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A3: Power
in the Blood
Woke up this morning, got yourself a gun This is the line that poised A3 for superstardom in the states. Home base: United Kingdom. A3, as they are known in the States were sued by the band Alabama for similar use of name but still use their original moniker Alabama 3 in Europe. The massive popularity of the cable program The Sopranos, chronicling the everyday life of a mob boss and his minions, put A3s song Woke up This Morning in the limelight by using it as their theme song. A theme song that became more tedious to the ears as the show progressed. While a catchy song at first, the exposure A3 experienced did little to spark any explosions for the band stateside. Their latest release Power in the Blood is a two-disc set one showcasing A3s electronica leanings, while the other disc contains six acoustic versions of previously electric powered tunes. This, of course, includes the obligatory acoustic rendition of Woke Up This Morning. It just wont go away for us Americans, even though it wasnt even included on the European release! A cover of the Bruce Springsteen jewel Badlands, is also included and that is all I have to say about that. A3 seem to have a shtick, and some label it chemical country. The core members, Rob Spragg a.k.a. Reverend Larry Love, Jake Black a.k.a. D. Wayne Love and Piers Marsh a.k.a. The Mountain of Love, dabble in country, blues, rock and techno, but none of those to any degree of excellence. They mix this with politics and satire, all of which their European following have come to expect and adore. A choice line: I seen the multinationals walking hand in hand, with globalizing marketeers I am not a fan of big politics in my music, and there just aint enough quality music on this disc to urge me to listen. To me, A3s shine only comes with those songs that have an electronic bed and a boring bed at that. Plus, the vocals are often harsh, biting, and strained. Ouch. It also makes the songs monotonous in their tone, or one might say sing-songy. What we have here is a mediocre rock band that likes electronic music and had a really popular single. I wouldnt classify them as electronic music, as it seems so easy for others to do. Maybe I am just accustomed to a different kind of electronica, but I am sticking to my guns on this one. A3 have talent and ideas, but they come across on this record as bland and recycled.
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