Customer Reviews
Description of a "Southern Springsteen" Is Not Off the Mark 
2008-03-31
and those are sacred words for people like me who worship at the church of Bruce. But on to Paul, this guy just keeps getting better. His lyrics are more sharply honed, the compositions are more complicated, and his sense of character is that of a great short story writer. This might be what it would sound like if Flannery O'Connor sang.
Well worth the wait 2008-03-11
Paul, Billy, Michael and the boys have produced a wonderfully rich and varied record this time out. From the lush productions of Everybody Wishes, Lucky 7 Ranch and the title track to the spare and minimal approach to Burning Blue and When The Long Road Ends, there is something here for almost anyone. Overriding the entire effort is the accessible every-man vibe that Paul and Billy bring to the lyrics. Whatever opinion of the music and style, no one can argue that they have nothing to say.
Lucky 7 Ranch is one of only two tracks that would have served as an opener for this album (the title track is the other). But as Rob Gordon said of musical compilations (and all albums are compilations, though he was speaking specifically of mixed discs), "you have to start with a bang". Lucky 7 Ranch has that bang, from the first blast of Jeffrey's kick drum to the brilliant interplay between Bill and Michael on the break, the song is a wonderfully crafted opener. Lyrically, the inventive cleverness of wonderful lines "like a snowball they rolled down the aisle...she'd soon be 18" and "you can't grow pretty flowers by a house built on the sand" are what we've come to expect from Paul.
To carry on the High Fidelity metaphor, the boys then "kick it up a notch" with Everybody Wishes, one of my picks for a single. Realistically, there is no good reason this song should not be a huge mainstream hit.
I'm Still Here. The only thing I can say about this song is that it obviously had more loving attention lavished on it in the studio than any other track.
Long Way From Tupelo is the very first song I heard off this album before there even was an album. It's really the only other song that could have served as an opener. I loved it then and I love it now (even though/especially because) it's changed so much. I REALLY love Bill's new solo on this one. Definitely the story of a song that grew up right.
Crutches has a bouncy optimism that makes everything seem possible. The girls are especially brilliant on this one.
It Don't Get Any Better Than This has a wonderfully inventive lyric that from one angle is a paean to redemption and from another is perhaps the finest song about entropy ever written.
Paul is more clever than the average songwriter. Lines like "I'll be a human bottle rocket and I'll go off with a bang" (Mission Temple Fireworks Stand) and "I guess the will of god has got to be obeyed, but I know I wouldn't do it if I didn't get paid" (Downtown Babylon) establish that without a doubt. But one of the pitfalls of being more clever than most, is that occasionally things that make perfect sense to you are lost on others. All About the People is a case in point. The verses are brilliant synopses of people struggling to get by in life. Then the chorus (which may the be most sing-along chorus on the whole record...I literally got goose bumps the first time I heard it) comes right out of leftfield and I'm still trying to figure out what it means.
Every so often I get a reminder of what an inventive and original player Richard Dabbs is and this album's tutorial on the subject is Burning Blue. Dabbs' base line and Jason Palmer's percussion sinuously twist and twine about the vocal, which may very well be the most assured performance Paul's ever given.
For many people (especially casual or non-fans), It's A Great Day has become Paul's signature song, much to Paul's chagrin as all Paulaholics know only too well. And while funny and something that almost anyone who has a job can relate to, it is far, far from the best or most enjoyable song to ever flow from his pen. What Have You Done To Lift Somebody Up is a great attempt to make a new signature. The lyric is certainly more in line with Paul's outlook on life and if it doesn't resonate with people on an emotional level, well then this country could be in a lot of trouble. Musically, this is just one of my favorite pieces. Michael's rollicking, barrelhouse piano is a treat and just about nothing makes me happier than when they hand Bill a slide. Jeffrey and Doug's rhythm section is tight and muscular and holds everything together without seeming to do so. This song also contains my favorite production decision. Candice, Dena and Jenny are fantastic singers and the easy, obvious choice on a quasi-gospel number is to bring in the choir to back the preacher. Instead, Billy decided to build a "Wall of Paul" for the backgrounds that both kept the focus on the lead vocal and built the song into a much more personal statement. Absolute genius.
