What does it mean that Amazon.com paired the Dixie Chicks’ new album with Al Franken’s new book for a special discount deal? It means some people can’t let go of the past. So the Chicks shocked some fans a few years back by making clear their opposition to the invasion of Iraq; they’ve had a good, long maternity leave to mull over their outspoken ways. And guess what–things haven’t changed. The album’s first single, “Not Ready to Make Nice,” conveys their current state of mind pretty clearly. Plus, they’ve inched ever closer to the black heart of rock -n- roll by working with producer Rick Rubin, who turned legions of country-music-haters into Johnny Cash fans, and by tapping local talents Gary Louris and Dan Wilson for songwriting contributions. Come to think of it, since Texas probably still hates the Chicks, we’re more than happy to consider them honorary Minnesotans.
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