Sunday, May 10, 1998

Hanson CD an affirmation of talents

Sure, this collection of pre-record-contract recordings is a blatant attempt to cash in on the Oklahoma teen trio's current success, but it's also an affirmation of the group's prodigious talents.

These 11 self-produced songs may lack the contemporary sheen that producers Stephen Lironi and The Dust Brothers applied to the group's smash debut Middle of Nowhere, but Hanson's sunny pop melodies and overall joie de vivre still shine through even on these low-budget recordings.

Included are early versions of Thinking of You, With You In Your Dreams and MMMBop; eight non-Middle of Nowhere songs; and a few Isaac Hanson lead vocals, which help to show why the more gifted Taylor soon took over in this department.

Essential for fans.

And skeptics.

Track Listing