Taking The Long Way [Digipak] [Limited]

Performer: Dixie Chicks
Producer: Rick Rubin
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: The expanded edition of Dixie Chicks' controversial and big-selling TAKING THE LONG WAY includes a DVD with the video for the single "Not Ready to Make Nice," band interviews, and live performances. Dixie Chicks: Emily Robison (accordion); Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines (background vocals). Personnel: Dan Wilson, Gary Louris, Jonny Polonsky, Matt Sweeney, Smokey Hormel (acoustic guitar); Mike Campbell (acoustic 12-string guitar); John Mayer (electric guitar); Lloyd Maines, Marvin Etzioni (mandolin); Richard Dodd (cello); Benmont Tench (Farfisa); Larry Knechtel (Hammond b-3 organ); Sebastian Steinberg, Justin Meldal-Johnsen (bass guitar); Chad Smith (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion); Chris Testa (chimes); Keb' Mo', Bonnie Raitt (background vocals). At the time of TAKING THE LONG WAY's release, the lyrical content of a high-profile album by a big-deal artist hadn't been the topic of such public scrutiny since Eminem was still a hot topic. The Dixie Chicks certainly had to have seen this coming, though, after they withstood a firestorm of insults, threats, and boycotts for criticizing George W. Bush's policies. "Not Ready to Make Nice" and "Lubbock or Leave It" (among others) make it clear, however, that the Chicks have no intention of retreating a single step from their convictions. Similarly, the fact that TAKING THE LONG WAY is as much a pop album as it is contemporary country should not be misinterpreted as an abandonment of the factions that turned against the group during the controversy in question. The soaring pop choruses and dashes of string orchestration that vie for space with acoustic picking and steel guitar swells should rather be seen in the context of a group that's been evolving toward a pop/country amalgam for some time. (Don't forget that one of their biggest hits was a Fleetwood Mac cover.) If anything, the expansive sonic approach and forthright themes simply stand to show that the Chicks have transcended genre pigeonholes. There's still plenty of country in their sound, but with LONG WAY the trio belongs to the larger world at last. DVD Features: Live Performances

Rolling Stone (p.226) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Their seventh studio album embraces the depth and fury of classic rock while remaining true to the trio's Texas roots." Rolling Stone (p.104) - Ranked #19 in Rolling Stone's "The Top 50 Albums Of 2006" -- "[G]orgeous country rock, killer power ballads and fierce honky-tonk." Entertainment Weekly (p.130) - Ranked #6 in Entertainment Weekly's "Top 10 Records Of 2006" -- "[P]roducer Rick Rubin brings the rock without losing that front-porch feel." No Depression (pp.122-123) - "[S]ome of the strongest, most involving music this group has yet produced." Mojo (Publisher) (p.100) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[With] an edginess, intransigence and outspokenness that, despite their country stylings, structure and instruments has affinities with rock."

Taking their name from the Little Feat classic "Dixie Chicken," the Dixie Chicks hit their stride in 1998 with their major label debut, WIDE OPEN SPACES, a wild blend of bluegrass, pop and country. Number one records, sold-out tours, Grammy nominations and a follow-up record soon followed, establishing them as major pop-country crossover superstars. The Chicks were the center of an enormous controversy over a very public criticism they made in 2003 of President of George W. Bush and his war in Iraq. And while protests and boycotts abounded, the Chicks returned triumphantly--sales figures as big as ever--with 2006's TAKE THE LONG WAY.

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