Ratty Shoes

Blackthorn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 7, 2001)
• Original Release Date: November 7, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blackthorn
• ASIN: B00005UFEC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #301,242 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This album is a complete package, February 4, 2002

By 

[e-mail] (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ratty Shoes (Audio CD)

When I first saw Blackthorn, it was in their natural habitit, on stage. A great, jumping pub act, I was promptly hooked on these Philadelphia Irish rockers. Their first album, The Other Side, was very good, but lacked the polish of a major recording artist. The followup, Ratty Shoes, suffers from none of the occassional awkwardness of that first record. The production is first rate and the songs are up to the increased scrutiny. From the bouncy pub stompers like the title track, to the traditional button-accordian instrumentals, to the reflective ballads like "The Border", this album is a complete package that truly defines Blackthorn as a band ready to break into the mainstream. The balance between rock and roll and traditional Irish folk sounds is just right, with neither overwhelming the other. Tying it all together is Paul Moore's passionate, homespun vocals. Black 47 and The Saw Doctors need to make room, because Blackthorn have just joined them on the top step of the Irish Rock genre.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!, March 14, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Ratty Shoes (Audio CD)

Once again these guys have pulled it off again! I didnt think
that the "Other Side" could be topped! The cover soundtrack
"Ratty Shoes" starts off with newcomer Michael Boyce singing
lead vocals and will bring your heart right back to Ireland. From Paul Moore's "Jig Junk" to the insanely talented John McGroary ( and I truely meant that) on button acordian with "Clearmountain Aire" gets your feet in steppin gear! But you
have to see these guys "live", unbelievable energy is put out
for every show. Whether these guys are jumping and kicking to every tune their drummer Mike O'Callahan is beating his heart
out with those ever so RED sneakers! But this is truely heart at
work with lyrics by Blackthorn! Great work guys! Buy this CD and
listen to great lyrics performed by a band that has proven
themselves once again!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blackthorn does it again ..., December 26, 2001

By 

Colleen McCulley (Media, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ratty Shoes (Audio CD)

The lads from Philly & Ireland have done it again. Although I have long been waiting for the new release, I was apprehensive that they wouldn't be able to top their spectacular original debut, The Other Side. But the boys have proven me wrong - quite simply, this album is fantastic.

From Moore's magical storytelling, to the Boyce Brothers' pop/country tunes, McGroary's reels, Seamus Kelleher's' electrifying guitar work and Mike O'Callaghan keeping the beat (and writing a new tune), this record does not have a single weak spot on it. Personally, I have always been a huge fan of Paul Moore's songwriting, but there are no slouches in this band.

Very highly recommended for fans of Celtic music, pop music and/or country music. And if you can, catch the boys live - it's something to see.