album review: Three

The father, the son and the holy ghost. Detroit's car companies. Usual number of games in a baseball series. Things seem to want to come in threes. Not only does Joel Plaskett's Three do just that (three discs that is), but the number is the album's theme. Phrases and words are repeated and then repeated again. Once is never enough, and that second time is only made more impactful with a third.

Last month at Baar Bazaar, after my friend's band had finished playing, over the loudspeaker came "Every Time You Leave", the opening track on Three. Its drum machine rhythm and catchy guitar had my foot tapping at first listen, and I paid close attention so I could jot down some of the lyrics and track it down on the internet for future listening. As luck would have it, I not only found the song but a free download of the entire album. Even at first listen the songs felt like old favorites. This guy was playing notes I wanted to hum and singing words I wanted to say. The feel when listening to it is like arriving home after a long walk through the snow. It is a Saturday night at home with the one you love, where all of the pieces of your life feel fit into place, and anything that's off will surely one day be fixed. Simple statements in the album's lyrics contain a magic that alleviates everyday problems. They are full of life, and I'm sure if you read into the meanings repeated once, twice, three times over the course of these 27 (3 x 3 x 3?) tracks, they will make yours a little brighter.

Plus, some of his songs sound like Paul Simon. That's a win in my book.