliant musicians.

No Scott, I did NOT know I'd dislike the song in advance. I in fact listened to the song- repeatedly. I was skeptical, but it's possible that they'd get some kind of interesting inspiration from their experience and surpise me. I hated Wham, but the "Faith" album kicked my ass.

You and Dick Cheney speeches would be a different thing from me and this song. Again, I note that this song is NOT a political statement. Again, I can and routinely do separate political from musical judgments.

But also, do please critique a Dick Cheney speech. Cut it apart. That's legitimate. It's not just "he sucks" but giving an explanation. Break down exactly what statements he's making that are wrong, and why.

Frank, you're all wet. My "agenda" is to find and recommend good music. This ain't it. There's nothing brilliant or heartbreaking in this crass and caluclated PR release of a song.

Ouch Barry. Granted, Mellencamp's work has tapered off in interest level in recent years, but it's hardly fair to tar my Hoosier hero with comparison to the Madison Avenue "country" of the Dixie Chicks.

Al, ok, thanks for the explanation.

You're welcome, Brother Butki- and I await your detailed Dick Cheney breakdown.

I await Dick Cheney's breakdown too.

Oh wait that's not what you meant.

In the meantime I'd be curious on your thoughts on a music list of my own making.

The Dixi Chic's are now Haute Culture'

They are taking the angle and leveraging it to thier advantage.

Go Girl's

Now that you have been pumped up from the right... you can sell to the left.


Great PR machinations going on here.


Go-For-it!!!


I never bought any of your product before... and I doubt I'll buy any now.


But PLAY THE ANGLE...... it may pay off.

and that's the "Bizz Buzz"

AL-

You're the one that sounds like a piss-ant. It's a damn good song. Even if I did not know the conrtoversy, I would be singing this at the top of my lungs. I think I'll find my grandmother's victorian gown and shove it in your good for nothin, probably pot-bellied ass. Thats a country girl for ya. If I wus yer neighbor, I would find me a rattler and put it in your toilet.

I don't back down neithter. Okie girl

Lauren- Girl, you want a piece of me? I ain't scared of you. If'n you can whoop me, then I'll listen to more of the Dixie Chicks whining. If I whoop you, then we listen to some real music. Perhaps "Put Another Log on the Fire."

After their churlish whining overseas, they've laid low for a few years, nursing this, and watching courageous Americans take freedom, the 21st century and victorious efforts to the Afghanis and Iraqis!

Where's 'A Woman's Freedom to Choose' when you need it? This little quasi-tunoid wasn't released, it excaped, and shoudda been shot on sight!

Al, wasn't that Jim Reeves, "THROW another log on the fire, keep my golden memories aglow..."

Just sayin', is all...

"Throw Another Log on the Fire" was written by Shel Silverstein. I think it was Tompall Glaser who had the hit version, but it's been sung by several people.

you are a moron.

What happened to freedom of speech?? I thought writing and singing was a way to express yourself mmmm maybe I am wrong!!! You can say that this is a whiny song and it wont go anywhere but your opinion is one of how many!!How many other country singers out there have done "whiny songs" and have not been criticized about them??Well you know, in my home town which is huge I might add, our local country music station put this on their website and asked for everyone to vote on it. Well 97% loved the song !! If you really look and listen to the song it can be related to more then just the controversy that it is intended for, as MANY songs have MANY meaings!!!

Laurie, you're neither paying attention to what I actually wrote, nor even trying to actually think.

I didn't say that the song wouldn't go anywhere. I said exactly the opposite, that there was a pretty likely chance that it would be a big hit- much like the crappy Faith Hill and Britney Spears to which I compared it.

A 97% positive vote on your local radio website means jack squat to me. Anyone who purposely listens to modern commercial country radio obviously doesn't know anything about music. But then, that's why the Dixie Chicks have sold so many records in the first place.

Your "freedom of speech" argument is just willfully stupid on your part, and even a Dixie Chicks fan should know better. But let me briefly summarize again for the mentally handicapped portion of our reading public: The Dixie Chicks have every right under free speech to make any kind of bland, homogenized corporate crap for a record they wish. Obviously, I have never said or implied otherwise. Likewise, I get to exercise my free speech to point out the crappiness and dishonesty of both this record and its defenders.

Finally, as to not criticizing other whiny country songs, there are only so many hours in a day. Plus, I'm a big fan of country music, so I stay as far away from modern commercial country radio as possible.

I usually manage to be blissfully unaware of most of the specific crappy records they're playing. The Dixie Chicks are just a lot higher profile- and particularly egregious, so I took a minute to swat that fly.

I agree with you AL!

Al, this sure sounds like a personal attack to me:
Your "freedom of speech" argument is just willfully stupid on your part, and even a Dixie Chicks fan should know better. But let me briefly summarize again for the mentally handicapped portion of our reading public."

A bit ironic since it's in a review about a song about personal attacks.

Anyone who purposely listens to modern commercial country radio obviously doesn't know anything about music.

so sweeping genrealizations about music are ok, but sweeping generalizations about fat people are not?

to each his own i guess.

Oh, boo hoo with the tender sensitivities here. Mark, purposely listening to crappy music is 100% a personal choice, and not a difficult medical problem that causes suffering and shame.

Monsieur Butki, really. You can call it a "personal attack" if you want, but this criticism was pretty specifically aimed at Miss Laurie- who had it coming. It's not a generalized statement of personal disrespect, but a reflection of her specific foolish comments.

I would say to her, as to the Dixie Chicks, don't be talking a bunch of nonsense, and then bitching when someone calls bullshit on you.

I don't see where you get "irony" out of that.

i am not making a comparison between choice of music and medical conditions. i'm just pointing out that you're tossing about your own sweeping generalization.

i didn't agree with the one in the fat people post and i don't agree with the musical one either.

read your own text: "don't be talking a bunch of nonsense, and then bitching when someone calls bullshit on you."

Fine Mark, but my sweeping generalization about modern country music is largely ACCURATE.

"A 97% positive vote on your local radio website means jack squat to me. Anyone who purposely listens to modern commercial country radio obviously doesn't know anything about music"

Wow, according to you, todays country music listeners, not only do not know anything about music, they are too stupid to know what they like.
Way to play to the red states Al.

..."todays country music listeners, not only do not know anything about music, they are too stupid to know what they like."

Yes...You can drop off the first part because that ending says it all. Even for the rest of the mainstream community. I see it and hear it everday!! It's become so bad that in order to hear any good music publicly, I have to enter a Stop & Shop and that's only once in a blue moon. It's f*cking brainwashing,I tell ya!! This is a song I would expect from amateurs like American Idol...

"A couple of dumb death threats"?

Gee, how was Natalie supposed to know you were only joking when you made them? That's a very silly comment.

If you had done two minutes of research, you would know that the Dixie Chicks were purposely moving away from the country genre, so its pointless to criticize the song for not being country enough for you.

Its a great tune. Kudos to Natalie and the Chicks for sticking it back in dumb, Bush worshipping fools faces.

Snooze, you seem to be responding to politics rather than the actual record. For starters, it's absolutely bland, generic crap for a TUNE.

Also, this does NOT stick it back in the faces of Bush supporters, in that this song is not at all about Bush. There's not even a passing reference to the president, or any bit of any political issue. It's all, 100% about how badly the poor Dixie Chicks have been mistreated.

Also, I never said that death threats should be ignored, just that it's cheap and dishonest to be milking them for sympathy years later- and far worse to be trying to tar all their critics with that brush. Report that crap to the FBI. Beef up your security for the tour if you feel the need. Just don't be exploiting it for cheap sympathy.

