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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Music Menu / Opinion / News

Paul Thorn ready to light up the night

Posted by Jason Younger on Wed, Jul 15, 2009 at 8:44 AM

"...the best kept secret in the music business." — Kris Kristofferson

‘Nuff said. If I had to pick one sentence to best describe Paul Thorn and his band, the above by the legendary Kristofferson would be it. If the man who wrote songs for icons like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Waylon Jennings says Thorn is legit, then he is. Don’t just take my word for it.

When Thorn brings his band of country, rock and blues outlaws to the Neighborhood Theatre on Saturday, July 18, it’s a show one needn’t dare miss. Thorn, one of the most rambunctious, funniest and just plain good artist’s touring today is an action-packed show of songs, jammin’, stories and a thick Tupelo Mississippi accent.

The son of a Pentecostal preacher, Thorn’s shows are the closest thing to a Holy Ghost revival you’ll hear without actually attending church. With his hilarious songwriting, blistering guitar riffs and church-like keyboards, Thorn paints a picture of small town southern come-to-Jesus in the only way he knows how — through a unique show you won’t soon forget.

If you are wondering what to expect, just look at some of Thorn’s song titles for guidance. With hits like: “Mission Temple Fireworks Stand,” “It’s a Great Day (For me to Whup Somebody’s Ass) – featured on the Bob & Tom morning show and “Two Dogs in Heat.”

There's also “Burn Down the Trailer Park” which tells the story of a man who’s wife is cheating on him and not knowing which trailer in the trailer park she’s in, he does what any self respecting southern man would do. He burns the whole park to the ground.

The only thing funnier and more entertaining than Thorn’s music is his stories. Consider this show a two-for-one special — live concert and stand up comedy show.

Thorn, a former professional boxer who once fought 3-time world champ Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran — or as Paul describes, tasted the champ’s gloves for six rounds, tells stories you’ll be laughing about days later (my personal favorite involves a trailer park, a mayonnaise sandwich and gasoline).

As Thorn himself describes his live show “It’s kind of like going to church with a six-pack.” And if the shows I’ve seen in the past are any indication, Paul and the boys will be in the rarest of forms at Neighborhood. If they are, the trailer park ain’t the only thing that’s gonna get burned to the ground.

Tags: Neighborhood-Theatre, Music Menu, Opinion, Paul Thorn, News

Comments (9)

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Good post Younger. Sounds like a fun show to behold. We'll search for some of Thorns stuff and take a listen. He sounds like a guy who could make a good song about Baconaise.

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Posted by Hong Kong Fong on July 15, 2009 at 9:32 AM

Jason good post, it was witty and clever .For someone like myself who has never heard of Paul Thorn; you did him justice.

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Posted by Grace on July 15, 2009 at 11:11 AM

Jason,

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Posted by Moma on July 15, 2009 at 12:38 PM

Jason,I am sooo proud of you. This is great! Very professional. I look forward to reading more. Love you lots, Moma

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Posted by Moma on July 15, 2009 at 12:39 PM

Awesome post. May just have to check him out on Saturday.

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Posted by Katie B. on July 15, 2009 at 1:26 PM

Nice man. Keep it up.

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Posted by Durant on July 15, 2009 at 1:39 PM

Nice work, look forward to reading more

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Posted by Kelly on July 15, 2009 at 2:34 PM

Younger, excellent post. I always enjoy reading commentary on live music. There is so much talent out there one hardly knows where to start. Thanks for the info on Mr. Thorn.

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Posted by Charlie on July 15, 2009 at 2:52 PM

It's fitting that you could find an artist who sings about burning down a trailer park. I remember when you once almost burned down our house because of your He-Man blanket catching on fire.

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Posted by Susan on July 23, 2009 at 8:55 AM

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