December 12, 2003

Alabama 3

Alabama 3

Sweet pretty country acid house music.



In Barcelona, Brian and I found a perfect little coffee spot. This place would be a natural fit in a Seattle or San Francisco neighborhood; mis-matched, comfortable chairs around unfinished wooden tables, bookshelves bearing titles about backpacking, philosophy and vegetarian recipes. Sipping my latte, I began to notice the music playing through the overhead speakers. It was catchy, driving, good. I listened closer to the next four songs, unmistakably by the same group. We were leisurely enjoying our second round of lattes when I asked the proprietor the name of the group.
Alabama 3

"Alabama 3."
"They've got a great sound."

Months later Claire and Leo invite us along to the Alabama 3 show at the Mean Fiddler. I know I liked what I heard in the cafe, but I'm tentative because, well...country music...you know. We walk in and the place is jumping; people moving to the beat with arms up in the air and cheek to cheek grins. I'm mesmerized by the low, twangy voice of the singer in the cowboy hat and the shiny shirt. The beat is strong. There are two percussionists with full kits, one on each side of the stage. I'd forgoten how much fun country music could be. These good old boys were rockin the house and the Brits were going crazy over them. I started feeling a bit patriotic. America can churn out good music too! And for Alabama folk, they were pretty enlightened. They mentioned the Union Jack in one song, and during another they had a black gal belting out vocals right along with them.

After the show Leo and Claire were commenting on the band's fake American accents and were surprised we didn't know Alabama 3 hails from south London. Oy.

http://www.alabama3.co.uk
http://www.alabama3.com
(They're known as A3 in North America)