Also, I'm not criticizing them for not being country. I'm criticizing them for not being ANYTHING. They're not country, nor rock, nor anything in particular. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

First I will adress her coments in London that were(sigh)over three years ago.


Natalie said they were swept up in the anti-american sentiment that they were experienceing while traveling in Europe and thats why she made the comment.

These are HER words:

"the anti-American sentiment that has unfolded here is astounding."

"it was a joke and it wasn't planned. And it was really funny at the time. It got lots of cheers, and that's what it was meant for."

She later went on to explain that she didnt even think it would get back to the United States.

" We were going into this hotel...and he [the Dixie Chicks' manager] got a call ... he's pacing back and forth. "Oh, no!" You know, we're automatically going "What? What happened?" And then he says, you know, he gets off the phone and I was like, "What? What happened?" "Well, the AP picked up what was said the other night... But don't worry, it's going to blow over in three days." And I looked at him and I go, "No, it's not." He goes "Yes, it is, yes. Don't worry about it." You know, giving the old manager spiel. And I said, "Oh, I don't think so."


She wanted to win favor with them , so they would inturn financially support her and lavish her with adoration. She pandered to them and took aim at the President.

I beleive had she felt the crowd that night was anti-tooth fairy, like she clamis they were anti-american, she would have announced her shame of teeth and faries.

Everything that happened in the wake of her comments was just spin, including the scab picking she is now doing 3 years later.


She is the Varuca Salt of our time and if you do not agree with her, or financially support her, she throws tantrums. At least we can be thankfull she kept her clothes on this go around.

As for the effects it had on their career:

They have yet to sell a million of anything since the comments. 'Home' which was the album on the charts when it happened, was certified at 6 million a week following the incident. It has yet to be certified for another million and its a double cd so each sale gets counted as two. Top Of The World was a live greatest hits package they released in 11/03. It has yet to sell a million copies. In comparison Garth Brooks Live greatest hits concert album has sold 20 million. Concerts that were organized after the incident, they could not sell out. Not even Vote for Change which had only 3000 seat venues.

As for Boycotting:

I dont understand why so many people think boycotting the chicks is wrong, when the chicks themselves are in favor of targeting and boycotting companies for exercising their rights. On 10/18/04 the chicks posted a message on their website asking anyone who would listen to BOYCOTT Sinclair media for running a documentary against Kerry. (I can post the text if you do not believe me) The chicks obviously live by a double standard. They have every right to speak out. But to bemoan about people no longer wanting to financially support them as they use the stage afforded to them by their fand to preach to their fans, is hypocrtical to me.

They hold others to standard that they themselves refuse to live by. While in concert, Natalie encouraged people that couldnt get a refund on their tickets to Boo her. They did. She yelled back at them, {"Yeah well I still got you $65". I am willing to bet it will be the last time she gets their $65.


As for the death threats:
The chicks have yet to report the death threats to the proper authorities. When asked about it, the Sherriff (San Antonio) said NO death threats were ever reported. He did however say one of the girls had their front gate toilet papered. He did not speculate as to whether or not the toilet paper was "life threatening". LOL! Its just more spin by the chicks to paint themsleves as martyrs.

As for the First Amendement:

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Free Speech does not guarantee the right to be heard nor is it a guarantee of airplay nor does it mean one is free from consequence. Their rights were NEVER in jepaordy.

In The end:

The chicks were used as pawns by the fringe left of society who they now want to remind those who used them as such that they are somehow obligated to financially support them. So they have decided to pick their scabs over 3 years later and try to perpetrate as martyrs when in fact all they ever were to begin with were pawns.

"I would say to her, as to the Dixie Chicks, don't be talking a bunch of nonsense, and then bitching when someone calls bullshit on you."


B R A V O !!!!!

With Bush at 30 percent in the polls, it's obvious that many - probably most - Americans are embarrassed by him. No point in the Chicks piling on. You're not doing our troops or our country a favor by supporting incompetent leadership.

This song isn't aimed at Bush anyway. It's aimed at the Bush Dead Enders who can't handle free speech. It's pretty bizarre that some clowns would aim death threats at somebody as insignificant as the Dixie Chicks. Toby Keith is a schmuck but I wouldn't send him death threats or boycotting him. You can't blame Natalie Maines for responding to the haters.

Bottom line the song is better than ninety five percent of what's on the radio - better than Britney and Faith Hill IMO. The video is particularly strong. I agree that Beethoven it ain't.

Anyone that posted anyhting negative about the Dixie Chicks forth coming album needs to give it a rest. You are all immature persons to spend your time posting rude and ignorant(as in unknowing or unintelligent) blogs/comments about some extremely talented musicians. Get a life, learn what REAL music is, and your blind apathy is sickening to me and those alike. If anyone is the perpetual image of "Un-americanism" or "Un-patriotism" or "Idiosyncricy" it's you all. We can't cease to end wars with those abroad until we end them within oursleves and our own country. You people are the very reason that foreigners think Americans are arrogant and self-absorbed. GEt a lfie and stop meddling in other's. Dixie Chicks are the most talented musicians to grace the industry to date and you all could learn a thing or two about waht good music is.

P.S. If you ask what do I know about music...well, I'll tell you that I graduated from Berklee School of Music and am currently studying my Masters at the University of Pittsburgh, so my comments are valid, as yours are not.

Shane, let's assume for the sake of argument that you indeed have a prestigious music degree as you claim. This would constitute rather an argument against the value of mere degrees and titles.

To put it another way, if your idea of great music is this bludgeoningly stupid corporate country food product manufactured by the Dixie Chicks, then a music education was simply wasted on you.

I'm no country fan, but I LOVE this song. I think it's great that they used a song to explain their feelings about what happened a few years ago. Bush lovers will take offense to it I guess, as this reviewer did. God forbid anybody voice an opinion about anything, especially if it's against the master of the universe, George Bush.

Stuck, sorry about your "stuck" status, but good for you if you enjoy this song. But again, you're stuck on taking this as something about Bush or Bush fans, when it's absolutely nothing to do with that in this song. I'm all in favor of Bush-bashing, but this isn't even trying to be that.

I too am happy to see artists express their feelings in song, but I find it hard to believe that this song represents someone's innermost feelings. Everything about this song, the arrangement, and recording sound like it was crafted by a committee in the bowels of BFD Records from the cheesy Sgt Pepper movie.

It sounds like it was composed by some guys sitting around a corporate boardroom amidst big printed pie charts and graphs detailing the various radio market formats that they're trying to hit, and psychological profiles of typical audience members and what keywords they respond to, like the marketing staff for Vitajex in A Face in the Crowd.

Stuck, have you ever actually owned, say, any Carter family records?

How come you didn't get the session call Al?

Chicks didn't need an air guitar player or errand runner for the sessions.

Like a bad meal endlessly repeating, the gaseous belch of the Chicks critics keeps offering up odiferous reminders of the sorry state of our politics.

OK, they're "Not Ready To Make Nice". Roger. Got it. Their feelings are hurt and apparently they are still licking their wounds. I mean Dear Lord! They have every right to say what they want. The constitution totally has that covered. What seems to not jump dear Natalie's synapses is that people have the right to not listen or buy their music if they disagree. We are all guaranteed the right to say what we want...however no one is guaranteed a national platform with which to say it or that people will all agree. They keep saying one insulting thing about their fans after another. Country music fans are wife beaters, they're ignorant, they're hillbillies who know nothing. It goes on and on. They keep poking and then act all bemused that people aren't totally thrilled with them. Um, duh? Yes there are many who admire their chutzpah. Good for them but the people bagging on others who don't like them apparently believe that criticism only applies to those in agreement with them.

