Customer Reviews

Mission Temple Fireworks Stand

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am one of the host of people who first met Paul Thorn on the Bob And Tom syndicated radio program. This guy has to be one of the most engaging personalities one is ever to meet. A former professional boxer--son of a revival tent minister, Paul Thorn is an honest and very funny man. Like all of the rest of his albums, Mission Temple Fire Works Stand is a winning collection of comical, tender and heartbreaking songs. Typically the listener first thinks "what the hell is this?" But soon you will take these songs to heart. As strange and unlikely as some of the characters are in Thorn's songs, you know they are real. Anyone who has ever travelled off the main highways and onto the country roads most of America lives on knows that the United States contains millions of wonderful people living the most pecular lives. Paul Thorn has met them--hell, he's one of them.

We here a lot of talk about how we hate the slick and over processed music that is offered to us by the record companies. We seem to buy it anyway. But if you want real alternative music--music and songs that grew from the land and not some creative writing workshop, buy this album. And then buy the rest of Paul Thorn's catalog.

There I was at the Tower Records listening station, and there was Paul Thorn's new CD. Now the title alone should have been my first clue that this was going to be something....well, let's say different. By the time I was into the first 30 seconds of "Everybody looks good at the starting line" the spirit grabbed me...The spirit moved me... and a little voice said BUY THIS CD NOW!

By the time I got to my car I had the wrapper off and popped this gem into my CD player and I was off to the highway for the 15 minute ride home. Forty minutes later I pulled up in front of my house, sat there and listened to the last two tracks. I decided to miss my turn off and keep driving just to keep the music going. Mr. Thorn knows how to create a picture with his insights to some of lifes little oddities...Folks, the man can flat out write some tasty, funny, heart grabbing & soulful lyrics. "Angel Too Soon" is one of the most touching, immotional songs I've ever heard.

This CD has it all...Paul's "Jack Danials" dipped voice, a major groove, great musicians and intelligent lyrics that catch & give you pause for thought...."MISSION TEMPLE FIREWORKS STAND" IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!

Rock-and-blues-influenced singer-songwriter Thorn has produced a release that's strong on several counts. His throaty growl shapes these songs about the street, the mixture of the sacred and profane, and the everyday downtrodden in loving, if occasionally jaded, ways. The songs themselves are eminently accessible and listenable. His lyrics are genuinely moving ("Everybody Looks Good at the Starting Line," "Downtown Babylon") and poignant ("Mission Temple Fireworks Stand," "Rise Up") and wear their heart on their sleeve nicely ("I'm a Lucky Man"). He really seems to have something spiritual (not religious) to say without taking the easy or preachy route (Ain't Livin' in Sin No More," "Nothin' But the Devil"). The musicianship is superb, reminiscent of the snap of a good Hiatt or McClinton CD, but Thorn has his own voice and style even in his given genre, a rare find in this dime-a-dozen musical climate. Highly recommended.

I discovered Paul Thorn by accident about two years ago when I laughed out loud at "Burn Down the Trailer Park" on his "Ain't Love Strange" CD. After calling the local public radio station to find out who was singing, I ordered the CD and have been a fan ever since. (When my 18-year old daughter heard my CD, she ordered her own copy.) This CD is just as much fun. I like the southern/blues/country flavor, and I LOVE Thorn's sense of humor and his ability to put a new twist on things we've all been through. Try it. You'll like it!

Now I love all three of those guys -- Earle, Reed and Snider -- and so I couldn't be more impressed with Paul Thorn's second major release. He builds well on his first album with tight, rockin' tongue-firmly-in-cheek missives. Each song hits its mark directly. If you like Todd Snider's earlier stuff -- especially "Songs from the Daily Planet" -- then Paul Thorn's gospelly rockin toe-tappin white trashy growls will please you immensely.

My introduction to the music of Paul Thorn came about a year ago at a friend's pool party. I liked what I heard then and since that time have sought out some of Thorn's back catalogue. Mission Temple Fireworks Stand looked like an interesting place to delve deeper, so I took the plunge. What a fiery musical stew! Those who buy this will be treated to a rollicking mix of Southern gospel rock tinged with a dollop of blues, a heavy dose of country, and a occasional pinch of mawkish sentimentality.
Here's what I like: the rousing opener, Everybody Looks Good At the Starting Line; the inspirational Rise Up; the humorous, clever, and gospel-tinged title cut; Things Left Undone, a mournful tale of regrets; the straight-forward rock of There's Something Out There; the humorous Ain't Livin' In Sin No More; and Nothin' But the Devil which to me, is lyrically the best song on the album because of the truths it tells. About the only song I don't care for is the lachrymose Angel Too Soon.
The CD comes with a multi-fold insert containing pictures, lyrics and all pertinent album info. Its difficult to categorize Thorn's music for those who haven't heard him. If I was forced to peg him, I'd say he's the South's answer to Texas' James McMurtry. Give this album a shot. I guarantee it's worth many a listen.

"Mission Temple Fireworks Stand" is one of Paul Thorn's masterpieces. From the quirky artwork (by Thorn himself) to the oddball mix of country, blues, rock, and comedy intrinsic in the music itself, this CD is hard to beat.

I have always liked Thorn, and especially his peculiar offbeat funny songs full of comic hostility ("Burn Down The Trailer Park" is the best example). This CD not only gives the listener some more conventional pop-like songs, but several original alternative comedy songs full of both broadside humor and subtle nuance, the best example being the title track. This CD has really earned its five stars, and I highly recommend it.

Paul Thorn is amazing, he tells great stories with his songs. I recently had the pleasure of hearing him live and now I already own three of his CD's.

You must hear his work! He is a must for any collection, no matter what type of music you listen to.

He gets better and better. A paul Thorn "gotta have".

Paul Thorn is the most under rated artist in the world. His music and lyrics are simply thought provoking, inspirational, down to earth, something everyone can relate to in life, and just down right good. His sense of humor is refreshing as can be seen on many you tube postings. I now have two of his CDs and will eventually have them all.