3 X 3

Infobox Album |
Name = 3 X 3
Type = EP
Artist = Genesis


Released = May 1982
Recorded = May - June 1981
Genre = Pop rock
Length = 15:10
Label = Charisma (UK), Vertigo
Producer = Genesis
Reviews =
* Allmusic rating|3|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:5mkbu3q5an1k link]
Last album = "Spot the Pigeon"
(1977)
This album = "3 X 3"
(1982)
Next album = |

"3 X 3" was the second and last EP by the rock band Genesis. It was released in 1982. Its three songs were recorded during the "Abacab" sessions.

History

Upon its release, "3 X 3"'s lead song was "Paperlate", and the EP managed to reach #10 on the UK singles chart. Because the EP market never took off in North America, Atlantic Records instead decided to release its three songs as part of "Three Sides Live" for its initial release, while the rest of the world had extra exclusive live music. "Paperlate" became a Top 40 hit in the US. As of 1994, however, "Three Sides Live" was remastered and reissued with the exclusive live material internationally.

Packaging

The packaging for "3 X 3" was a throwback to The Beatles' first EP release in 1963, entitled "Twist and Shout", from the front cover photo to the liner notes and design of the back cover. The title itself is also likely a nod to The Rolling Stones, who released both an EP titled "Five by Five" and an LP entitled "12 X 5". In all of these records, the first numeral refers to the amount of tracks on the release and the second to the amount of members of the group.

Availability

Although "3 X 3" never saw a CD release, its tracks appeared (on CD, as well as LP) on the North American edition of the aforementioned "Three Sides Live" (now deleted). In addition, two of its three tracks, "Paperlate" and "You Might Recall" appeared on the band's 2000 box set "", though due to their personal dislike of the song they saw fit to overlook "Me And Virgil", making it a rarity for fans. The track is now available on the bonus CD of the boxed set "Genesis 1976-1982" (2007), albeit in a modern-day remixed version. The original mix remains out of print.

Track listing

All songs by Tony Banks/Phil Collins/Mike Rutherford.

#"Paperlate" – 3:20
#"You Might Recall" – 5:30
#"Me And Virgil" – 6:18

Personnel

*Tony Banks - keyboards
*Phil Collins - drums, percussion, vocals
*Mike Rutherford - Guitars, bass