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with distance
March 2004
treachery
Over the years, my appreciation for Hanson's music and an affection for
the band have caused me to hold back from making a list of my least favorite
songs. But now, with distance . . . and the awareness that I inevitably
will again be charmed senseless by the new album, I list because I love.
I have a controversial theory
that what most irritates us reveals what we fear most in ourselves. So
I also list as a way of self-criticism.
- Hand in Hand
The bitter, whiny texture of this song punctuated by the insistent dark
beat, blankets me in what feels a lot like Isaac self-pity. The song
screams, "Complicated. Angst!" I'm amused and simultaneously
filled with real pity for how easily this song could be parodied. Isaac--pull
yourself together, friend!
- End of the Line
Frankly this song creeps me out. I can already sense that no one
on earth will agree with me. And yet, I feel like I'm at a party on
false pretenses. It calls my bluff. I have to fight the lure of just
going along with everybody else who simply adores this song. The spirit
and lyrics of this song seem woven with the assumption that the fans
side with Taylor, particularly in choices that may have disrupted others
in his family. I'm probably reading far too much into it, but it feels
a lot like a subpoena--a summons to appear in court on his behalf. Taylor,
you know I'm there for you, but please don't name me as an accomplice
after the fact..
- Ever Lonely
I couldn't even remember the name of this song as I was considering
this list. I rarely dislike the harmony of Hanson's music, but this
one grates in an unexplainable, unpleasant way. There's something very
hackneyed and cliched about this song--but these elements are present
in other work that don't bug me in the same way (I Will Come to You,
etc).
- Rock n Roll Razorblade
Similar to their treatment of In the City, Hanson's apparent
zeal for this song--their, "Hey, did you catch this anthem?"--felt
a lot like a forced password to a secret "hip Hanson fan"
club. Although I've joined just about everything else (ahem, HansonWorlds),
I really do have standards. (c; This song is the anti-This Time Around--which
was a smarter, more organic anthem selection.
- More Than Anything
(Live from Albertane)
More than anything, it's the contrast between the sweet, sweet original
version of this song on Boomerang that jaded me against the concert
version of this song. The weight of its self-importance seems to crumble
the first-crush feeling of Isaac's innocence in the "one take"
3-Car Garage version.
The hole has been dug,
I'll continue to lie in it:
Wake Up
For many reasons, this song is pretty laughable. I trust more
than one of these reasons are apparent to you--at the top of the list
is the company it kept. I'm going to be brutally honest and include
myself in this one--my own gushing at its release is worth a chuckle
or even a guffaw. What takes the cake for me though, is Zac's involvement
in this whole project--how he kept a straight face during any stage
of its planning and execution is beyond explanation. Perhaps its the
greatest proof of his family loyalty.
foolishness
Wow, it appears Zac
emerges unscathed by this treacherous list. Hmmm--probably means I have
absolutely nothing in common with this kid.
Here's one more secret revealed
as I brace myself for melting yet again under Hanson's wiles (a.k.a. April
2004 album release). The following is a description of the way I perceive
each of the brothers' relationship with the fans:
Isaac: That earnest,
yet goofy youth leader, recruited by your church because he's a single
guy in his early twenties who might have the potential of relating to
the youth. Two words-- well-intentioned goofiness (overused, but accurate)
or maybe boyish manliness
Taylor: The older
brother in college whose brief, memorable visits include dinner, laundry
and general mad fanfare by an adoring family. Two words--magnanimous
idol
Zac: Your brother's
friend who comes over for dinner from time to time and loves to tease,
aware of your secret crush on him. Two words--familiar mystery
Sharing these true confessions,
gives me an attitude against which I can measure the integrity of my reaction
to the upcoming album.
every word i say
In the middle of the fray, finally, I leave you with initial thoughts
about Every Word I Say (the previously unreleased track from the
Penny & Me single):
First of all, it hit me with
this single that there's absolutely no more blaming the evil record company
for decisions on Hanson's albums . . . album covers, b-side choices, overproduction,
etc.
Honestly, the lyrics felt like
explored territory. Haven't we heard Hanson confess that "they want
you for always" with "forever and a day" and "1,440
minutes" and "not a second passes"--I realize many of those
sentiments involve crush, and this song is more about the seeds of a lasting
relationship. And yet, still very little about it felt completely fresh
("revolution" was first tread for me in When You're Gone).
If pressed for a unique element,
I'll cite the sound effect which sounded like something was technically
awry with my copy of this single . . . a reverberation? Wait, there's
also the whispers--a clever punctuation of the title . . . the need to
lean in to catch every word?
Unfortunately, this song has
unfair competition. It is no Underneath.
The melody is not one I dislike.
It's very pleasant, but I've already forgotten how it goes. Shame on me!
But then again, it didn't make the "list." Whew . . . my hanson.net
membership isn't a complete hypocrisy. I plan to categorize my recent
crabbiness and my willingness to share it as familiarity . . . not the
kind that breeds contempt, but the kind that weathers every aspect of
the people we care most about.
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