So, first a crazy random air-raid siren went off near my house this morning, and now I’m writing a post about the musical trio, Hanson. AND I’m going to see them in concert this evening.
I do believe this could be a sign of the end…..
While I’m the first to admit that I am not a fan of the brothers (I don’t necessarily dislike them either, however – I was just “beyond” them in age when they hit the scene), I do enjoy live music and they’re not all that bad to look at, so what the heck. I know I’ll have a good time, but I could very easily stay home and watch Big Brother.
That being said, the person I’m going with will be a delight to be around, as she adores the band and has seen them in concert several times. It’s always fun to attend a concert with someone who is super-excited about seeing a band they’ve loved for so long (she was about 7-years-old when Mmmbop came out in 1996).
It’s been 15 years since Hanson won over the hearts of little girls everywhere. Although they’ve grown into mature (and quite fertile) young men who have found wives and settled down, they have never stopped making music.
Their most recent album, ‘Shout It Out’ was released in 2010…..
HANSON’s fifth studio album, Shout It Out, is a collection of finely crafted, R&B-flavored pop, an homage to the music that inspired HANSON when they started out in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma – 60’s soul and 70’s songwriters. The album produced and written exclusively by the band is augmented with special guests: Funk Brothers bassist Bob Babbitt, who played on some of Motown’s greatest hits, and horn arranger Jerry Hey, who worked with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Earth, Wind and Fire, and many more. [source]
What I love about the Hanson brothers is how they have gracefully transitioned from big-label teen-sensation to respectable indy rock band.
They write, play, and produce all their own music. They own their own label. They have put out albums with a message (The Walk), and continue to use their fame for a good cause.
Lately they seem most interested in connecting with fans. They have a very active online fan community with which they interact with frequently. They do meet and greets, special concerts for their fan club, online interviews etc.
They also seem very uninterested in the fame aspect of being musicians. They still live in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. They all married fairly young and have families who go on tour with them.
To me it is unfortunately that this band got their start in the way they did. I think it prevents them from being taken seriously as musicians. They put on an awesome concert, and consistently put out interesting music. But most people when you say “Hanson” feel the need to groan and mention Mmm Bop.
I sometimes play the game of putting on one of their CDs at a party or in the car, and don’t tell people who it is until they say they like the CD. People usually like their music before they know who it is.
Thank you Hanson for giving me 15 years of musical entertainment (and eye candy).
Very well said, Jessica! I think they’ve done an excellent job of avoiding the normal boy-band pitfalls and continuing to make their music the important thing, and not just money.