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Post by Bingo on Sept 19, 2011 7:17:30 GMT -8
A survey of the past and present position (with a follow-up article also promised) www.radio-info.com/programming/country/dixie-chicks-still-get-plenty-of-country-airplayIt seems interest in the Chicks is holding up, despite the hiatus - and has actually grown in the last year. The recent growth may be due to increasing distance from the controversy (caution is needed in assuming that would be permanent, though, because so far, controversy has tended to flare up again when the Chicks are visible). Whether it also has anything to do with the recent emergence of the CYH is impossible to say - these stations are unlikely to play a Roots band, even with heavy promotion, which they didn't get. (It's true that "Ain't No Son" reached the 60s in the Country airtime chart - but that was with heavy support from a small number of stations). However, even if they didn't play them, programmers and fans would often be at least aware that the CYH were active, and that may have re-sparked some interest in the Chicks.
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Post by dixietweety on Sept 19, 2011 10:41:18 GMT -8
Thanks for posting this up I'n hoping all that cack won't flare up again, and maybe not. I don't think people went too mad on the WM3 verdict, except on TMZ where the mean people there seem to have the IQ of a brazil nut, and some people on the site for WM3. There's been so new nasty Facebook pages, for example. It didnt flare up half as bad as The Comment, and that's from people who believed those guys were guilty So hopefully it rings true that people are starting to chill out about the Bush incident as time goes on. But hey, even if it does kick off again, you'll know who will fight Natalie's corner to the death! (me lol)
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Post by erik on Sept 19, 2011 16:11:15 GMT -8
Quote by dixietweety:
You're insulting the Brazil nuts out there (LOL).
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Post by james on Sept 20, 2011 4:33:14 GMT -8
It will flare up again as these sad people,will never get a life.
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Post by dixietweety on Sept 20, 2011 6:25:54 GMT -8
Quote by dixietweety: You're insulting the Brazil nuts out there (LOL). Heh, heh, very droll I love droll humor I know some people will moan because they'll always be sad idiots out there who never let things go. That's rednecks and right wingers for you. But i noticed that there wasn't half as much drama kicking off over the WM3 than there was over Bushgate, and supporting people who the anti-Chick clowns think are guilty (they probably only think so because Natalie knew they were innocent), seems worse than stating something rightful about an epic fail like Bush. So although there will be losers who think the Chicks are traitors, hopefully there won't be half as much melodrama as there was before
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Post by erik on Sept 20, 2011 6:48:24 GMT -8
Quote by dixietweety:
The worst thing to come out of the West Memphis 3 case, in my opinion, is the notion that the justice system failed. In a certain way, it did. It failed the young men who were accused, and it failed the boy who was brutally murdered.
And the reason it failed, and the responsibility of its failing here, lies squarely with the prosecution and an overzealous public who needed to find quick and convenient scapegoats, and a quick and convenient reason, even if it was an unprovable red herring.
The justice system in America isn't the problem. It's the people doing the prosecuting, who are so often driven by their own personal ambitions, that are the problem (IMHO).
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Post by thinwhitechick on Sept 20, 2011 7:02:05 GMT -8
and it failed the boy who was brutally murdered.. The boy!?! How 'bout 3 boys. If you didn't know that, which obviously you didn't, then you shouldn't be posting on this subject period.
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Post by erik on Sept 20, 2011 9:16:00 GMT -8
My mistake then.
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Post by Bingo on Sept 20, 2011 12:42:54 GMT -8
I don't see the WM3 as having much impact on whether the Chicks are on Country radio (now or in future). During that campaign, Natalie was associated (speaking vaguely from memory) with Eddie Vedder, Cybil Shepherd & Patti Page - none of whom seem to have a link with the Country format. People who disliked that campaign are probably more likely to lump those people as "celebrities" than to associate them specifically with the Dixie Chicks. Even the civil law suit (which mentioned the Chicks as co-respondents) seems to have been linked much more with Natalie in the public mind.
I think that time and the hiatus have, to some extent, put more distance between Natalie Maines, perceived as a symbol of what (to use their words) some people see as a "blowhard Liberal celebrity", and the Dixie Chicks, seen as a musical group.
I think, at least to some extent, that what has been seen of the public persona of Natalie in the last few years no longer reminds so many people specifically of what they remember of the music of the Chicks' heyday. That music is still popular. There's a temptation for people with very strong feelings on either side (fans or bashers) to think that everything about the Chicks has to be taken as a package that you either support or attack. For many people, though, I think the reality can be more nuanced.
It doesn't surprise me that WOS and CTMA topped the playlists - those songs are anthemic - and also have a very general appeal to Country listeners that transcends issues. They'll still be played as classics decades from now. It surprised me more that 41 separate tracks had been played. That is a good sign.
The article made one point which is both misleading, but at the same time a reminder of the complexity of this topic. It said that the Dixie Chicks made another pitch to Country radio in 2006 - but they barely did. Natalie did not want to try Country radio at all, Simon did. As a compromise, we know he was allowed to try four Country markets - but the promotion stopped there, and even friendly DJs got no interviews, and stations in the rest of the US didn't even get the record. The four markets weren't named, but I'm certain two of them were Minneapolis and Chicago. What I'd like to know is how many of the current plays are still in markets like that, and how many are specifically in markets which previously banned them.
