Imma Be Bored

What a week. Today is my last day of work this year (in theory, at least) and boy am I thankful for the break. It's been a whirlwind couple of months. On the other hand, I am a little nervous I'm going to be bored with so much time off. When I had a week off in early November I couldn't handle the lack of direction or structure each day. I was bored out of my mind. Which I realize is ridiculous... But what do people do when they're fun-employed or retired? This is a real question - I want to know the answer!

Anyways, if you need me, I'll likely be working on making my Anti-Vacation Boredom list.

The First: Bad Boy by Miranda Lambert

Let's just take a moment to all say it out loud: Miranda's new album is real good. This song has been one of the many I keep hitting repeat on. Part of my love for this song is the raw intro line. At first I was confused but it's grown on me and is now quite close to being my favourite part of this song. That and it's super catchy. Other gems I'd recommend include, Tin Man, Running Just In Case, We Should Be Friends, and For The Birds. In case you were wondering what might be coming in future CMFs. Because *spoilers*: they'll likely be in future CMFs.


The Second: Hell On A Highway by Justin Moore

A classic country song plot: someone is driving away from someone else and one of the two individuals feels like they need to sing about it. Think early Miranda with New Strings, Carolyn Dawn Johnson's Georgia, or Tim McGraw ft. Taylor Swift with Highway Don't Care. It may sound like I'm making fun of them, and don't get me wrong: I am. But I also love these songs. Plus Justin makes a Springsteen reference in this one, so regardless of where you land on the country music loving/driving away song spectrum, you can probably appreciate that.


The Third and Final: With You I Am by Cody Johnson

This song takes me back to my early days of listening to and loving country music. Days of George Strait, Tim McGraw, and Martina McBride. Thanks for sounding like the good ole days, Cody.


I hope you all have an excellent weekend! Things will take a little break on here for the next few weeks as I try to dedicate some time to family and friends for the holidays. Or maybe I'll get so bored I change my mind. No one knows at this point. Merry Christmas and see you in the new year!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Short and Sweet

Apologies in advance for the short but sweet instalment today. It's been a long and exhausting week for yours truly. Here's a snapshot: It's 11:38pm and I'm up because apparently so are the construction workers who are loudly pouring and smoothing out concrete on the site behind my apartment. No word of a lie. Whyyy.

The First: Drinkin' Problem by Midland

Well aren't these fellas talented with their harmonies and their hot pink egg shaker and their moody blue lighting.


The Second: She Does by Jackie Lee

Slow to start and then those drums kick in and you know Jackie means business. Unlike this guy.


The Third and Final: Today I Started Loving You Again covered by Michael Ray

Woah. Who knew he had this old school twang. I, for one, did not. Because this is what I think of when I think about Michael Ray. So. A step up here for sure.

Enjoy a snowy and safe weekend if you've been hit by this beautiful blizzard! A snowy walk is on the agenda for me.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Bad Analogies

It happened.
The tree is up.
The festive tea towels and mugs are out and about.
The advent calendar is ready to help build anticipation like when they dim the lights at the theatre. Except apparently this movie theatre worker is a big tease and is just dimming the lights verrrrry slowly for like 24 days.

I know that was a terrible analogy. Just ignore me. We all know I can't come up with good analogies when I'm tired.* Please instead allow me to redeem myself by telling you that Country Christmas 2016 is ready for your listening pleasure.

*Don't even think of saying anything along the lines of "she must be tired all the time then ha ha ha." because that would just be rude.


The First: Box #10 covered by Stoney LaRue

I've been very into the jazzier side of country lately and Stoney LaRue is a pretty good example of what I'm talking about. A blend of two of my three favourite genres of music. You can go ahead and be thankful that it's not a blend of country music with my other favourite genre: musical theatre. Because otherwise we'd basically just be listening to Oklahoma! and Annie Get Your Gun. 


The Second: Smooth by Florida Georgia Line

You know what really carries this song? The frog ribbits. I especially like that they're not just there for the intro. They're there for the duration. For the long haul. In it to win it. In it to ribbit.
Sorry.


The Third and Final: Tougher Than Love by Bobby Wills

Just... ignore the dramatic beginning. And the less-than-ideal video quality. Because the song is worth it, I swear. This is the title track off Bobby's newest album and for good reason, if you ask me. Which you kind of are just by virtue of reading this.
If you want to hear more about Bobby, I've featured him before (wink wink, nudge nudge).

I'll be spending my weekend celebrating the kick-off to this holiday season and baking probably too many cookies. Hope you have a sweet weekend too.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Country Christmas 2016

A very merry First of December to everyone!

I'd be lying if I told you that I didn't start compiling my 2016 Country Christmas round up approximately eight months ago. And since this is my blog and I have no need to lie about these things on here, I should just tell you straight up: I started compiling my 2016 Country Christmas round up approximately eight months ago.

So let's jump into this thing! Here are my picks for holiday tunes this year. Some of them are brand-spanking-new and some of them are a little more aged, but all of them are as magnificent as this time of year.

1. What Christmas Means To Me by Brett Eldredge

Jazzy and wonderful, as per usual with Brett.


2. Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home) by Lady Antebellum

I used to be partial to the Buble version of this song... but way to go and ruin that, Lady A.


3. Mistletoe by Lucy Hale

I'll be honest: I thought that this was going to be a Lucy Hale cover of Justin Bieber's Mistletoe and that's why I originally listened to it. For investigative reasons only, of course. Of course. As it turns out it isn't but I think it's still a catchy and fun song in its own right.


4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Dan + Shay

I really don't think it's a coincidence that croon rhymes with swoon.


5. Do You Want To Build A Snowman by Mickey Guyton

Unabashedly including this because I feel like it will score me major Aunt Points with my niece (who is five and definitely doesn't even know what a blog is but whatever). I think she would be so happy that this cover exists. If she stopped correcting me about how it's pronounced "Ahhhhnna" not "Anna" long enough to actually listen to it, that is. Five-year-olds, I tell ya.


6. Santa Came Anyway by Jojo Mason

Weird cover photo, but who am I to judge.


7. Let It Snow by Kacey Musgraves

Kacey went for a bit of an oldschool vibe with this album and it totally works.


8. Home Christmas by Blake Shelton and Michael Buble

Apparently a Michael Buble version of the original song and a Blake Shelton version of the original song just wasn't enough. They had to also change the words and make it a duet.


