'Live' Hanson lives on as guilty pleasure

While millions of young fans fell in love with the boys and their music, many critics dismissed Hanson's efforts as talentless, cheesy pop.

Whatever critics thought about the quality of Hanson's music, no one could deny that the three little kids deserved at least some respect for writing and performing all their own music (perhaps placing them at least a level or two above infamous teeny-bopper favorites such as The Backstreet Boys and The Spice Girls).

But could the teenage trio live up to the challenge of putting on a respectable live show for thousands of screaming fans?

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In its latest release, "Live From Albertane," Hanson proves that practically growing up performing on various stages for whoever would listen has paid off.

The 12-track release contains mostly live versions of songs from "Middle of Nowhere," along with a few Motown tunes the band performed regularly before it got famous and one original, new song.

"Live" is one big party, packed with adrenaline from beginning to end, mostly through electric instruments and sincerely emotional vocals. Hanson has made it obvious that when these guys perform live, they have fun.

The most striking aspect of the album is most songs are performed in a lower key than they are on "Middle of Nowhere." Although this alteration probably came as an unwanted reaction to lead-singer Taylor Hanson going through puberty, it only helps the quality of the album.

Unlike the trend that develops throughout Hanson's previous work, on "Live," the guys actually sing the songs rather than shriek them - and they even sound like boys. Only one song actually suffers for the change. "A Minute Without You" just isn't as impressive without the high-pitched chorus that leaves you wondering how Taylor's voice can possibly go that high.

The best song on the album is also the one that stands out most - "With You in Your Dreams." Crammed between two intense electric jams, "With You in Your Dreams," a reaction to the death of Issac, Taylor and Zac's grandmother, is the only acoustic tune on the album.

The song is absolutely beautiful both lyrically - because of emotional, soft vocals - and instrumentally, because of the rawness of the acoustic guitar and keyboard.

"Ever Lonely," the only new song on the album, is very similar to Hanson's previous work.

It is a song about friendship with a theme resembling that of "I Will Come to You," proclaiming "If you're ever lonely you can call on me." It has danceable beat and catchy melody indicate that Hanson's next studio album could prove the band is more than a one-hit wonder.

Another highlight of "Live" is the performance of "MMMBop," the hit song whose lyrically intelligent verses are too often overlooked by the seemingly silly chorus. Hanson's choice to perform the song electrically turns out to be a good one, producing an interesting variation from "Middle of Nowhere's" version.

The three Motown covers on the album, "Gimme Some Lovin', "Shake a Tail Feather" and "Money (That's What I Want)" are fun, but don't live up to the quality of the rest of "Live." "Gimme Some Lovin'" is the best of the three, but it's slightly silly to hear a 14-year-old asking for "Some Lovin" from his "pretty baby."

The finale of "Live" is one of its strongest points. "Middle of Nowhere's" bonus track, "Man From Milwaukee," is the perfect song to end with, as its lyrics inspired both the title of "Middle of Nowhere" and "Live From Albertane" (Albertane is the fictitious home planet of "the man from Milwaukee.")

Although it doesn't offer much as far as new material, "Live From Albertane" provides a wonderful display of Hanson's live talents, and is definitely an album you'll want to have at your next party ... even if your friends make fun of you.

Reviewed by

Daily Arts Writer

Amy Barber

Mercury Records

Live from Albertane

Hanson

11-24-98