I'm a Convert

chicks
Originally uploaded by dangunderman.

Yes, dear B&E readers, I've re-accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior. That Mel incident really got me thinking...

The Dixie Chicks totally rule.

The Chicks played Madison Square Garden Tuesday night, and via my brother-in-law who's currently touring with them (thanks, brother-in-law and a shout-out to my sister for marrying a badass), the missus and I got some free tickets. Kick ass. Totally kick ass.

Obviously, with my own personal need for Bush-bashing, I've been aware of the "incident" that got the Chicks shunned by the country music establishment (many stations still refuse to play their music). But I'd never made the leap to hear the music. Generally speaking, country music ain't my bag. Classic country I like quite a lot, but I had assumed that the Chicks were sort of like Garth Brooks and other country "artists" that make me cringe.

Dude, I was so wrong. The Chicks can play, their songs are catchy, and their backup band is tight tight tight. Their keyboardist once "played for some TV thing Elvis was doing back in '68." Yeah, that would be the legendary Elvis comeback concert. They did a few bluegrass numbers that had my mouth agape.

Apparently, The Chicks have been canceling shows here and there because of lagging ticket sales. Mostly in the south and midwest. So instead they're focusing on the places they're particularly popular right now -- the northeast US, Canada, and Europe. If they come to a city near you, go see them play. It will please you. Seriously kickass.

The missus was also impressed by their shoes. They were all in spike heels, and the banjo player had red soles on hers. And on stage they're all totally hot.

By the way, I think that's my brother-in-law in the left-hand background of the photo. Those curls look vaguely familiar.