9. Do You Hear What I Hear? by Carrie Underwood

Nothing like this powerful voice to sing this classic carol.


10. Meet Me Under The Mistletoe by Randy Travis

And finally, I thought it was only right to round out this Country Christmas post on an extra-twangy note.


And if this ten just wasn't enough, you are welcome to check out last year's round up as well.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Not A Black Friday Post

But a happy Thanksgiving to my American friends, nonetheless!

Here are some things that are exciting and happening this weekend that have nothing to do with shoe sales or whatever:

1. It's Gilmore Girls Day!! Laugh if you wish, but these women have had an indescribable impact on my life. Sometimes I'll even be in the middle of telling people a story about a friend and then realize I'm actually talking about Rory. But I continue the story anyways because people don't need to know that I mixed up a real person with a fictional character (even if she feels real to me). Needless to say, I can't even talk about my feelings towards this revival series.
2. As you might have guessed from last week, I plan to decorate up a storm this weekend. Will you??
3. I'm being trusted to look after my friend's children for an evening. Currently I'm known as Karla #2 in that household... let's see if I can increase my ranking this weekend. I'd even settle for #1.5.
4. Country music is around and ready to be listened to...
(check out that seamless segue)

The First: Girls I Date by Mike Ryan

Mike Ryan's CMF debut might have a lot of country cliches but I think that's kind of part of the charm of this song. Wouldn't you agree? I don't remember how I came across Mr. Two First Names - I assume it was a YouTube rabbit hole, but that's just a guess - but I'm going to go ahead and say that I'm real glad it happened.


The Second: All Alright by the Zac Brown Band

Hello to these old friends!! I fell back in love with this one last week after coming across it again when searching for Lindsay Ell's All Alright and have been listening to it on repeat since that happy reminder. And then when I was making this week's selections, I discovered that I was apparently REMISS when this song first came out and never featured it. Like a fool.
So here you go!


The Third and Final: Does It Hurt by Cole Swindell

More than anything I just find this song hilarious. And as you all know, there's little I love more than a humourous country song. Perfect harmonies in country songs, maybe. But humour is definitely a close second.

Specifically, the ridiculous and (I hope intentionally?) self-deprecating one-sided dialogue in between verses is my favourite. "You wanna dance or..? Yeah, I don't either... It's getting late, yeah. I was actually about to leave myself......."

Just in case that wasn't enough and you need more face-palming hilarity courtesy of Cole Swindell in your life, here you go.


As you've already learned, my weekend is pretty full with a whole lot of awesome. Hope yours is too!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

It's a little early.

Apparently it's too early to decorate for the holidays.
This is difficult for me, a person who maybe started *secretly* listening to holiday music in September, to accept.
Did I try to quell my festive enthusiasm by pretending that decorating for Halloween/fall was "just as fun" as the decorations that come with December? Yes.
Would I say that it worked? Only about as good as a bandaid on a bullet wound (thanks for the analogy, TSwift).
Was that a little too dramatic? Probably.
Should I stop asking myself questions on your behalf? Absolutely.

Getting back to the point at hand. However ridiculous, what this premature enthusiasm does mean is that this year's holiday top ten round up is basically already written and will be ready for all of you promptly on December 1st. Mark your calendars, friends: Santa's-a-comin'.


The First: Hoods and Tailgates by Dallas Smith

This beautifully talented local boy is back! Dallas released a new album in early September and it is oh so good. But what's new, right? We've certainly got our list of Always Favourites around here and Dallas has been on it since day one. There are many recommendations I could make from this album (and don't you worry, because I will) but I'm going to start with this one because it's got a good beat. And we all know I'd do just about anything for a decent beat. Is the beginning a little bit over-edited for my liking? Yes. But no more than that unnecessarily photoshopped album cover, so whatcha gonna do?


The Second: All Alright by Lindsay Ell

I desperado need the ladies of country to start releasing albums or singles or something! ASAP. Because the men have just been killing it lately and the ladies have apparantly peaced the scene. Having said that, Lindsay Ell has this very catchy tune for you to enjoy while I yell at her colleagues to get back in that recording studio (please).


The Third and Final: Dear Life by High Valley

Canadian boys seem to have the majority today and to that I say, good for you gentlemen! Wordplay makes me swoon about 98% of the time, and this song is no exception. Listen to it and you'll understand, I'm sure.

Have a wonderfully cozy weekend, everyone!

Thanks for listening,
Karla

Driving is boring.

So last week Goose, my car, decided to no longer have a working radio and it's all very dramatic because, in case you weren't aware, driving is painfully b.o.r.i.n.g. without a radio to keep you company and to sing along with. Like... what's the point? For the first few days I tried to just sing songs a cappella but turns out I don't know lyrics very well without musical accompaniment and it's exceptionally frustrating to not remember the words to songs when you're also unable to look them up.

Needless to say it's been a harrowing, music-less week. But thankfully I still have three new songs to share with you today.

The First: Just Sayin' by the James Barker Band

Starting with this groovy number to kick us off! I was having a little dance party (surprise, surprise) to this song the other morning and just knew it would need to be part of this week's selection. Also, am I the only one who thinks of this when they hear "I'm just saying"?


The Second: She Is by Lady Antebellum

A new single from Lady A! Ohmygosh! I've missed their harmonies and uplifting melodies so this song was welcomed with open arms. Plus, I too like Sundays and champagne so I feel this song really gets me.


The Third and Final: Time by Dean Brody

You know, I've always been a Dean Brody fan but this song has really solidified things for me. The slow build in tempo and storylines is so good but doesn't detract from the main message of the song: time doesn't care. Or in other (perhaps kinder) words: you never know how much time you'll really have with the people you love or to do the things you hope to do. Not in a scary way, but more in a today's the day kind of way. So carpe diem this Friday!

Today kicks off a week of staycation for me. It's a staycation because I failed to plan appropriately for my days off from work like a fool. So instead I'm going to spend the next week catching up on life things that have kind of fallen to the wayside since... August. Wish me luck!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Slightly Overwhelmed

Friends. I'm slightly overwhelmed by all the new awesome music that's been released over the last month. What is a country music lover to do with themselves!?? Well I'll tell you what I've been doing: saturating myself in it whenever I get a chance.

