Enhanced CD
Version 2.0
I was pondering the fact that none of the 5 songs inspired in me that infamous first hearing of MMMBop. Then, it occurred to me that the fact that Hanson shared with us five songs that, although they spent thought and time on, would not be on the next album signifies respect. I take that kind of gesture seriously. They were not blackmailed into it, like with the first E-CD of their early Boomerang tracks. But they offered it, out of the blue . . . some may suggest after years of waiting, it's a small token, but if I can still manage to spin my lackluster reaction into Hanson's favor, then I still believe. (c;
first thoughts:
This CD is like Hanson's 2nd coming for the fans who didn't have the chance
to live in Tulsa circa 1995-1996. The fans who couldn't catch the guys
around T-town ::wink:: have the chance to hear the preliminary exclusive
music for this third studio album.
With the illusion of a back story behind the video clips and lyrics, I am the recovering alcoholic stepping back up to the bar . . . or the communion table--equally dangerous. I found way too much humor in Isaac once again using the phrase, "just slightly, but not too much" in one of the video clips--a remark I found way too humorous on the Hammerstein concert CD.
"My name is Jackie . . . and I'm a recovering addict."
This CD is an "as good as it gets" declaration (about life, not their music) from three never-truly-left-our-family-for-the-bright-lights-big-city rock stars who remain true to their angst. Does it get better than that?
"Yes, I'm tired
of trying to let go." Next Train
the play list
Down
For me, there is an absurd pleasure in considering that this is the more
intelligent, more mature sequel (rare) to "Wake Up." Like the
literary nerd that I try to cast myself as, I love the up / down contrast.
Each song seems to take you from dawn to dusk . . . from radio alarm to
lullaby. Where "wake up" seemed a little contrived in the love-sick
optimism department . . . "down" tends towards manufactured
pessimism--especially the repetitive title throughout both songs. And
yet, ironically, there's something really soothing about the blues.
Rock
'N' Roll Razorblade
It feels like if I didn't know better, this song might have been
ordered for a summer rollerball movie soundtrack. Of course, upon further
listen with the ear of a "been there since 1997" Hanson fan,
the lyrics are loaded with significance. I mean, "watch me bleed
. . . "? Come on, pure I / T / Z, taking it to the next level ::grin::
. . . not to mention a history of "and though my flesh is gone"
and "if only I had the guts to feel this way."
Next
Train
This is probably my favorite track. The vibe really reminds me of
the group, Travis, especially the song, "Sing." An Isaac lead
that once again doesn't make the cut (Notably, he does share it with his
most loyal fans, however). This fact alone, ratchets up its sentimentally
endearing factor. Here he doesn't seem to be trying too hard to pull the
heart strings, allowing the music to do most of the work. It is, what
it is.
Beautiful
Eyes
Fan fiction submission? I began hearing about the connection to fan
fiction--a specific piece even, but reserved judgment until I heard it
myself. This is pure "More Than Anything" for 2003. It seems
transparently one-dimensional . . . something you play to yourself when
certain emotions hit or just to yourself if you're a dreamer.
End
of the Line
I felt thrown back into 1980s hair band mid-tempo sentimental songs (dubbed
"monster ballads," no?) that seemed written by the bands' salaried
songwriters and lyricists for a target audience. I can say with certainty
as I sing along with these sugary tunes replayed on "Best of the
80s" play lists that they usually hit their mark. Infectious. Isn't
this why we love Hanson? Their depth of musical appreciation. Oops, this
is a dark song. But wasn't "MMMBop" pretty melancholy as well?
In
the Road
I just found out about the hidden track (It's in the "installers"
section of the CD: itrfiles.zip) at the bab.org message
board. It made me think of Zac's wacky comments in the Kate Sullivan,
Spin article, a few years back when he pondered an untimely and
bloody death for Taylor as the gang was peering over a drop-off somewhere
in Pittsburgh. And now Isaac's zany thoughts on "a wife's" unfortunate
encounter with an on-coming Mack truck? Those eternally goofy-funny Hanson
brothers . . . very AdmiralTwin of you guys! (c;
Note: It's a little trickier for Macintosh users to access this file,
but it's possible with StuffIt Expander.
Your
thoughts are always welcome!! dknstormy@aol.com
posted May 2003