The standard of decency must have risen a bit since you last checked.
Unless what you're saying is "decent - nothing more." They are moderately competent musicians, nothing special. Maines at least can hold pitch, although she overdoes the sliding between notes. She's a little screechy on top, but that may be a "country thing" (country music is definitely not my area of expertise). But the backup singers are dull and not always dead on pitch, and the accompaniment is so over-engineered - damped and tweaked and remixed - that it doesn't sound "real".
I have never heard them sing live, so I have no idea if they actually can sing in tune. It's amazing what sound engineers can do. (Best examples I know of this are the Who and Fleetwood Mac. It was embarassing to hear them live, as they wandered around hunting for the pitch.)
Ain't it the truth. At one time I loved Crosby Still & Nash. Then I heard them live. I had to walk out after 20 minutes. Not only could they not sing or play in tune, they had the volume cranked to levels that should be illegal
Yes, they can sing in tune. Even after 1 and a half hours, they can still sing in tune, acappella. I don't know what all this talk about crossover is about, but they're more country than Garth (in concert anyway). I was sure I was at a country concert.
I know what you mean about live concerts and aging singers. It's embarrassing. After a summer spent listening to some gold oldies in concert, I swore off rock concerts. (Luckily, my favorite concerts are classical, no voice, no pitch problems.)
The good thing about the Chix tour spiraling down is that now they'll be on the B list, which means they'll be appearing at a venue near me in the next few years. Hopefully, they'll have learned their lesson by then. Nobody serves up better humble pie than middle America!
You really don't know much about The Who, or Rock in general do ya? I would much rather hear raw energized talent than puff perfect harmonies, although they are something wonderful to hear sometimes. (YES, Queen, Heart, Eagles) But your complaining about, and being embarrassed for The Who and FWM not nailing harmonies just shows your utter lack of knowledge and appreciation of true Rock!
What, does "Abba" turn you on!