The thing is, I saw the Chicks at a country bar ages ago. It was back before the sisters (Emily and Martie) unceremoniously dumped their founder for the sweet tempered and dulcet toned Natalie...basically because Natalie's dad was a big baller in the music scene and would help them break through. They were gimmicky and cute and the sisters have true instrumental skills. Once they dumped their original member, Laura Lynch for someone who didn't even like (as she has publically stated) country music, their souls were sold and that was that.

Now the people that sent the Chicks death threats? Stoo-pid. Just really really stupid. I have no words for that sort of ignorance. Do people think that death threats really work? Do they really plan on carrying through with their threat? Do they really think that it scores points for their "side" by threatening people in that manner? That said, I answered phones for a BANK...I wasn't trying to collect money. I was trying to fix peoples problems and I was threated a couple times a week because God Forbid someone not qualify for a credit line increase or they didn't pay their bill and the card was shut down. What I'm saying is that the Chicks are cashing in on these few morons and are painting every single person who disagreed with what they were saying as evil vilians attempting to take them out with a sniper round. I never once felt like I needed a metal detector or body guards when i was threatened. I know that I wasn't highly visable or a valuable target. I also know that they were trying to bully me into giving them what they wanted. They didn't succeed and the idiots that threatened the floozies didn't either. They were gas on the fire...and if the Chicks hit it big with this smarmy, self gratifying, ranting and musically meh song, I personally blame those idiots with their "I'm going get you" mentality......

Ha Ha Ha Al. Don't you understand we're all in it for the money....or the votes! I personally quit listening to "Top 40" Radio years ago, didn't you? The "your either with us or....." is over, time to take up a new clause. Try Santa. I actually LUV the Chicks, of course, they can sing...play and write(wait, what's that?) their own songs. Guess they are just too smart....! Face it Guys, women will rule the world, just keep wearing those stupid hats and sticking those red, white and blue bandanas up your butt. Only women with a third grade education love it. GUESS WHAT? I'm buying the CD...guess I'm just a floozie with money and votes. Bye ya'll....

Ha Ha Ha Al. Don't you understand we're all in it for the money....or the votes! I personally quit listening to "Top 40" Radio years ago, didn't you? The "your either with us or....." is over, time to take up a new clause. Try Santa. I actually LUV the Chicks, of course, they can sing...play and write(wait, what's that?) their own songs. Guess they are just too smart....! Face it Guys, women will rule the world, just keep wearing those stupid hats and sticking those red, white and blue bandanas up your butt. Only women with a third grade education love it. GUESS WHAT? I'm buying the CD...guess I'm just a floozie with money and votes. Bye ya'll....

I find it amusing when people try to defend a persons right to free speech by condemning those who oppose that opinion. While no one should be subjected to threats or physical intimidation EVERYONE and that includes those who feel what the dixie chicks said as well as how they said it and where they said it was wrong have a right to voice their opinion. As soon as a public figure (politician, actor or signer) uses their forum to express political views it is fair for people to publicly express their support or disagreement. As far as commercial concerns dropping them from their inventory or play list as a business owner you have to make your decisions on a financial basis. If you feel a particular product may negatively impact your sales or popularity you need to make the decision as to continue to carry that product or not. We cannot expect business owners to buck public opinion at their financial peril. They should not be required to step up and take the brunt of remarks or actions taken by others over which they have no control. I really do not think that the Republican party has that much influence over country western radio stations as most country western fans are democrats per the latest polls and demographics. But as that maybe once you make your statement you need to accept people's support as well as the possibility of their disapproval of that stance and accept the consequences. Thats the reason that standing up for what you believe in takes courage. Especially if it's against public opinion. For that I would have to say I admire her but not the forum which she chose or that she picked to make it in another country. I lost that admiration when she apologized for it in an effort to gain back some of their lost popularity. For the record - I think she was wrong when she criticized the president.

I really have to commend Al for his thoughts on this thread..."It it walks like a Duck...",These type of releases from supposed musicians makes me wonder if people actually turn off VH1 or MTV and do some research to find "Good" music or if they constantly talk out their perverbial a$$es because they believe in the brainwashing tatics from these corporate, greed-monging record companies. These two channels have supported so much garbage in the last 10 years that now they even have shows to make fun of the music that they help make popular!! The Dixie Chicks Suck and I could probably write better music with Acid Pro using samples of their new album!!

Who are you to be judging? your argument has no validity, and becasue you have a difference in opinion than someone else does not give you the right to bash them. Please grow up and if your going to make a statement please make it an intelligent one...cause this review is not only typical and hipocritical, but it's completely worthless.

Al, I read your comments--and those of the others--rather diligently. where did you grow up, and where do you live now?

I've liked some of the work the Dixie Chicks have done in the past. I've been ashamed to see so many of my fellow Americans foam at the mouth with rabid hatred over a mild political comment. I mention these facts so you'll know I'm not in the habit of bashing the Dixie Chicks for political reasons. I'd love to see them produce something that is not only a courageous response to the political attack poodles, but also artistically worthy in its own right.

Unfortunately, they don't seem to have done that just yet. I'm looking at the sample lyrics Mr. Barger quotes, and I'm not seeing anything very impressive. All the words are too vague. How can you convey real emotion when the lyrics don't paint a picture and don't tell any compelling story? There's a story behind this song, of course, but you won't learn anything about it from the words of the song.

Now look up the lyrics to "Traveling Soldier." That's a much better Dixie Chicks song, because you can see the storyline unfold in your mind just by reading the words. That song paints vivid pictures and tells a moving story. "Not Ready to Make Nice" merely adds a few emotional outbursts to a story it doesn't bother to explain, assuming everybody already knows the story.

Granted, Al didn't exactly choose the best of the lyrics to quote, but even the best few lines in this song don't work nearly as well as anything in "Traveling Soldier."

Maybe it'll take a few more years before we see the really impressive work I was hoping the Dixie Chicks would prove themselves capable of producing in response to America's present dark days.

I think that I'm Not Ready To Make Nice is AWESOME!! Why should she back down, BUSH had it coming!! Go Dixie Chicks, its about time someone had enough balls to say it!

Jaime, I'm a bit of beating a dead horse here, but your comments are irrelevant. I don't mean that disrespectfully, but they are not relevant to the question at hand of weather this "Make Nice" is a good song.

One, this song has nothing whatsoever to do with Bush. His name isn't in the song, nor any reference to any political issue at all. Even if you're wanting to stick it to W, this doesn't.

More importantly, even that doesn't matter. Even if it said "W sucks donkey weenies" and your think he does, that doesn't make this a good SONG. This is a weak, generic excuse for a melody and production. It's just not anything that could even be reasonably mistaken for good music.

Tod- I'm from southeastern Indiana, the IN/OH/KY tri-state area.

A comment from the UK - I have no political axe to grind , as many seem to have . Nor do I have an issue with whether it can be delineated as country or not ... surely its the music that counts ? On this count I confess that I love the song , and how anyone can describe it as bland beats me ! It would appear that the political background has indeed got Natalie / the chicks to up their game , so perhaps some good will come out of it all in the end ...

If you want to prove the song is not vague and bland, that should be easy. Just point out one strong, vivid, specific image from the song lyrics.

If you can do that, you might have something interesting to say.

Okay what has their music got to deal with their own opinions? That's what i want to know...they have the right to give their own opinion. I love the song because everything is true in it. They have the right to express themselves as artists let alone human beings.

you americans are really messed up.. its a song and it sounds good. plus those chicks are easy on the eyes.

ps al barger sounds like a nazi beware of him

Al, it's really lame of you to criticize the song as generic when it's clear from everything you've written that your REAL GRIPE is that Natalie Maines criticized your hero Bush. Generic is a ridiculous charge. What exactly do you expect from the Dixie Chicks? They are a top 40 group and top 40 is nearly always generic ... or it wouldn't be top 40. The song is catchy, well-produced pop with a bit of message behind it. They know their audience. Good stuff!

