Dixie Chicks Minus Natalie Equals Courtyard Hounds

Will the Dixie Chicks as Courtyard Hounds Make It? Mmmm...Probably!

Donald Pennington
According to "That's Really Week" and Viva Nash Vegas, both from Yahoo News, the Dixie Chicks will be recording a new album, without Natalie Maines, and with a new moniker: The Courtyard Hounds. Will this be a successful marketing tactic?

The Dixie Chicks without Natalie is like soup without broth. The name change is a good idea.

Emily Robison and Martie Maguire are embarking on a musical recording, and touring journey of their own without beloved Natalie Maines, as the spirit within the group. The reason(s) Natalie isn't part of this effort as the Courtyard Hounds is not being revealed, yet, but the band is letting fans know of their other plans such as performance dates and locations, like the South by Southwest Conference this March of 2010 in Austin, Texas. There's also an album planned for release in May of 2010. The band still claims Natalie as a member and that the Dixie Chicks are not breaking up.

The Courtyard Hounds. Is it just me...or does that name suck?

It must be me. It turns out that, what I'd originally (and incorrectly) assumed was a lame reference to the traditionally slow lifestyle of the south is in reality, an homage to the excellent novel "City of Thieves" by David Benioff. So in spite of what those who may still hold a grudge from 2003 may say, there's quite a bit more class, than some may ever give them credit for. See? I can be big enough to admit when I'm wrong. Try it for yourselves folks. It's sort of refreshing.

So, how will the Courtyard Hounds, nee Dixie Chicks, be organized?

The lovely Emily Robison will be offering up her brand of soul-stirring hoe-down as the lead singer. That leaves Martie's voice as the back up. Let's hope they mix that up a bit now and then since both of them have voices as incredible as their talent. On the first album coming out in May, we'll also get the extra benefit of a "cameo appearance" of Jakob Dylan of the Wallflowers, on one of the tracks. This deal is sounding better all of the time...to fans. Others may not care so much. But then, why are you here?

Folks may still refer to the two as the Dixie Chicks. Who could call these girls "hounds?"

Changing a brand is always difficult for anyone. That's whether their product is toothpaste, a line of clothing, or the personality of a country band. Both Emily and Martie have a steep enough of a climb as it is. We've come to recognize them as the Dixie Chicks, and any other label, will only serve to confuse listeners on some subconscious level. Let's give the Courtyard Hounds a chance and let's give Natalie, the heart of the Dixie Chicks, a break for speaking up so many years ago.

Source:
Embedded

A note to Ms. Maines
Five Great Dixie Chicks tunes on YouTube!

Published by Donald Pennington - Featured Contributor in Politics

Donald contributes on a wide variety of topics. Among his favorites are movie reviews, political commentary, divorce, and crime commentary. See something you like? Share it on Twitter!  View profile

32 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Donald Pennington6/24/2010

    You said it, P. Seymour.

  • P. Seymour6/23/2010

    while I do believe that Emily and Martie are both great and talented musicians, I'm not sure the strong vocals will be there like Maines had. it is unfortunate that people are so close-minded on issues - it really wasn't a slanderous statement Maines made...only a joke. come on. I really do miss the Dixie Chicks music - it's shame that their talent together had to be silenced because of stupidity.

  • stinkin5/14/2010

    They ditched the fat little coward because they have lost millions in money...lets be real. Not sure they can shake her fleas off.

  • charlie5/13/2010

    im dixie chicks fan wheres natalie at i dont think you can make it without her i wont buy your cd.u have not got the voice nat has.please get her back.

  • Marisue5/9/2010

    Yes, they have the right to free spech and we have the right to not like what they say. In other countries, it would have been considered treason and they would have been jalied. Then, their mockumentary just made it worse. If they don't like our country then they should move. It's too bad because I really liked their music. But fans, especially country fans, are pretty loyal to their country. If,when, a president is not doing the best job, we don't air it at a public venue in a country that doesn't especially like us anyway. I think the Court Yard Hounds is a way to bring the Dixie Chicks back quietly and secretly. I'll be watching!

  • Sue5/9/2010

    When politics rule our musical interests, we're doomed. Just wish they were all together, because what a sound!!!

  • Sunshine5/5/2010

    I always believed Thd Dixie Chicks got a raw deal in 03. Bottom line we all have a right to free speech and what country music community did was wrong. I'm glad they are starting again and wish them all the best!

  • chissy2/28/2010

    i love it! their voices are gorgeous together. good idea for a side project

  • Dina Quirion1/26/2010

    Thanks for this.... :o)

  • Patricia Sicilia1/25/2010

    Sorry, no matter how "literary" this name might be, I hate it! What girls want to be known as "hounds!"

Displaying Comments
Next »

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.