Three

The John Butler Trio | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 23, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ato Records
• ASIN: B00006AAVD
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,546 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Betterman

2. Attitude

3. Pickapart

4. Money

5. Believe

6. Media

7. Earthbound Child

8. Take

9. Life Aint What Is Seems

10. Don't Understand

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing guitar work, September 1, 2005

By 

Jayhawk_34 (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Three (Audio CD)

If you are a fan of the guitar, check this album out. Having seen John play live, the sounds he is able to pull out of the 11- and 12-string guitar is absolutely amazing. This album is structured much like the extended jams one hears in a JBT concert and will probably appeal to jam band fans. There's a whole lot in there for fans of blues and roots music as well.

I've been a bit of a diehard JBT fan since I heard the live album, "Living" (really started listening to it on the plane ride home from Oz, go figure). This album is from about the same point in their career. John's voice is less polished than in the current album, "Sunrise Over Sea" (which I probably recommend as a more accessable starting point for new fans. The bass and drums take more of a forward part in this album as well).

The real star of the album is the guitar. The first sound of the album on Betterman is from the slide, gradually building into a picked riff until the vocals come in. The song is awesome, with a crazy solo about 3:20 in that heavily uses the slide guitar and distorted amplification of his acoustic.

Other standouts include "Pickapart," "Earthbound Child," "Take," and "Life." Another highlight is in "Money," which begins with some digeredoo (sp?) and Aboriginal singing, showing John's affinity for writing about Australian cultural, indiginous, and environmental issues. The lyrics are full of references to the environment, nonviolence, social responsibility, and even-headedness.

On that note, it is worth mentioning that the lyrical content of "Three" is more than a bit on the hippie side. For my taste, the lyrics on this album are too direct - I enjoy lyrics that are crafted and make you think a bit. This set make you think about various issues, but don't work for me and strike me as a little corny. "Media" is forgettable for this reason.

I love this album because I am a fan of the band, am always impressed by the power of the music, and because I was introduced to the band through extended versions of the songs on "Living." There is more than enough in this album to warrant a 4 star rating, but it might not be the best entry point to the band for new listeners. If this album doesn't quite strike you, definitely give "Sunrise Over Sea" a shot - it's one of my favorite albums. For fans of the band, buying this album is a no brainer. Amazing stuff.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Album but..., May 2, 2006

By 

Margaret M. Hepworth (West Chester, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Three (Audio CD)

I own this album along with the import versions. I find that I enjoy the import versions more as the songs are different, despite the track list being the same.

The tracks on the import are longer and seem to be fuller musically.

However, both albums show the amazing skill of The John Butler Trio and are a must have for a guitarist. This man can do spectacular things a guitarist will really appreciate and wonder if the track has been layered.

As someone who loves longer more complete songs I recommend the imported version with the songs averaging at 8 minutes with the last two at 11 and 14 minutes. The album is very relaxed and subject matter is great as always from John Butler Trio.

If you prefer the shorter radio/MTV versions of songs then pick up this version.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True "music", August 20, 2002

By 

thethoughtsofadyingatheist "thethoughtsofadyi... (Down Under) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Three (Audio CD)

This is what music is meant to sound like. Real insturments not some single drum machine and a person talking. This album is essential if you like the bluesy folk rock sound. With some awesome guitar playing and vocals (with some good lyrics to boot) this album is a very fine effort.

Whilst it doesnt really capture the true passion that you would see in a live performance it is still a brilliant album. Most songs are at least 7 minutes long, full of saoring gutiar solos which will really get you tapping your foot.

Whilst the version shown here is the american release (ive got the aussie version) it only contains a couple of extra tracks that are found on an Ep released by the trio before 3 (which included the wonderful "pickapart"). The other well known single "Bettermen" is also included and whilst these two songs are great the remainder of the album contains songs that are just as worthy. I dont normally say that all songs are great but this isnt a normal cd.
I cant recomend this cd enough, buy it now!!