But the Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin'," besides being a fantastic opening number, might have been chosen to prove a point. The lead vocals on the original version were handled by Steve Winwood--only 15 years old when he joined Davis' band.

In other words, don't dismiss Hanson as a novelty act. Rock 'n' roll has a history of teen stars making respectable music that stretches back much further than the Jackson 5, to whom Hanson is most often compared.

And the Hanson brothers (guitarist Isaac, 17; keyboardist Taylor, 15; drummer Zac, 12) stuck to singing and playing. Besides the light show, and a modest stage set featuring some oil derricks (a nod to their Oklahoma home and their father's work in the oil business), the show's success was dependent on the music.

Success was guaranteed as far as the youngsters shrieking before, after and during every song. But even for the parents and chaperons, there were winning moments.

Hanson and a trio of additional musicians dropped a few other oldies--Eddie Chocran's "Summertime Blues" and Steppenwolf's "Magic Carpet Ride" among them--into the program. And at times, they sounded like a teen band bashing out a set at the rec center, albeit with professional sound and lighting.

But those songs--simple, repetitive and melodic--are the models for Hanson's own material, such as "Stories" and "Man From Milwaukee." And if the boys' songs are derivative, they're delivered with energy, optimism and spirited, brotherly harmonies.

The brothers have a few things to learn about how to drive a song rather than just play it. But the raw materials are there and they've got time on their side.