"They're probably in a van with Tinted Windows"

Take a dash of The Smashing Pumpkins, Hanson, Fountains of Wayne and Cheap Trick, mix it all together and what do you have? Stacies Mom who Wants to Want a Minute Without You, Today.

Or more simply put: Tinted Windows

Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of seeing Tinted Windows live at the Black Cat in D.C. To be honest, my sister is madly in love with Taylor Hanson and has been since, oh I don't know, 1996? So anyway, I agreed to accompany her to this concert to support her quest to meet him, and because I think the boy, excuse me, man (he has 4 children and is RIPPED, he is officially a man now in my book) can sing! Actually, I take that back, I know he can sing. This opinion is backed by a scientific experiment I performed at the concert. By plugging your ears, you can block out the instruments and can really hear the singer more clearly. Let's just say I have a feeling most singers rely on their bands to drown them out at live shows. This highly complex experiment proved to me that Tinted Widows was clearly the more vocally advanced as compared to the opening band, U.S. Royalty.

I apologize for my rambling. I just become irritated easily with people who judge Taylor Hanson and Tinted Windows based on the fact that MMMBop was so over-played and slightly annoying. He is wildly talented and so are the other members of the group. And if their fan-base consists of 20-somethings who are still trying to get a glimpse of their teen idol, so be it. It's only a matter of time before their demographic of fans expands.

However, they seem pretty content with the low key atmosphere at their shows. Intimate, comfortable and talented; This is the vibe Tinted Windows exudes. Everyone of them seems genuinely happy and relaxed on stage, doing what they love, making great music. I dare you to try and keep your toes from tapping while they're playing live, it's not possible...

If you want to hear some great live music and singing, try and catch them at their next show. You'll be glad you did, and please leave all Hanson stereotypes and pre-conceived notions at the door. Allow these guys to show you what they're made of and why they are all successful, you'll walk away with a new found respect for them and possibly a new favorite band!