Okay, the movie was well-made and fairly entertaining, thus the five-stars. Besides, as musicians, the Dixie Chicks and their accompanying musicians are immensely talented (Except when Maines plays bass. She's late on her changes.) However, the topic was so far off-point as to be unfathomable. Say whatever you want, but there are consequences, some disagreeable, some even criminal (Subversive statements, for example). Most people are not trying to silence the Dixie Chicks. Natalie Maines made a comment, exercising her right to free speech. Others, me included, are exercising our same right. I think what she said was stupid, as it what she continues to say. That's her right. That's my right. And if you think what I say is stupid, that's your right. If I want to rage against the machine, then I'll listen to Rage Against the Machine. If I want to listen to someone wax political, then I'll watch C-Span. When I want to listen to good, live music, then I go to a concert. I don't go to a concert and expect to listen to someone spew about politics. If I'd wanted that, I'd go to a political rally. 'Sides, it's doubtful anyone's political leanings have been swayed by some singer on a stage. At a club in Vegas a couple of years back, the singer said something to the effect of, "Some people use the stage to spout their political beliefs. I you want to talk about politics or the war or whatever else, let's get together after the show and talk about it over a beer. We're up here to rock." It was one of the best shows I've ever seen.
Review of Shut Up & Sing
