Customer Reviews

Three

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!!

Saw John Butler Trio at Bonnaroo festival and thought they were outstanding. I bought this CD as soon as it came out and fell in love with it. It doesn't leave my car and I listen to it over and over without getting sick of it. They have such a powerful message about politics, the environment, education, love, and more. Buy this CD and share the music. I haven't found a person in my life that doesn't fall in love with this CD. They are AMAZING!!!

I don't have this CD, but I saw John Butler Trio opening for Guster and John Mayer, and all I can say is that they ought to be the main act for their own shows. By far their greatest strength in my opinin was their guitar playing, but they were no less impressive when they lead singer/guitarist and bass guitarist put down their guitars and played drums so all three were on percussion. Defeinitely considering buying this album.

This album is a condensed compilation of the original releases "John Butler Trio [IMPORT]" and "Three [IMPORT]." One song is missing from each of the imports. They probably chose the best of each album to include in this one, but collectors may want to purchase the imports instead, which are available on Amazon.

John Butler, from Perth, Australia, is a master on both the slide and regular guitars, and the other two members of the band carry his tunes with impeccable rhythm and melody. His voice reminds me of the lead singer of Days of the New, and the bulk of the guitar is blues acoustic.

This album does not have one bad track on it (other than possibly the last track, Foundation, which is basically a lengthy instrumental) and contains the song Take, which in itself is just amazing. Starting with an energetic buildup, the song takes up for just under 4 minutes, then drops to a rhythm section which builds up steadily over a period of time to reach the real crescendo of the song. Other highlights are Betterman, which was huge on Australian alternative radio, and Life Ain't What It Seems.

I have a strange relationship with this album...I think it is amazing of course...however I can only listen to it while in the company of others. I think this may have something to do with seeing the band live (albiet only twice). The cd can sustain you between shows but if you see merely one group this year, you must see JBT. The sounds that Butler is able to draw from his guitar is amazing (ie. Livid 2001 where it went from sounding electric, to acoustic to a sitar all in a single song). Despite the fact that the bassist has changed three times in the last year and a half, the shows are still amazing. And after seeing JBT at the Splendour in the Grass festival and seeing the new bassist playing double bass with a bow, i think they're onto a good thing. It is a shame the instumental track foundation is missing from the US release (i have the sneaking suspicion it is due to the 14:47 length of it). I guess that means you'll all have to go see them live.

This is a band which is willing to make a strong political statement as well in their intelligent and powerful lyrics.

I also recomend that the first time you listen to this you are lying on a blanket under the stars (well at least that's how I did it). Cheers.

For an accoustic band, live is always best. But when you can't hear them live, get the album. This band is incredible. Rich textures, complex rhythms, solid vocals - the total sound is well worth the listen. So get the CD and play it on a system set up to approximate the acoustic experience, close your eyes
and enjoy.

I first heard of JBT when they opened for John Mayer in Berkley, CA. I was floored. Before they started playing I was hoping their set would be short - rarely am I impressed by an opening act. When they left the stage I was wishing their set was longer, much longer. I wanted more. I bought Three at the concert and found it satisfying, but not nearly as moving as their live show. Catch their live shows whenever you can and buy the album to show some support for a band with a lot of potential!