Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing

Being in the music industry of course I knew who the Dixie Chicks were in 2003. A female trio country band whose tunes were infectious, Grammy's under their belts, the world at their feet. It all seemed to come crashing down when lead singer Natalie Maines in a concert in London made a comment about President George W. Bush and the impending Iraq war. The press ran with the comment like wild fire and the inferno began. Reminiscent of John Lennon's 'Jesus' statement in the 60's, Dixie Chicks burnings began. I give you the movie "Shut Up And Sing." The film is an in depth look at the Chicks phenomenon and puts their falling out of grace under a microscope. It is a brilliant documentary that takes us along the roller coaster ride of that year and beyond: right up to the making of their smash cd "Taking The Long Way." (which in February 2007 received a record number of Grammy Awards). It's hard for the academy and public to ignore a great piece of work. Their smash song "Not Ready To Make Nice," propelled the CD into the stratosphere and the accompanying video has its feet firmly planted into the ironic and poinyent with strong images that are hard to forget.

"Shut Up And Sing," is much more than a documentary about a country group. It isn't glamorous, it isn't polished, it's about as real as you can get when you're filming a band in the middle of a huge controversy that just may end their careers. It goes behind the press tours, personal appearances, CD burnings, concert protesters, and death threats. It is enthralling and eventually an up lifting look at what the human spirit can accomplish even in the face of adversity. And it shows how really difficult rebuilding your career can be. The Chicks didn't lose their entire fan base but most of the country folks bailed out, especially Country radio. It certainly shines a new light and perspective on the subject of freedom of speech. As the film goes on there is a definite turn in the consciousness of the nation in direct regard to the war itself. All of a sudden Maines is not the devil in a dress anymore but more of a political commentary who may have spoken a bit too soon but in the end, as much as many may not care to it admit it, was right.

It's great to see the women Emily Robison, Martie Maguire, and Natalie hanging backstage, recording the new CD in the studio and dealing with the entire situation as a cohesive group that truly is one unit who walks the walk and talks the talk. They had each others backs which is a testament to not only their characters but the closeness they genuinely have for each other. I've always found the 'behind the scenes' stuff more interesting than most films. With "Sing," you're getting the full picture, bad and good. Forget all preconceived notions you may have about the Dixie Chicks and give "Shut Up And Sing," a look. It is an in depth look at a band who truly knows the term "survivors."