I used this joke a lot yesterday: “I’m going to see Hanson tonight!” No one gave me the “seriously dude!?” response I expected, so I had to follow it up with a lame explanation that I was going to see Tinted Windows, and in one case, I had to explain what a supergroup was.
The joke was on me though, I’m pretty sure I was at a Hanson concert.. judging by the crowd at least. Sure there were a couple powerpop guys scattered around the room that were probably interested in seeing Bun E. Carlos up close and personal (drum gloves and all.) There were those that knew that a guy from Smashing Pumpkins was in the band but saw no sign of a moody bald guy, and then there’s that Fountains of Wayne guy.. what did they do again?
I’m honestly a big fan of FOW, SP, and Cheap Trick.. Hanson not so much, so I had to be sold the opposite way the giant pool of 18 yr old girls in Hills-esque spring formal dresses did. I have to say I was impressed though, Taylor Hanson is a born frontman. Close your eyes long enough and you actually think you’re seeing classic Cheap Trick during the club days (though Bun E. was sans cigarette.) For guitar tonephiles like myself, James Iha’s SG through a Bad Cat was worth the price of admission alone. Out of the whole set, I could only pick out three songs that sounded like filler or a miss.. the miss being the last song that seemed like a rush to get the hell off the stage.
I had a great time at the show, but I had two issues that I wish were worked out.
1. Come back one last time and play Surrender or I Want You To Want me. Why not? I think it’d be great.
2. Let’s include the mystery rhythm guitar player in the photos. Sure no one knows him, and he doesn’t contribute to the “super” in supergroup, but how many people really know that Adam was the guy behind That Thing You Do and Stacy’s Mom anyway? Share the wealth.
Awesome sound at The Troub yet again, that place never disappoints.