It's either that or re-watching the new Gilmore Girls trailer for the hundredth time, which truthfully overwhelms me more than really great new music so I've been choosing the former over the latter because it's probably less strain on my heart.


The First: Star of the Show by Thomas Rhett

FIRST OFF: how did I miss this song earlier in the month?? Apologies for my oversight, friends. Anyways, I heard this for the first time over the weekend and I can tell you that my immediate reaction was something along the lines of, "Yes. I love this. I love it so much already. This is so good!" That reaction is still true today, several days and tens of listens later. I particularly love the acoustic groove at the beginning. It's good for head bobbing and living room dancing.

Side note: Don't we think that Thomas Rhett can afford to buy shirts without holes in them given his recent success? Especially for his album cover shoot? Who knows... maybe giant moths attacked his wardrobe the night before his photoshoot or something.


The Second: Ain't Always Pretty by Logan Mize

Something about this song and things not always being perfect or easy is just really hitting the right chord with me. We get it wrong, we get it right... it ain't easy but it ain't too hard.

Also, yes. I am embarrassed that this is the first Logan Mize song I've featured in over a year.


The Third and Final: Better Man by Little Big Town

The incomparable LBT! They've done it again! My money is on this making the top five at some point for sure. Is it kind of heartbreaking? Yes. Is it kind of really beautiful irregardless? You betcha.


If you're celebrating, I hope you have a fun and safe Halloween weekend! If you're not, I hope you still have a fun and safe weekend.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Cabin Fever

So... public service announcement: there are ten Mondays left in 2016.
Please don't panic. I said don't panic.
Please stop.


The First: Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance by Garth Brooks

It's here! It's here! It wasn't available last week but now it's here! Garth has new music and it's good! I can't tell you anything else because you can just listen to it and you'll understand my excitement. Also, the Youtube kindly reminded me of this gem of a moment with two of my faves.


The Second: Kiss Me Quiet by Jess Moskaluke

I think we learned our lesson last time that Jess isn't the greatest lip syncer there ever was. She's a notch better than Ashlee Simpson, but that's not saying much. Unlike Ashlee, she does actually have an incredible voice so I can understand that she struggles with fake singing in her music videos. All that to say: listen to the song, take or leave the music video.


The Third and Final: In The Dark by Clayton Anderson

New boy, Clayton Anderson, comes out swinging with this little ditty. It's that twang and crooning that really gets me with this song. It's also about as catchy as my niece's Thanksgiving weekend cold (I'm fine now, thanks for asking).

Hope y'all have a relaxing weekend! I plan to do just that out at the cabin with a few friends. My plans include reading, board games, watching movies, walks in the woods, generally being cozy by the fire - and country music, of course.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Jealous of a Five-Year-Old

Remember last week when I was super excited to see my niece and nephew (aka the littles)? Yeah, that was great until my niece rudely gave me her cold which has left me hopped up on cold meds for the past few days. She's now cold-less and on a beach somewhere in Hawaii. And I'm stuck in rainy Vancouver being jealous of a five-year-old. All that to say, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!


The First: Sun Sets Down by Chris Buck Band

This one was just too fun not to share! It makes me want to get up and dance. But I don't currently have the lung capacity to do that so instead I just get to sit on my couch and shake my shoulders along with the music. It's basically the same thing. Just like how Coca-cola and Pepsi are basically the same thing. (They're not the same at all don't fall for those lies Pepsi is awful.)


The Second: Dirty Laundry by Carrie Underwood

We got some new stuff, folks! This song feels very Miranda Lambert to me - especially the chorus - and I'm into it. Let's talk about the obvious weirdness though: Umm... the lion. And the horse, and the burning shoe and the peacock and the buck... What's happening here, Carrie? Did you film this video at a zoo or did a circus crash your set?

Also, and probably more importantly, what are you doing wearing a pair of suspenders backwards? I would maybe even be okay with it if they weren't slightly off center the entire time but they are and my brain is super irritated about it.


The Third and Final: Midnight Train covered by The Washboard Union

Covers! Camper vans! Collaborative harmonies! Did I try too hard for alliteration back there? Perhaps. But that's not what's important right now. What's important right now is that you listen to this beauty of a song and then start figuring out your Valentine's Day plans immediately because (*spoiler alert*) you're about to fall in LOVE.

I plan to spend this rainy weekend watching the Jay's, baking apple pie, and ideally finishing off the novel I've been working on for far too many weeks now. Hope you've got some great rainy day plans yourself!


Thanks for listening!
Karla

I'm thankful for country music.

Well a happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving to all!

Let's take a moment to remember what's truly important this holiday weekend, shall we?
Family.
Friends.
Freshly baked pie.
An extra day of leisure.
The beautiful colour of the trees as their leaves slowly die.
Country music.
Brussel sprouts.

Sorry... did someone say country music? I mean, yeah, sure, twist my arm, I guess I can share some..?


The First: Woman In Love by Aaron Goodvin

Well isn't this just the grooviest little tune! It's sweet until you feel like a bit of a creep watching a stranger's wedding video because *spoilers* I'm pretty sure this music vid is legit just the Goodvin's actual wedding video.


The Second: A Guy With The Girl by Blake Shelton

Not gonna lie... I haven't been the biggest fan of the other tracks Blake has released lately. I just find them a bit spiteful not my thing. But this one was a nice change from all the other... stuff. It's short, and sweet, and catchy. Like a child-sized fishing rod with a gummy worm at the end. Yep, that's the analogy I'm going with.


The Third and Final: That Ain't Country by Aaron Lewis

Let's be grateful for folks like Aaron here who try to emulate some of the old stuff that started this glorious genre. Also, yes, I did decide that one Aaron was just not enough for this post, so I went ahead and added another Aaron to the mix. Let's all be thankful that I didn't add a third Aaron in the middle and instead went with Blake.


I hope you all enjoy yourselves and, more importantly, the tryptophan this long weekend! I'll be spending mine with some dear friends and family (including the littles!) and hope you get some time in with the people special in your life as well.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Luke Loves Peanut Butter

The more you know, apparently.

The First: Everybody We Know Does by Chase Rice

Who knew that mud was such a fun medium to play in? Or that blowing up watermelons was... a thing? Or that people brought babies and tiny goats to backwoods tailgate parties? Apparently everybody Chase Rice knows does.


