setlist

• Optimistic (Radiohead): Mellow. It's as if Hanson is on a mission. Must. Sing. Optimistic. Do you get it? Do you get it?
• It's a Long Way to the Top (AC/DC): Total surprise! Two covers to open a concert? That takes cajones! At first I thought it was going to be "Born to be Wild" as I strained to catch the first lyric, "Ridin' down the highway . . ." I had to ask the person next to me what the name of the artist was. This sounded like another take on the sentiments of "Strong Enough to Break." Title lyric: "It's a long way to the top if you want to rock 'n roll."
• Dancin' in the Wind: (Taylor on guitar) This song had already hit its high note for me in Chicago. Although, it totally rocks in any city.
• A Minute without You: Taylor introduced this one by saying, "We're always thinking of you," causing me to believe that I would begin to hear the notes of another song. Sly or muddled confusion? Neither?
• Every Word I Say: Secretly and groundlessly, I felt like this inclusion was personal wish-fulfillment as I had hoped to hear it at the Navy Pier. It doesn't sound quite polished in concert--almost as if playing it loud is an attempt to make up for what it lacks in practiced flair. All the more endearing to me.
• If Only: This song always makes me smile as I have a covert hypothesis that it speaks of a person struggling to maintain "purity"--an internal moral conflict, the result of religious upbringing. I don't have to mention that in light of recent life history, if you subscribe to this proposal, the song is either extremely poignant or ironic.
• Look at You: The night was really about dancing for me--I pushed away thoughts about what I must look like to those around me.
• Broken Angel: (Zac solo) When you're able to sing along with this song, you feel both the vulnerability and the great effort to maintain dignity. This one was requested by someone before the show. "You know who you are,"--Zac.
• Believe: (Taylor solo) Like gold, frankencense or mirrh . . . it felt like a precious gift. I never dared to hope to hear this one in concert. Gorgeous. Pensive.
• Underneath: Several people were laughing and talking throughout "believe" which must have irritated Taylor. He introduced this one by saying something like, "I know you have a lot of enthusiasm, but could you keep it down for those who are trying to enjoy the music?"
• Love Song: It was a welcome addition in this restful change of pace, when Hanson "brings it down."
• Hand in Hand: I'm beginning to soften. Probably because Isaac was the only band member I could see clearly during the whole show, and of course, he looked like he was having so much fun.
• Hey: A highly charged version--very rock! We were lead, Taylor-style, to sing "Hey" on the upbeat. If his day job doesn't work out, this person could always fall back on a career in music education. (c;
• Where's the Love: Yee-ha we love to rope those calves!
• Gimmie Some Lovin': a concert standard with the grapevining. It doesn't lose its charm--although, it's beginning to feel like I can imagine what it's like to be a family member who sees the same show in every city, as you anticipate and smile during the same highly anticipated segments.
  
• Crazy Beautiful: this was the song that one of my neighbors had come to hear. I love to witness wish-fulfillment unfold.
• Penny & Me: the MI street team member seated on the other side of me glanced over to see if I knew the opening lyrics. What do you think? (c;
• MMMBop: It's back! Yay!
• Man from Milwaukee: The guitar on this sounds so garage. 3CG.
• Lost without Each Other: Isaac noted, "This is your last chance to dance your a$$ off!" Many people took him up on this challenge.
  
  Encore
• In The City: I was calling out, "Rip It Up!" "Rip It Up!" But ITC is and probably should be the predictable concert closer--the jumping, the adoration, the piano leap! How could I wish for anything in its place?

Hotel, motel
Make you wanna cry
Lady do the hard sell
Know the reason why
Gettin' old
Gettin' grey
Gettin' ripped off
Under-paid
Gettin' sold
Second hand
That's how it goes
Playin' in a band
--It's a Long Way to the Top, AC/DC
The setlist felt very gritty, very blue-collar Michigan. Irrationally, I sensed the Hanson regional love. I spent part of last week riding 6 rolldercoasters without ever getting motion sickness . . . I could have used some Dramamine at this show. In all seriousness, I was almost swooning from the rock-groove that took over.

I completely let myself go--taken over by the beat--jumping around mad with the notes and lyrics, arms clapping overhead and the whole body inside each song. I mean the music was tossing me around like a wave.

calling all mice
On the day of a Hanson show, I have this sensation as though everybody around me is somehow resisting the undeniable melody of the pied pipers we call Hanson. While I'm magnetically pulled in the direction of the music, others have supernatural powers to resist these devilish pipers.

As I was lured towards Kalamazoo, the day couldn't have been more of a contrast to the breezy, summery fireworks evening of the Navy Pier less than 2 weeks earlier. The chilly rain seemed more fit for October than mid-August. It was a day out of one of Penny's dreams.

