Paul Thorn
Mission Temple Fireworks Stand

(Back Porch)

T.J. Simon's #2 album for 2002

First Appeared at The Music Box, February 2003, Volume 10, #2

Written by T.J. Simon

Paul Thorn’s third outing Mission Temple Fireworks Stand is an unapologetic romp through the Tupelo native’s world of faith and morality. Thorn is a former professional boxer and the son of a Pentecostal preacher who has penned songs for Jerry Jeff Walker and Kim Richey. His own recordings recall the voice of John Hiatt and the songwriting of Lyle Lovett — particularly on the boogie-woogie gospel title track and the life-affirming rocker Rise Up. He migrates effortlessly between rootsy rock, mainstream country, and barn burning boogie-woogie. There’s not a bad song on this disc from the guitar-centered opener Everybody Looks Good at the Starting Line to the worldly wise closer I’m a Lucky Man.

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Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2003 The Music Box