M2M: My favorite Norweigan muffins

Unlike many highly publicized teen bands, the Norwegian duo M2M isn't just a studio creation. Marit Larsen and Marion Raven have been friends since the age of 5, write their own material and have parlayed their common interest in music into a successful recording career. --from rollingstone.com

I’m sure you’re all thinking the same thing.  What in the world is a seemingly normal, albeit slightly obsessed Hanson fan, doing writing an article on M2M? No, Kate has not gone off the deep end. Nor am I laying myself out to be scewered by the M2M-haters in this community.  I’m writing this article because:

  1. I’m curious. The boys agreed to have M2M open for them for the majority of the This Time Around Tour 2000. They must have seen *something* in the girls that impressed them, musically or not, that helped to make this decision. I’m trying to figure out what that something is.
  2. I’m bored. This is definitely a drought piece.  I needed something to keep myself entertained. Exploring M2M’s world has been a fascinating process., trying to figure out the appeal of these Norweigan muffins.

Thoughts on their album

After much deliberation and sampling on Napster and CDNOW, I bought “Shades of Purple.” At first listen, I wrinkled my nose at the overly bubbly, pop-produced sound.  However, after a few more rounds on my CD player, the similarities between’s Lironi’s “wall-of-noise” production style and M2M’s debut album became aurally apparent.  There was scratching, there was an upbeat acoustic vibe, there was some surprisingly strong harmonies.

So, I had to admit it.  I like their album.  It’s a guilty pleasure.

However, despite the overall quality, some of the lyrics leave much to be desired.  (ie. I love you/I guess I really really do.) It’s not exactly overly awe-inspiring, but on the other hand, the songs have a direct-overtness that’s a kind of refreshing.  (ie. We don’t have to figure out the metaphoric meaning of cigar tar or ammunition.)

I was also impressed that the girls had co-written the majority of the songs on “Shades of Purple,” and one in particular, “Girl of your dreams,” was penned entirely by Marion.  It’s a sweet and personal song that every teenage girl can relate to--about a boy that she was pining for who didn’t return her feelings. (Side note: On their fan discussion board, someone asked Marion whatever happened to the boy she wrote that song about.  Her response?  “He probably works at a gass station somewhere.” *mwah*)  

And an honorable mention has to be made about one song that could have been completely inspired by our favorite “Pretty Boy,” Taylor Hanson.

Thoughts on their live performance

There was a special on the Disney Channel the other day that I decided to watch: BBMak and M2M in concert.  Watching the girls perform live on this television show made me realize something very important: I totally did not pay attention to them at *all* during the Massey Hall show.  I was too distracted by the anticipation of Hanson europhia. Without the diversion of our three lusciously delicious boys, I was able to observe and critique their live performance.

Here are some observations:

  1. They have really nice live voices.  Their singing translates very well from the recorded stuff to the live show.  Their harmonies are just as winsome, and Marion’s high, nasal twang blends very well with Marit’s more hesitant, but sweet crooning.
  2. Best part of the live performace: a completely raw, down to the roots, performance of “Don’t mess with my love,” featuring Marit on her acoustic guitar (ala Isaac) and Marion with a pair of shakers (ala Zac). Even with the obvious Hanson allusion, I really think that the girls do acoustic much better than overproduced rhythm pop, and the song’s meaning is just sassy enough to be totally enjoyable.
  3. Marion addresses the audience with many a diva-esque smirk, eyebrow raise, shoulder twitch, and hip shake.  But she will never in a million years touch Taylor’s majesty.
  4. Marit looks really uncomfortable when she doesn’t have that bright red acoustic guitar resting on her shoulders.  Sort of like how Isaac looks kind of weird during “A Song to Sing” with his hands folded on his lap. 5.) Their bass player is *really* annoying.  Can someone tell him that the goggles have to go?

Thoughts on Hanson’s influence on the girls

So they toured together for what? Four months? It’s pretty scary what kind of affect our boys have had on these unassuming female pop stars from Norway. I guess what they say about “impressionable young women” is true after all…(all info from m2mfans.com)

Evidence #1 And our favorite bands are…

As much as we hate to admit it, while on the road, the girls probably got to hang out with our boys.  Without a doubt, the boys had control over the CD player.  M2M did a chat on Esmas.com on October 26, 2000, and here’s what they said:

GMENGELLE:   Which is your favourite artist ?
Marion:   The Beatles, Vertical Horizon, Counting Crows.
Marit:   Sheryl Crow.

Evidence #2 Our second album will sound like…

M2M’s second album will be released sometime this fall.  The parallel between what their saying about that release and what the boys said about This Time Around is, frankly, eerie.

From Norweigan publication, VG: “It's too early to say anything about the songs, Marion Raven remarks. But M2M have said on a couple occasions that the new album will be rougher and more like rock than the debut one.”

Here’s something that’s Marion posted on their discussion board.  It’s got Taylor’s name all over it. (ie. “It will always be Hanson”)

Marit and I have written all the songs on the next album.
We also play on all the songs.
The album is still pop. But,it depend on what you think is pop.
Max Martin? or The beatles?
We have our own style, but we will always be M2M.
Just even more real this time.With a live band playing with us.

As opposed to not real? Imaginary music?  Sorry, that was bad. :X

Evidence #3 We can do “From Us to You” too, but we’ll just call it “Dear Diary” to go with one of our songs…

Just like hanson.net, the girls have their own online community.  On m2mfans.com, Marit and Marion interact with their fans by answering questions on their discussion board and posting news and messages on their online “Diary.” (The difference is, it’s free.)  They’re actually much better than the boys at posting news and such on a regular basis. (As in their last post was a few days ago, rather than a few months.)

Here’s their latest post:

At 4/26/01 10:36:20 PM, Marit writes:
Hey everyone! I don't really have anything to write except that I read the forum and realized how great it is that all of you keep coming back to this site to check up on us. I know this sounds sappy, but it means the world to the both of us. Really :D
Hugs, Marit.

Aw, isn’t that sweet?!

Thoughts on the so-called girlfriend status

An article about M2M has to address the girlfriend thing.  It’s inevitable. We speculated, we ranted, we freaked out, but in the end, we still don’t know the entire truth.  And you know what? It doesn’t really matter.  I am not denying or confirming the rumours that Isaac and Zac dated either of the girls. However, it is very important to note that the rumour itself is definitely a factor in contributing to my motivation to find out more about M2M.  I find it insanely fascinating that that small bit of controversial press was essentially the beginning of my journey to buying their album. More evidence that any press is good press. ::shudder::

Now it’s your turn…Like M2M? Hate them?  Jealous of them? Want to poke their eyes out for being lucky enough to tour with Hanson? Let’s discuss.