I'll Admit It. I Like Hanson.

Until last year, I thought Hanson had disappeared into the California landscape. Then Nadine told me otherwise, and now, fifteen years after MMMBop, here are 5 reasons I think we all should give Hanson another listen.


1. They have mad musical skills.

Think about it. Unlike many male-pop-groups, they perform their own songs on their own instruments. And have been honing these skills for the last fifteen years. I, for one, cannot alternate between playing the harmonica, the piano, and singing within any given minute (or ten). Also, you can't beat the smooth harmonics of siblings. Related voices blend in a way others just cannot. That's my opinion, at least.


2. They seem surprisingly well-adjusted.

All three are married, and have been for more than five years. They have kids. (Friend to me: "Wait. You're saying HANSON has their life more together than I DO??") None have criminal records. Isn't it about time we reward the celebrities who aren't going off the deep end??

3. Their new songs are catchy and fun.

Case Study #1:

Case Study #2:



4. They know how to work a crowd.

You should have seen the folks on Friday night. Clapping, stopping, singing, screaming. I saw grown men grooving. Children who must have been born post-Middle of Nowhere knew songs that I do not. And Taylor used that energy to get me, a stalwart non-clapper, to join in. I don't know how. Magic, maybe.



5. MMMBop. (I know, I know. Just keep reading.)

The Hanson brothers were mid-puberty when they wrote this hit, but the lyrics are surprisingly profound and astute - at least, the lyrics that are actually words.... When they played the opening chords on Friday night, I found myself inexplicably grinning like I was twelve again. Singing along as a twenty-seven year old was bittersweet, nostalgic, sad but hopeful.

Performed in a lower key, it felt like a great band doing a fun cover: a cover I'd be happy to hear again and again.