After Party! MOE 2015

‘After the Show it’s the After Party’- R. Kelly

                      5/2015 Kristie & I waiting in the rain outside Cain's Ballroom 

Kristie and I hadn’t left our hotel yet when we heard the rain make its descent down on the 100’s of people who were waiting outside in line at Cain’s Ballroom for a ‘After MOE After Party’ that was being held for those who attended the concert. Once the tornado sirens went off we questioned if we should continue curling our hair or get the mattress off our hotel beds and barricade ourselves in the bathtub. Needless to say, I did come to MOE slightly prepared with rain jackets and decided come hell or high water we weren’t going to miss the party (except if there was a real tornado that touched down and then we’d choose life over the after party).
After the doors opened and we were all let in there was a rush to the stage. Everyone started looking around as they filed in from the storm wondering when DJ Tay would appear. Once we had committed to a location, poor Kristie, who was wearing a maxi skirt, had to wring her skirt out, leaving a giant puddle in a trashcan. A few moments and one quick bar run later, music started, followed by loud cheering. I turned around and saw a crowd of females around the sound booth. As I walked closer to see what the excitement was about, I quickly realized that the crowd had formed because Taylor was in the booth. Last year, during the very first after party held, Taylor was on stage in a makeshift DJ booth while Isaac and Zac made a few appearances to support their brothers first spin. Sadly, neither Zac nor Isaac made an appearance this year. If they did, I didn’t notice because I was dancing like I don’t care* [I put that in italics to kind of underline that there’s a reference to catch there]. (*Let me paint a picture of my dance skills for you: it’s a pair of ugg boots with yoga pants away from winning the whitest chick in the room award.)

In the booth with Taylor were a couple of guys who I assume were involved with the weekend activities; I saw them around helping with some of the events, so it made sense they were there too. They were older gentlemen I’m guessing, in their 50’s. I bring this detail up because I find this beyond humorous; Hanson has always said they were like ‘old dudes’ in ‘young dudes’ bodies, so there is some really funny irony I find in that these older guys were hanging in the Dj booth with Taylor rocking out instead of the typical Dj booth posse. All I could think watching this happen was that song DJ Girl by Katalina (Excuse me I’m with the DJ). I can’t tell you all the songs he played, what I can tell you someone bought Taylor a shot of from a distance looked like Tequila. At first he was confused who bought this shot for him and started looking around the room to thank the person. He pointed to my friend Mel and I who were dancing in front of the DJ booth at one point, asking if it was one of us who bought him the shot. We shook our heads no and for a second I wish I had been the one who did. I have manners - but I was just too busy having a good time with the friends I only see once a year. Plus, he’s the rock star, I’m the one who’s trying figure out how much Hanson Day merch I can get away with buying before my bank thinks there was fraudulent action on my debit card.

Once Taylor took one shot, a flood of shots started flowing to the DJ booth from the fans and even when Taylor signaled he didn’t want anymore he still took them, maybe because he’s such a gentleman - or possibly he just can’t say no to free booze. I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt and to go with gentleman. Mad props to Taylor for handling his liquor, it was super adorable to witness. If that had been me, I would have had to practice holding onto the floor after about three.

The rumor mill has been in full force since, I’ve heard some interesting stories which I won’t repeat them all except the best one: “Taylor was so wasted Zac and Isaac called 911 and the Paramedics had to carry him out on a stretcher.” In the immortality words of Mr. Isaac Hanson  “ You ladies is crazy you know that?”.  Honesty, the most exciting thing that happened besides Taylor and the too many shots being the main show was that a slow moving bar line, followed by Taylor playing “Another One Bites The Dust” three times in a row. This year’s after party was by far the best after party Taylor has hosted to date. High five Dj Taylor for playing some tunes we could bounce with and showing your dedicated fans a good time.

Verdict: Raise your hand if you’re waking up in ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ sweats at night still?

Video of Taylor saying goodnight from the 'After Party', good times !!!!!
 Video Credits to : Zayra 

Song Story Submitted For Taylor's Lecture

 The Story:

Different Hanson records have played different roles at different stages of my life: sometimes they are the gospel, others, the inexpressible. Most of the time, they are the escape. It wasn’t always that way: after my first live Hanson concert during the Middle of Nowhere promo tour, I decided that never again would I subject myself to that eardrum-bursting level of screaming. I’m talking about the kind of Beatles mania-scale hysteria, complete with screaming fans holding giant cardboard signs professing their undying devotion to the band.  That was never going to be my ‘scene’, and thus ended my Hanson music experience right there and then. Or so I thought.

