3X4

3X4

The Bangles, The Dream Syndicate, The Three O’ Clock, Rain Parade

Yep Roc

3X4 is the reunion of a scene, the Paisley Underground, the 80s garage psych scene based in L.A. These four bands created some incredible music then, and now with this tribute. Three songs each by four bands, all covers of each other's bands. The overall effect is ultra-trippy adult psych, not old or sedate, but smart, sensible, and really well played. And a note here, if all you’ve ever heard from the Bangles are their hits, check this comp out to hear what they really are--a great garage/psych band with two underrated guitarists in Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs. 

Each track on this album has a lot to recommend it, but here are the highlights for me. 

Bangles: Vicki Peterson seething all over the Dream Syndicate’s "That’s What You Always Say," and their pure pop take on The Three O’ Clock’s "Jet Fighter."  

Dream Syndicate: The guitars on the Rain Parade’s "You Are My Friend" and the Bangles' "Hero Takes A Fall." I like the wryness of Wynn’s singing on "Hero." In  a World Café interview with Vicki Peterson, Steve Wynn, and the Three O’ Clock’s Danny Benair, Wynn and Peterson admitted that "Hero" was partly about Steve. And he was okay with it too, expressing regret for various ways he’d acted when he was young. 

Rain Parade: The Three O’ Clock’s "As Real Is Real," and The Dream Syndicate’s "When You Smile." Nicely super trippy. 

The Three O’ Clock: The Dream Syndicate’s "Tell Me When It’s Over," and The Rain Parade’s "What She’s Done To Your Mind." These are the most punk and garage rock of the covers. 

In the end, this is a trip worth taking, mind expanding, rewarding, and if you like the covers, get their albums. They’re worth it too. 

 Andrea Weiss