Maines doesn't even go after Bush here. She's after people like you who hate free speech. The Dixie Chicks didn't deserve to be boycotted, much less death threats from right wackos. It was a ridiculous over-reaction. Kudos to the Chicks for a nicely executed musical response. (Loved their EW cover too.)

PS - I hear Neil Young has an album coming out that you're really going to HATE! Can't wait to see your "critical" attack on that one!!

It's about time that country music singers have their own voice and quit tip-toeing around controversial subjects. I think that the Dixie Chicks just KICKED the door open for those that have something to say.

I am so SICK of country music stars being "cookie cutter". It's time for country music musicians...ESPECIALLY women country singers to quit hiding behind the mic and take a stand for something--ANYTHING!


Congrats to the Dixie Chicks for doing this 3 years ago and AGAIN now with this new single.

You've got to see the video to really understand what they're trying to say. A lot of bloggers are pointing out the symbolism of the oil representing blood, and while that may be true, there is actually a lot more there. The main point seems to be that the chicks are in an insane asylum (or some type of institution) set in the not so long ago days when people could be put into institutions for having a different opinion than the popular opinion. I think they make a strong statement to say that we obviously haven't come very far past those days (or not at all) if they are going to be persecuted with death threats and the like because they have a different opinion than the very conservative bible belters that make up a good bit of their fan base. Did you know that there were public bulldozings of their CDs in some places? Is that any different than book burnings? It's a wake up and smell the coffee message. It asks the question, "Is this what should happen to people that have a different opinion and voice it?"

I think you could also say that the oil on the white paper is like a giant Rorschach test, which again puts into question their sanity maybe? And maybe the whole idea of the need and greed for oil that our country has, and drives many of our decisions in the middle east is as messy as blood would be on the white paper and the white dresses. But then like a Rorschach test, the meaning is in the eye of the beholder. So it's really up to you to decide what they're saying.

You could also read something into the stark contrast of black on white. Are the issues that we face necessarily decisions of black and white and right and wrong? Is one opinion necessarily better than the other, and who is to decide? And then there's the white picket fence amongst the turmoil of the stormy black and white flowing background, which sort of states (at least to me) that the white picket fence world that many Americans think they're living in is just an illusion, so again wake up and smell the coffee about what's going on in the rest of the world and don't be so smug and righteous about your opinions...especially those many Americans (less than 5% of us have passports) that form these opinions without having ever stepped foot outside of the US borders.

This is by far the most provocative, interesting video I've seen in a really long time, and kudos to the creative people behind it -- including the Dixie Chicks.

If they are more concerned with the message in their music or the "supposed" message which I feel they didn't portray at all, then maybe they should write a book or make a movie. This release was an excellent example of how today's mainstream "musicians" have become complacent with their inability to compose decent music, nevermind brilliant music with a message that is timeless,because the masses fed off of the ideaology that the industry has succeeded in implanting. Which is, Looks & Materialism are more important than substance. Honestly, I think that rationale has dominated our culture for quite sometime!!

why write a book, when words & Music can & do say it with feeling and depth,
Would anyone of asked john lennon to go and write a book when he expressed his feeling and views in *imagine, I think not,
I found the views expressed by the dixie chicks in *not ready to make nice, a timely reflection that narrow minded people who used to rule the world must face the facts that the little man who has is say, will not roll over anymore when they dare to disagree,with the greedy powers that be,

Yeah...OK... Comparing The Dixie Chicks to Lennon is like comparing American Idol to Queen. The Dixie Chicks do not reflect any kind of depth with their lyrics nevermind their so-called "music".

I like their song a lot and find it funny how people are ashamed of the Dixie Chicks for what they said, when people in this country are saying negative things about Bush all the time (hypocrites, anyone?). I loved their video too. 10+++/10

OMG....so disagreeing with the Chick's opinions makes those who disagree with them Nazi's? But them painting everyone who disagreed with them as vigilantes out to kill them isn't even the slightest bit hysterical and totally awesome? I love how people are all for free speech until it's about someone disgreeing with them. Those who disagree are just big nazi meanies. Free speech is a two way street. They spoke, people disagreed and decided they didn't want to listen to them anymore. If the majority decides otherwise this time, then they'll be on the radio again.

But radio is a business and if people change the station as soon as Natalie bleets across the speakers then the radio station will stop playing them. If people change the station, they won't be around to listen to the commercials which pays for the music to be played in the first place. That doesn't make the radio people nazis, it makes them business people...it's not about the Chicks feelings, it's about making money and if people don't want to listen, radio will feel compelled to program something else.

Before any of this happened I wasn't a Chick's fan. I don't like Nat's voice. It's harsh and not my thing. That's a personal opinion. Nothing about their politics...which I also disagree with but had no idea of until this whole brouhaha occurred. I changed the station when they came on. I don't think I'm a Nazi, I'm just a consumer who has different preferance. It's called ECONOMICS....

"I'm gonna put my boot in the ass of the first fool what tries telling me that this is country music."

At the risk of receiving your boot in an uncomfortsble place, I hate to break the news: this is and has been country music for nearly 20 years. Artists like Buck Owens, Johnny Cash & Merle Haggard often are ignored by the so called country audience, but worshipped by those who favor the newly invented genres of alt country, old time music, or roots rock.

Remember that trade paper ad American Recordings took out after Cash won country album of the year, which pictured the Man in Black flipping the bird to the Nashville music establishment? Before he left the building to go find Elvis, Johnny said goodbye to country the way he once knew it - and so have many others.

First time I have read your column and it will be the last! You are not a critic, but a dumb ass. You attacked a person personally-their political views, and then had the nerve to call it a professional review of a musician's work.
I personally did not agree with the Natalie's comments at the time, but time has shown us that war is not what they told us it was. The Chicks have apologized and said they support the troops,they are the pawns in all of this mess.
This reminds me of what a minister said once about another war "When they came for they came for the mentally retarded, I did not speak up. When they came for the gypsies, I did not speak up. When they came for the artists, the writers, singers,I did not speak up. When they came for me, there was no one to speak for me!" He was speaking about the Nazis.
We have to feel free to speak up no matter what the cost is. That's the American Way!

I heard this song for the first time two nights ago on a country music video channel. I didn't pay much attention to the lyrics but the black & white visual motif & the emotive acting/crying/singing of the lead vocalist caught my eye. I said to myself "Well, this'll be a huge single for these ladies." I think it's perfect in its pop compostion, delivery, and marketing. Right up there with Madonna even. Really, they could've been singing the phone book.

Because of that fact in itself, I wouldn't bother getting too hung up on their message. Sure, we have to feel free to speak our mind, but we have to have the good sense to choose when to bite our tongues.

What a moron!
This song is pure gold! Only true dixie chicks fan would understand the meaning of these songs.

Nice to see your opinion on this song, i personally love it and cant wait for the album to come out!
Pure gold i tell ya.. dixie chicks still have the power with them.

What!!!! OMG! You are so closed minded that it makes me sick! There have been some Dixie Chicks songs that I wasn't too crazy about, but there have been a lot that I have liked. "Not Ready To Make Nice" is awesome!! It's amazing, that if she said that commment right now at this very moment, she wouldn't get so much grief about it. No one on this earth is perfect, I know I'm not. Al, are you!?!? Hell NO! I haven't decided even to this day if I agree with what Natalie said, but I do know that I appreciate good music and I don't expect everyone to do everything by the book.

Al, if you said or did something that the majority of the people didn't like, how would like this kind of punishment?????? It would be different, wouldn't it, if the tables were turned........

