Blending the Beach Boys' sense of melody, the Byrds' gentle rock interpretation of country's early longings, and CSNY's mastery of folk harmony, and taking all three into the 21st Century, the Thorns unites 1990s alt-rock hitmakers Matthew Sweet, Pete Droge, and Shawn Mullins. The trio of singer-songwriters checked their egos at the door on a 2003 debut featuring no clear lead singer. Their gentle creations earned critical raves and some MTV play for their faithful cover of the Jayhawks' "Blue," but the collaboration proved to be a one-time affair.