So mainstream country radio dissed the Chicks—but the group hit #1 on Billboard’s country and pop charts anyway. That said, is Taking the Long Way (produced by Rick Rubin) a good CD for we Americana fans? Mostly, especially the first several tracks where there is major ATTITUDE. Then, to my furry ears, cuts start sounding alike and the CD enters a kind of glossy sonic snoozeville—until the gospel-like I Hope, a song co-written by Keb’Mo,’ ends the record on an inspirational and positive note. It ain’t perfect, but you gotta respect the Chicks—no matter how you feel about their presidential dis--for sticking it to the man and living to tell the tale.