Your article is ridiculous! You shouldn't put your own personal opinions in a professional music review.

You say this isn't country!! Have you listened to the last 3 or 4 albums from Tim McGraw?? How about Rascal Flatts performing on the country music awards a couple of years back AND their CD's?? And Shania Twain's latest albums?? Need I continue!!!!! You need to listen to ALLLLLLLL of country music CD's before you criticize the Dixie Chicks for not sounding "COUNTRY".

I understand totally why everyone is lashing back at you. Because you're ignorant of a lot of things pertaining to country.

Corey, that's not fair. A review is sometimes difficult to remain completely objective.

Natalie was right: I'm ashamed that Bush is even American, let alone a Texan. He went to Iraq for one reason: money. He is nothing but a figurehead for large corporations. The Dixie Chicks were right on with their opinion of the war and it becomes clearer everyday that they were.

What's more, her song's lyrics are right on. Not only is it un-American to try to control what they do or don't say, it's downright un-human(and stupid) to make death threats over a harmless opinion.

I hope the Dixie Chicks get their comeback.

Corey, now this is just silly what you're saying right here: "You shouldn't put your own personal opinions in a professional music review." I try to make things as professional as possible, ie I try to concentrate on the recording at hand rather than secondary political or personality stuff. But still, a review is someone's opinion.

Also, this is kind of cute, "I understand totally why everyone is lashing back at you. Because you're ignorant of a lot of things pertaining to country." That's precisely backwards. I am a connoisseur of American rural music traditions. It's people who think that the Dixie Chicks or Shania Twain are "country music" who are ignorant of the musical traditions involved.

Jason, I've said one or two things in life to arouse the ire of fairly many people, so I've been on the other end of this- though obviously on a much smaller scale. But 99.9% of Dixie Chicks critics have done nothing worse than simply to say that they're full of shit. There's nothing wrong with that, and I don't mind that when I'm on the other end.

My main objection to the Chicks song is that it's just a bad composition. If it was a good patriotic lyric about how important it is to support our troops, it would STILL be a crappy SONG. That's the main point of this review.

To recap about the lyric, my objection here is not political at all- the lyric isn't even about politics. My objection is that this lyric is maliciously dishonest and shitlickin'. By the latter, I mean that they are milking a few bad but isolated threats to wring as many points for their supposed victimhood as they can, full of self-pity for how wronged they are.

More importantly though, they have taken a couple of dumb threats and purposely, consciously used them to smear the other 99.9% of critics who did not and would never dream of making any kind of personal threats. That's malicious, and dishonest. That's a bad combination right there.

A review without an opinion would be just a summary of what is on the album, i.e. pointless.

I absolutely love the song! I couldn't think of a better way for them to come back. Why should they back down? They did pay a price and still paying. She did make her bed and now she has to sleep in it. It is a shame that a mother should tell her daughter to hate a stranger. And her comments deserved threats on her life? I don't think so. Isn't this country about freedom? We can pray for the safety of our soldiers doing their jobs but we do not have to agree with the administration's decision to fight this or any war!!!

I love this song. These girls didn't apologize for what they said because they didn't feel they did anything wrong. There are very few people that have their own beliefs, stand up to poeple, and aren't fake. So regardless of whether or not you like the song, you should respect them for being real.

Am I wrong, or are people here not getting the point? Many commenters can't seem to tell the difference between patriotism, freedom of speech, good/bad songwriting and a reviewer's perspective. You almost need to run variations of this article through 3 or 4 different threads.

The Chicks are a professional, popular & successful modern country act, with all the good and bad that's implied in that description. This is not the same as the Coon Creek Girls singing Pretty Polly back in 1938.

I do have to agree with Corey about the evolving of country music....If you listen to music over 5 yrs ago, it has a totally different angle....From rock to pop to rap to country....You shouldn't put down the Dixie Chicks because they don't have the same sound now that artists did 10 yrs ago....Country music is going to be different 10 yrs from now.....I love the music on the new Dixie Chicks song....Keep up the good work girls!

Your comments were very harsh, the Chick's lyric speak for a lot and they deserve the credit for putting together a great tune. Many people may interpret this song in different ways and it's awesome. You definitely need to be more professional,if this is your job.... wow I think you need to work on a few things. Your cannot solely view this song from a political stand point, because there are many people that don't understand what the real meaning behind this song is and it may help them get through their own personal turmoil. I'm glad to finally see an intense song full of heart. It truely was a great song, and it's invigorating for women. The fact that 3 women have the balls to stand up on a stage infront of millions of people and say what's on their mind, knowing that they will recieve backlash and not care.... wow it's impressive.

The Dixie Chicks are great artists and speak from their heart. If the believe the war in Iraq is immoral, it's their right to their own opinion. YOU have your own opinion about many things...... which is why you're writing this terrible criticism. And if they could only criticize you, watch out!

It's a stepping stone for country music. And you're terrible at your job here. Would you even know good music if it bit you in the ass?

Amanda, are you merely ignorant, or are you just purely dishonest? "Your cannot solely view this song from a political stand point" I went to some effort to clearly delineate and talk about this as music. The comments at the end about the lyrics are about these lyrics, not anything about their general beliefs. I would be perfectly happy to hear the Dixie Chicks criticize me- though I don't think this idiot Maines would be well advised to engage ME in a battle of wits.

Again, since the lyrics are not actually political, my review does not involve their politics AT ALL. Is your reading comprehension so poor that you cannot understand this, or are you being willfully thick?

Shawn B, I'm certainly NOT criticizing the Dixie Chicks for not sounding just like old acts. I would be delighted to hear a whole new sound, but this ain't it. It's homogenized, watered down crapola that sounds like a whole lot of crappy corporate "country music" pop music cheese food product produced over the last dozen years or so. Again, Faith Hill comes to mind.

Basically, as music, this song utterly lacks personality. That's a far worse sin in my book than their dumb politics.

"... the real meaning behind the song"?

Who said there was ever only one real meaning behind any song or that the artist got to define it? Ai Ai Ai - it's like saying Shakepeare directed the definitive Hamlet just because he wrote it. Or Jimmy Webb sings his own songs better beause her wrote them (he went on an unsuccessful tour once to prove that point wrong). IT'S THE SONG - and if it appeals to you, it's yours. Even if it's crap. And how does it qualify as crap? By not meeting artistic standards - you know standardly acceptable in critical circles.

Look, if you like the Chicks and/or their politics, fine, but if their music is watered down corporate country music, then it's OK to say it is if you can prove it somehow with wome critical guidelines. And if you still like it anyway, fine - there's lots of crap I like that's a guilty pleasure, and I'm OK with it. But I'm not going to sit & tell people that the Archies are great artists.

If we only thought bands were great because of their political passions, then the MC5 is the greatest band of all time - well, of 1968 anyway.

I figure the Chicks are great entertainers, but it doesn't necessarily mean they're great artists. I have one of their albums, but Luciinda Williams' Car Wheels On a Gravel Road is the female country album of the last 25 years. Track that one down and paly them back to back & maybe you'll see what I'm talkin' about.

Better you than me, Mr. Barger. I couldn't field this stuff day after day if I was paid.

Don't you just love these type of people who feel the need to talk down on everyone?

I doubt I'll ever understand the need for it.

Yes Stranger, I dig how superior you are to all those people talking down on others. It ain't right.

As a gesture of humility then, in line with Vern Halen's admission to Archie fandom. I'll go him one better- a pleasure one step guiltier than the Archies. My current jammobile mix CD features a classic Josie and the Pussycats hit. Imagine me cruising the foggy county roads at midnight singing along with "Every Beat of My Heart."

I take this opportunity to re-assure our reading audience that I am hetero.

