The return of Seven Mary Three

Surely you could’ve guessed that I loved the Seven Mary Three album American Standard when it came out in 1995. This band from Williamsburg, Virginia surged onto my radio with the heartfelt gravelled vocals, the ‘everything-you-got’ choruses, the big guitar riffs. It was all very of the moment, but they also had a rootsy-bluesy vibe to many of their songs and I still love that album thoroughly.

I listened to that CD until it skipped and jumped from scratches, and played the cassette that I made for my car all through at least 2 long hot summers. “My My” still pummels me relentlessly and it still makes me want to jump up and yell something when I hear it, and “Anything” has that great bassline and the doomed young love affair; it’s all very serious. But earnest. If you’ve never heard anything but “Cumbersome”:

My My – Seven Mary Three
Anything – Seven Mary Three

In the intervening years, rumor has it that they’ve released some very good other albums, namely Rock Crown (1997) and Orange Ave. (1998). My pal Kyle just sent those over to me with his comments on why I should love them, and I am looking forward to filling in the gaps. Someone also once told me to check the bargain bins for their 2001 release, Economy of Sound, but each time I’ve tried, I come up empty handed. I’ll keep tryin’.

The fun news from my inbox is that Seven Mary Three is still at it, and back in 2008 with a new record called day&nightdriving (Bellum Records, February 19). Their sound still pleases my ears.

Last Kiss – Seven Mary Three

Hear one more new tune “Was A Ghost” streaming here.