Taking the Long Way

The battle lines are clearly drawn with Dixie Chicks. On one side are those wishing ill upon them for singer Natalie Maines’ Dubya smackdown back before he was Mr. 29 Percent Approval Rating. On the other are those rooting for them for precisely the same reason. Their new Rick Rubin–produced album may not satisfy either group. The Chicks remain steadfast about their politics, but the songs, while consistently pleasant, are only intermittently memorable. Leave making Sheryl Crow albums to Sheryl Crow.