Dartmouth Chicks?

I hadn’t realized the full impact of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines’s off-the-cuff comment about being embarrassed to come from the same state as President Bush that she made to London audience back in 2003 until I saw the documentary “Shut up and Sing.” The film details the incredible fallout from Maines’s comment, showing fans’ desertion and aggression toward the band, mainly in the southern Jesusland states. The film flip-flops between the 2003 tour and the band’s resolve to make a new album, two years later, and to restructure their musical identity.

The documentary, ads for which were not run on several American networks, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and had a modest run in theatres this past autumn. (Interestingly enough, when sales for their 2003 tour dropped off in the southern states, they remained strong in Canada and several dates were added – Moosejaw was a possible gig mentioned in the film.) But their five wins at the Grammys last week was a quiet vindication for the band. They left behind their country roots and fans and were embraced by the arts community and a whole new rock fanbase.

Welcome to the United States of Canada, ladies. We’re happy to have you.