When I first learned The Everybodyfields had broken up, I was pretty bummed. They were one of my favorite bands, largely responsible for opening my eyes (and ears) to the beautiful world of Americana. Sam Quinn’s nasally warble and Jill Andrews’ angelic croon were a perfect match. Together they recorded three amazing albums in the span of four years: Half-Way There: Electricity & The South in 2004, Plague of Dreams in 2005, and Nothing Is Okay in 2007. I was hoping for a few more albums but I’m definitely happy with the three they gave us.

I was even happier when I discovered both Sam and Jill were pursuing solo careers. Mainly because it doubles the output of music from two of my favorite artists. Also, I think the solo format better suits both musicians: their distinctive voices weren’t meant to share the spotlight. New material from both artists proves beyond a doubt that each is comfortable taking center stage.

Earlier this year Sam Quinn released his debut The Fake That Sunk a Thousand Ships. Musically speaking, the album doesn’t stray too far from the sound The Everybodyfields perfected. In fact, Quinn may have dialed up the twang slightly. Fiddles moan, the lap steel whines, and the upright bass plods and plops. The music is instantly familiar and refreshingly authentic. If you enjoyed The Everybodyfields, you’ll feel right at home.

But as good as Quinn’s album is, Jill Andrews’ self-titled EP is even better. I’ve been listening to it religiously for the past 8 months (sorry for the delay in posting!). Normally I worry about wearing out an album if I listen to it too much, but this has yet to happen. Every time I queue up her EP, I fall in love with a different track. The six songs on her EP capture the full range of emotion during a break-up. There’s anger (“Worth Keeping”), bitterness (“These Words”), regret (“Sweetest In the Morning”), and resignation (“Always Be Sorry”). While still rather twangy, Andrews’ music also has a bluesy feel to it. In other words, it’s completely devastating, but in the best possible way.

I’ve posted three songs below. The first is “I Can’t Sleep,” my all-time favorite track by The Everybodyfields. The second is “Hello,” the opening track from Sam Quinn’s debut album. And the third is “These Words,” one of the many highlights from Jill Andrews’ self-titled EP.

• The Everybodyfields – I Can’t Sleep
• Sam Quinn – Hello
• Jill Andrews – These Words

PS – Jill Andrews is currently working on new full-length album entitled The Mirror. Check out this site for more details and to support her project.