The Second: Goin' Goin' Gone by George Strait

We are so lucky that this man legend is still making new music, and so here is his latest. Enjoy it, savour it, learn it, sing it, love it. It's no Run, which will always be my favourite George Strait song, but it's a good one for a Friday nonetheless.


The Third and Final: I Do All My Dreamin' There by Luke Bryan

So Luke released a new album. And it's just a notch less bro country than the usual. So that's nice. He talks about peanut butter sandwiches in this one, so you know I had no choice but to share. (It's good beyond the peanut butter reference, in case you were wondering or perhaps are allergic to peanuts and/or sandwiches).

Sidenote: do we think Luke has ever seen a huckleberry bush? Because I really don't think that a "huckleberry limb" would be able to support the weight of any clothing without collapsing. They're feeble little wonders of nature.


I hope your Friday flies by! I'm hoping mine does so that I can go home and sleeeeeep. Je suis exhausted. On the plus side, Thanksgiving (my favourite!) is just a week away! Eek!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Artist of the Week: Bobby Wills

Bobby Wills. Canadian cowboy.

He actually has a really interesting story. He was adopted when he was a baby to a family that loved music, but had no real musical talent. He had toyed around with learning guitar, but it wasn't until he was older and met his biological family that he learned that musical genius was in his blood. From there he started practicing and playing more and more which, of course, eventually led to a record deal. You can read more about it on his website. Pretty neat if you ask me.

It's not yet available on Youtube, but the title song on his current EP, Tougher Than Love, is great. I wish I could have featured it today but, alas, it will just need to be kept for a Friday post once it's released.

The First: Show Some Respect

Oh man. I love this song, this message, and this music video. Reminds you to keep things in perspective and, most importantly, recognize and appreciate the people and things that have come before you.


The Second: Somebody Will

Mostly I just like this song because it's a really sweet story about a father-daughter relationship. Also my love for music videos that feature dance numbers is satisfied with this one. Oh, also, the song is great.


The Third and Final: Crazy Enough

Don't know why, but this song often comes on during my morning commute and I (of course) belt it out. My favourite part is the laugh at 3:00. Do enjoy.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

The Dog Ate My Homework

In my never-ending search for a post title, John suggested that I title this "I had no help making this title." As uninspired as that is (I mean, he tries) it made me think about the weird things teachers must hear from children throughout the year when submitting their homework. And then it led me to remember that for about two weeks of my life when I was in grade 4 I had decided that I would be a poet. Here, I will regale you with an excerpt (aka what I can remember) from one of my many non-prize-winning works:

The Dog Ate My Homework by Karla Carreras
The dog ate my homework. I swear, it's true.
He gobbled it up, two by two.

And that's all I can remember. In case it's unclear, I no longer write poetry.


The First: Forever Country by Artists of Then, Now and Forever (aka... just... everyone)

Unless you haven't been on Facebook this week, you probably knew this was coming. Now, I get that the CGI at the end could probably use some touching up, but the song is epic regardless. It's simply a wonderful celebration of music.

On Sunday nights a few of my friends and I have dinner together which typically leads into a bit of a jam session. We try out new songs each week, but we also have a list of "standards" that we tend to come back to week after week. One of those standards is Country Roads and I love singing it. First off, it's just a fun song to sing with other voices because you can (attempt to) harmonize to it really nicely. But in addition to that, it was also a song my mum loved. The first time I heard it we were watching some movie and it started playing in the background. She gasped (out of excitement) and then immediately started singing along to it. It wasn't too long until I knew all the words myself. And I just think she would really love to sing along with this medley too.


The Second: Bush Party by Dean Brody

Once in a while we need to just not take ourselves too seriously, you know? And I think Dean Brody really embodies this philosophy in both this song and in this music video. There are some genuine eye-rolling bits, but I think he's kinda going for that. Like he's in on the joke. I don't know how else to describe it. Just watch.


The Third and Final: Kill A Word by Eric Church

Wordplay. Catchy chorus. Eric Church.
What's not to love?


I plan on spending my weekend recovering from a cold (cold meds = magic), perhaps doing some fall things, and watching movies. Big plans, I know.


Thanks for listening!
Karla

Titles Are Hard

Yesterday a friend and colleague, Erin, rudely pointed out that October is in two weeks.
Two. Weeks.
On the one hand, I'm excited because Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays and there are exciting things happening in October. On the other hand... WHAT?! It was just August. And there's still so much that needs to happen before October gets here.

Needless to say I internally screamed and panicked while pretending to laugh along with the rest of the room.

Thanks, Erin.
(Don't let this story ruin Erin for you. She's actually really great.)


The First: Obsessed by Dan + Shay

I will be the first to admit that this one has a blues-ier rhythm, but sometimes you need to take a breather on Fridays and what better way to do that than with a jazzy country song.
"What is a jazzy country song?" you may ask.
"Click that link," I may reply.


The Second: Tin Roof by Gord Bamford

Oh man. The intro to this song immediately took me back to lying in bed in the house I grew up in. My bedroom was on the top floor and since we lived in BC, there were rainy nights aplenty. Our tin roof was an awful green colour that the previous owner had picked out, but when the rainy nights came along I didn't even care; I was so happy we had that tin roof. Those rainy nights were my favourite because the sound of rain hitting the roof was the most soothing lullaby you can ask for. Take me back to those days, Gord.


The Third and Final: A Little More Summertime by Jason Aldean

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that I don't think Jason Aldean is all that much of a Pumpkin Spice Latte kind of guy. If I were to guess, he's probably more of a strong black coffee even in the summertime kind of guy.

Enjoy your weekend, folks! Mine mayyyy include an IKEA trip so, you know, things could get pretttttty crazy (aka I may not perfectly follow the directional arrows through the store... #rulebreaker)

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Back To School

I assume you probably haven't had enough of the "Back To School" marketing stampede yet since they only started it in mid-June this year, so I figured I'd get my own back to school cool shout out in before it's too late. Or maybe I just couldn't think of a title so this is what you get instead. We'll never know, will we?

(Yeah, no... I know you know.)

The First: Red Dress by Jojo Mason

It. Took. Four. MONTHS. For this song to be released on Youtube. Jojo! What were you doing for FOUR months that you couldn't throw even a lyric video online for us?? I swear I think I searched this song every week in the hopes that that would be the week that I could share it with all of you. But every week my hopes were dashed to pieces and I was forced to make a different selection.