Fast forward to the summer of 2000. Bill’s Records and Tapes in Dallas was more than just a record store: it was the kind of sacred place where you bought vinyl and stood around playing records and dissecting lyrics. I was looking for a certain grunge album when I happened to come across This Time Around. I bought it on a whim, forgetting all about the former pact of “never-ever” I had made with myself a few years prior. 

I remember my first listen as if it were yesterday: I was speechless from the palpable, unadulterated passion bursting through the lyrics, right up to the last track’s achingly moving perfection. I remember the raw emotion and the tears I wiped away. It was love at first sight, and I fell hard.

This Time Around shook me like no other record has to date.  Maybe no other record ever will. So my song story lies within that record and is connected to a time in my life when things were much simpler and carefree

Verdict : Make sure the contest rules are clarified BEFORE you submit your entry.  

MOE Concert Highlights and Comments

A Play By Play Of  Some Songs Performed at the Concert:

Best of Times – My immediate knee jerk reaction to this song was I hated it. Then I changed my mind after this years MOE. Maybe it’s the buoyancy in Isaac’s voice or the way Isaac oozes charm from ever suit pocket when he has the limelight. Whatever it is the song leaves you more in love with this band’s music than I was before. I love ‘Best of Times’. There, I said it.

Heartbreaker- How does Taylor perform this song without busting out laughing that he just made a room full of people blush? 

On and On- Someday I’m going to lay in a boat floating down a river with one hand in the water listening to this song and day dream. 

Lonely Again- A song that never made it to the record but made its way to the world and into my list of top 3 Isaac leads of all time. I melt in a puddle of mush when they harmonize in the chorus. Heck, I’m a puddle by the end of this song anyway. 

Side Note: Since we heard the multi-tracks played during Isaac’s lectures I was more than thrilled that they choose to play it at the MOE concert. I hope they play this song more often.

Call Me- One of Isaac’s strongest melodies to date. Simple, sweet and you can tell it was written on the acoustic GRT first. The impact this song has live is something you have to experience.  

Lost Without You as a solo- Whoa Taylor’s voice!! We all knew he would be awesome once his voice matured, but who knew it would be this great? He is so expressive. Lots of guys in bands can sing out there, but very few can bring you into their galaxy through their ability to carry a melody.  And my favorite part “ Stay here in my arms, just stay in my arms tonight”  

Side note: Wondering is there a sign-up sheet for this? I’m asking ……for a friend.

Verdict:  The MOE concert experience floats somewhere on another planet. Their EP’s are stripped down without all these session musicians and over-production. Such a experience as a fan to GASP………Actually hear songs live that kinda sound like Hanson.

Day 1&2 Day 3 MOE EP Review 

MOE 2015 EP Review

The MOE  EP Song Review –

The show opened with ‘Dance Like You Don’t Care’ a song from the 2015 members EP. I will always find this song funny simply because after we watched the making of the EP members’ stream there was a blog discussion about what Taylor was actually singing in the lyrics, which was golden. 

 Here are a few of my favs from that discussion:

-The donuts so good you wanna taste it

-The cools so good you wanna taste it

-The donkey’s on the hood let’s escape it.

Musically speaking 

I find this particular song has a few moments of brilliance; the title, for one, is like an anthem to those of us who really don’t care how white our dance moves are. Taylor’s on tambourine (always a win) and the fact that it’s a beach boys sounding, rich harmony, minimal accompaniment kinda song. Synth bass, up-tempo ='s FUN.

The live performance

My friends and I have a private running game that when Taylor is walking the stage and if we are lucky enough that he stops where we are standing and we happen to be close, it’s our cue to bust out our best dance moves, then later rate who rocked harder while we dissect our concert experience over late night pancakes . It’s silly, but we like to pretend that Taylor approves. 

Verdict: There are no donuts or real koolaid in this song. 

Give Me Your Best Shot- 

Musically speaking:

Taylor playing drums is like looking into an alternate universe of what Hanson would look like if Zac’s main instrument were piano and Taylor’s drums. While it’s exciting to see them switch instruments I get totally distracted by Taylor bouncing when he plays drums, it makes me laugh cos it’s so dang cute. 

Zac’s vocals have a little  TTA raspy sound I love to hear from him and there’s a nice gtr groove Isaac adds to the song. Nothing memorable about the song and it’s my least favorite on the EP. I’m bias and I think there are better EP Zac leads than this one. 

Live Performance- 

When Zac took the piano it was almost like he was channeling his inner big brother Taylor. He stood the whole song and his vocals were on point; Isaac did his usual mambo #5 thing with his hips that makes the crowd swoon. 

