Don't let the garage door hit your wide load on the way out

I was a little puzzled as to why the mainstream media like Time and USA Today simultaneously rediscovered the Dixie Chicks in May until I read the fine print and saw it was all puffery for their new album, which bashes their old, patriotic fans besides taking swipes at Buddy Holly and Lubbock, Texas among other things. The MSM roused their wingnut demographic into a frenzy for the three singing philosophical geniuses and it worked well enough for the Chicks' album to hit the top of the Billboard charts for a while, although the new fans don't seem to be willing to cough up enough loot to go to concerts and ticket sales for the big Chicks concert tour are sagging. The girls seem right happy with their new demographic though - Dixie Chicks Have Strong Gay Fanbase:

But while the trio lost many country music fans, who staged record-stomping protests and banned the group from their radio stations, they gained a gay army of people who appreciated the outspoken stance the girls took - and then refused to back down.

In an interview with leading gay magazine The Advocate, Maines says, "We do think we have more liberals and more gay men behind us. We have a gay hairdresser and gay make-up artist who are with us every single day, so they fill us in."

Nothing like keeping your fingers on the pulse of the nation, so to speak.

And bandmate Emily Robison admits she notices more lesbians at their shows because they're normally smitten by bandmate and sister Martie Maguire. Robison explains, "They're usually on Martie's side. We always tease her that she gets all the lesbians."

Well, yeehaw!

Even more interesting revelations on the Chicks' new lifestyle are in Adam Sweeting's article in the UK Telegraph:

Will it be the salmon teriyaki with organic greens, or asparagus tempura and tuna sashimi? As the waiter hovers with pencil poised, the Dixie Chicks debate the menu with the practised air of professional restaurant critics. The Chicks have traditionally been branded a country band, but clearly it's some time since their diet consisted of ribs, tacos and pancakes.

Sisters Emily Robison and Martie Maguire project a polished Fifth Avenue elegance, and vocalist Natalie Maines is a vision of sculpted cheekbones and smoky eye-shadow.

Although you do have to watch out for Natalie having a gridle explosion. What ole Adam doesn't know about country dining would fill volumes, but it's clear the girls think they're real high class now. There's more in the same vein, but let's cut to the chase:

"The entire country may disagree with me, but I don't understand the necessity for patriotism," Maines resumes, through gritted teeth. "Why do you have to be a patriot? About what? This land is our land? Why? You can like where you live and like your life, but as for loving the whole country… I don't see why people care about patriotism."

Well, Golly Gosh! That's sure a big honking surprise. Can we question their patriotism now? Just wondering.