I probably would have given up by now if I hadn't heard on the radio a few days ago that the music video was finally (finally!) uploaded. Thank. Goodness.


The Second: In Case You Didn't Know by Brett Young

Can't stop, won't stop featuring this man. Even if the live version begins with the disconcerting sound of the Skype app opening up when you least expect it. But I just think this is the sweetest song, so I'll put up with the bloooop sound anyway.

Did you know that Brett was on track to be a professional baseball player but after suffering an injury in college took the music route instead. Can you imagine?? "Well, I guess I can't make millions playing the sport I love and am really, really good at so maybe I'll just do it by picking up this guitar thing instead?" Somebody was clearly given a double dose of talent.


The Third and Final: Beer Weather by Cold Creek County

Okay hear me out. And by "hear me out" I really mean hear this song out. Because titles aside, it's catchy and almost fools you into thinking that fall isn't just around the corner. Speaking of autumn, has anyone seen large halloween packs of Reese Peanut Butter Cups yet? I've only come across packs of 12, which is basically like one movie's worth and obviously won't do. If you find some, please advise. This is important (to my happiness).


And in case you weren't already in a great mood because it's Friday, here you go. Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

I don't know.

I'll be honest. There's no rhyme or reason to this week's picks. Mostly because Friday kind of sneaked up on me this week. Then again it could also be because I've been listening to a weird mix of old school sing-a-longs and, what I refer to as, "music for the clubs" in an attempt to put together a pump-up playlist for the incoming first year students (who were born in 1998). Bieber and One Direction is involved. But then again, so is Stevie Wonder and Hall & Oates... so, all hope is not lost my friends.


The First: Grace and Grit by Meghan Patrick

I know I just featured a Meghan Patrick song a few weeks back, but I had so much fun singing this one (yes, in the car, of course) the other day that I figured I'd just share it. It helps when you make up the rules for your own blog, I suppose.


The Second: Out Of The Blue by Aaron Pritchett

Okay I have thoughts.
First off, add this one to the list of new age caribbean-inspired/Zac Brown Band-esque country songs. And I'm into it.
Secondly, Aaron. What are you doing. Fix your hat. Take off your sunglasses. Maybe do up a button or two. You're just a popped collar away from looking like an obnoxious 21-year-old dude who's still trying to ride the wave of being the popular guy in high school. You're better than that. Also please tell your friends to stop gawking like creeps.
Love the song though.


The Third and Final: Missing by William Michael Morgan

He's a crooner with a great Josh Turner-esque twang and earnestly wears a cowboy hat. So I think you'll like him as much as I do. His current single is actually Vinyl, which is also great but then I stumbled upon this gem and couldn't tear myself away.

I hope you all have a wonderful Labour Day long-weekend! I get to spend mine with some really cool student leaders getting ready for the kick-off to another school year. Because apparently it's September and there are beautiful leaves on the ground and I'm excited but also ohmygoodness where the heck did all the summer go!?

Thanks for listening!
Karla

This Is The Last Friday In August...

I'm really sorry to be the one to break this news to you, but yeah. It will be September next week. Is that not crazy? The good news is that I love fall and the beginning of a new school year and the beauty of the season and halloween packs of Reese cups and walks over crunchy leaves. The bad news is that summer is nearly over and I've got a few busy-bee weeks between now and enjoying all the bounty (get it? Because Thanksgiving?) that fall has to offer.

What better way to enjoy the remainder of summer than with country music?


The First: There's A Girl by Trent Harmon

I have never met a more hipster cowboy in my life (neither in person nor via the internet) than this dude. But the reality is that I like his sound so no harm, no foul, ya know?
Let me tell you, every scene of him driving/singing in his car is exactly me when I'm driving/singing this song in my car. Specifically 0:58. My steering wheel probably thinks I'm mad at it for the number of times I'll hit it while singing. It's for effect and punctuation, obviously. 
PS this guy won this past (and final?) season of American Idol, says the internet.


The Second: Different For Girls by Dierks Bentley ft. Elle King

Just go ahead and file this one under "Songs I Wasn't Into Until I Was Forced To Listen To Them A Million Times On The Radio And Now I Turn Them Up And Sing Along Whenever They Come On."


The Third and Final: Bury Me In Blue Jeans by Granger Smith

I like the brightness in this song. I don't know how else to describe it.
Contentedness maybe? Is that a word? Doesn't matter, you know what I mean.
There's something about those first few lines and the way he sings, "couldn't be a cowboy, I'm a hundred years late" while the drummer kicks out the bass. I could listen to it all day. (And have, if I'm being honest).
Just listen to it and you'll understand.

Enjoy this sunshine-y weekend, lovelies! I'm spending mine hopefully relaxing a bit before the madness of orientation kicks in next week - wish me luck.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Artist of the Week: Rascal Flatts

Gooooood morning!

We're chatting about the Rascal Flatts today! I'm pretty confident that my first exposure to these boys was back when the Disney Family Channel would play music videos in between shows. Do any of you remember that? I can't recall what that feature was called, but I do remember being thankful that it turned me on to so much new music. Was it mostly Aaron Carter and Hilary Duff? Yes. But sometimes there were diamonds like RF's Life Is A Highway, which they covered for the Cars movie. I can't even tell you how many times I've watched them pull up for that drive-in movie. Great mems.

Anyways, I've since expanded my Flatts knowledge and would like to share a few (believe me, I could listen to all their stuff forever) of their songs with you.


The First: Bless The Broken Road

Gosh I love this song. I love the lyrics, I love singing it, I love this performance of it, I just love it all. It is true what they say about it being used for people's wedding song... I know of at least three couples who have used it. I can't say I blame them, it's pretty beautiful and I can see how the lyrics would hit home with many. Thanks, boys.


The Second: Banjo

I mean, I'll be honest here: I had completely forgotten about this song until writing this post. I had forgotten about this GEM! Like a fool! I remember when this song came out and I genuinely could not contain my excitement whenever it came on the ray-day-o. And now I've apparently just forgotten about it. Thank goodness for CMF forcing me to re-evaluate the musical past, huh?


The Third and Final: Why Wait

I mean, you'll have to overlook the very odd Hangover-inspired music video, but the song is a favourite of mine for sure. It's upbeat and though real-life Karla would probably find the concept impractical, dream world Karla thinks it's sweet and spontaneous.