Verdict: All this talk about shots makes me thirsty.

What Are We Fighting For  

Musically speaking I had no idea what to expect when we were watching the members live stream of the making of the EP. But the lyric “ What are we fighting for, where did we go wrong” made me think this is the prequel to The Walk’s song “GO”  . There’s a very melancholy feel to the song and found this deliberate diffuses in the melody. It almost perpetuates then started to expand as the song goes on.

Live performance – 

Besides the catchy piano parts and Taylor using his upper register really standing out in some of the harmony parts, Zac really shines in this live performance.  I can promise you this, if you listen to this song once, you’ll have it stuck in your head for weeks. You’ve been warned.

Verdict:  A bit of Coldplay and Chris Martin in the delivery just proves my theory that Hanson EP’s have hidden gems on them that sometimes have better songs than on the mainstream records. Also I’ve had this song stuck in my head for a week now….HELP!

Grace Unknown

Musically speaking – I dare anyone to say Mr. Isaac Hanson doesn’t have a stunning voice. He brought his inner Springsteen out and made me think of “Glory Days” and “Born in the USA”.  I could geek out and mention the connection in the lyrics and do a comparative analysis but my friends in the Hnet forums have already done that. If you’re a member you can check out the geeking out in “ I heart Hanson thread” on HNET.  

Live Performance – Can’t really comment because I’m still picking my jaw up off the floor.

Verdict: Fan club members Ep's never disappoint 


Day 1&2 Day 3 Concert Review  

MOE 2015 Day 3

MOE 2015 Day 3-

Bowling

The team I usually bowl on kicks butt.  I am not a kick butt bowler, my team, however, probably keeps me around because I don’t mind making bar runs for everybody while they crush the competition, or at least break the top 5.

Seriously, who doesn’t like bowling? It’s the only sport you can drink beer, eat pizza and you don’t have to be super coherent to compete. This year however, since my normal team was unable to attend, I was on a team with all new members. 

In contrast, the new team had a hard time working together, finding a groove. For the most part it was entertaining, even when Kim - one of 3CG’s staff members - brought me my missing shirt and I mistaking blamed house-keeping for stealing! Yeah, that happened. Thanks Kim! My bad, house keeping!

Next year I’m still unclear if spending $50 dollars in the hope of meeting some new bowling buddies will be in the cards for me. Girlfriends.com only changes $19.95 and Hnet is Free.We didn't win but props to the team that did!!

Verdict: Your mom called, you left your game at home.

State of the Band-

There is a new H-swooshie logo thingie on our Hnet profiles. Yes, folks: this was on the list of big announcements. I love this band!  The new logo is from a direct correlation of how Hanson would approve projects they were pursuing. Isaac said to look at it like’ Isaac, Taylor, Zac’ approved’;  Zac was thrilled that the new 2014 pin had been added to our pin case and let out a giant sigh of relief because it only took them 365 days to get it added, which is rather speedy for Hanson time. 

Furthermore, the guys announced that we would be able to check in to shows and get pins for it too. Raise your hand if you’re going to be crossing your fingers that the mobile check-ins work?

The other exciting news was the updating of archives with old Meet and Greet photos, previous HNET reporters etc.  Adding more content that hasn’t been on the site before. Woohoo! Basically in a weird way the site is going backwards to move forward: it’s like time travel without leaving the couch.

TOUR!

It was announced that an October fall tour would take place. I Toyota jumped to when I heard the news!  Taylor called it a primer tour for the US and Canada, with 20 shows in 10 cities. Say what? Yes folks, you heard it here, second or maybe third.

Let’s break this down for you: 2 shows in one town with change in the set list defining each night as a unique experience with the first night being focused on Hanson’s music and the second night focused on their roots. The music that has inspired them but that isn’t necessarily theirs, meaning one show will focus on covers, making it a completely unique concert experience.  Pre-sale starts in June . 

ANNNNNND there are going to be walks! 

Note to self: Stock up on Band-Aids and Neosporin.  

I think the best part of the whole Q&A was Zac’s comment “ Are there any questions that don’t start off with “Will you be in ________city” . Someone actually threw a bottle, I about fell out of my seat laughing at the ridiculous things this fan base does and the calm manner Hanson handles it. Like it’s totally normal.

Taylor then made a joke about changing the Q&A to suggestion hour. Then cracked more jokes about “ Zac recording songs on a unicycle “ I am glad that it wasn’t Taylor who volunteered for this I don’t think 3CG wants to up their accidental damage insurance. 

