PAUL THORN

Pimps and Preachers

[Perpetual Obscurity Records]

Paul Thorn has been kicking around the edges of the Americana scene for years, opening for high-profile acts while never quite breaking through himself. It’s not for lack of artistry. His latest is a collection of vivid songs that draw on the opposite impulses Thorn absorbed from his father and an uncle—preacher and pimp, respectively—and colored with his own wry outlook. Thorn takes comfort in human commonalities—ups and downs, struggles and joys—on opener “You’re Not the Only One,” extols a cure-all for heartache on “Tequila Is Good for the Heart” and looks past hard times on “Better Days Ahead.” Rootsy guitar lines drive these tunes, with accents here and there from piano, Hammond organ and mandolin. Thorn imparts wisdom in a gruff, soulful voice that has a playful edge on the twisted double entendre of “Weeds in My Roses” and takes on a respectful cast as he addresses his family influences on the title track.

–Eric R. Danton