Search - Dixie Chicks :: Taking The Long Way

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 5/6/2023...

A real shame with beautiful voices and music combined with political stupidity.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Now with a great companion DVD!!!

Larry Davis | NYC/Long Island, NY | 11/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure if I reviewed the original album when it first came out, but I have nothing to add except that it's brilliance never wavers, its richness only deepens, and it's easily one of THE top 5 albums of 2006. This new reissue is better-packaged, with an essential companion DVD consisting of 3 programs: the Chicks' Sessions @ AOL performances, the eyebrow-raising vidclip of the controversial "Not Ready To Make Nice", and interviews with the Chicks and Rick Rubin on the making of the album, which delivers some cool insight. This only makes "Taking The Long Way" more of a keeper than it already is...highly recommended.



I have one suggestion though...if you bought the BestBuy version when it first came out, DON'T sell it before you buy this version, as the killer bonus track on that disc, "Thin Line", is not here...instead, buy this reissue, do a switcheroo, and sell the other package...that way, you have "Thin Line" AND this new package with the DVD.



There ya go...I have the same amount of respect for the Chicks in not backing down, keeping their defiance level high, and not caving into those Repiglican [...]...happy the doc "Shut Up And Sing" was made, which gives the middle finger to those Repiglican detractors and the sorry case of the President in office...looking forward to 2008 and YAY about the Dems sweeping the midterm elections, woohoo!!! I'm sure the Chicks were celebrating the news on that. All this activity and this album proves the Chicks were NEVER mainstream Repiglican country to begin with...they are blue-sided ALTERNATIVE country with a slice of powerpop and Cali-rock, just how I like 'em.



All hate mail...send it over, I can take it, LOL!!!"

Don't follow the Herd, Follow the Chicks... (2 Disc set)

Dave | Great Lake State | 01/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...The Long Way Around.



Disc 1. (AUDIO)



Welcome back Chicks. We've been waiting for you.



Thanks to you for reminding us what makes America great: Divergent views and the freedom to speak them. What impresses me most about the Chicks is that they have come through a storm; did it together; and still are gracious enough to bless us with their wonderful music. Thanks Chicks.



That said, the opening track "The Long Way Around" is classic up-tempo Chicks, leading listeners to dream of the what-ifs (as if I can honestly pretend that their lyric, "Someday I'm gonna' settle down," still applies to me). The Chicks' statement "No I... I could never follow," says it all.



"Easy Silence," I suspect is a heartfelt thanks to the family, friends, and fans that stood by the Chicks when they discovered that freedom is not free.



"Not Ready to Make Nice," serves as the girl's answer to all those who would have them to be anything less than full, free, participating Americans. And hey, I didn't necessarily agree with Natalie's controversial statements at the time, but I am proud of both her and the Chicks since. It takes guts to speak your mind, take the heat, and above all, stick together when the fun hits the fan. I have always admired the Chicks for being great musicians and having great fun, but now I admire them more for being great friends.



Don't miss out on the soulful "Lullaby," and its "How long do you want to be loved? Is forever enough?"



Then give a listen to "I Hope," yet another thought-provoking tune with the Chicks singing a choral backup.



Disc 2. (VIDEO)



On this special video disk Chick fans are treated to a five pack of studio performances featuring:



1) The Long Way Around

2) Easy Silence

3) Voices Inside My Head

4) Truth #2

5) Wide Open Spaces



Next is the provocatively stark video of "The Long Way Around."



Lastly is an in-depth Chicks' video interview including "Taking the Long Way," album producer Rick Rubin. Rubin is known for his eclectic collaborations with such artists as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Run DMC, Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash and now the Chicks. Five Grammy nominations for "Taking the Long Way" can't be wrong, can they?



In short: the Dixie Chicks (and Mr. Rubin, thank you very much!) don't know how to fail. They get an A."