Live From Albertane

How much do I love this album? It is nothing short of magical!! Does that give you a glimpse into my feelings?

THEN and NOW

There were a few reasons that I was hesitant about a “live” album, but, at this point, they don’t really matter any more. I’ll give you the reason and what changed my mind:

THEN: This is the THIRD album — well technically the fourth — that contains a version of “MMMBop.” I thought, “This is a great song, but come on! How far can you possibly stretch a good thing?”

NOW: The Albertane version pretty much has found room among the bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens to that place in my heart reserved for my favorite things. The guys’ deeper harmonies, Isaac’s funky guitar rifts, Taylor’s energetic bongo playing, Zac’s exuberant drum beats — Does it get any better than this?! (Except for maybe physically hearing it in a live concert.) Do you hear the evolution of the song when Taylor sings, “Only one or two will last”? I can barely even stay seated even as I write this, this song is just that irresistible! Amazing!

THEN: I was disappointed that “Sometimes” was not on the track list. It was one of my favorite concert songs with the added beats inserted in the middle of key lines. It just sounded like it lacked something when I listened to it on “3CG” after hearing it live.

NOW: Well, I saw it on the “Road to Albertane” video and, while it was cool, I now believe the band chose wisely. I can’t think of one song on this album that should be sacrificed to have “Sometimes” in its place.

THEN: Originally, I thought we could have done without “Minute Without You” or “Money (That’s What I Want)” to hear “Stories.”

NOW: What am I, insane? MWY has moved up from being a funky song near the end of the MON track list to — Whoa! Let me check my blood pressure. This song ROCKS! In the original MON version, I would usually sing along with Isaac since my voice sounds even worse at the higher notes Taylor and Zac were hitting. In this version, my voice has a hard time plunging to the bass notes all three band members can now harmonize.

THEN: With “Money (That’s What I Want)” there were a few things that I had to overcome. First of all, since I’m from Michigan, I guess I still don’t like sharing the original song released by Motown Records with the rest of the world — okay, a little selfish, I know. Second, I cringe whenever I hear about fans putting the band in danger by throwing coins at them during this song. Yikes! Finally, the lyrics make me laugh since there is absolutely no doubt that Hanson is getting exactly “what they want” in this song. (grin)

NOW: What made me change my mind about these things? Have you heard this song? It gives me chills. Could it be -- Oh my gosh, is that Zac? His voice gets a chance to show its new range! Could it be Isaac’s perfect timing while he jams? Or is it Taylor’s incredible — a moment of silence please — voice? I don’t know, there’s just something historic and just plain mischievous about this Motown favorite.

THEN: I also had a strange fear that the concert experience would somehow be dimmed when I heard it on CD.

NOW: This album gets better and better each time I hear it — if that’s even possible!! I’ve only paid the price of a CD to “attend” an Albertane concert as many times as I want! It’s like living my memories in stereo surround sound!!

YOU KNOW IT’S LIVE WHEN . . .

  • You hear Taylor say, “Come on!” and you’re willing to do just about whatever he asks you to do: clap, get on your feet, sing along, etc.
  • During “Where’s the Love” you could have sworn you heard “we’re segregated” THREE times instead of just once. This is the band's chance to remake their originals -- editing out their least favorite lines?
  • You realize that you're not the only one who feels like weeping when Hanson dedicates "With You in Your Dreams" to their late grandmother. The crowd's appreciation for this song brings tears to my eyes.

BETTER THAN A CONCERT

  • You can hear every note and every word without the fear of going deaf from other fans.
  • You can actually make out the lyrics to “Ever Lonely” and “Gimme Some Lovin’/Shake a Tailfeather.”
  • You’re not getting shoved forward while a guard scans the crowd, randomly threatening people back to their ticketed seats.
  • You don’t sense the band’s rising irritation at being attacked by numerous unidentified flying objects. I’m sure these are thrown by well-meaning fans, but nevertheless it’s frightening.
  • You can share your concert experience with your friends who were reluctant to go to Albertane with you during the summer – as loud as you want to!!

FINAL WORDS

I probably missed some things, but I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of this album. There’s no need to feel any more sympathy for people who have never heard “More Than Anything” before. Since, this version is simply gorgeous! All I can say is, “Hanson!! You guys ROCK!!”

Just a thought: If you've heard Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "Let Us Pray" -- I think that the beefier version of "River" has some chords in common with it.

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