Boozhy: a blog

Boozhy Music: Dixie Chicks Win Big!

We have loved the Dixie Chicks forever.  Our fandom was only fueled by the pillory and condemnation they received upon speaking their mind (read our past posts here).  But, they won big at the Grammy's tonight!!!!  Grammys for Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Country Duo/Group Song of the Year and Country Album of the Year all were awarded to Natalie and Co. and we couldn't be happier.  It was an amazing album and credit is due.  The Recording Industry also sent a message that art will be rewarded on merits, regardless of political whim; and that is a strong message to send.  We applaud them.

Boozhy Films: Shut Up and Censor

It's a frightening state of our Union when a documentary about Censorship and Freedom of Speech is censored by networks.  NBC and CW networks refused to air advertisements for the Dixie Chicks documentary "Shut Up and Sing."  NBC stated that "it cannot accept these spots as they are disparaging to Presdident Bush" and CW said "it does not have appropriate programming in which to schedule this spot." Weinstein & Co. released a blistering response stating:

"It's a sad commentary about the level of fear in our society that a movie about a group of courageous entertainers who were blacklisted for exercising their right of free speech is now itself being blacklisted by corporate America.  The idea that anyone should be penalized for criticizing the president is sad and profoundly un-American.

Boozhy couldn't agree more.  We've been touting the film for weeks now and were lucky enough to see a pre-screening prior to the Nov. 10 release.  In our review we intimated that the movie was one of the most telling vehicles for witnessing the destruction of our nation under the existing administration.  Bush has not only made the nation more unsafe and put our soldiers in harms way based on a web of lies and deceit, but he has continually whittled away at rights we as Americans have taken for granted.  Not the least of which is the Freedom of Speech. 

Political criticism is the foundation of the First Ammendment.  Securing the right to criticize your leader was the impetus for giving Americans the Freedom of Speech and Freedom from Censorship. While the political issues may be complicated the Right is inherently simple.  As  Bois a lawyer representing the film states "The Public deserves to hear more than the official point of view."  If NBC and CW won't show the ad, bloggers will.  Spread the word. 

Boozhy Film: Shut Up and Sing

Just saw a pre-screening of the Dixie Chicks Documentary, Shut Up and Sing and I loved it.  The film, directed by Oscar winning documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple, is an extremely candid look into the lives of the top selling female band of all time during a career-defining transition.

The film begins in 2003 when Natalie Maines uttered the 12 words that caused the entire Country music world to collectively turn their backs on the Dixie Chicks, including organized CD burnings, a national country music boycot and death threats. 

The film is a raw, smart and honest look at a sisterhood that is willing to take a stand and stand together while using their voices as artists to question authority.  Thank God Natalie and co. aren't Ready to Make Nice, it makes for a great film.  The documentary premiers in New York tomorrow and will have limited release in the States (presumably not Texas) in the next week. 

p.s. Follow the link to my previous post for a look at the trailer and I've also included a YouTube of the Not Ready to Make Nice video...

Boozhy Trailers: Shut Up and Sing

Although the good people of Lubbock, TX may still hate the Dixie Chicks for not submitting to the Texas Groupthink in which those who disagree with the administration are deemed treasonous, I love them.  And it is a love which borders on adoration.   

Included in this post is the trailer of the Documentary which follows the Dixie Chicks after Natalie Maines announced that as a band, they "were ashamed that the President of the United States was from Texas."  The fallout was imminent and the best selling female band became a political polarizing force the likes we haven't seen from an artist in ages.  I am in love with Natalie Maines, I am in love with the Dixie Chicks and I am in love with the trailer for Shut Up and Sing.  Check it out...

Boozhy Surveys: What Does Lubbock Think?

It's time again for our "What Does Lubbock Think?" column.  As regular readers know, I check in with the Lubbock, TX newspaper occasionally to see what is going on outside of NYC. This week, Lubbock Online asked if their readers would see the Dixie Chicks Documentary "Shut Up and Sing."  Seems the god fearing, W supporting, kool aid drinking folks in Lubbock still think the Chicks are treasonous.  Damn fools...