music

A.V. Club: Hanson grows up

in: viewing room

The brothers move through the alphabet

The three effeminate brothers from Tulsa, Zac, Taylor and Isaac, shot to popularity in 1997 with their infectious single “MMMBop,” but they failed to achieve any significant long-term success. They’re set to release their newest album, “Shout It Out,” in June, and the first single from it, “Thinking ‘Bout Somethin'” is a catchy pop ditty which returns the three precious brothers to their roots.

I can’t seem to embed the music video from MySpace, so click the video still below to watch the video, which premiered Thursday. I want to hear what you think – post in the comments.

(editor’s note) The video has drawn comparisons to the Blues Brothers, though I think the most apt comparison is to Joseph Gordon-Levitt‘s dance scene in (500) Days of Summer.

And that group jump-high-five may be the lamest thing I’ve seen on record. Ever. Still, glad to see the boys are back.

Still from "Thinking 'Bout Somethin'"

And, for good measure (and nostalgia), the video for “MMMBop,” my childhood anthem.

Book Club: April sites

in: on queue

Both Sides of the Mouth

Both Sides of the Mouth
BSOTM may be the most comprehensive music blog site I have ever seen – ever. The site is run by two college students, one in Austin and one in Baltimore, who study nursing and biomedical engineering respectively. The blog, with posts dating back to June 2006, profiled now-popular artists years before their songs premiered on mainstream charts. They took on Tender Trap and indie darlings Matt & Kim in  July 2006, and the fun has lasted well into recent posts, as the bloggers explore bands to watch at SXSW while constantly loving on wee indie newbies with awesome conceptual graphics and strange-themed playlists.

The blog is really cool, with pithy writing, under-the-radar acts, downloadable tracks and interesting features. Check it out, scour the archives and, as is their parting tagline, be their friends!