Anyone who worries about Paul's marriage based on songs like Lucky 7 Ranch, It Don't Get Any Better Than This, Burning Blue or Long Way From Tupelo can rest easy after Starvin' For Your Kisses. This is without question the filthiest love song a man ever wrote to his wife. There is very little about this song that does not moan and sigh and plead for gratification.
When the Long Road Ends is the perfect closer. I love everything about it. From the mandolin to Paul sisters singing harmonies (which are spectacular) the song is just about perfect. I knew Paul's sisters would sound great on this after seeing them in Tupelo and am really glad Billy gave them a chance.
Thanks and kudos to Paul, Billy and the guys for adding another chapter in a great musical catalog. I intend to enjoy this one for a while because we all know it will be a while before we get another. ;>
A Long Way from Tupelo
Preaching the gospel of Paul Thorn 2008-03-05
I have been a Paul Thorn fan for about 4 years and like other reviewers, have been waiting anxiously for this CD to be released. It has been well worth the wait, as I love each and every song on it. When friends come to my home or ride in my car, I more or less force them to listen to some Paul Thorn music, and I have converted many to the "faith". Paul's lyrics are by turns thought-provoking and inspirational, but always entertaining. I love the stories they tell, in his Missisippi molasses voice, and musically his band is right on target too. I call him "the best singer you have never heard of". He is going to appear on Conan O'Brien on March 19, everyone be sure to watch! Maybe soon we will all be saying "Hey, I liked Paul Thorn way before he was famous!"
Why is this guy not winning a Grammy??? 2008-02-21
Paul Thorn has amazing song writing ability, with a terrific soulful voice and a bawdy sense of humor. We love this CD....received it last night and listened to it last night....we never miss catching him in Chicago when he passes through 1-2 times a year. Band is great but try catching him when he plays alone sometimes.....Paul Thorn is an amazing performer. Where are those Grammies???
The best CD I own 2008-02-20
I cannot agree more with all of the previous reviews. Paul Thorn truly speaks to your heart and soul with each of the songs on this new CD. I waited with all the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve for it's arrival. When I brought it home, it was in the CD player before my coat or wet, snowy shoes had even been removed. I sat back in my recliner, grinning ear to ear. I often found myself with eyes closed and nodding my head while swaying to the groove. It really does not get any better than this. I HATE music with vocals playing while trying to go to sleep, but I popped in that CD last night and really got into those vocals and slept like a baby. Hubby was a bit miffed about taking a backseat to a CD, but he'll get over it. All I can say to anyone who has not purchased this CD or ANY Paul Thorn Band CD, is that in this case, money truly can buy happiness. A happiness you can revisit over and over again, simply by slipping a little disc into a slot. Thank you Paul Thorn again for a smile that might not have been there otherwise.
Nothing special 
2008-06-30
This was my first and last Paul Thorn album for me. I had several friends speak highly of his music......guess this is not the album they have. Won't waste my time or money again on him.
Nice surprise 2008-05-09
great CD, songs well written and sung, tight band, reminds me a little of Lyle Lovett, i highly recommend this CD to anyone who likes roots/americana music.
Hot damn, I like this album a lot! 2008-04-29
I haven't found any new music in years to move me like Long Way From Tupelo has. Paul Thorn serves up a slice of life that is both lyrical and believeable. It's hard to label his rock, blues, gospel, delta style of music in words other than HOT DAMN! I gar-on-tee you'll like it too.
Real Music 
2008-04-19
I had never heard of Paul Thorn until I recently caught a radio interview he did with Bob Edwards. I was quite taken with his life story and the music clips. I immediatly ordered "A Long Way From Tupelo", his new album. The guy can sing and write. I have really enjoyed every song and I love that his music is both fun and thoughtful. Check it out, he is worth it.
Paul Thorn should be much more famous 2008-04-06
A Long Way from Tupelo is a great addition to Paul Thorn's body of work. He is reflective and roudy and demonstrates himself to be the thinking man's alternative country artist. If you only buy one CD this year, buy this one.