The article is interesting, but lacks that sort of detail. The only current station it seems to name (WSM-FM) could also be misleading. This is not now connected with the Opry station (WSM-AM), although it uses the same call-sign - it was sold to Cumulus some time ago. It picks up a younger audience - but, probably to some extent still carries enough of the Opry kudos to make it rather untypical of the format.
It's therefore good that the Cumulus VP says they play well in some of his markets - but knowing the detailed breakdown would be interesting.
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Post by dixietweety on Sept 20, 2011 13:19:43 GMT -8
Yes, the people doing the proscution judged on evidence that was purely circumstantial and wrote them off as killers because of so called 'satanic' interests. I used to listen to gangsta rap as a teenager (no taste whatsoever in music lol). I never once broke the law, not even a speeding ticket. Which just goes to show judging people on liking things to do with death as criminal masterminds is bull and this is a big example of how it isn't true in all cases
I pray that people can forgive and forget and I think a lot of people have. The ones who haven't are hateful individuals and no matter how many times Natalie apologized, it would have had no gravity because these people love to hate because they get some sort of thrill out for it, for whatever godforsaken reason. I have a family member who's the same way, and it didn't get her very far. I disowned her because it brought me down. Her mindset reminds me a lot of the people who went to extremes to vent their dislike to what she said. A lot of people definitely want to hear them have airplay again
I'm not sure on the airplay, but I have it on good authority that Lubbock still banned their music. Imagine being shunned by your own hometown, that's awful. Instead of focusing on the huge amount of talent Natalie has as a singer, they focused on an off the cuff comment. They should be proud of Natalie, but that small town mindset apparently had some considerable dislike to another native, Mr. Buddy Holly
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Post by Bingo on Sept 20, 2011 14:10:32 GMT -8
To be fair, the Lubbock music scene showed a lot of support. Bukka Allen (Terry Allen's son) is touring with the Hounds, and has been on their chats. Joe Ely encouraged Martie to build her HEK studio, and attended their first concert in support. Back in 2003, Joe, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock all supported the Chicks publicly - Jimmie Dale, in particular, going out on a limb comparing George Bush to Hitler, and the neo-cons to Nazis. (That was clearly an exaggeration - but he was very angry)
But Lubbock is a very Conservative town, with a history of artistic outcasts. Many musicians leave the town ("Lubbock in my rear view") - usually for Austin. But they usually associate with the general Alt. Country scene, and retain affection for their roots (e.g Kimmie Rhodes : "I left West Texas Heaven, the only one I've ever known"). Like "Long Time Gone", they often mourn the lack of Country Music variety on the airwaves ("It's still the Flatland Boogie, but where did the Wolfman go?
Natalie's unusual in that she not only broke with Lubbock, but also seems to have rejected the whole scene. Although she appeared on a Tsunami appeal record with Joe Ely, since moving to LA, she seems to have rejected her links with her roots. That may well have been what she needed on a personal level (and obviously, it's her decision to make) - but I think it's been sad on the purely musical level.
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Post by erik on Sept 20, 2011 16:15:02 GMT -8
Quote by Bingo:
Maybe, but so too were accusations thrown against anyone who disagreed with Bush even in the slightest that they were "coddling up with the terrorists."
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bozar
Baby Chick
Posts: 157
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Post by bozar on Sept 21, 2011 2:22:28 GMT -8
this article is very very biased. it basically tries to say that the chicks career was over after march 2003 and that is not true. the whole point this article is trying to make is irrelevant, because they make it seem like the chicks wanted to be back on country radio , but they didnt even make an effort. this is just an article that seems to be trying to redeem country radio!
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Post by dixietweety on Sept 21, 2011 4:30:31 GMT -8
I'm pleased Lubbock is supporting Emily and Martie, but they don't come from Lubbock originally like Natty. Maybe that has something to do with it, but I'm pleased they're not going to to the whole 'guilt by assocaition' level
It sounds liek a nice place, but yes it struck me as very Conservative. One Lubbock website does support Natalie. I can't remember which one it is, but it has a whole page in support of Nat where people can post things. Even Natalie's sister posted on there
I agree their career wasn't over after 2003, they have gotten less airplay but that didn't stop record sales. It's over (temporarily? I hope so) due to Nat's departure. I still love Nat and miss the Chicks, but I'm focusing on the CYH. As somebody mentioned, it would be great if the CYH isn't seen as a temprary stopgap
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Post by sthdvs2012 on Sept 21, 2011 7:36:34 GMT -8
They are being played a lot more here in Alabama... They play "Cowboy Take Me Away" a lot... and "Sin Wagon" is the most common. I've hear it about three times a week.
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Post by dixiechicksfan on Sept 21, 2011 7:56:06 GMT -8
There career isn't and never was over unless they want it to be. They don't need to be an arena mainstream act. I have no qualms about they being in the alternative sector. So what if they play smaller venues? Smaller is usually better when it comes to shows. I would much rather see them in a House of Blues kind of show than in an arena. There's nothing wrong with that.