In my defense, I'll argue that "Every Beat of My Heart" is a much better piece of pop songwriting than this crappy Dixie Chicks record.

Excuse me AL, but it did sound like all your "beefs" were with the Chick's intented purpose. And to call the Chick's whinny is a complete hypocritical statement; your entire criticism sounds whinny. You're one person that doesn't like this song.... but it sounds like there are 100x more people that do. Really your opinion means nothing, and I am sure that the "DIXE" Chicks don't give a shit about what you say.

They are country,and if your such a music buff you'd know that genres evolve and become something new. This is a prime example, the Chicks are reviving country music and making it more appealing to a greater number of people. Good for them, they deserve all the great feedback they are getting from this song. They took a lot of crap from the whole Bush incident, for a lot of nothing. Do you think if it was a man that made that critical statement regarding Bush and the war, it would have played out the same? I sure as hell don't think so.

The Chicks are amazing artists that evolve with the times, stick up for what they believe in, and don't back down. I give them props for that!

Sounds like a lot of people agree with my comment #2 - that you can't separate yuor opinion of their music with that of their comments.
The key for me was you mentioning - almost bragging - about how you cussed out the singer for her comments.

This is why I would never review an album by, say, John Ashcroft -I could't separate my opinions of him and his mistakes from the music.

What was it you said to me Al? Oh yeah...what a schmuck!

My pop says pretty much the same thing about "modern" country music...it ain't country.

Al Barger, your comments say a hell of a lot about you. You talking down to these viewers and the Dixie Chicks is just down right wrong and immature. Everyone has their opinion about everything. When we add our comments to this page, it says, "Personal attacks are NOT allowed". I understand why now, because you do it enough for all of us!!

I don't agree with what the Dixie Chicks said years back, but I am not going to punish them. They received too much hatred for what they did and they deserve to comeback with this song. I don't like what they did, but I do like the music and the words. A mother teaching her daughter to hate a person for something they said and a person sending another person death threats is purely WRONG! And those individuals should receive more punishment than Natalie Maines.

I believe in KARMA and Al, it's going to come back on you and it will come back on all the other people who have threatened and degraded someone they don't even know.

Again, I wasn't pleased when I heard what Natalie said, but I love the song. Freedom of speech is right, if you are in the United States. It wouldn't have bothered me at all if she was here saying it at a concert, but she was in another country. Yet I hope this song and their album goes number 1 and I hope they sell more copies of this album than any other one they released before.

Dixie Chicks, you deserve to release this song since so many people punished you in the past. You didn't have a chance to speak your mind on what happened and this song says what you all are thinking. I respect you for that.

Thank you.

In my opinion, music usually evolves because artists pioneer a new sound. I'm sure Shania Twain could get some credit for the Country/Pop explosion but I do believe The Dixie Chicks just jumped on that bandwagon as opposed to being responsible for bringing country to the masses. Personally, Blake Shelton has enlightned me about decent commercial country...But,it's still all about the "formula" so they can make the bucks. I still think Dolly Parton has a niche in this genre, especially for her age. Anyways, Just because a ton of people like it doesn't mean that it's worthy nor does it mean that it has catapulted it's genre to new heights. Come on, Look at the Boy band wave... I'm sure alot of people would've argued about their musical integrity,LOL!! This release is completely shallow and I would expect something like this to come from the last American Idol winner.

"The Chicks are amazing artists that evolve with the times, stick up for what they believe in, and don't back down. I give them props for that!"

The same could be said for Al Barger and the only reason I would tell Mr. Barger to stop reviewing this trash is that,"any publicity is Good publicity". We don't need crappy bands to keep getting attention...BOYCOTT!!

Scott, re: comment 79- this is just wrong: "you can't separate yuor opinion of their music with that of their comments." Did you not actually READ the review? I'm talking about the tune, the style and the arrangement. Then the last few paragraphs where I was talking about what they said was about what they said in THIS SONG.

Basically, you're saying that no one who has any negative opinions about an artist can be fair in judging their work.

Besides which, I ain't mad at the Chicks. Natalie's dumb comment several years ago was a misdemeanor offense against geometry and theology. I give her a quick cussing at the time, and I was all done with it. But I'm certainly not mad over that little bit of nothing from years ago.

Dear Tennessee, you write "all the other people who have threatened and degraded." You are certainly welcome to have sex with yourself, trying to tar ME in with a couple of idiots making threats. That's exactly the dishonesty in the "Not Ready to Make Nice" song that I'm objecting to.

Also, they do NOT deserve to have a hit with this song. That's not because of some stupid politics from several years ago, but because this song is utterly unworthy.

We will just see, won't we.....

Dishonesty in the song? Ok...... What part are they being dishonest about?? They are saying everything that has happened and how they feel about it!! You sit here and say what you think and say it's ok, but it's not ok for them to express what they are feeling. There is not a damn thing in that song that is a lie. You expect them to just lay back and let dumbass people run over them forever!! If I were in their shoes, I wouldn't and you wouldn't either.

HYPOCRITE!!
They had and still have to have metal detectors to prevent crazies from coming into their concerts!

Al, I read the review and was one of the first ones to comment on it.
You say you barely mention the controversy but your brag about insulting her is in the second paragraph.
When you insult the band before you get into the music it's harder to accept you are going to give the music a fair shake.

If you'd saved your political opinions until the end that'd be one thing

Monsieur Butki, I did indeed mention cussing the DC in the second paragraph, and got that out of the way in a couple of quick sentences. Now, if you want to simply insist that no one who has expressed any disagreement with the band could possibly give their music a fair listen, that is your priviledge- but you're ignoring the entire rest of the review.

Perhaps YOU cannot separate your musical from your professional or personal judgments, but I pride myself on it. From what I know, I strongly suspect that Prince has very strong tendencies to schmuckness- and that he is one of the greatest songwriters in the rock music tradition. Everything I know suggests that conversely Garth Brooks is one of the nicest fellows around- and I'd just as soon take a beating as to listen to his crappy records.

Tennesse, the dishonesty of you and the Dixie Chicks in this song is to willfully and maliciously falsely paint all critics of the group as not just hateful, but violent. Again, you're helping them lick their shit with the cheesy protestations of victimhood. They still have metal detectors at their concerts? So do a LOT of bands. Do they even really need them though, or is that just another excuse for them to play martyr? In any case, it ain't MY fault, and I reject your and their dishonest attempts at demagoguing their critics.

And more dishonesty from you: I never said anything like that the DC have no right to voice their opinions. It's a dumb, disreputable tactic when DC fans such as yourself keep making variations on that same obvious straw man argument. You know better when you say it.

They can say whatever dumb crap they want. I can say whatever I want about their statements, and of course you are welcome and encouraged to critique me.

I just wish you'd be a little more honest when you do it.

LOLLLL!! Thank you so much Al! I usually hate Mondays because they drag by, but you made mine a whole lot better. I needed some good laughs for today!! You have a blessed day!

Bush=32% Approval

Bwahahahaha!

Al you're a disgrace!

well for what it matters to anyone, I LOVE THE CHICKS always have and do even more now. atleast they do not write about getting drunk and having to be someone?

Rick- declarations of love are always in order. Even danged ol' Dixie Chicks need love. Yeah, I guess you could give them a little credit for at least not being redneck women.

Hail the DChicks. They'll probably milk this anti'Bush crap long past the time they lose artistic usefulness.

It might already be past.

Most fun thread of the past week - right here.

Why thank you kindly, Vern.

I think that they are sing something that actually means something to them and that is the most important part. They didn't have the song written for them from someone elses experience. True expression is the whole point. No matter what they say, right or wrong, their lives shouldn't be threatened for it. Them or anyone else for that matter.

