Dixie Chicks Album: “Top of the World Tour Live”

Let me say up front that I approve of the way G.W. Bush is running things and regardless of the pretext, I think we did a very good thing in liberating the Iraqi people. Natalie Maines disagrees and she's proud about disagreeing and I think that's fine too.

We don't have to agree about everything all of the time.

But most people with unbiased ears will agree that the Dixie Chicks are supremely talented. They understand the soul of country music and are able to interpret it in a fresh way that makes it accessible to people like me who never much cared for country. For my money, Natalie has the best voice and command of style and nuance of any woman performing today. (Granted, with competition like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Madonnna, Whitney Houston and even Shania Twain, that statement seems like damning with faint praise, but nobody else even comes close.)

Live albums are usually a little rough around the edges and this one has a few flat spots, but the highs so far outweigh the lows that those of us who didn't see the Chicks on tour find ourselves wishing we'd gone.

There are a lot of grins and appreciative laughs in this 2-disc set. Natalie has the grit and spunk to tell her critics to go to hell and make them love her for it.

The high point of the 22-song set - for me, at least - is Bob Dylan's "Mississippi," which gets a high-energy, up-tempo reading that makes you forget Dylan's original version on his "Love and Theft" album. It's worth the price of admission all by itself. The other new track, "Am I the Only One," is a powerful piece of music too.

If you've been estranged from the Dixie Chicks because they had an opinion that didn't match yours, you owe it to yourself to: 1. Go read the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, 2. Get over it, and 3. Buy this album.

There's room in the American tent for everyone. That's why the wackos of the world hate us.

I'm not a country music fan. Never have been. And admittedly, I bought this CD for purely political reasons, to support Gaines' freedom of speech. But I was blown away. I got chills. I didn't realize how talented these chicks were due to my simple close-mindedness to country music. Shame on me. I enjoy the versatility, attitude and pure musical talent of this collection. Travelin' Soldier hit a little too close to home, as my soldier continues to write that he will be home soon. But I am perked up by beats that I can't help moving to. Anyone who can appreciate raw talent, emotional lyrics, and strong female vocals who don't sing around a note for 10 minutes before they hit it, buy this album. The Chicks haven't left my stereo since I bought it.

This album is one of the best live albums that I've heard, whether defined by genre or male/female or single performer vs. group. I think Natalie's voice is an incredible powerhouse voice. I wish I could belt it out like she does!! And the instrumental solos are fantastic. I don't know about you, but I can't play banjo like that. I think the group's on-stage talent proves that they are, in fact, the real thing.

As far as her political opinions are considered, I do agree that GW is an idiot and has run this country into the ground. HOWEVER, people have different opinions and they should allow others to have theirs. It shouldn't matter where or when a person declares those opinions. Natalie voiced what she believed in, and I give her kudos for having the bravery to do that in a country that shuts out ANYTHING that isn't the 'right' opinion. Don't take it out on the MUSIC! Open your minds to understand that there are different people, different opinions that should be taken into account. Please listen to the music with an unbiased ear. Thank you.

The Dixie Chicks recording of the Top of the World Tour is truly amazing. This live CD is full of energy and bliss. This CD has easily made the Dixie Chicks my favorite band of all time; this CD puts me in a whole different place every time I listen to it. I can't even describe what this CD does to you, it's just so breathe taking. The music is flawless, the lyrics full of heart and the crowd as energetic as possible. From songs of Dixie Chicks politics like Truth No. 2 to Bob Dylan's cover of Mississippi to the fun of Sin Wagon and Some Days You Gotta Dance, to the emotions of Travellin' Soldier. The Chicks put every great song they've ever sang on these 2 disc set and the result is incredible. Every song is timeless and moving. The Dixie Chicks have made history.

This is not new music, it is just great music from the most talented group in the world. If you haven't seen or heard the Dixie Chicks, get this and the dvd version now. If you are already a Chicks fan, you won't be disappointed. Except maybe that eventually you come to the of the disc end and have to start it over again.