CD Review: Hanson: Shout It Out

Allow me to start this review by asking you for forget I mentioned the name Hanson. I know you are all thinking “those little bastards who sang “MmmmBop”?” Yes, it is that Hanson, and that was a long time ago. In 2005, I read an article about the band surviving and thriving independently: producing their albums (working with musicians like Matthew Sweet), touring, and actually growing their support base. I purchased the album they were supporting at the time and was impressed with what I heard. It was still a little sugary for my taste, but I saw the bones of a great band that had been playing with each other their entire lives.

Flash forward to 2010 – Hanson is still independent and their music is continuously maturing. Their most recent effort called “Shout It Out” rests equally on foundations of soul and pop. The lead single “Thinkin’ ’bout something” has a pretty decent horn section running through most of the song. I feel like my interest in the band is finally paying off: last year singer Taylor fronted the super-group “Tinted Window” which was pretty fucking awesome (Bun E. Carlos on drums – yes!) and now “Shout It Out” sounds exactly like it should – three guys who are totally in each other’s heads laying down some tracks. It is tight and sounds good. I hear Hanson puts on a pretty good live show, I am not sure if I am willing to intermingle with their post-pubescent fan base, but I am not ruling it out either.

This video recreates one of the best scenes in Blues Brothers – can’t fault them for good taste

Update: I found a live performance of the song on Letterman…

You can purchase “Shout it Out” on Amazon