Seven Mary Three's rock-radio hits have marked them, somewhat inaccurately, as a mainstream rock band. That said, there's certainly an appealing commercial element to many of Jason Ross's songs. Check out the lilting wonde... more »r in "Wait," "Tug," and "Man in Control," which are balanced by the Replacements-like "Faster," the bar-band brassiness of "First Time Believers" and the indie-rock of "Steal a Car." For additional delightful surprises there's the rollicking kick-off track, "Sleepwalking" (think Jim Carroll crossed with Iggy Pop) and the edgy rave-up "Breakdown," with its nod to "Helter Skelter." Ross's lyrics are intelligent, introspective, and provocative, while the music is diverse, crafted, and heartfelt. Seven Mary Three have a rough time bridging the gap between media perceptions and the reality of the band, and this eclectic, wonderful record won't solve that dilemma. Nonetheless, The Economy of Sound is a gem that deserves to be heard and appreciated, not pigeonholed and overanalyzed. --Katherine Turman« less
Seven Mary Three's rock-radio hits have marked them, somewhat inaccurately, as a mainstream rock band. That said, there's certainly an appealing commercial element to many of Jason Ross's songs. Check out the lilting wonder in "Wait," "Tug," and "Man in Control," which are balanced by the Replacements-like "Faster," the bar-band brassiness of "First Time Believers" and the indie-rock of "Steal a Car." For additional delightful surprises there's the rollicking kick-off track, "Sleepwalking" (think Jim Carroll crossed with Iggy Pop) and the edgy rave-up "Breakdown," with its nod to "Helter Skelter." Ross's lyrics are intelligent, introspective, and provocative, while the music is diverse, crafted, and heartfelt. Seven Mary Three have a rough time bridging the gap between media perceptions and the reality of the band, and this eclectic, wonderful record won't solve that dilemma. Nonetheless, The Economy of Sound is a gem that deserves to be heard and appreciated, not pigeonholed and overanalyzed. --Katherine Turman
"I have to admit, when I bought this cd on whim after seeing it in the store, not even previously knowing it had been released yet, I was a little thrown off the first time through. The last SMT record I bought was "Rock Crown" and this new one was just different. More pop? I wasn't sure. And I was confused as to why Jason Ross inexplicably sings with a different vocal style than on previous records. Every now and then, a hint of his old raspy growl comes through, but for the most part, his voice is smoother, and flat out different. Neither good nor bad. But I decided to keep spinning it.On every listen this album just gets better and better. The songs all either rock or sway, they're all good. My personal highlights include: "Wait" "Faster" "Man in Control" "Zeroes and Ones" and "Steal a Car" If you like 7m3, there is no reason you should go without this record. Get it. Get it."
Decent effort -- but not as innovative as earlier work
Lionel R. Menchaca Jr. | Round Rock, TX United States | 06/07/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a big fan of the band since American Standard. Back then, the band grabbed my attention with its ability to mix hard-driving, raucous tunes like "My My" with melodic and unique songs like "Rodrigo" and "Punch In and Out". In addition, Jason Ross' ability to transform his wonderfully raspy vocals into a melodic tones caught me off guard as well. The follow up album, Rock Crown, highlighted the band's diverse talent to an even greater extent. From beginning to end, it walks a delicate balance between strightforward rock n' roll and addictive, innovative pop-inspired riffs that make it one of the most prized CDs in my collection. While The Economy of Sound contains hints ("Wait" and "First Time Believers" are good examples) of what made me a big fan of the first two records, it just doesn't have the same impact. Still, it is a good record. If you like this, I urge you to give one of the first two a listen--I bet you won't be disappointed."
The waiting is the hardest part
matt | TN | 07/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Seven Mary Three are back(not that they have anything to be ashamed of in Rock Crown or Orange Ave.). They have created by far the best cd of 2001. The cd kicks off with a rocker in "sleepwalking" and closes with the most inspired song Jason Ross has ever written in "tug". "Faster" and "Honey" shows the mainstream rock/pop abiltity of the band. While "Steal a Car" and "Breakdown" is just the band jamming out as hard as they can. "Man In Control" is also a great song that deserves to be heard. This is a band that knows where its going now. They aren't jumping on some bandwagon. Instead they are doing what has become the exception these days Writing good songs playing with emotion. I just hope they don't wait another 3 years before putting another cd out"
Orange Ave is a distant memory.. thank the Lord
Marcus T. Brody | Tampa Bay, FL | 06/08/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"American Standard and RockCrown were amazing. Orange Ave. was a nightmare. I didn't know what to expect from the Economy of Sound album. First off, it blows Orange Ave. away, thank the Lord. 7m3 put that cosmic, weak southern ballad (stuff) to rest. The Economy of Sound offers excellent tracks such as "Sleepwalking", "Wait", "Honey", and "Zeroes and Ones". I can listen to this album from beginning to end, without skipping a track. That's an impressive follow up to an album where I would skip past 8 or 9 songs. The Economy of Sound does have a weak finish, but in my opinion, it's better to end the album weak than to kick it off weak. 7m3 seems reborn in 2001 and I just wish "Wait" could receive the airplay it deserves. It is undoubtedly amongst the finest 7m3 has ever recorded."
Orlando?s own 7 Mary 3 return with an outstanding rock album
Michael Nelson | Winter Springs, FL | 06/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the opening track "Sleepwalking", Orlando's first "big rock band", shift into overdrive and rock through twelve fantastic songs. It's time for critics to get over the "Eddie Vedder/Pearl Jam" stigma attached to the band since it's platinum selling first release American Standard. Jason Ross has become one of modern rocks great songwriters and all of the songs on The Economy of Sound have the potential to become huge hits. Stations are currently playing "Wait" and let's hope that great songs like "Faster", "Honey" and "Breakdown" also make it on the airwaves."