Gaslighter

In July, the Dixie Chicks released their first studio album in 14 years. The anathematic single 'March March' and its associated socially poignant video piqued Nate's interest, which has led to an interesting discussion in our house about The Chicks and their music. 

I explained to Nate how they were famously ostracized by the country music community after making controversial comments about President George Bush and the war in Iraq, and that they have never been afraid to publicly voice their opinions.  I respected them then, because what they were saying was 'just because you don't agree with what your government is doing, that does not make you un-American'. After he played me the new record, I told him, "I was proud of them then, and I am proud of them now."  Its a record about standing up for yourself, and independence. About believing in your own power and not being afraid to show it.  I was thrilled that he connected with them and the message.  I encouraged him to write a review for the blog.  

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After a long and suspenseful break (aside from touring without new music), The Chicks have dropped "Dixie" from their name and returned with the updated, and very original Gaslighter. 

In collaboration with Jack Antonoff (Fun., Taylor Swift, Lorde), the Chicks show us their ability to make strong, classic sounding country music in an industry that has turned it's head towards modern pop. The title track and lead single Gaslighter, is a perfect example. Lead singer Natalie Maines says, "...that became the title track just because most Americans didn't know what that meant a few years ago. I learned about that in therapy. We never thought of any other title for the album." For those unfamiliar, Gaslighter is a word used to described "a psychological manipulator who seeks to sow seeds of doubt in a targeted individual or in members of a group, making them question their own memory, perception or sanity." The group says that it both describes the things going on in their personal lives, and in the current political climate in America. 

Maines's recent divorce from actor Adrian Pasdar is said to have fueled most of the record, accompanied by the current state of affairs in the United States. This is especially apparent on March March. 

Not enough good things can be said about this track. The group uses the song, and video, to address a number of social justice issues such as misogyny, mass shootings, gun control, systematic racism, and global warming. The song alone is incredibly powerful, but the music video makes it even more so. As a list of names of victims of police brutality flashes, footage of Black Lives Matter protests plays. In an interesting way, its as if the song was made for the video, instead of the other way around.  Dad tells me the golden age of music videos has passed, but this is a throwback to a time when the video was part of the emotional connection to the song.  

 

March March video linked to photo.

Another thing that really struck me about this record was its instrumentation. In particular, I found that Tights On My Boat has a very creative and sonically effective use of the violin. Martie Maguire, the violinist for the band, follows Maines' vocal track with her instruments, in a way that sounds like backup vocals. I also think that the simplicity that echoes throughout most of the record showcases the groups instrumental abilities very well. 

All in all, I'm very impressed with this record. Antonoff's work with the group once again displays his ability to produce records based on the artist, not on his personal style. Maines has taken exceptional care of her voice, and it sounds as good as ever  (listen to "For Her"). The Chicks have, 14 years later, built beautifully on their existing catalogue and on their tradition of independence, standing up and speaking their minds.  

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