Information/Write-up
Erupting from the bowels of the Canadian hockey underbelly, the Hanson Brothers re-emerged in 2008 with a live record called It's a Living, reprising their roles as the smelly rock'n'roll savants. The album was obstensibly recorded in the unlikely location of Coaldale, Alberta, in 2006. Much like the Ramones' infamous live album It's Alive, it's entirely possible portions were overdubbed from Robbie Hanson's bedroom, but that's just an unconfirmed rumor for the time being..
Although the Hanson Brothers have but three mere studio albums in their decade and a half (plus 10%) existence, they have more than enough material to pack in a solid setlist. The band are veteran performers who have made the stage the best spot to enjoy the Hanson Brothers. Aside from the high octane music, the banter, wit and antics of the various Brothers makes for a great night out. The jibber-jabber between Johnny and Tommy Hanson is hilarious. It should be noted that Tommy Hanson's stream of consciousness observations and commentary are never the same from night to night, although it's been noted Johnny Hanson seems to stick to a basic script. In fact, this album splices in excerpts from a CBC interview featuring Tommy Hanson that makes the purchase entirely worthwhile. You will finally have the definitive answer as to the difference between the Hanson Brothers and the pop band Hanson..
Some live albums are strictly filler to pad out contractual obligations, but considering the Hanson Brothers are independent from any such thing, this record's agenda was strictly to have an excuse to go out on tour. Thanks to the bonus DVD of Johnny Hanson's Brewing Video and the various Tommy Hanson rantings, It's a Living is a very worthwhile inclusion in the band's discography..
-John Chedsey
Ernie
Johnny
Robbie
Tommy
All songs by the Hanson Brothers except "The Hockey Song" written by Tom Conners
Recorded and mixed by Blair Calibaba
Recorded at Coaldale Motor Inn, Coaldale, Alberta
Photography by John Chedsey and Paul Goertzen
Cover photography by Paul Clarke
Grant Lawrence appears courtesy of HONCHO Magazine and Radio Sonic, CBC
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