On my way home from the concert, lightening streaked across the sky--blinding me for a couple of seconds--while rain pounded against my windows, checking my speed as I drove across the state of Michigan.  This made me think of the MMMBop (Yes, I'm actually using this word in a sentence, but I'm not going to write out the definition 10xs. (c;) of amazement that Hanson in concert always holds for me.  It was past midnight on a school night and I was watching the most brilliant display of natural fireworks I'd ever seen. I was literally struck by the hundreds of new experiences my association with the band has brought. I'm convinced this has been true for hundreds of other people out there as well.

My first thought when I arrived at the strikingly historic Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit, was that this show might be an intimate gathering of the faithful--thinking most people will be there for the other headliners. Well, if you were ever concerned about the health and vitality of the so-called "Scream Squad," there is absolutely nothing to worry out.  It's alive and kicking!  As one sign read, "We're here to see Hanson."  The "faithful" congregated inside the theater doors complete with signs, body markings, tattoos . . . a scene directly out of the annals of the Albertane Tour. Meanwhile, from ornate balconies high above, the Q95.5 DJs and their families encouraged more screams and taunted the crowd by yanking a piece of blond hair from a daughter or cousin, implying it was "Hanson hair" and letting it waft down to the zealous crowd.

With lions that looked to be relatives of those in the Alexandria Hotel, as seen in the TTA video, the Fox Theatre was radiant.  This provided the most appropriate setting in my mind for my first concert of the new album. Some of the other performers seemed like "radio performances" or more accurately TRL performances, with the exception of the incredible Macy Gray.  Just a note, according to the DJs hosting the event, Vertical Horizon was the band that Hanson was supposedly there to see. VH certainly held the title of true "rockers" that evening--and with the Hanson endorsement as their intro, the crowd was pumped to hear them. Anyway, the following is Hanson's playlist (as I remember it, the order may be off slightly in the middle):

1. You Never Know--For anyone who wondered why this was the first track on the album, in concert it set the stage for a "we're back and taking no prisoners" type of atmosphere for the entire evening.
2. Where's the Love--Like returning to ride your favorite rollercoaster at an amusement park, this song rocked.  When I heard the intro, I thought, "Is this what I think it is?"
3. Runaway Run--"Are you guys ready to rock?!!" Taylor asked the crowd.  That you actually hear the band forming the words to this song with their own mouths is almost unspeakable.  It was incredible to be in the presence of Zac Hanson during the drum interlude!
4. This Time Around--I'm not sure about anyone else, but this can quickly become an anthem for the die-hard fans as well as the band's comeback!  How fun is it to sing the chorus with a theater full of people who respect the guys as much as you do? Plus, I like to think of this as Isaac's song, because he always looks like he loves performing it . . . both lyrically and musically. This performance was no exception.
5. If Only--You watch Taylor playing the harmonica and you think once again, "What next? World peace?" I mean, what isn't possible for this person?  This song has the wattage to light up an entire theatre!  Besides, it truly defines summer for me!
6. Thinking of You--This notorious song that the guys composed one night when they were supposed to be doing dishes . . . ages ago in Tulsa.   It makes me misty to think of where this song has been and what it is today. ::sniffle::
7. Happy Birthday--For Hanson buffs, June 1st is Mr. Hanson's birthday.  Taylor led us all in wishing "Dad" a musical happy birthday. It was fun to share in the celebration, Mr. Hanson!!  And many, many more!
8. MMMBop--Like Federal Express and UPS, this song delivers on time, every time!  How much do I love to see Isaac's head bobbing along with the chorus?  How much do I love to see Taylor reinvent the bongos?!!!  How much am I affected by the thought that cool-guy Zac sings his heart out on this song that has virtually defined his entire life?  Well . . . you know what I'm saying. (c;
9. In the City--Really, did you think the guys would end the evening without this rock-heavy, energetic punch?  I know that ambulances have a hard time negotiating traffic in the major cities, but when you actually hear Taylor's own voice asking you those ridiculous questions (As if it would be humanly possible to doubt your love for the band?!!)--you wonder if you're going to need an EKG for an erratic heartbeat. Yes, my Little Pretty, your pulse truly freezes for an instant!   Another fun fact about this performance, Taylor lead the crowd in jumping during almost 80% of this number!  ::grin::
10. This Time Around chorus (a cappella)--Reminiscent of the final reprise of Weird during the Albertane Tour,  Isaac and Taylor called Zac back for a final serenade.  This brief, but eloquent breath at the end of the performance is simply reassuring . . . with talk of disappointing album sales and knowing that you're not really quite on Hanson's exclusive summer tour, this song says, "We know why you guys came. It's the music.  We love it and we want to give it to you."  Strangely, I had been comparing this track to Weird in a conversation with a couple of new friends before the show:  The odd coincidence of the 3rd track position, the soul connection factor, the longing for a world where you make a difference, etc. etc.

Like the intensity of lightening, you think you remember how cool it can be, but when you're actually in its presence again, you realize how electrifying it truly is.  I'm sure I'm not alone in comparing Hanson concerts to this natural phenomenon.  What an amazing night!

A note about the incomparable Macy Gray--she seemed to embody the Fox Theatre with her mellow tunes and silky smooth performance.  She was also striking from head to toe in flowing shades of tangerine orange with big, 70s glasses.

Feel free to send your reactions to this review: dknstormy@aol.com