Thanks for listening!
Karla

Do You Want To Build A Snowman?

As we learned a few weeks ago, I apparently like to find CMF inspiration at the dentist. This week is less so about the musical inspiration I've gleaned from a follow up dental visit, but more so about how, as I'm writing this, my face is approximately 57% frozen. Really anything below the middle of my nose is numb. Plus up my cheeks and at one point the corner of my left eye was oddly droopy. You can see it all on my snapchat - my username is karcarr, in case you were wondering. Which I know you were ;)

I'm so frozen it's basically a Disney movie up in here.


The First: May We All by Florida Georgia Line

It's upbeat. It's catchy. It's new.
These are all good things.
Wanna know about some other good things?
Autumn. Getting lost for a bit down a dirt road. Gaining a speckle of wisdom in your lifetime.
Spoiler alert: these things are also in this song. So you should probably listen to it.


The Second: Jet Black Pontiac by Chase Bryant

I mean, the whole song is good. But those fifteen seconds between 2:30-2:45 are so good. The clapping, the emphasis on the off beat, the boot-stomping greatness of it all. It reminds me a little bit of the western songs they'd play in seventh grade P.E. classes during the line dancing portion of the curriculum. Which, by the way, what a weird thing to make a bunch of preteens do together.


The Third and Final: Stompin' Ground by Tim Hicks

I think more than anything I'm just wondering about the small children who likely make up the softball team were thinking when they were told practice was postponed because Tim Hicks was filming a music video on their field.
"Why does he get to use our field, daddy? He doesn't even have a bat."
"Well son, he has a guitar. And in some circles that's more important."
"..."
"..."
"Can we go get ice cream while we wait?"
"Sure. Just don't tell your mother."


Hope you all have a great weekend! My plans include potentially some beach time as well as helping out with new student move-in because apparently September is coming.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Artist of the Week: Little Big Town

Good morning and happy Monday!

We've heard a lot from Little Big Town around here. But apparently not enough. Because we're going to hear from them a little bit more today.

These four have been together for nearly twenty years. Twenty years of making sweet, sweet music together. For us. Like selfless southern wonders. Gosh they're great.

These impeccable harmonies come from Alabama, so I just feel like when they sing about sitting on their front porch or dancing on a pontoon, they're really speaking from experience. They've got some clout. Some credibility. Experience, even. Basically all the things this West Coast girl with a country music blog doesn't have.


The First: Little White Church

What's not to love here? We're taken down a scenic route. There's revenge. We've got clapping. They talk about chicken and gravy. It's got it all. Plus when they're strutting down that dirt road don't they just like the coolest cats around? I just want to join them and be their fifth. I can't harmonize to save my life but I could probably hold my own with a nice tambourine.


The Second: Quit Breaking Up With Me

I can't really tell you why I like this song, but I really, really do. I think it's funny and different than their normal sound and all around entertaining. It's a real great time. It's also an easy song to sing along to because the thing is that you don't have to sound good vocally to still sound good. It's just a lot of stuttering at the end of every other line.
Turns out I can tell you why I like this song after all.


The Third and Final: Girl Crush

Since I haven't gushed quite enough about their harmonies yet, let's do that now shall we? Because they are just so technically correct in their vocal collaborations that it's astounding. When I first heard this song I think I listened to approximately twenty seconds and was all "meh" and then it came on again and I listened to the whole thing and was amazed. The concept of the song and the writing and this particular performance. I love it all. Oh, and the harmonies... who would have guessed.


And of course I would be remiss if I didn't give a shoutout to Sober, my all-time favourite LBT song. So beautiful.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

On [Fridays] We [Talk About] Pink

Well hi.

Full disclosure: I ate too much candy earlier.
My stomach is now like "ow, why??" and my brain is like "I'm crashing hard, girl."
So I guess what I'm saying is that you'll just have to continue at your own risk at this point.

The First: Setting The World On Fire by Kenny Chesney ft. Pink

Yep. You read that right: Pink.
I actually used to like Pink when I was younger. She seemed so... rebellious. At least she did to the preteen conservative and quiet Karla who enjoyed following the rules. Plus her song Dear Mr. President always stirred up some emotions. Now, I would argue that mid-twenties Karla is still fairly conservative, quiet, and thoroughly enjoys following the rules, but the difference is that I probably haven't listened to a Pink song for quite some time. Until now, of course. Because if Kenny Chesney thinks she's cool enough to duet with, then let's be real I'm in.


The Second: Seven Bridges Road covered by Meghan Patrick and The Washboard Union

These beautiful bearded gems are back, along with their Canadian friend, Meghan Patrick, to cover this song originally from The Eagles.
First off: them harmonies are "on fleek" as (I think) the kids are saying these days.
Secondly: the single shot filmed inside that beautiful church is perfect.
Thirdly: that intense head bob around 2:35 that evolves... nay, metamorphosizes into something even more wonderful at 2:59 cannot be under-appreciated.


The Third and Final: I'll Be Home Soon by Craig Morgan

It's been a while since we've heard from this guy and since I like the slight grit to Craig's voice, I'm bringing him back. There's definitely something about it that makes it recognizable.
Video commentary: he does this oddly entertaining head/upper body roll thing at 1:44 that simultaneously makes me cringe and laugh. And then there's the whispering to end off the song. So take that for whatever it is, I suppose. But generally, I enjoy this song.

Apparently there's a meteor shower happening, so that's what I'll be spending an evening doing this weekend, along with visiting with some siblings and a long-lost (Edmonton) dear friend who I haven't seen in the flesh in who knows how long. So. Like. Maybe I'm excited it's the weekend. Just a tad.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Artist of the Week: Chris Young

If you've been around for any period of time, you may already know that I love Chris Young and his deep, twangy, Josh Turner 2.0 voice.

Chris Young got his start by winning the reality tv show competition, Nashville Star, ten years ago. Unlike so many people who have won televised singing competitions (what percentage of American Idol stars are still putting out new stuff?) he has been able to maintain that success over the years.

He also seems charming as all heck, so I'm sure that's worked in his favour.

The First: You

This one is a fun one to sing along to, mostly because I like the way he changes up the rhythm of the melody throughout the song. That, and I can practice my horrible attempts at a bit of country twang.
Because practice makes perfect. Sometimes.
(Turns out this is not one of those times).


