Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing Review

After the Dixie Chick's sweep at this year's grammy awards, the Texas trio follow up their five wins with the release of "Shut Up and Sing". This documentary follows the life of the Dixie Chicks from 2003 to 2006, focusing on the phrase heard around the world that took the Dixie Chicks from country's golden girls to the blacklist of country radio.

"Shut Up and Sing" starts with a look back at the 2003 concert in London where lead singer, Natalie Maines expressed her views on the war in Iraq by saying to a packed audience that she was ashamed the President of the United States was from Texas. Following these infamous words, this documentary takes the audience on a roller coaster ride as Dixie Chicks members, Natalie Maines, Emily Robison, and Martie Maguire fight to stand up for freedom of speech while trying to save their career.

While this film is geared towards Dixie Chicks fans, it is in it's own right a very powerful example that free speech should not have restrictions. After uttering a few simple words, the Dixie Chicks went from having a hit single and album on the country charts to being banned from country radio stations all over the United States. While country music fans are loyal to their favorite artists, their moral values are deeply rooted in patriotism that is expressed any way possible. In one of the more disturbing scenes in "Shut Up and Sing", Dixie Chicks albums and memorabilia is thrown away in garbage cans, steamrolled, and stomped on by young children. The art of these award winning musicians is tossed on the ground and trampled as a mother holding her child voices her opinion with the simple words, "screw them". This mother then urges her young child to repeat the same words.

The negativity of the Dixie's Chicks fall from fame is counterbalanced with the creative process of creating their grammy award winning album, Taking the Long Way. The audience is granted an insiders look at the private life and experiences of these three women. Their everyday life and hardship during 2003 to 2006 are the inspirations for each song on the album. From concept to finished product, it is an extremely personal process that every music fan will appreciate.

The music business and politics are showcased heavily in this documentary, but are overshadowed by the amazing bond the Dixie Chicks share. Instead of turning on each other and blaming Natalie for her comment that lead to the demise of their multi-platinum career, sisters, Emily and Martie stand by their band mate and friend. The story of these three amazing women makes me proud to be a Dixie Chicks fan. They speak their mind, stand by their values and should be considered true role models.