The Three O'Clock - Befour Three O'Clock (1982)

The Three O'Clock was a rock group associated with Los Angeles' Paisley Underground scene in the early 1980s. Lead singer and bassist Michael Quercio is credited with coining the term "Paisley Underground" to describe bands such as Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, Green On Red and the Bangles from the area.

The Three O'Clock was originally formed under the name The Salvation Army in 1982, however, the name was given up due to legal problems concerning the actual Salvation Army. Formed after graduating high school Michael Quercio (lead vocals, bass) and Louis (formerly Gregg) Gutierrez (guitar) were the original members, releasing their self-titled debut in 1982. Mike Mariano (keyboards), and Danny Benair (drums) joined for the follow-up EP Baroque Hoedown. The band released a total of three EPs and three full-length albums on independent labels, before being signed by Prince's Paisley Park Records label. Gutierrez departed in 1986, so Jason Falkner was brought in to replace him for the 1988 album Vermillion, their major-label debut. The band broke up shortly afterwards.

Quercio continues to play in L.A. pop bands, most notably The Jupiter Affect, while Gutierrez became a principal member of Mary's Danish, and Falkner is a solo recording artist.