Reuters: Dixie Chicks could bring political edge to Grammys

[PhilipShore]

Sunday, February 11, 2007

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/11/AR2007021100388.html

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Grammys could take a rare step into the political arena on Sunday if the Dixie Chicks win the coveted album-of-the-year award, as observers of the music industry's biggest honors are predicting.

The Texas country trio is reveling in its new outsider status after picking a fight with President George W. Bush in 2003, and watching its popularity plummet as the Republican-leaning country music establishment snubbed the chart-topping group.

Among the 108 categories, Grammy contenders cited this year for socially conscious material can be counted on one hand: metal band Slayer, for "Eyes of the Insane," a song inspired by the true story of a U.S. soldier who committed suicide shortly before he was due to return home from Iraq; Bruce Springsteen, for "We Shall Overcome -- The Seeger Sessions," a tribute to protest-minded veteran folk singer Pete Seeger; and British reggae group UB40, for the album "Who You Fighting For," including its anti-war title track.

That's not to say that musicians don't read newspapers. Hurricane Katrina inspired several Grammy contenders, including the U2-Green Day charity single "The Saints Are Coming," the Elvis Costello-Allen Toussaint collaboration "The River in Reverse," and New Orleans soul queen Irma Thomas' album "After the Rain."

[Justice]

1. Dixie Chicks stood up when no one else was standing up -

for that they are already winners. They don't need to win tonight to be winners.

[unhappycamper]

2. D'oh.

Do ya think, Reuters?

[madame defarge]

3. I can't wait!!!

Love the Dixie Chicks. (BTW, "Shut Up & Sing" will be released on February 20, 2007!)

(OK, II'll admit it...I'm also looking forward to seeing the Police tonight...)

[Tuesday_Morning]

12. Kicking it for the Chicks!

:kick:

And the Peace Plane!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Almost makes me want to turn on the TV

to watch to see if there are any political fireworks....nah, I'll read about them here on DU.

[mmonk]

5. Their popularity plummeting was actually restraint of trade.

Here's hoping for as much revenge as possible.
Shut Up and Sing DVDs on presale now.
http://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Sing-Natalie-Maines/dp/B000KX0IN6/sr=8-6/qid=1170441374/ref=pd_bbs_6/102-1368635-2811347?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

[Benhurst]

6. I have nothing but respect for the Dixie Chicks. They took a corageous

stand, especially considering the political make-up of much of their traditional audience.

The Grammys honor all areas of the profession, however. And I would be surprised if most of the performers don't share their views on our corrupt elections, Bush and the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

[goclark]

7. Love the Dixie Chicks

I read that they are going to break up -- I hope not.

[Booster]

8. I'll be sitting right here with popcorn in hand rooting and shaking

my fist at the TV. I can't tell you how badly I want the Chicks to win in every category they are nominated. If they do win, you can bet your ass that Natalie will say something we will all be proud of. COME ON, CHICKS.

[mmonk]

9. Stick it to the country music industry.

Vote for them.
http://www.dixiechicks.com/06_pressDetail.asp?newsID=656

[Dervill Crow]

10. K&R - and I voted!

:kick:"Not Ready to Make Nice" and "God's Gonna Cut You Down" are the only remotely country songs I know, as I haven't listened to music on my radio since the inception of Air America, but this is a cause I can get behind.

:yourock:, Dixie Chicks.

[ScratchyPearl]

11. Here's hoping they get a few new tatts!

I love country music and the chicks are one of my favorites. So, I would have bought their album whether they made that statement or not. I too, will be watching tonight eating popcorn. For me, the "revenge" is on the corp. radio stations that would not play them nor invite them to the CMA's. THEY are the losers!

[LaPera]

13. Won't happen. If they win, they'll be gracious young women & will thank all

who supported their efforts for being able to speak out and perhaps a "got to keep the fight going" -- If that...Nothing more...it'll be very polite, count on it.