When Sandi Thom’s forthcoming album arrived in my mailbox, I had no idea who she was but liked the fact she spelled her last name the same way I spelled my first name. Perhaps it was best I approached the album without any background, because after the first run through I loved “Flesh and Blood,” and didn’t have to judge it based on her previous work.
The album is produced by Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes, and he managed to give the album a nice bluesy feel. Nonetheless, it works because the album is not one-dimensional. The opener, “Help Me” is a full of soul, Thom nails the vocals and the song sets the stage for a great album.
Other great songs include “The Sun Comes Crashing Down,” which is available on Thom’s website free, and the moving number “In the Pines.” It was a wise decision to offer “The Sun Comes Crashing Down” as a free download because it will certainly make listeners want to check out the rest of the album.
Robinson’s production is excellent. The album doesn’t sound slick and overproduced, instead it captures the feel of a great live performance. On “Rise As One,” it almost feels like Thom and her band are sitting on your front porch.
