I like it when great live bands record. You can hear the blood, sweat, adrenaline and fatigue seep out of their CDs. I remember a night in Cleveland when I told Seamus and Paul that they would never be taken seriously until they could do a night of originals. I told them how, in the early days, Black 47, sometimes suicidally but always fearlessly would drop crowd-pleasing covers and replace them with unproven raw originals. I'd like to think that the Philly Phenomenon took my advice but I doubt it. Great live bands do their own thing-in their own time. Blackthorn have delivered the record I always knew they were capable of. They have finally come into their own and merit very serious consideration.
- Larry Kirwan Black 47

This is one of the best and most fun projects i have worked on in my career. Sincere music with a broad appeal by five guys who are committed to excellence in their respective crafts. This music will reflect in your musical taste a great sense of adventure and eclecticism. Now go have some fun!

- John Whelan

I purchased my first "Blackthorn" album after hearing a friend playing it. I have seen them in concert, in and around Philly many times since then, and purchased their other three albums. They are equally as great. I can't wait for another to be released. This group appeals to young and older groups...we think they are better than many of the other Celtic Bands with the big names.
Blackthorn is among the best of the Celtic Bands. My dear grandmother of Mayo should have only lived long enough to hear them.
Marie Phelan

They were born with Irish spirits, but in an age of rock 'n' roll. So the members of Blackthorn combined the two and came up with a fun, lively collection of tunes on "The Other Side." The band wears its nontraditionalism proudly -- but don't let that fool you. They're just as obviously proud as their Irish heritage. The album, comprising mostly original tunes, is a delightfully irreverent, at times poignant look at the Irish and Irish-American experience. Tom Knapp