It’s not often that a band is what I could classify ‘before their time’ anymore.  But the one absolute major exception to this rule is a band out of Atlanta called ‘The Marvelous 3.’ A band that I attached to so much that I would eventually have their logo tattooed onto my arm for keeps!  This is the impact a band that was labeled a one hit wonder had on me.

Butch Walker, Jayce Fincher and Mitch ‘Slug’ McLee formed this trio and were around to give us 3, dare I say Marvelous albums!  ‘Math and other problems’ in 1998, ‘Hey! Album’ in 1999 and ‘Ready Sex Go’ in 2000. All 3 as diverse as the next, something that front man, singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer and all round genius Butch Walker is famous for, being able to deliver such music that is as I’ve said, is before its time.

I got hooked when I heard their ‘hit’ on TV here ‘Freak of the week’ it was catchier than a fly ball to the outfield and I needed to hear more of this band!  BUT being in Australia and as the internet was only new, it was hard to know what was happening with this Marvelous (oops did it again) band!  I picked up ‘Hey! Album’ and fell in love with it instantly.  From ‘You’re so yesterday’ all the way to the end with the quirky ‘it wasn’t tails’ piece which still 10 years on makes me laugh.  How this band did not become international superstars is beyond me!  A tour to Australia which we never talk about happened, we never talk about it because I didn’t go.  Long story!  Then I never heard from the Marvelous 3 again. 

Until, I was walking by one of my trusty record stores one day and flicking through M and saw a cover that looked a little racy, picked it up to see a mannequin and chuckled, read it and it said ‘Marvelous 3 – Ready Sex Go’ I had to read it twice.  A new album from that band I loved?  But, how did I not know about this?!  I raced home and to hear the opening riff of ‘Little Head’ a sound in 2000 that was new, and rockin’ again in the midst of a lot of garbage on the radio and TV, a BIG anthemic rock album that does not disappoint.  I was happier than, well something that is really happy and still play this CD as often as possible, all the way through.  How many albums do you own that you never skip a track on?  Yeah that’s right!  Lyrically it is so clever, musically it is straight down the line rock but the production is second to none and was the beginning of Butch becoming the genius most sought after producer that he is.  The only problem with this album is that it was released 4 years too early.  If that had hit the shelves in 2004 it would’ve been monstrous!  I suggest you check out ‘Ready Sex Go’ right now!  Stop reading, go now!!

The internet in 2000 was a bit more up to date so I searched for the Marvelous 3… WHAT?  An album in 1998?!  I must have this!  Oh I have it!  Again, the sound on that album for then was crazy, some songs on there instant hits!  BUT the Marvelous 3 never got a break, their albums didn’t do much, they had to ‘split’ from their record label and they were done.  Sad day. 

Until, Butch Walker has gone solo?  Yes I know, I talk about him a lot, but that’s because he’s brilliant.  I won’t go on about Butch at the moment, but I recommend you check out his catalogue too… Start with ‘Left of Self Centered’ then ‘Letters’ then ‘The rise and fall of Butch Walker and the lets go out tonites’ and the newest release ‘Sycamore Meadows.’

Music is an amazing thing and the Marvelous 3 are one of the best things to ever come out of it!  Hey if it wasn’t for the M3 this website wouldn’t exist!  A T shirt spotted at a gig started 2 people talking who became mates and eventually to start a music website that could spread the word about much neglected bands and artists.  So in a way, we should thank the Marvelous 3.

So as I said, I have the M3 logo tattooed on me, this band has made an impact on me and many others around the world, just not that many.  BUT it’s never too late to listen to good music, so if you want to hear an amazing band that can do Rock at its best and has songs with more hooks than a fishing tournament, then check out the Marvelous 3.

Australia Butch Walker fans can join the Australian Butch Walker Fanspace by clicking HERE

*Article by: Troy Milfton*