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Post by thinwhitechick on Sept 21, 2011 8:05:26 GMT -8
^ Tell that to Natalie.
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Post by Bingo on Sept 21, 2011 8:46:02 GMT -8
There's always been tension between Lubbock as a wider community (the City, and large parts of its population), and the Lubbock Music Scene. The website Dixietweety mentioned has its roots in the music scene.
The Maines family have their roots in Acuff, population about 30, which is in the County, but outside the City limits. Several of the honky tonks and music venues are also outside the city limits. The reasons for the music scene having a long "Outlaw" history are complex - it's sometimes attributed to the natural environment, the lonely flat countryside and the perpetual winds influencing the "soul" that inspires the music, and sometimes to the tensions between the creative urge and the conformist social mores that tend to prevail in the city. Whatever the reasons, it's been one of the crucibles of Texas music. As I said , most musicians move away - Lloyd Maines, I think, has or has had property in Bulverde and Austin.
In terms of the article, what it says is ended a career (not their career). That is something the Chicks themselves agree on, and is probably almost undeniable - it was a turning point, and they are never likely to try, or want, to return to the sort of career they had back then.
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Post by bill451 on Sept 27, 2011 10:32:06 GMT -8
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Post by Bingo on Sept 27, 2011 15:45:39 GMT -8
"it gives me pause to wonder if the Chicks are thinking to themselves ‘If only…’”
I really don't think so....I think some fans wish they were still big in this market, but I doubt if they do themselves. The 2006 promotion definitely rejected most of this market - and if they subsequently regretted that, I think they would have put out a more format friendly album by now. There's no sign of that (and I don't think it's just Natalie - comments by all three of them suggest to me that they would still reject that identification.)
That leaves something of a question mark. Emily and Martie have more or less identified with the Roots sector (but, still, I feel, somewhat ambiguously. For example, the unrealistically high prices charged for some gigs suggest that they can't quite bring themselves to adopt fully the role of an Alternative band. In my view, they're on the way to that recognition - but not fully there.
I suspect that, still, somewhere in their minds there is the wish that they could be recognized as a big draw in Pop, or General Music (though I see little concrete sign of that happening).
Natalie's recording of "God Only Knows", in theory, had two potential advantages for the Adult Pop scene - a classic Beach Boys song, called by Paul McCartney one of the greatest songs ever; and production by Rick Rubin, who's greatly respected in the urban and general music fields. Yet was there any sign that the recording was widely noticed? Was it played anywhere, was it widely taken up by web sites, was there demand for it to be promoted outside the digital download market?
In my view, the marketing of any potential future music still contains many unsettled issues.
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Post by redbarron on Sept 29, 2011 18:08:33 GMT -8
I still say if they had handled it differently, the whole thing would have been a lot better and perhaps, they would back near the top in country, where, I feel, they really belong. I guess, they didn't want that. One of the reasons I'm going to the Fire Benefit (aside from CYH, Asleep at the Wheel, Lyle Lovett, Joe Satrioni and Eric Johnson) is because I'm afraid this might be the last time to see the Chicks. Apparently, Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) personally asked all these acts to perform.
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Post by thinwhitechick on Sept 30, 2011 6:08:48 GMT -8
I still say if they had handled it differently, the whole thing would have been a lot better and perhaps, they would be back near the top in country, where, I feel, they really belong. I agree with you. They really did screw up big time. And the incident has very little to do with it in my opinion. That was just an excuse. JMO.
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Post by Bingo on Sept 30, 2011 13:14:45 GMT -8
I agree with what you're both saying: I think they could have ridden through the Incident in Mainstream Country, probably with around half their previous casual audience, and most of their core fans. But I don't think they wanted to.
Despite evidence that many people (not just on Dixie fan boards) want them back, I think they still don't want to have any truck with that sector. And in any case, I think it's far too late. I'm sure that FUTK finished them with much of the industry, and with many artists who might have otherwise been sympathetic (and before anyone argues it was a jab at Toby Keith, and he deserved it - that wasn't the way they handled it. They could have kept it to their own concerts - where their fans would probably have cheered it - but they brought it onto a televised annual showcase, of an organization that hadn't slighted them, in front of artists and viewers who were nothing to do with their dispute. You'd have to be a fan or a saint to forgive that - and I'm afraid the industry's a little short on saints.
Their 2006 promotion left potentially friendly DJs out in the cold - with no CDs, no interviews, and obvious preference given to rival formats. Contact with journalists, programmers and sector promoters was deliberately broken. Add to that several remarks that were derogatory to fans, and made them feel unwanted.
Of course they were entitled to do all of this - it's their life, their career, their choice. All I'm saying is that we (and they) can't have it both ways. I definitely think they're gone from Mainstream Country - and I think that's what they want.
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Post by redbarron on Oct 13, 2011 7:58:14 GMT -8
I hope it's what they want, because they sure screwed up a good career for it.
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