I've been listening to the new Hanson cd, This Time Around. Before everyone gets really scared and runs away, take a look at this review in the Rolling Stone. Believe me, I was as surprised as you probably are.

Anyway, after I read that review (in which the RS writer compares Hanson to the Black Crowes and the Rolling Stones) I just had to hear it for myself. I was lucky enough to find the CD used in its first week out. And guess what? It's great! I was totally shocked. Yeah, the songs are hooky and a little overdone at times, but those boys can sing and play, and they sound like they're having a blast.

A couple of weeks later I picked up their first CD, Middle of Nowhere, on eBay for just 22 cents (plus shipping). I have to say, I really like the new album better than the first one, although I do think MMMBop will become a pop classic of the 1990s. Most of the first album just makes me giggle, but the new one makes me wanna sing along.

Maria thinks we've developed a new maturity that lets us listen to cheese pop without embarrassment. I think she may be right. : )