3 Car Garage Review
3 Car Garage: The Indie Recordings '95-'96
Producer(s): Hanson
Moe/Mercury
POP
Originally reviewed for week ending 5/30/98
Besides satisfying the yearnings of Hanson's fans for a new release to
follow the trio's 1997 breakthrough, "Middle Of Nowhere," this
collection of pre-Mercury recordings should lay to rest any lingering
doubts about the teenage brothers' songwriting chops and musicality.
Written and produced by Hanson, this album - which got the group its
recording contract - shows initiative and passion rare even among
seasoned artists. Furthermore, the tunes reveal the Hansons' instincts
for pop hooks that would blossom on "Middle Of Nowhere." Besides
previously unreleased tracks, like the surprisingly mature "Soldier," "3
Car Garage" includes the original versions of "Thinking Of You" and the
group's signature hit, "Mmmbop," which was originally much slower.
Whether this compilation is well-timed is questionable, as fans would
probably prefer new material to archival recordings. Nevertheless, "3
Car Garage" is a revealing document of the band's talents and a
fascinating case study in successful A&R stewardship.
