Top of the World Tour

Recorded during their controversial 2003 tour, these two discs romp through an ample sampling of hits ("Wide Open Spaces," "There's Your Trouble," "Goodbye Earl," "Travelin' Soldier") as well as beloved album cuts ("Hello Mr. Heartache," "Some Days You Gotta Dance"). Twangy and cheeky all the way, the group rides an energy wave that continues through the stunning two-song encore of "Top of the World" and "Sin Wagon." Yet as powerful as the full-band performances are, the trio's true essence emerges during the acoustic moments--"White Trash Wedding," "Ready to Run," and "Lil' Jack Slade" among them--as well as the Texas shuffler "Hello Mr. Heartache." Some acts might have tried to gloss over a flap like the one Natalie Maines's anti-Bush administration remarks caused. Not here. Patty Griffin's "Truth No. 2" (from the Chicks' Home album) faces that issue head-on. But beyond the political tempests--and Music Row's still-bruised feelings over their contractual firefights with their label--this collection affirms one truth: the Chicks remain the best hope of bringing country into the 21st century with postmodern vitality and its traditions intact. --Rich Kienzle