PHILADELPHIA--A pair of ratty shoes is anything but poetic. But transforming the ordinary into the lyrical is all in a day's work for Blackthorn. And as the Irish-Rock band releases its second all-original CD "Ratty Shoes", it continues to bridge the gap between traditional Irish music and what contemporary music with its whimsical yet gritty mix of bass, rhythmic guitars, drums and the keyboard. Keyboardist John Boyce was the catalyst for the cover track's concept. It was two years ago, when Boyce was driving to Woodstock with friend and acoustic guitar player Paul Moore. They were on their way to recording their first all-original CD, "The Other Side." That's when Boyce began talking about an idea for a song--about a pair of shoes that were old and worn-out, but comfortable. The shoes, he said, would have magical powers. Picking up a napkin from the seat of the car, Moore scribbled down some of his thoughts. Later, Moore, developed t...