As the questions kept coming, one was about letting us the fans get a tour of the 3CG offices. Am I the only one who thinks this is just a creepy activity? But I totally would sign up to do it.  

The last question asked was by one of my friends Janet, “ Out of all the music you have written what’s your favorite song and why?” Isaac chose Song to Sing, he said it was the first song they had recorded in its purest form. He went on to say for him in someway music, singing it, writing it, performing it have always been that extra little piece that always seems like it’s missing. And how when James Taylor was inducted into the hall of fame he felt like he was the antenna to songs that he received and interestingly song to sing it is what that’s about , finding that connections.   

When Taylor took a shot at answering the question he said “ Picking a favorite song is like picking a favorite pie”. Now, if you’re a member of team Taylor you know this answer, it’s Taylor 101.  I took it upon myself to be the one who yelled out the answer “ It’s Cherry” I said as if this was old news . You have to get up a lot earlier to try and pie fake us out Mr. Hanson.

Taylor knew he was busted and with a playful smile confessed “it’s cherry”. Isaac added on his is apple (Isaac fans take notes) . Suddenly I’m in the mood to start baking.

Taylor finally picked the song “Strong Enough to Break.” As his favorite he said that song he considered it to be something pure and visceral. Zac, couldn’t pick a favorite song. He said to think about the song from the past is to not think about the beauty of the future.  Taylor laughed and said “ You can see Zac is a glass is half empty kinda guy”. 

Zac said something about feeding people with his fluid from a bucket as he went on further to explain why he couldn’t pick a favorite song with the use of a analogy, I had tears from laughing at the way Zac used the word fluid. Totally creepy. 

I like the State of the Band; you get a whole hour of listening to the best band in the world talk about their plans for the upcoming year. This, friend, is what brings me to Tulsa every year, as well as, of course, their music.

Verdict: Work on homemade piecrust, start spelunking in couch for spare change for my tour fund and try to stop laughing out loud in public from thinking bout the way Zac said the word fluid. People are starting to stare.And did I mention Isaac likes Richard Marx's ?Can this band stop being so flipping awesome already?

Day 1  MOE EP Review  MOE Concert Review

MOE 2015

At some point I tried to be objective when I was writing my blog/review of MOE 2015, then I realized it was impossible. Maybe if I were writing a blog on an event alien to me it’d be easier to be objective. The thing is I’ve been attending MOE since my first one in 2009 so I feel like I’m a seasoned veteran and not being myself didn’t feel right. So here goes:

Day one- 

I hit terrible traffic leaving Dallas. This was partially due to the fact that I waited till the very last min to pack and partially due to the fact that I spent the morning re thinking everything I was going to wear each day. It’s a women thing, or maybe just a me thing. Either way after the traditional stuck in traffic selfie was posted on my Instagram I began scrolling my social media feed as the traffic stayed at a stand still for the next 20mins.

I don’t normally geek out about band merch but there it was on my Facebook feed: a grey beanie with the Hanson logo tastefully placed on it. I could have sworn when I enlarged the picture I heard the merch angels sing. Next thing I knew I had frantically started texting friends who were already there to get me one. Sadly this story didn’t end well, as the beanies,sold out before I could get my hands on one.

Verdict: I should have seen this as a sign that the weekend was going to be a roller coaster of excitement and disappointment.Looking on the bright side the beanie is now available in the HNET store.

Pictures- Why is it when I’m in my normal life environment getting up early isn’t a strong personal characteristic? Give me a Hanson induced high and 6:00 am is no big deal. It doesn’t hurt either that the Fairfield Inn offered free breakfast; which is the way to go on any trip, saves time and money. Plus I can’t stand the massive headache that incurs trying to remember where the nearest Starbucks is in an area I only visit once a year.

After checking in that morning (which went unbelievably smooth minus me leaving my bowling team shirt at the table) Kristie and I ran back to the hotel to get ready for the group picture with all 3 members of the band. I pretend that there’s no such thing as that nervous panic that sets in when your getting ready for a moment that lasts about 3.2 seconds. But that would be lying.

The line for pictures surprisingly moved fairly fast to enter the Cain’s ballroom where the guys were waiting for us and , the weather was rather pleasant and sunny. At the risk of sounding like a total fangirl, the words of my favorite Paramore song perfectly describe the moment of walking in to have our picture taken with the best band in the world perfectly: ‘I should be over all the butterflies, but after all this time I’m still into you.’

