Thorns is, nevertheless, pleasant listening, with thirteen songs heavy on the acoustic guitars and the harmonies. The lovelorn ballads (of which there are plenty) have some lyrical sting, with kiss-off lines such as "I can't remember a way to make you cry." And the band has a few surprises, like its theme song, "Thorns," a trippy slice of glam rock reminiscent of T. Rex. Who mixed the glitter with the granola?
GAVIN EDWARDS
(RS 923, May 29, 2003)
Like Golden Smog, the Thorns are a roots-pop supergroup comprising Pete Drodge, Matthew Sweet and Shawn Mullins. If you like the Jayhawks, you'll adore the Thorns: chiming acoustic guitars melt into three part harmonies that make you feel as good as scratching a sunburn. CSN&Y would be proud (or very jealous).