Off topic pet peeve: I hate it when people refer to Kalamazoo as K-zoo. It sounds so "Frisco" or "Chi-Town" or "the Big Apple." I mean, do natives of these places refer to their hometowns this way? It's especially notable with K-zoo, because it takes an interesting name and reduces it to sounding like a sneeze or a toy you would find in a crackerjack box. Does a person really garner any cachet at all by using these kinds of nicknames? Seriously, I'm curious.

unpopular theories
Originally when the ticket arrived, and I saw Row CC, I was skeptical about whether it was really third row, as promised. Probably row 29. So approaching the usher, a kindly man in his mid-60s, I was genuinely surprised that he walked down to folding chairs in the orchestra section. It was one of those rare occasions when reality outshines cynicism.

However, as we were way to the right, directly behind the piano--only Isaac was visible to our section most of the show. Taylor was looking directly at us during about 50% or less of the show. That is, only when he stood. Unfortunately, Zac was completely blocked both when he was behind the drums and when he played the piano for a solo.

My unpopular theory about up front seating was confirmed. The theory goes like this, up close seats aren't all they're cracked up to be. This is due to unpleasant reverberation from the amps that could lead to hearing loss; also the likelihood of logistical inconveniences--like this blocked view incident, but the reasons also include the prospect of shoving from other fans and the accusatory, watchful glare of security guards. Not that I'm complaining . . . naturally up close seating also includes the possibility of fleeting personal interaction with the band and the ability to catch rare details of the show.

Another counter-culture theory I've had since Indianapolis is that it would unfair for me to pursue or hope for meet and greet passes as I've already had my chance. In fact, I haven't checked my hanson.net email in years (my connection is so slow and that mailbox is always jam packed with weird spam). Laura speculates that I've missed more than one opportunity to meet the band again. I guess, I'll never know.

neighborly day for a neighbor
I mention the backstage theory as I was seated a row behind the hanson.net photographer / interviewer and right next to an ardent Michigan street team member. The photographer / interviewer looked really serious and qualified to take pictures. Her boyfriend had ear plugs but he more than gamely, almost enthusiastically, joined in all the clap-alongs. Very cool.

The street team member was so kind--she had M&G for Detroit. Which she totally deserved as she described the long hours she's spent burning Penny & Me singles on CD (to be distributed around town) and photocopying promotional flyers for Hanson.

Seated on the other side, was a very sweet girl who had come with her boyfriend and his friend. They had intended to wait outside during the show. But as they approached the State Theatre, a woman offered the guys 2 free tickets to the balcony. The girlfriend had never met the band before. This is the kind of fan, I am intentionally not checking my h.net email for. I sincerely believe, the band would love to meet her--adorable with a genuine love of the music.

I met Jacki and her co-worker friend. After having brought a co-worker to my last show as well, I later wondered in horror if leading with, "You look just like your picture" sounded slightly freaky when you're trying to keep online acquaintances on the down-low.

I also caught up with Jenn again. She filled me in on the Indianapolis show which sounded like it was electric--wired by Taylor's energy and resulting high-voltage antics. It confirmed another theory, Indianapolis never has to ask Hanson, "Where's the Love?" My schedule prevented me from attending this show. ::sob:: Sometimes, vicarious concert experiences can be suitable consolation prizes.

Random groupie observation: On the day of the show, I saw Frankie Muniz on E! stating that he had returned to the set of Malcolm in the Middle as they had resumed shooting. (c;

venue notes
The last time I was in the State Theatre was several years ago to see Jonny Lang. I noted that he is scheduled back for October. The colorful mermaids, grape vines, Grecian women with orbs in their palms . . . a true Hanson Underneath aura.

Unfortunatley, the show had not sold out, but it was only evident in the back of the balcony. The Kalamazoo Gazette is directly across the street from the State Theatre . . . I realized it was a wonderful gesture to have promoted the concert as Hanson approached town: Kalamazoo Gazette.

As I bid farewell to the Underneath Tour, I was completely satisfied. I could have left the show after Believe and I would have been happy. The pipers had come within an hour of my home . . . I left overcome, but I lived to tell.

closing thoughts about the opening bands:
rounding out a collection of Southern boys
Experiencing Michael Tolcher's music was fun after having listened to his album following the Chicago show. His fan base seems to be visibly growing. I now know "Hey--what's going on" was added to the performance of his song, "Miracle." A great concert number. I also learned he is from Georgia.

And poor Ingram Hill had to instruct some seated Hanson fans, "I'm talking to you. Don't look at your friend. When you stand up and dance at a rock concert, it's funny, but somehow you have a much better time." Briefly, I was embarrassed for Michigan. I enjoyed this band, as I had not heard them before. (Ben Jelen, Maria M, Michael Tolcher and now Ingram Hill? . . . I'm not worthy. (c;) They noted that they're from Tennessee.

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