Hanson dazzles young crowd at Northern Lights

By DAVID MALACHOWSKI, Special to the Times Union
First published: Sunday, August 17, 2003

CLIFTON PARK -- The three brothers of Hanson came into town for a sold-out show at Northern Lights, bringing a little of the old and a lot of the new.
With many fans coming in from other states, the long line went around the building. It was girls, girls, girls; teens and preteens, save for a few dads and very patient boyfriends.

The wait was long to get in but the stories overheard were worth it. Brittany Demarse admitted, "We used to fight over who would marry Zac," while Danielle Coonradt revealed she had "Hanson slumber parties when they were on 'T.G.I.F.' and we used to push the heads down on our Barbies so they'd look like men, and put on different clothes and married them to other Barbies."

That said, in many ways, Hanson is the thinking girls' boy band. Hanson plays their own instruments and writes their own songs. If 'N Sync or Backstreet Boys ever tried that, well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty.

In Clifton Park, Hanson hit the stage running, shouting out "Welcome to the show!" followed by the loudest, highest-pitched screams you ever heard in your life, and kicked off with the edgy "Rock and Roll Razor Blade."

Isaac was in the center on guitar, and Zac (drums) and Taylor (keyboards) on the sides, dressed comfortable and casual. Though somewhat older now, their boyish good looks were still there, albeit with shorter, less-blond hair.

"Strong Enough To Break" held a catchy melodic way and killer sibling harmonies that would last all night long. A vibrant "Love Somebody to Know" had Crosby Stills and Nash & Young vibes, so it came as no surprise later in the show when they covered "Teach Your Children" with sparkling, lush harmonies.

Congas announced a solid "Run Away Run," while the pensive "When You're Gone" was an oldie from way back in 1997. "With You In Your Dreams" hit home with the adoring crowd. "Underneath" showed maturity wasn't a bad thing for Hanson.

Taylor did a solo spot with a yearning "Crazy Beautiful." New single "Penny and Me" was perfect catchy pop, not at all pandering.

But it was megahit "MMMBop" that had the girls going completely out of their minds.

Near the end, Hanson turned up the heat with classic rocker "Rip It Up," showing as much as things change, they still stay the same.

Opening for Hanson is a thankless job, but singer Teitur offered some fine, Beatlesque tunes and got more than polite applause -- as opposed to dead silence -- which is in itself quite an accomplishment.

Original Article