undercover
August 2004

liner notes
Recently my friend Ann sent me a mix tape of songs that remind her of Hanson songs. She's a huge Beatles fan:

"I guess the theme of this CD is Hanson's uncanny resemblance to other classic singers and songwriters, and as it turned out, there is a big emphasis on piano/keyboards in the tracks I chose."

Tracks to "With a Little Help from my Fr[i]en[d]s":

  1. Hey: Ann notes that the piano in this song is similar to that in #2. I've always found a slight resemblance to "Cecilia"--Simon and Garfunkel.
  2. Smackwater Jack--Carole King
  3. Money (1)--The Beatles
  4. Money (2)--Hanson
  5. She's Leaving Home--Paul McCartney
  6. Lulabelle: Ann notes that this song bears an uncanny resemblance to #5. I completely agree.
  7. I Feel the Earth Move--Carole King
  8. Love Somebody to Know: Ann feels that this song is similar in style and theme to #7. Again, I agree. We both were confused by its title, until we heard the lyrics. As Ann states, "Very clever, these Hansons." Indeed.
  9. Good Day Sunshine--The Beatles
  10. And Your Bird Can Sing--The Beatles
  11. Wake Up: The connections to #10 are obvious. Check out the link.
  12. Crazy Beautiful: The horn section must have reminded Ann of #13. Ann and I love the brass!!
  13. Got to Get You into My Life--The Beatles
  14. Every Word I Say: Both Ann and I did not have "love at first listen" for this song. But now? It has charmed us.
  15. Misery (1)--Hanson
  16. Misery (2)--The Beatles
  17. Penny and Me (album): Ann asks, "Why did they edit out whole phrases from the bridge on the single version?" Good question.
  18. Penny and Me (acoustic): Ann noticed that this version is actually in a different key from the album version.
  19. Feelin' Alright--Joe Cocker: Ann introduced me to this song and now I love it. I also enjoy the Traffic version of it as well.
  20. Love Somebody to Know

Tunin' it up a notch
Ann inspired me to ask a friend at my mall job with a faster internet connection and an iPod loaded with 100s of songs to make me a mix tape. What I didn't tell her was that the thread that held the collection together was that each song was one that Hanson has covered or promises to cover in concert. Unfortunately, iTunes does not carry either The Beatles or Radiohead so my list went like this:

Tracks

  1. Ain't No Sunshine--Bill Withers
  2. American Girl--Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers*
  3. Crosstown Traffic--Jimi Hendrix
  4. Discoball World--David Garza, Isaac's love for David Garza does not disappoint if this is your first listen to his music (as it was for me in this fun song)
  5. Everyday People--Sly & The Family Stone*: Way old school.
  6. Feelin' Alright--Traffic: Not a cover, but I really love this song.
  7. Free Fallin'--Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers*
  8. God Only Knows-- Beach Boys*
  9. I Want You to Want Me-Cheap Trick
  10. Kate--Ben Folds Five: A lot cuter, less melancholy than I thought this song would be. Fun.
  11. Love Me--Elvis
  12. Magic Carpet Ride--Steppenwolf
  13. Rip It Up-- Little Richard. Pure dance party.
  14. Signed Sealed Delivered, Iím Yours--Stevie Wonder
  15. Stand by Me--Ben E. King*: A long, long time favorite for me.
  16. Summertime Blues--The Beach Boys*
  17. Sunshine of Your Love--Cream
  18. Teach Your Children--Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
  19. The Love You Save--Jackson 5*: Old school once again.

    *Indicates an album I actually own.

On the album I made for Ann, I added this track:

Bonus
Johnny B Goode--(Chuck Berry) as performed by Hanson & (must we forget?) Jonny Lang

These are the songs that are on my wish list:

  • Optimistic--Radiohead
  • Blackbird--The Beatles
  • Drive My Car--The Beatles
  • Hang on Sloopy--The Supremes

I should have asked for:

  • Gimmie Some Lovin'--Spencer Davis Group
  • Johnny B. Goode--Chuck Berry
  • Piece of My Heart--Janis Joplin

high fidelity: My favorite part about these mix tapes is that I can be driving around town and rocking out all the while, only true fans can detect the Hanson connections. Plus, Rip It Up is PURE entertainment--to the point of anticipating a traffic light or construction to fully enjoy its beat. How dorky am I?

Ann is super fly!! You rock!

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