The Second: Neon

I'm actually quite certain I've featured this one before, but it was right at the start of CMF, back when it was just an email and there was no blog to properly archive stuff on. SO WE'RE LISTENING TO IT AGAIN! I like this song solely because of his perfect crooning. It's not too fast, it's not too slow. It's the goldilocks of lazy listening country.


The Third and Final: Voices

What I like about Chris is that he balances his more lovey dovey songs with tunes about other stuff that don't have anything to do with love or your typical country clichés. Like this one, for example.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Fresh Outta Titles

Happy Friday, everyone!

I don't know about you, but that felt like a very long four day week (if you had a four day week, that is). You know what I like to do when I've had a long week? I like to sit back, relax, and enjoy some country music. Oh! You do too? Well then how convenient is it that you're reading this right now, huh?

The First: Kinda Don't Care by Justin Moore

If you're looking for a catchy song to have stuck in your head this weekend, this is it. I feel like this is the musical equivalent of eating really well all week and rewarding yourself with a bag of chips and telling yourself you'll "just have a few" and then crushing the entire bag within minutes. So basically what I'm saying is don't ask me if I have plans tonight because I just told you what they are. I have no impulse control, in case that was unclear.
PS Don't ask me what an "Instant Grat Video" is because I have no idea.


The Second: Red Hot American Summer by Post Monroe

When I hear this song all I picture is blaring it while I'm driving down the coast in a convertible with my hair blowing in the wind like some kind of movie star. Now, besides the fact that I know that much wind will immediately cause my hair to be a mess of knots and that I don't own a convertible (don't ask me if I stole it or something because I have no idea where it came from), that seems like it would be a really great way to spend a couple hours this weekend while memorizing all the words to this excellent song. Let me know if you want to join and/or know someone who owns a sports car (grand theft auto isn't really my jam).


 The Third and Final: Reckon by Adam Craig

Twang alert and it's amazing.
Who is Adam Craig? I have no idea but I like him. This song reminds me of Rock On by Tucker Beathard for obvious, double entendre-related, reasons.

Let's all have an awesome weekend, okay? And if for some reason you're not already on that track, perhaps this will help.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Artist of the Week: Sugarland

Ohhhhh Sugarland. Where do I even begin?

Well at the beginning, I guess. Sugarland was originally brought together in 2002 by Kristen Hall and Kristian Bush who hired on Jennifer Nettles for their lead vocals. In 2006 Kristen Hall left the band (which later resulted in some draaamaaaa and a lawsuit), which left Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush as a duet. The two of them co-write the majority of their songs and saw a lot of success in the 2000s

We haven't had much new music from them in recent years because in 2012 they went on hiatus after Jennifer had her son. They've both released some solo stuff since (but I still think they did better work when they were a team... sigh).

The First: Baby Girl

I'm just going to go ahead and say it: I think this is my favourite Sugarland song. I could probably say that about every Sugarland song, but I think this one is just the tiniest smidge higher than the others. We're only talking a fraction of a millimetre (on an imaginary scale), but I think it's still enough that it's noticeable. This was Sugarland's first single and Kristen Hall is on the track and in the music video since she was still a part of the band at this point.


The Second: Settlin'

Looking for some motivation to make a change? This is the song for you. I promise that there's some good stuff in there if you ignore Jennifer's Shania-Twain-circa-2004-esque dance moves (I'm thinking Party for Two) and listen to the lyrics instead.


The Third and Final: It Happens

I like to think that Sugarland has a sense of humour and that it sometimes comes out in their music (see Stuck Like Glue, for another example). This song is one of those times when I can't help but think that I would probably enjoy myself if someone twisted my arm and told me that I had to hang out with them for an afternoon. (But seriously guys... when are we hanging out?)

Finally, as a sort of bonus, I want to tell you about Trailer Hitch which was Kristian's debut solo number and I think it's a great demonstration of proving that (even though I think they sound better together) they both have the promise of a solo career.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Are We Sure He's Not A Robot?

Hi! Hello! Howdy!

The long weekend is (almost) here!! I know you've been waiting all week for the long weekend a new hit of country in your life so I won't bother with some involved intro and just get right into the good stuff, cool?

The First: How I'll Always Be by Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw recently released his newest single so you just know we're going to talk about it.
I really don't understand how he always picks winners. Like, I can't remember the last time he put his name on something and I was like, "Nah imma pass this time, Timmy." Exhibit A: this song is from his album, Damn Country Music and the title track on it is also a gem. A gem that's just sitting on top of a pile of other, equally sparkly gems that Tim probably just refers to as his "discography."
It's not that I want him to start putting out bad stuff (obviously)... all I'm saying is that it would be nice to get a little reassurance that he's not some sort of music savvy robot who likes extra tight tshirts, you know? Is that too much to ask?


The Second: Home Sweet Home by The Lovelocks

I learned about The Lovelocks in the very obvious location that is my dental office.
I went to a new dentist this week and it's one of those fancypants ones that have the TVs on the ceiling, ya know? Anyways, I was handed a remote and headphones and after flipping through a few channels, I settled on CMT because, as you can probably guess, I just don't get enough country music in my life as it is; I really need to squeeze it in while I'm getting my mouth prodded at.
CMT was playing the music video for their new cover of Cyndi Lauper's, Time After Time. Normally I'd say, "Please don't mess with Lauper," but their harmonies actually make it killer. So naturally I went home and found this for your listening pleasure.


The Third and Final: Save A Little Sugar by Chris Janson

Despite the name and what we typically hear from Chris Janson, this is such a sweet, mellow song. Not that I have an issue with his more ridiculous and wonderful sing-a-longs, you know I love them. I just find the contrast of this one to be a breath of fresh air - with his own unique twist, of course.

What are your long weekend plans? Are you going to go to the beach? Are you going to watch some fireworks? Are you going to spend a whole day deep cleaning and organizing your already clean and organized apartment instead of frolicking in the sunshine because that's just what brings you peace and joy? Oh... no? Just me then. Enjoy yourself, whatever you get up to!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Artist of the Week: Brett Eldredge

Good morning! Happy Monday! We're chatting about Brett Eldredge today! I like exclamation points!

