Hanson - At the Fillmore

For one thing, the Hanson brothers are real musicians; augmented by a bass player and second guitarist and keyboardist, they offer ample evidence in the course of this 12-song concert that they can both play and sing (especially Taylor, who handles the lion's share of the lead vocals) like seasoned rock & roll pros. And while their self-penned songs may not exactly change the world, Hanson has a knack for filling them with irresistible hooks, from the opening "You Never Know" through "MMMBop," the hit that started it all, and other, more recent numbers like "If Only" and "Next Time Around" (entertaining videos for the latter two are principal among the DVD's bonus features). They also throw in a cover of Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride," a nod to the '60s that shows that Hanson was fully aware of the Fillmore legacy. It all makes for a righteously groovy experience, dudes. --Sam Graham