I saw “Shut up and sing” at the Gothenburg film festival yesterday and it was fantastic.

In 2003, the female country band, The Dixie Chicks, are at the top of their game being one of the most successful bands of all time.

However with the US invasion of Iraq about to begin over frustrated worldwide objections about this needless war, one of the Chick vents off the cuff in concert about being ashamed of US President George W. Bush. This statement sparks a firestorm of organized and personal right wing attacks against the Chicks for daring to think they have the right to express a negative personal opinion about the President. This film covers the band’s effort to ride out the turmoil that would leave their careers under a cloud, but would eventually give them a opportunity to grow as great artists who bow to no one.

It surprises me to see the hate and the oppositsition the girls would get for quite an innocent bunch of words. Anyways a great documentary about 3 inspiring rich texan girls.

Bjørn Eidsvåg is a brilliant Norwegian singer.

Here is one of his many beautiful songs performed by Elvira Nikolaisen and himself.

Dan Kimball writes on his blog, how he found a couple sermon transcripts by Nicky Gumbel. In those he found two letters written from individuals

in churches, who were complaining about the song selection and music.

One letter said:

“I am no music scholar, but I feel I know appropriate church music when I hear it. Last Sunday’s new hymn – if you can call it that – sounded like a sentimental love ballad one would expect to hear crooned in a saloon. If you insist on exposing us to rubbish like this – in God’s house! – don’t be surprised if many of the faithful look for a new place to worship. The hymns we grew up

with are all we need.”

This letter was written in 1863 and the song they were concerned about was the hymn “Just As I Am“.

Another letter said:

“What is wrong with the inspiring hymns with which we grew up? When I go to church, it is to worship God, not to be distracted with learning a new hymn. Last Sunday’s was particularly unnerving. The tune was un-singable and the new harmonies were quite distorting.”

This letter was written in 1890 and about the hymn “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”.

A fantastic song and a great Video.

Looking forward for the album soon to be released. Enjoy!

and the “Dancing Politicians” version of it;

A new favorite of mine!

Beautiful Icelandic music.