The Distant Memory of 7 Mary 3
7 Mary 3 surprised me when I popped their original CD American Standard into the CD player. In more impecunious days, I had been eminently close to purchasing a CD of theirs (this would be circa 1996), but I failed to seal the deal. So, I had this perception of their timbre and style based on their singles and my imagination.
This impression was an STP drive rock band with perhaps an even more alternative feel a la Bush.
What I got was a southern rock band with a depth of emotional sensibility that took me somewhat aback. They had a Tonic feel to them; Tonic’s song Soldier’s Daughter was invoked by a song or two on American Standard. Their lyrics were painful, strained, very real. Not 130 bpm steady workout music, for sure.
Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised after the initial shock wore off. Probably pleased enough to get their second album, Rock Crown. The stingingly negative review by Rolling Stone serves to encourage my yen for more. Ever since they patted Dave on the head for the mess that was Stand Up.