Sam & Jill's New Projects....

The Everybodyfields were one of my favorite discoveries of 2007. Their album from that year, Nothing Is Okay, was a top 10 choice and remains in solid rotation. So I was understandably upset when I learned last year that they were taking separate paths. But my disappointment changed to excitement once I heard a couple tracks from their current projects.


Sam Quinn has since formed another band - Sam Quinn & Japan Ten. The band includes Sam, Josh Oliver, Megan Gregory, and Brandon Story. So far, they have only released a DVD (available here), but have set a tentative date of late February - early March for The Fake That Sunk a Thousand Ships:

1. Hello
2. Fanboy
3. So Strong
4. Suite Motown
5. Strange Wave.
6. Gun
7. Mardi Gras
8. Help Me
9. Late The Other Night
10. River

You can hear some of them here.


Meanwhile, the beautiful Jill Andrews has been hard at work recording new stuff, getting her touring feet on the ground, and making videos to tell us all about it. Jill has a 6-track EP out (both hard copy and digital) on her website.


Here's her latest (November edition) Video - this one with Matt Buthcer.

Check out her previous videos:
[Ocotber][September][August][July][June]

New Digs.........

Wha?

I know, remember these? The feature that was supposed to be a weekly update on music new to my inbox has been shelved for quite some time now. Through much of the winter, I simply wasn't finding anything new - at least nothing post-worthy. But now, I have way too many new jams to choose from - so lets get right to it.


Slaid Cleaves - Beautiful Thing

Slaid's first set of original material in 5 years was quite the anticipated release for me. Don't expect Slaid to surprise you with anything new or groundbreaking, but the troubadour proves he's still the foremost American Folksinger with 2009's Everything You Love Will Be Taken Away.

buy Everything You Love...


Samantha Crain & The Midnight Shivers - The Dam Song

Just as I suspected, Sam Crain's first full-length album is nothing short of amazing. If you've heard the band's HearYa Live Session, many of the songs here won't be brand-new to you, but they sound even better with proper studio treatment. The handful of brand new songs are even more inspiring. BUY THIS ONE!

buy Songs In The Night

Steve Earle - To Live Is To Fly

Mr. Earle's tribute to lifelong friend and mentor Townes Van Zandt is set for release in May. A few tracks have been previewed here and there, and it sounds like Steve will bring a new vibe to the songwriting legend's work, while still staying true to his legacy.

Check out the 4-song EP (iTunes) and stay tuned to SteveEarle.com for a forthcoming pre-order.


Iron & Wine - Peace Beneath The City (acoustic version)

Sam Beam has been generous enough to offer up a FREE DOWNLOAD of 8 acoustic versions of tunes from 2007's The Shepherd's Dog. Think old-school, mellow I&W treatment to his new, fuller sound. The songster will also soon release Around The Well - a 3LP collection of rarities and never-before-released tracks.

Check his dot com for more info and the full download.


Frightened Rabbit - Last Tango In Brooklyn

Scottish folk-rock outfit Frightened Rabbit was a late, yet still warranted addition to my Best of 2008 Album list. The band has recently contributed a tune for Lifted Brow's latest compilation album. It echoes the softer side of the band's material. Good stuff.

Frightened Rabbit MySpace/Website
Buy The Lifted Brow IV


Sam Quinn & Japan Ten - Hello

I posted a video of this recording back here. I can't stop watching/listening, so I ripped the audio for you fine folks. The sound quality is as good as a proper recording.

Sam Quinn & Japan Ten MySpace


Jill Andrews - Rehearsal

The other half of The Everybodyfields has been at work on new material as well. On her site, she's giving away the first taste of said work. The recording is a little rough, but her vocals help to put some shine on it.

Jill Andrews MySpace/Website



Ryan Adams - Like A Fool (Superchunk Cover)

While waiting to see just how long Ryan's sabbatical will last, I came across a link to a Merge Records compilation disc featuring non-Merge artists covering Merge's greatest. The album helped in celebrating the label's 20th birthday. I bet you can guess just how excited I was to see 'ol Ryan on the set. The tune sounds like a polished Pinkheart song. Others taking part include: The Shins, Bright Eyes, Okkervil River, and The Mountain Goats.

buy SCORE! 20 years of Merge Records


Also, my wandering mouse has recently run across leaks for the new albums from both Dylan and Son Volt. Don't worry, I'm gonna be a good music fan and purchase both of the quite impressive discs upon their release. Sorry, for fear of my life and this blog's, I'm not gonna offer up any tracks from them just yet.