Hanson: Mmmboppin' Never Felt So Good!

I love Hanson. 

 I love their musicality, their passion, their lyrics, their performance style, and them in general... I love their song "Mmmbop" and the songs of "my youth," and I love their current CD, Shout It Out (remember "Thinking Bout' Somthin'?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmG0DqhfDbY&NR=1 ) . In many ways, they complete my childhood.  That sounds dramatic, and perhaps it is, but I mean it all the same. I don't mean all the posters in my middle school locker or journal entries about how I was sure I would marry Zac (below - the drummer and youngest brother), but the memories of middle and high school.  There are certain pieces of a childhood (to often mine are attached to music) that shape and create the person that you are becoming and/or have become. For me, Hanson is one of that pieces that fits in my self-defining puzzle.

This past Thursday night, for the first time in my existence, I had the chance to witness the Mmmboppin' glory of Hanson live, on-stage. I danced (a lot!). I sang (a WHOLE lot!). I smiled until it almost ached... and I screamed until my voice was a little raw. Oh, and I totally gave in and bought my first concert T-shirt... completely adorable and worth it.  They played old-school songs, new ones, and a bunch of the in between years, and I knew EVERY SONG.  Yea... I know, I know... You're thinking, "Hanson, Linze? Hanson...?" If you're thinking that, it is because you have epically failed to take my advice and check out their more recent music. Think what you will, but until you have given their last album a chance, you have no means to voice an opinion...

Musicians change and grow, and though I have always loved them and ALL their CDs for different songs or reasons, I admit that they have progressively gotten better - more mature in sound and content. It's natural for all musicians. I know what you're thinking now. "This is really deep for Hanson." Yes, why yes it is... and I think that's completely fantastic. Here is a band that I have literally grown-up with, and watched develop.  Here is a band that I am emotionally invested in, and makes me feel deeply every emotion available to the human spirit.  Here is a band that I can connect direct memories, times in my life, or past experiences to through a song of album... That's pretty incredible.

Some of you, again those who have not taken my amazingly brilliant advice, will think I sound crazy... but we all have a band that makes us feel this way.  Mine, is Hanson... and I'm pretty dang proud.  Enjoy the pictures, the videos, and the journey through my memory.  Then, take the time to think about YOUR band, the one you are so connected to that it makes you ache with happiness when you hear one of their songs... and relive your own memories.

Sidenote:  I know that I am REALLY dramatic in the way I talk about things, and more so when it comes to music.  Thus, I know not everyone has a band they feel SO passionately about (which, to me, is sad...).  I just live and learn through music... It's my favorite teacher.  

*muah*

Song of the Day:  I have two.  Yes, two.  I can do that, you know.  This first in an old-time Hanson favorite - probably my favorite of all their songs because there are SO many memories and emotions attached to it... and cause it's a good song.  The song - "Save Me."  Love it.  Second, I love their recent song "Voice In the Chorus." Listen to the lyrics (and cool syncopation) and tell the world to back off when they say you'll fail... Obsessed. Only question: Why do so many songs sing about Caroline??? Haha... Enjoy!

"Save Me"

"Voice In the Chorus"