Hanson: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Oct. 16, 2017 | Stephen Thompson -- The audience for Hanson's first Tiny Desk concert could be cleanly sorted into two distinct camps: the curious and the committed. The curious were the ones who'd inquired about whether the band would play its 1997 smash "MMMBop" (answer: nope), or wondered what Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson have been up to since the '90s (answer: touring constantly, putting out records, starting their own label, raising families, launching a music festival, developing a line of Hanson Brothers-branded "MMMHops" beer). As for the committed? They were psyched.

For those who haven't kept up, Hanson has maintained a lovingly ravenous fan base. The night before this performance, the brothers played to a joyous sold-out crowd at Silver Spring, Maryland's 2,000-capacity Fillmore — and, it turns out, some of those 2,000 folks work at NPR. (A few even had friends fly in for the occasion.) We tried to get the committed as close to the Tiny Desk action as possible, because the vibe in the room was special.

This year marks Hanson's 25th anniversary as a band, and it's been 20 years since the release of Middle of Nowhere, the album that made stars out of the Hansons when Isaac was 16, Taylor was 14 and Zachary was 11. With a greatest-hits collection just out — it's called Middle of Everywhere — this was a perfect time to catch up on a few post-"MMMBop" career highlights. That meant opening with "Thinking 'Bout Somethin'" (from 2010's Shout It Out) and ducking back to 2000 for the title track from This Time Around before closing with Hanson's charmingly infectious new single, "I Was Born."

Oh, and as the tagline at the end of the video cryptically notes: "To be continued..." We'll just leave it at that.

Set List

"Thinking 'Bout Somethin'"
"This Time Around"
"I Was Born"

Musicians

Isaac Hanson (guitar, vocals); Taylor Hanson (piano, vocals); Zac Hanson (percussion, vocals)

Credits

Producers: Stephen Thompson, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kara Frame, Alyse Young, Nicholas Garbaty; Production Assistant: Salvatore Maicki; Photo: Jennifer Kerrigan/NPR.

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[evankathrynj]

As a Hanson fan that actually lives in Tulsa (their hometown)...I can say these guys are so talented and such a positive influence on the music scene in Tulsa. Tulsa's music scene would not be as progressed as it is without them, whether local bands know it or not. They have invested in not only the world, but in Tulsa, and I am so thankful for that.

[Maxbeanbag]

I was never a Hanson fan but how can u Dis a group of guys that stand and deliver like this live. 100% better than 99% of the trash out there on the airwaves.

[brucedenis]

Three people for which music is passionate and effortless.

[FXMSPreview]

Hanson breaks the internet with positive comments underneath their videos. Never seen anything like it and it’s beautiful!

[joesteadman]

You know what it is?

They got the funk. Always had it. Never went anywhere. The funk only got stronger.

[loganelliot]

what blows my mind is how zach can still hit all the same notes he hit when he was like 8 years old

[akayrk]

these guys been basically doing their own tiny desk for years. their harmony is of one voice. taylor's confidence oh boy. issac's voice is gold. zach is just awesome. and together they are not just musical but insightful and brilliant. what more to ask from a band?

[marzipanwiley]

I love Isaac's voice. I'd love to see him sing lead more often. Such an under-appreciated band.

[brittancandela]

I am LOVING all the comments from people who are surprised at how talented this band is! Us Fansons have always known, but it's amazing to see non-fans appreciate their harmonies, lyrics and musicianship!

[HelioLagoJr]

This is the most underrated TinyDesk of all times.

[moobaba]

So underrated and talented !!! They have such a awesome catalog of music and all people remember is Mmmbop. Middle of Nowhere was the first cassette tape I ever bought with my own money at 8 years old and have followed there career since.

[mratliffjr]

20 years ago, you wouldn't have caught me dead listening to Hanson, but this performance was better than anything I've heard on the radio in quite some time. it almost hurts me to admit that I loved this. Good job, guys.

[moobaba]

I hate when people act like they were a one hit wonder they have been putting out great music for years they are so talented

[ubergusterfan]

Man, every time I see these guys, I'm floored. So good. Just so good. They deserve FAR MORE respect than they get.

[MultiEllen]

It`s actually INCREDIBLE they are still together as musicians, brothers and friends and bring always such a fresh breeze into the world of music! Also the fact they are not messed up but really pure humans! AMAZING and KEEP ROLLING, please! :)

[nattygirldred]

Wow Soul, Gospel, Blues, folk, Rock n Roll. Love it

[largemarge]

They give me goosebumps when they sing a cappella. I love beautiful harmonies & this group delivers that.

[laurieeno]

Get a kick out of all the "wow, they're actually good!" and "they're still around?" reactions. Yes and yes! Just don't hate them because they're beautiful. ;)

[willisryan]

Man, this is tight in a way that non-family bands may not be able to touch.

[buzztrucker]

I wanted to hate it because of the preconceptions I've had about them since the 90's but this was actually magnificent. Better than the majority of crap out there today. Deserves more views.