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May 22, 2006
Contempt for Fans
I'll honestly never understand why some "artists" have such scorn for the people that make them rich and famous by purchasing their art. The Dixie Chicks are at it again:
For band member Martie Maguire, the controversy was a blessing in disguise.Look, I do not care what the Dixie Chicks think of the president. I like a few of their songs despite the sometimes nasal quality of Natalie Maines' voice."I'd rather have a small following of really cool people who get it, who will grow with us as we grow and are fans for life, than people that have us in their five-disc changer with Reba McEntire and Toby Keith," Maguire said. "We don't want those kinds of fans. They limit what you can do."
What I hate is this sort of attitude from those who make their money from the public by celebrities who turn around and mass market their product every chance they get. Make up your mind, Ms. Maguire. Are we simpering morons who you hope will fall for the slick marketing of your record company and make you richer, or the 'cool kids' who get to be part of your ever-shrinking club?
If I were fortunate enough to be a best-selling artist, I'd be grateful for any type of fan I could get, with the possible exception of anyone who voted for Kellie Pickler on American Idol (kidding!). If the Dixie Chicks truly want a smaller fanbase, I don't want to hear them whining later about how they aren't played on country stations anymore, or how their record sales have dropped. You can't have it both ways, ladies.
Oh, and Ms. Maines? Recanting an apology?
No class.
UPDATE - Seems Ms. Maines' fans in the media have taken her lead.
MusicKeep this paragraph in mind next time a member of the media writes a long, agonized treatise about how unpopular they've become.
Back in 2003, Natalie Maine of the Dixie Chicks made a crack about the President, and thousands of rednecks put down their jugs of moonshine or stopped skinning dinner long enough to call country radio stations in protest. Since then, the Chicks have been fairly quiet, dealing with motherhood and laying low. But now they’re back with a new album called “Taking The Long Way,” their first since 2002’s “Home.” Many of the aforementioned deep thinkers probably will greet the release with pig-sooey hoots of disapproval, but for most music fans it is a long-overdue treat. The Chicks again mix their unique brand of crossover rock with a country twang, but primarily the CD is a reminder that they’re as defiant as ever. Some of the more notable cuts include “Not Ready to Make Nice,” “The Long Way Around” and “Lubbock Or Leave It.” They’re back. Get over it, Clem. (Sony)
Posted by slublog at May 22, 2006 08:00 AM
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