As for the "not a country song" bull... the Chicks, Maines in particular said that they were "Pretty Much Done" with Country. I cannot say I blame them one bit. With such an a** hole fan base, who could? I personally can't wait for May 23rd. Go DC!

READ it HERE:

What you've said is simply and NOTHING more, YOUR opinion. One of which seems based purely on your love of pure country music, and for your obvious dislike of the girls of the band themselves. You should be able to base your opinion of something, on its own merit, not based on who or where it came from. This song may not be what you're used to, what you expect, or what you think real country music should be. That should be irrelevant, because based on what is heard, it's a good song, that DOES evoke emotion, positive, heartfelt emotion. You said it's whining, the only whining to do with your "review" of this song, is your review itself.

I attended a Chicks Concert in Philly 3 years ago. Had a great time until it became politcal again with comments from Natalie. I have always enjoyed the Music by the DC but unlike the DC I don't go to work each day and voice my political views. I understand music is about events that have taken place in peoples lives and they send their message through music. So my point. I still enjoy the DC sound but struggle over the messages. I guess I will not be purchasing this album or attending the concert. Although the only song I have a problem with is "Not Ready To Make Nice." Someone once told me that you should never discuss religion or politics among friends. Seems they were right.

Dixie Chicks....You go girls! I have listened to the song, and have watched the video several times on CMT. It doesn't matter if they get good ratings for this song or not. The main thing is that the song was written out of honesty and integrity. And I think the video was perfect for what they were wanting to convey. We don't need to sit here trying to *offend* or even *defend*. You have your thoughts and feelings about all this. All I can say is "to each his own". I just hope that we all will live in peace and harmony one day soon!

I just want to say that I really like this song. I dont care about political bullshit, because anyone can take this song anyway they wanted. I just question why you think you know everything about good music, because personally, I have NEVER heard of you, I just happened to stumble across this f-ed up blog thingie. And I am sure that I dont have to tell you that MANY people have heard of the Dixie Chicks and their music whether it be good or bad. So maybe you should stop being a jerk, and stop trying to make people who really like this song read this, because in our day in age, no one needs this stuff. Music is freedom, and evidently so is America.

Dear Brooke, thank you. That was a fascinating little exercise in rhetoric and "logic."

1)This was a review of a new singal by a pseudo country act called the Dixie Chicks.
2)Al doesn't like it because it sucks as country and the lyrics are insiped: his opinions.

Therefor Al is against free spech.

It's logic like that the keeps getting Republicans elected and the left sinking into a quigmire of it's own selfrightouse indignation. If we can't learn to grow up soon we might as well turn all the offices of all the governments around the world over to the right. The way most of us act we will never get it together to do anything intelligent like dealing with the real issues in life.

Finally, it saddens me to see that the legions of the Anti-Hank are growing, where is Iris Derment when we need her. If the Dixie Chicks wanted to write a song of power they should have listened to "Wall Up In Wasington" first.

It says on here that personal attacks are not allowed on here.
I could care less what you think about anybody personally. You sound like somebody who has a stick shoved up his $#@. Get over yourself and get over thinking that anyone cares what you think. You're probably unemployed with nothing better to do than pick apart everybody but yourself. Before you start putting others down, maybe you should look in the mirror.

Ever since the attacks, now all of a sudden everybody in America is "A proud American?" Where was this pride before September 11th? People are more hypocritical than they claim to be.

Yes soldiers are dying in Iraq, but they didn't have much of a choice being sent over there, now did they? Our President sent them over while he sits in his office in his expensive suits. Do you think he's losing any sleep over another "nameless" soldier who lost his life for his safety and freedom?

Who cares that Natalie Maines made that comment about the President? He's a total moron anyone and everybody knows it. Didn't she say that years ago? Isn't it time people got over that? There are better things to be worrying about than what a professional singer stated on a show years back. She has a right to state that and if you don't want to hear it, ignore it. Be prideful and snotty.

Don't black ball somebody because it'll always come back and blow up in your face. When you make your mistake or do something you feel is right and others disagree whole-heartedly, you may wish that you hadn't been so horrid to this woman when they're lashing and casting you out like you've got a scarlet letter brandished across your chest.

I say--

GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON. THE WAR IS STILL GOING AND BE PRIDEFUL IF YOU WANT BUT REMEMBER THAT MOST OF THESE SOLDIERS DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE TO GO OR NOT SO DON'T ACT LIKE YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE ARE MARTYRS. THEY DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE!! Us being at war with them is not going to change these people in the other country. They've been this way for centuries. What can Americans do to change a legacy?

Now kids, play nice or I'll have to send in The Cleaners to spoil your passionate debate.

My two céntimos - dull group, good politics.

Moore, your little display in comment 104 achieved an impressively high level of smugness and a towering sense of moral superiority, equaled only by your lack of knowledge or actual thought.

For starters, this statement is simply factually untrue, "Yes soldiers are dying in Iraq, but they didn't have much of a choice being sent over there, now did they?" We have a volunteer army. There's no draft.

And oh, how righteously pained you are over how "horrid" I've been to poor little Natalie. Look, if she doesn't want me to write reviews about how much her records suck, then she should stop putting out sucky records.

Plus, this statement has little relation to reality: "They've been this way for centuries." You pretty much argue that these people are just savages and there's nothing to do for them. In fact, there are numerous cultures involved with rich histories, and it's a lot more complicated than that. Islam certainly has NOT been sending people out to blow up the infidels like this for centuries, or we'd have squished them long ago.

But then again, knowledge of history would be too much to expect from a Dixie Chicks fan. I'd guess that you get your news from Jon Stewart. Am I right?

I can't stand the dixie chicks. I hate country music and I think most of it is terrible anyway. [Personal attack deleted by Comments Editor]

your such a brat. get over yourself. Dixie Chicks did something that most of america and even canadians are afraid to do, they said what they really thought. first of all, are you in iraq? are you a musician? yeah shut up.

bush rocks.

Al I don't know who you are ,but I think you have too much time on your hands if your biggest worry in life is if the new DC song is good or not. I personally think it is great as I do their other songs from the past. I have all there albums and will probably buy the new one too. I don't know what it was that got the world so ticked off at the DC,but I do know this much, they are entitled to freedom of speech. There might've been other people out there with the same feelings as Natalie and spoke their minds too,but because they're not famous didn't take any crap for it so do me a favor,grow up and get a life!!

Come on, Al, leave the teeny boppers alone. Come on, let's go fight over politics and important things. *gentle leads Al out of the room, offering my arm as an incentive*

Miss Chelsea! I'd follow you anywhere, even without a promise of getting to chew on your arm. Still though, I was trying a new recipe for barbecue sauce last week, and I thought of you.

As a matter of fact, I am a professional singer who has toured the US for years. I don't like country music but I agreed with Natalie about her comment toward Bush. I would have said the same thing if I came from Texas. He's a moron, simple as that. He's ruining this country. He's taking away women's rights and trying to convert everyone's beliefs into his own. Why don't you shut up because you just made yourself look stupid. You don't even know who I really am. For all you know, I could be an A-list celebrity that you like and you just kicked yourself in the ass for being an idiot.

I actually like this song. I think she's a wonderful singer and it was great to know they'd finally released a new song!

This song and/or video will win many top awards...and the album will sell millions. Criticism is easy...measurable success is not.

Just watch when their cd comes out this month, and how many copies are going to be sold. And see then that no one gives a crap about what you have to say.

Who are any of you to judge?

Peter,

Not sure this will win many 'awards'....remember Toby Keith..."How do you like me now" Country music isn't very giving to those who buck the system.

He never got any respect b/c he marches to his own drum!!! He could give a rip less what people think......and so could the Dixie Chicks!!!