First up in the receiving line was Isaac, wearing his usual tribute to Johnny Cash all black entire. He had a big Isaac style smile and warmly greeted us with a friendly handshake. . Isaac reminded us to keep moving down the line probably because everyone started a mad scramble to stand by his or her favorite Hanson. After Isaac, Taylor was next up and was waiting with his hand extended, offering a handshake and a warm friendly greeting as well. After a quick ‘hey’ to Taylor my next mission was to make it to Zac, who was standing on the end. My quick plan of action was to say something incredibly witty, wowing him with my bantering skills and signify a possible bestie status.What I actually did say ‘I just wanted to say hi’ instead. It was exactly like the moment in the movie Dirty Dancing when Jennifer Grey meets Patrick Swayne for the first time and all she says is ‘I carried a water melon’. Zac mumbled ‘hi’ in return offered a handshake almost as if he, too, was disappointed at my lack of cleverness.

After my Zac new bestie fail moment I swiftly went to stand next to Taylor who quickly informed me I’m one of the small ones and placed his hand on mine and another fellow shorty’s back moving us in front of him making a robot like sound effect people make when they want to imply movement. It went something like “ do do do do do.” Being that I’ve never been good at fake smiling I’m pretty sure I made a very obvious “GREAT!! Taylor Hanson doesn’t want to stand next to me in the picture cos I’m short” expression. Then, seconds later, he put his hand on my right shoulder and told everyone to get closer together. Which I did - at which point Taylor joked “ Wow that’s close!”. We then took a couple pictures and all was right in my world again.

Verdict: Wedges are always a good option ; practice witty banter in the mirror and re-watch Dirty Dancing on Netflix.

The Lectures

Taylor’s Song Stories- There aren’t many musicians that I admire to the extent of paying to listen to them discuss their art. Taylor Hanson is one of the three. For his lecture , Taylor asked fans to write a short submission of 300 or less words; One by one Taylor pulled fans on stage and discussed the songs that had meaning in their lives and why. At first it was interesting as he talked about Never Let Go being a lullaby instead of a sappy love song and looking at Waiting For This as a motivation song for a marathon race. After that, I began to lose my attention and I was starting to look at my watch, wondering when it would be over. I expected more of a panel music discussion where fans would openly talk about their music, instead of Taylor re enacting what reminded me of a old SNL skit where Chris Farley interviews Paul McCartney.Only Taylor's much cuter than Chris.

It’s possible my review has a tiny bit of grumpy in it. I had put way too much effort into my submission, only to find that after I submitted it, someone on the 3CG staff went and changed the rules for the contest to clarify .There were many submissions, but I wouldn’t be human if there wasn’t a moment of crossing my fingers, hoping that my story had made enough of an impact to be called on stage, instead of being lost in an email inbox with the other submissions. 

Update: After writing this I was reminded by a friend about Taylor playing 'With You in Your Dreams' as a solo at the end of his lecture. This means, I have to let it slide that things didn't turn out the way I hoped. Truly a beautiful moment that left me with tears. 

Verdict: Jump fearlessly, even if it means no one will ever notice.


Isaac’s Lecture-
Last year Isaac wowed the crowd at MOE with his insane amount of knowledge of mixing and audio, pulling out songs that were 10 years old and mixing them on stage. So when it was his turn at the mic this year I expected nothing less. He discussed Lonely Again and played different vocals, including Zac in a lower range than we are all used to hearing and last but not least, the Bridges of Stone moment that rocked our worlds. I feel like nothing I could write would do his lecture justice other than just saying it was awesome!

Verdict : Old man badass was in the house!


Zac’s Lecture: As one of my three favorite band members, the energy Zac brings to the table should be bottled up and sold to Red Bull. Where does he find it? And how does he find it? I’m quite certain a lot of sleep isn’t a factor.His natural ability to just whip a song out right before your eyes, record it and here’s the kicker ….wait for it …wait for it …. make it SOUND GOOD still blows my mind. It’s why he gets paid the big bucks. Zac is always entertaining and really knows how to make a crowd laugh or maybe that’s just me who finds him insanely funny. When he hits the stage for his lecture you quickly sit up straight in your chair because you know it’s about to get good. I’m always so impressed with his confidence during his lecture. He is so comfortable on stage you’d think he’s been doing this since he was 6 years old. ;)

Verdict: Zac Hanson is a rockstar

The movie: Closing out day 2 ended with seeing a Hanson movie in the theater. I have done this the last few years and I think next year I’m going to skip it. Here’s why: It’s the same movies we’ve all seen just on a larger screen. I adore this band really I do, but the movie aspect I wish was more exciting and less “oh oh ‘member this part from the DVD I own.”

Verdict: Save the $12 bucks for the bar.

Day 3 MOE EP Review   CONCERT Review