“Three”

“Three” is the name of a Strawberry Alarm Clock song distinguished by the fact that it was released three times, all on the b-sides of different singles.

As a song, “Three” is one of Paul Marshall’s more fun songs that the new singer did with the band. It’s well-written and playful and achieves what it sets out to do. Most notable is the guitar work from Ed King and the deft, melodic bass guitar that is placed prominently in the mix.

The song has a pretty stripped-down feel.  It’s just the band with no arcane instrumentation or orchestral overdubs. The lyrics are silly (in a good way), with winking drugs and/or sex allusions behind the track’s G-rated first-glance impression:

“Take three in the morning and three at night
I’m gonna give you a little lovin’
Make you feel all right”

The overall vibe of “Three” is 1950s rock ‘n’ roll with a Woodstock-era update in the sound. The words, harmonies, and chugging boogie beat are Buddy Holly, while the galumphing bass, overdubbed guitar chorus, and flashy solos are pure 1969.

You can’t say that “Three” actually deserved to be released three different times, but it’s one of the better things put out by the post-Jim Pitman Strawberry Alarm Clock.

“Three” appears on…

“I Climbed The Mountain” b/w “Three” (1969)
“California Day” b/w “Three” (1970)
“Girl From The City” b/w “Three” (1970)
Good Morning Starshine (1969) [Japanese bonus-track version]
Strawberries Mean Love (1992)