I think it is fantastic that The Chicks have come back into the limelight. I can hardly stand the wait til May 23rd.....and I could hardly wait for Toby Keith's last CD release either.

I bet there is a bunch of fans who love TK and The DC and could care less about their political views! Can I get a AMEN? :)

I listen to the words of anyones lyrics and find my own way to relate to it. Doesn't matter what sparked the idea to write it!! If song writers had to explain where the lyrics came from, I bet cha' a lot less music would be appreciated!

Besides opinions are like a--holes, we all got one! Who cares anyway.....

This is the worst review I have ever read.

Honestly...this has to be one of the worst reviews I've ever read in my life. You're pathetic.

I'll say it.. I would rather run my tongue over a cheese grater then listen to Natalie's whining voice... to say I dislike the Dixie Chicks is an understatement... but this song speaks to me... Not Ready to Make Nice is lyrically well written and the hook is well phrased by Natalie... I say well done DC... you made someone who can't stand your music pay .99 on iTunes.. well not yet... it's not available yet... but I'll pay for it when it's available -- I'm not buying the album tho... I'm not THAT won over...

I can not believe someone could compare the Chicks (talented musicians) to B. Spears (the fake)

Miss Cathy, I have to say that Britney Spears makes more interesting records to my ears. She's got sharper hooks, and a better execution- whether you want to credit that to her or to her producers.

As regards the Dixie Chicks, I'd rather have Britney Spears genuine synthetic pop than the Dixie Chicks fake corporate country music.

Al, Have you ever heard of evolution? Listen to the first rock 'n roll music from the 50's and compare it to today's rock 'n roll. Same with country, blues and jazz. All music genres evolve for many reasons. Reasons such as politics, freedom of speech and also to meet the demands of the listeners. The so called "commercialized music" you refer to is a just a fake term people like you make up for music that you don't enjoy or appreciate.

Further more, your own stupidity shows through when you compare a song like "Not Ready to Make Nice" that of Britney Spears, who's songs she doesn't even write herself and don't show any emotion or feeling.

I have read every single comment and the majority like the song and very few agree with Al. Most everyone that has said something against Al bring out very good strong points. Al likes to stir up this controversy. He knows how to work this site, like Omarosa on the Apprentice. She knew what to say and do to get attention. Good or bad, it got attention and this is what Al is doing.

Nashville, you are not nearly so smart and insightful as you think you are. Not that I'm above criticism, but none of these Dixie Chicks fans have any legitimate points against me- especially you. Moreover, even if you proved conclusively that I'm clinically insane, club baby seals for fun, and signed a pact with ol' Scratch down at the crossroads- the Dixie Chicks would still be crap for music.

You seem unable to comprehend the real, and clearly stated point: I wrote a negative review of this song because it sucks. I live for music, and this kind of shitlicking corporate crap is an offense against my true religion. I'm not going to be intimidated against speaking my piece just because some tin-earred fools are liable to have conniption fits. That's a reflection on them, not me.

Instead, you come up with some nonsense like this article is a democratic vote- X number of people show up with a comment in support of the DC, so they're right. But of course, that's ridiculous. The opinion of one person who actually understands something about music counts more than a million screaming idiots who apparently wouldn't know a real song if it bit them in the ass.

LOLLLLL!!!! Now you're putting down the people that have actually taken the time and read your review. Because you label yourself as a "religious" music lover doesn't mean you are always right! Lick your wounds and just go on, admit that your opinion of this song is among the minority!! :-)

Well, get you, Al! So you're the only one with the knowledge and taste to review music? Is that about what you'd like us to understand? Pulease.

No Louise, there are at least a few people equally knowledgeable and credible to review music- but none of them would be caught dead listening to the Dixie Chicks, even if they liked the DC politics.

I guess I'll add my two cents since this seems to have fallen into political debate. Iraq 2 was officially about weapons of mass destruction, specifically getting them of off Saddam Hussein's hands. Not oil or poor, oppressed Iraqis or Al Qaeda. Did the Bush Adminstration have ulterior motives? Maybe, but that's hardly the point.

On another note, I'm still confused about the whole Natalie Maines controversy. She's become the Jane Fonda of the 21st century with fifteen words when it took Jane a 7659 mile trip and a few dozen words. =)

Al........You are a legend in your own mind!

Bet you think your sh*t don't stink!

News Flash....

You put your pants on just like everyone else, on leg at a time! Your opinion is no better than anyone else's, contrary to your belief.

You obviously get off on your own words...
I bet cha' you speak just to hear your own voice and probably stand in front of the mirror to watch yourself talk b/c you think you are the sh*t!

You are so hung up on yourself and really you serve as a mere fun thing on this board...
people just tune in every now and again to see what spews from your mouth next. You are full of nothing but HOT AIR....

Get ready folks.....watch him BLOW! hehehehe

DC/TK Fan- I am furious! I'm gonna blow! Watch me, now!

Now that you bring it up, though, I will say that in fact my poopie smells like roses. How'd you know? You been sniffin' around my laundry hamper? Are you an agent for the NSA?

DC/TK Fan: Are you now, or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?

Being the first to cuss Natalie Maines out is quite an intellectual feat. Stifling dissent is invariably the product of demogogues under the guise of the patriotic.

So, if you love the Dixie Chicks as I do, you will love Mark Fiore, political cartoonist. He has this extraordinary gift of telling it like it is with humor. He tells different truths and he pulls no punches ... extraordianry truth-teller.

Most Americans were not born before or are too young to remember the Vietnam War debacle. We had far more courageous dissenters back then. And they too were ostracized, boycotted, threatened by buffoons and their followers.

Either troops are fighting for our right to dissent aka democracy or they fighting the wrong war at the wrong time in the place. But they can't be fighting for democracy if within the democracy they're fighting for ... the right to dissent is suppressed.

The only folks who seem to believe that they can have it both ways are fascists. Fascists rely on the fusion of corporate and government power to fulfill their goals ...which are, stripped of their rhetoric, fueled by greed.

Dixie Chicks ... you hang in there. You are doing your part to wake America up and we need the energy you provide. God Bless You for your moral compass, your conscience, and your courage. My generation had Pete Seeger, Peter-Paul-Mary, Richie Hayes, Joan Baez, and others to inspire us. We need more like you to survive to the end of this national nightmare of the Bush-Cheney regime.

HCI- Like the advertisements for the chunky soup, the sanctimony is so thick you could eat it with a fork. You may wish to carry on about your favorite Stalinist Pete Seeger, but my tastes for folk protest music of that era run more to Tom Lehrer and his "Folk Song Army."

We are the folk song army
Every single one of us cares
We all hate poverty, war and injustice-
Unlike the rest of you squares

George Washington is gnashing his wooden teeth in the beyond, wishing he'd had the Dixie Chicks' profound insight and judgment to guide him through Valley Forge.

Great song! Great message!

KM, "great" or otherwise, what exactly was the supposed "message" of this song?

Yes, America exercises the freedom of speech, and it's a great thing. However, I don't think our forefathers intended for celebrities to bash our commander in chief on foreign soil. The band gets paid to sing their songs, not to push their political views down our throats. I think it is childish of them to resurface after 3 years with a song like "not ready to make nice". Whatever. Yeah, and I'm not ready to buy their new album. Ever.

Lisa: "I don't think our forefathers intended for celebrities to bash our commander in chief on foreign soil."

When I invoked George Washington above, I meant that he would probably be bemused by political advice from popular entertainers, not offended that they dared to speak against him.

Nobody is going to throw the Dixie Chicks in jail. They're not Susan B. Anthony or Rosa Parks. Some radio stations are choosing not to play their songs, which is their right.