The Thorns

Today I'm listening to the eponymous CD by The Thorns. I don't know if you can call the Thorns a supergroup exactly, but the band was a project of musicians Matthew Sweet, Pete Droge, and Shawn Mullins back in 2003. I've been aware of Droge and Mullins for a while, though I don't own any of their solo work. But where Matthew Sweet goes, I will follow, and that was how I ended up listening to the Thorns.

I really like the songs these guys did together. They have a near-acoustic sound (unfortunately I didn't get the version of the CD that came with the free acoustic disc) and their three-part vocal harmonies are tight and sweet. At times I'm reminded of Tom Petty, Crosby Stills and Nash, and Big Star, but none of those influences overpower the music the Thorns made together. There are even touches of the Beach Boys, which should surprise no Matthew Sweet fan who's listened to In Reverse, but again, the influences seem respectful rather than derivative.

I saw the Thorns performing a couple of years ago when I was living in Munich. They were opening for the Dixie Chicks on their international tour. I was more excited about the Thorns than I was the Dixie Chicks, although I was happy to support the Dixie Chicks, too. But the biggest thrill of the night was that it was the first time I'd ever seen Matthew Sweet perform live. Yes! All those years that I'd loved Matthew Sweet, and I never got to see him play! So that was really cool.

Anyway, check it out: The Thorns.