Although West Chester University Hanson fans may be a bit upset by the trio’s sudden cancellation of a WCUR interview on October 28, I am here to report of a time where I can’t recall ever being giddier. That same night, October 28, 2005, the blonde, baby-faced boys of Hanson played a sold-out show at the Trocadero in Philadelphia, PA. I have never been to a concert where I have seen so many braces, but it was a one-of-a-kind experience. Not having seen them perform since I was in the 6th grade, my expectations were high. The three new albums since “Middle of Nowhere” debuted in May of 1997, including their newest release, “Underneath”, compelled my expectations even further of an entirely new and slightly more mature performance. Hanson did not let me down. Though they are much older now and have themselves grown up, they can still sing those old favorites filled with highpitched “woo’s” and “ohhh’s” as if a day had not gone by since “MMMBop” was number one on the radio. Though the newer songs are energetic, catchy and much more serious, I am partial to the tracks off “Middle of Nowhere.” Childish as it may seem, Hanson is a kind of band where you can pretend to be twelve again without having to feel the awkwardness of puberty. This leads to another reason why the show was such a great time – Hanson knowswho their fans are and what they are there for. We teenyboppers want to scream and let Taylor know he’s hot and that we came to have fun and feel young. Crowd participation was a big aspect of their show.
After their encore, they even came into the crowd and the lucky girls up front got hugs and handshakes. Another thing that stuck out was the eclectic crowd that is drawn to a Hanson show. There were the expected majority of young, screaming girls but there were also a cluster of older people, hip-hop kids, hicks, and punk rockers. Hanson is apparently a site for peace among all kinds.
One thing that did upset me about their show was that not only did they neglect to play “MMMBop,” but they also played about three cover songs. I like cover songs just as much as the next person, but if you plan on playing cover songs, you better play your biggest hit, as well. Comeback-band etiquette is obviously not Hanson’s forte. Other than the lack of “Middle of Nowhere” music treasures, the show was entertaining, exciting and definitely worth the trip to Philadelphia. Hanson will continue their “Live and Electric” tour to places all over the country, not only promoting themselves but also their new independent label that they now own. With your paid admission you got a free sampler, which featured bands also on the new label, 3CG Records.
Hanson may have a new label and a new look but one thing will never change, Taylor is still the hottest one. For all you secret Hanson fans, their latest album can be picked up at any record store or if you are really that embarrassed you can order it from their website www.Hanson.net. You can also find out more information regarding their tour, merchandise, and any other special appearances the boys might make. Although they let me down by not coming to West Chester, they totally earned back their points by performing their little hearts out for nearly two hours at the Trocadero. Next time Hanson makes a Philadelphia appearance, get your tickets early because you don’t want to miss these beautiful boys.