The Chicks – Taking The Long Way – 20th Anniversary Edition – 3 LP
This was originally the trio’s 7th album, & the effort went on to win 5 Grammy Awards. Now 20 years down the dirt road a celebration is in order & with that an expanded & well laid-out 3-record vinyl version, a CD & streaming platforms lit up like gas lamps. There are also 5 bonus tracks added to the original musical menu.
The trio of Natalie Maines (vocals/Omnichord/bgv), Emily Robison Strayer (banjo/accordion/sitar/acoustic & electric guitars/papoose/bgv) & Martie Maguire (fiddle/mandolin/viola/string arrangements/bgv) were known then as The Dixie Chicks but decided later to change their name to The Chicks (don’t ask).
That aside, their American country artistry’s intact & it aged well. The impressive project produced by Rick Rubin has 19 tracks that bless Taking The Long Way – 20th Anniversary Edition (Drops Oct 2/Legacy Recordings/Sony Music). It’s a masterful showcase for the many stellar session musicians in attendance. There are wonderfully performed songs, not many political swipes but overall, the set is what it’s supposed to be – entertaining. The country-rock is solid, the ballads earthy, the country-pop isn’t dipped in artificial sweeteners, & the risk they took in some respects was calculated. It did scratch their reputation but didn’t scar them…too deeply. The audience is an artist’s livelihood. The music must be good, but it’s the artist’s job to sell tickets & albums. Don’t alienate a loyal audience.
As for the album, the production had a lot to do with it; the trio has a distinctive captivating sound here & Rubin nailed it. They could’ve easily been packaged as a country-tailored Abba, but they weren’t. This repertoire is presented with enough polish even though the songs are a bit darker, the musical gloss buffed to a matte finish. In some respects, it allowed the album to rise above mere country mainstream glitz. The music has striking moments that aren’t commercially sticky. It opens with “The Long Way Around,” with ‘60’s girl group pop catchiness that’s instantly gripping. The harmonies are sharp & well-recorded. Not exactly classic country in tradition but it has its rootsy rock lineage. A wonderful hot fiddle decorates the tune like an accessory.
“Easy Silence” hovers close to a spiritual vocally with a gospel strain. Beautiful piece. But Natalie sparkles on “Everybody Knows” a basic tune ignited by her fine voice, intonation, range & phrasing. She makes the song exciting & the backup is soulful like a “sweet inspirations'” girl group. The other side of the spectrum is the gently rendered “Lullaby” — simply delightful.
“Lubbock Or Leave It” is rockier with a fiery fiddle & smoking banjo lick. These types of excursions make the album worth it if you’re “tough guy” who doesn’t like girly type songs. Mike Campbell (electric & acoustic guitars) co-wrote this with all 3 Chicks. (That just doesn’t sound right, does it?). This is invigorating stuff, & the diversity displayed is obvious. The pacing gives the album momentum.
There are some minor missteps. “I Like It” is too cliché rich, typical pop-country, simplistic, repetitive with no creative coherence. But that’s because all the prior songs are so much more effective. Well, not every grape is made into wine. But the trio regains their footing with “Baby Hold On.” This has vocal illumination, it isn’t forced & of course, it’s just another “hold on” song among thousands.
The bonus tracks are worthy but more to whet the appetite of aficionados who like demo versions. Several of these have since been released as finished songs. Just not indulging pieces.
Music makes words more eloquent. Chocolate in milk, whiskey & ginger ale, a nib of a good pen with bright ink to a fine piece of paper & a kiss on a perfectly smooth cheek. Life can be perfect depending on the recipe, the duo, & the team. Music is no different. It’s language & The Chicks as a trio…ah, that & this album was serendipity.
Highlights – “The Long Way Around,” “Easy Silence,” “Everybody Knows,” “Lullaby,” “Lubbock Or Leave It,” “Silent House,” “Baby Hold On” & “Thin Line.”
Musicians – Lenny Castro (percussion), Richard Todd (cello), Marvin Etzioni (mandolin), Gary Louris (electric & acoustic guitars/bgv), Larry Knechtel (piano/organ/Wurlitzer), John Mayer (electric & acoustic guitars), Lloyd Maines (pedal steel guitar/mandolin/Omnichord), David Campbell (string arrangements), Gerardo Hilera (strings), Jonny Polonsky (electric, acoustic & lap steel guitars/piano/bass), Smokey Hormel (electric & acoustic guitars), Bonnie Raitt (bgv), Chris Testa (Xylophone/chimes), Chad Smith (drums), Benmont Tench (piano/harmonium/harpsichord/Hammond organ/Farfisa/Wurlitzer/tack piano), Matt Sweeney (acoustic & electric guitars), Dan Wilson (electric, acoustic & bass guitars/piano/bgv), Brian Swartz (trumpet/horn arrangements), Steve Berlin (horn arrangements), Terry Landry (alto & baritone saxes) & Lon Price (tenor sax). RIP Laura Lynch.
CD @ Apple & Amazon + https://shop.thechicks.com/products/taking-the-long-way-20th-anniversary-edition & https://vinyl.sonymusic.com/products/the-chicks-taking-the-long-way-20th-anniversary-edition-3lp