Originally from Illinois (which, you might have already guessed if you knew that was the name of one of his albums), Brett is right at the brink of being big. He's had success with his last few singles and, event though he hasn't been in the business for all that long, he's managed to tour with the likes of Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, and Miranda Lambert, to name a few. On an unrelated note, I can also tell you that I assumed he was much older than he actually is. He's just 30 and I definitely would have put money down on a number a bit north of that. So good for you, Brett! You exude the look of maturity and wisdom well beyond your years.

I think the thing I like most about Brett's sound is that if I were on vacation somewhere tropical and I was walking around a resort and they were playing a little Brett Eldredge, it wouldn't sound totally out of place. They've got a bit of a tropical, beach-y vibe. And so, in turn, I always feel like I'm on a mini vacation whenever I listen to his music. Does that make sense? I hope so. I rewrote that three times in my attempt to explain it and what you just read was the best I could do.

Now, since I already subtly mentioned it earlier, I'm just gonna talk at you about his album Illinois for a hot second. It may not be his current album, but imma be bold and just say that every last one of the tracks on it are all excellent.
Like... Just. Go.
Go buy the album.


The First: Signs

This song immediately makes me happy from the moment you hear that guitar start to strum. And then the drums jump in and I'm just like, yep, this is great. I think there's some sort of unspoken rule in Nashville that every country artist needs to eventually come out with a song about their tiny hometown (it's like a right of passage or something) and Brett here is no exception. In fact, he does it better than most.


The Second: Gotta Get There

Here he is again following another trend, because for some reason girls are always running off to California in country songs. I'm not sure why. But they do it often.


The Third and Final: Wanna Be That Song

We don't slow it down too often here on CMF, but this one is too sweet to pass up. Not only is this his current single (how appropriately timed), but the music video isn't completely awful, so that's a big win in my books. It's also possible that he likes baseball, which I thoroughly respect. He mayyy be a Cubs fan. Maybe.

That's a wrap for today, folks. I hope this week is a great one for you.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Pre-Long Weekend Weekend

Good morning!

For those of you who only visit this little corner of the internet on Fridays, you may have missed a new feature here on CMF - Artist of the Week! You see, I find myself falling down the rabbit hole of a single artist way too often when picking out selections each week and it takes everything in me to not include more than the reasonable selection of three songs. To give you a mental image, it's basically me just yelling at my computer, "Why can't I just feature thirty Chris Young songs?!!" every Thursday night. My neighbours are probably less than pleased.

So. To avoid you actually getting a post with thirty Chris Young songs in it (even though we all know that would be amazing), I've created this new series. Each Monday we'll take a bit of a deeper dive into a single artist. You can get a taste of Artist of the Week by reading this week's post on Miranda Lambert and tell me what you think.

Now onto the reason you're all here...

The First: Every Little Thing by Russell Dickerson

LITERALLY GOOD LUCK TRYING TO GET THIS ONE OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND OFF REPEAT. It's not possible. It. Is. Not. Believe me, I've been trying for a month now. In fact, at this point I really don't know whether to say, "you're welcome" or, "geez, I'm so sorry."
(I kid. It's obviously the former. #noregrets.)


The Second: Lipstick by Runaway June

If you're not into twang... you may wish to skip this one. I find the vocals are very Dixie Chicks-esque, which is probably why I love it. Almost as much as I love the twins dancing at 2:00. They're basically the real life version of the emoji twins.


The Third and Final: Left Side Of Leavin' by Brett Young

First off, let's all revisit this cutie's CMF debut and the song that I still have not grown tired of. It's so sweet and catchy! The only reason it's no longer on repeat is because selection numero uno by Russell up there has taken over, at least temporarily. What I appreciate here is that Brett has decided that this breakup song doesn't have to be sad and slow. It can be fun and make you wanna sing along and groove a little. Because if we have to listen to breakup songs, why not have fun with them... right? PS He's working on his first album and I'm excited!

Have a happy pre-long weekend, weekend! It's real important that you rest up in order to truly make the most out of August Long. I'm spending mine hanging out with friends in the sunshine, watching some fireworks, and accompanying a very special friend wedding dress shopping (likely followed by Olive Garden because why the heck not?)

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Artist of the Week: Miranda Lambert

Welcome to a new addition here on CMF, which I shall tentatively name Artist of the Week. The Artist of the Week series will go up once a week - on Mondays - as a way to explore some artists a bit more closely.

Artist of the Week does not currently live on e-newsletter form as well, though perhaps one day it will. For now you'll just have to visit the blog directly. My apologies to you and your likely now broken heart. (But you can still subscribe to CMF, if you aren't already, by clicking that handy button to the right ->).

_____

We're starting off with none other than Miranda Lambert or today's Queen of Country, as I like to call her.

The Texas native has had success with not only her solo career, but also with her trio, The Pistol Annies. The first song I ever heard from her was back in 2007 when I was visiting my friend Melissa for a weekend and we listened to Kerosene on repeat for three days. When I got back home on Sunday night the first thing I did was load up my iPod with as much Miranda as I could find and had those songs memorized within a day or two.

I've said it before, but I love Miranda because she is more badass than I could ever dream to be and few people own the stage like she does. She can be rock and roll and quickly turn back to her acoustic roots, all the while walking the line of "sweet southern girl next door who has also single-handedly wrangled a bull or two."

The First: Famous In A Small Town

I think this was the song I really latched onto after my weekend of singing Kerosene ad nauseam. I may or may not have loved it so much that I recorded myself singing along to a karaoke version of it with the thickest twang I could muster. And yes, I did learn that I shouldn't try to force a country twang like that upon listening to the playback of said recording.
And also yes, I did delete that recording immediately.
You're welcome, world.


The Second: Over You

Get ready for heartbreak. I actually can't sing this song without accompanying myself on the guitar; it's too sad and I get choked up unless I'm focusing on something else like needing to strum the right chords. Miranda and Blake co-wrote this song in memory of his late brother and I think it's the most hauntingly beautiful song she's ever performed - especially this time.


The Third and Final: Platinum

This song took a few listens to get used to, but it's a win overall. Perfectly sassy, just like Miss. Lambert.

Finally, if you're looking for a few other Miranda tunes, I would recommend Kerosene (obviously) and We Were Us which she performed with Keith Urban, both of which have been featured here before so the videos aren't being posted again.

Hope you like this new addition, and if you have any artists you're dying for me to feature, I'm open to suggestions!

Thanks for listening,
Karla