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Paint By Number
THIS IS THE ONE "Way back in the fall of 1999, I reviewed the first publicly available album by the Woodstock-based 3 ... I compared the band's sound to Chris Whitley, Squeeze and David Bowie. They sounded great then and they sound great now. This is the one you've been waiting for."
FOUR STARS (out of 5) "It's hard these days to find a group that actually has its own sound, but that's exactly what Woodstock-based 3 offers with its latest effort, "Paint By Number" ... The recording sparkles and like every classic, everything has its own place. The songs are well-constructed and well-executed, and I'm totally into how accessible this band is. In fact, I'm having a tough time singling out a few tunes for highlight. This record is that good."
FOUR STARS (out of 5) "If you've seen 3 perform over the last 6 or 7 years, or have heard one of their earlier recordings, it's time for an update. A big update, because this is one band that keeps growing and evolving ..... This CD finds the band moving squarely into the realm of pop music with beautifully soulful songs that place more emphasis on infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and hooks that catch onto your brain tissue and stay there ... a very smooth and bright album that could be very radio-friendly. There are four or five songs on this album that could easily spring onto the charts with a little media attention."
This album is a real find. I happened to catch Three's live concert performance on PBS's "MHz Presents" one Saturday night, and I immediately went to their site and bought this album, ninety percent unheard. What I found after just one listen was that this Woodstock NY area group could be dabbling in the future of rock and roll. They've got the Midas Touch when it comes to insanely catchy vocals and intricately inventive guitar backgrounds. Songs like "Blood on the Blankets", "Careless Kim" and the title track essentially ooze with Adult Alternative ready hooks, just waiting for the right radio market to pick them up. And while sometimes their lyrics are overwraught with well meaning gothic touches ("I don't swim so well / It's a miracle I'm mobile / At the Choirgirl Hotel / There are teardrops in the water . . .) after just a few listens it becomes easy to let that drip away as you drown in their intensely creative grooves. BOTTOM LINE: While perhaps a bit over the top, "Paint By Number" is well worth repeated listens! You won't hear anything catchier on the radio . . .
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