Article: Hanson tops global action charts

Bono, lead singer of the band U2, called Hanson’s music “genius” and New York’s Village Voice calls them, “The finest straight-up rock band in America.”

That might be debatable, but what isn’t as debatable is the U2-like charity work that Hanson is putting on in cities such as Birmingham for AIDS and poverty stricken villages in Africa.

“It’s not an awareness walk or about being aware, since I believe we are all aware of the struggles in Africa. This is a call to action. This is an action walk,” Taylor Hanson said to a large gathering of fans under a tree off University Boulevard in the afternoon rain during their barefoot 1-mile walk in Southside to help fight AIDS and poverty in Africa.
Hanson, the American band best known for their massively successful song “Mmm, Bop!” not only has matured over the last 10 years with their musical talents, but also with their goals.

One goal appears to be using their Beatles-influenced, and more recently funk-infused music and fan base to promote as much change as they can.

Article: Hanson retains familiar sound, gains maturity as a band

Some people might think Hanson ceased to exist around 1997. The group certainly seemed to fall off the map of mainstream music not long after its one big radio hit, “MMMBop.”

Don’t tell that to the hundreds that packed the State Theatre Sunday night to see an older and more mature version of that same Hanson band.

Hanson, along with opening acts Everybody Else and Dave Barnes, came to State College on its “Walk Around the World” tour and sold out the venue.

Everybody Else, a Los Angeles three piece, played enjoyable guitar-driven pop. It gave the waiting Hanson fans a chance to clap along, while the band’s drummer held his drumstick between his teeth to play the keyboard.

Dave Barnes’ music was surprisingly funky, almost R&B. He started his set with some wah-pedaled guitar and kept up the attitude for most of his set, his smooth vocals at times resembling John Mayer. He kept the audience involved with singalongs on songs like “Someday, Sarah,” and his between-song quips and jokes were well received.

New Myspace Blog

Follow Your Lead

Hanson is in the process of setting up a donation box right on their myspace page so it is easy to donate. Check out their blog for more details

Also – dont forget that hansontickets is selling pennies for donations to HIVSA. Only a little more than 30 pennies are left and I am anxious to make the next donation!

State College 10/12/08

1. Somethin Goin Round
2. Higher (cover)
3. A Minute Without You
4. Follow Your Lead
5. Been There Before
6. Georgia
7. Penny and Me
8. Go
9. A Song to Sing
10. Great Divide
11. Where Did It Start [Zac Solo]
12. Soulshine (cover)
13. Deeper [Ike Solo]
14. Blue Sky
15. Where’s the Love
16. If Only
17. Thinking of You
18. Leave the Light On
19. Crazy Beautiful
20. MMMBop
21. Hey
22. Lost Without Each Other

Encore

23. Can’t Stop