Europe Stole My Abs

Hello, yes, I'm still doing this.
I was just off casually galavanting the globe for a bit but I'm back now so you can wipe away those tears.

My dad and I visited England, Spain and Italy and it was awesome! Got to see some stunning things, meet my dad's family and ate a lot.

But y'all: something awful happened. I don't know exactly when it happened, if it was when I was busy ordering gelato or when I was distracted by the bread I was shoving in my face. But I'm quite sure someone surgically removed my abs. Like... they just aren't there anymore. They're gone. I tried to do sit ups yesterday and I physically 👏 could 👏 not. I'm just walking around ab-less. It's actually kind of a miracle. I'll be featured in medical textbooks soon, you'll see. #claimtofame


The First: Coming Home by Keith Urban ft. Julia Michaels

Gotta listen past those first few bars otherwise you'll think it's a slow song and I get it: there's no place for that on a Friday. But spoilers it's got some pep. Keith's got a new album and I have to say - it's decent. Another album favourite is Texas Time, in case you've got the (texas) time to listen.

The Second: No One Needs To Know by Shania Twain

Just gonna get out ahead of this one before anyone says anything sassy: I know this isn't a new song. But CMF isn't just a place for new country music so shhh... Shania came on the radio the other day and who can honestly compete with Shania in her hayday?? Shano one. (I'm so sorry. I already regret typing that.)

The Third and Final: Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs

Welp. He's no one hit wonder and this proves it. Will he regret the random selfie dialogue at the beginning? Probably. But I ate nothing but bread and gelato for three weeks straight so we've all made choices in 2018 that we probably wish we could reverse.


I'm off to celebrate two friends tying the knot this weekend and so looking forward to it! Hope you've got fun plans on deck for yours too!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Turn the music up

Hello, hello!

Welcome to April! How did we get here so quickly?? I don't know man, but here we are.
We've got a pretty great line up today, so let's jump right in!
(Yes, that was indeed a Dallas Smith reference right there. You're welcome.)


The First: Slow Burn by Kacey Musgraves

The 👏 album 👏 is 👏 out 👏 y'all! And I'm so pleased with it.
This song is a particular favourite. I can't quite put my finger on it but something about how the tone of the music perfectly matches the lyrics is pure magic. Plus that "haven't been early since '88 line" is witty and perfect.


The Second: The Long Way Around by The Dixie Chicks

I mean what can I say? Nothing I type here will be better than you listening to this recent performance they've gifted to us.
(Ps. Why yes, that is me at the 0:50 mark, thanks for noticing.)


The Third and Final: What Keeps You Up At Night by Lee Brice

Give this song 20 seconds until it gets out of it's slow start and you'll be pleased you did. It's like when you've got a weekend road trip and are crawling on the busy city roads (in a car, obvi... not literally crawling on the road) but then you hit that highway and you turn the music up and you're rollin' on your way. That's what it's like when you get to the chorus of this song: You turn the music up and you're rollin'.

I get to hang out with my dad and some family this weekend - hope you all have plans to look forward to as well!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

You Make My (Pop Country) Dreams Come True

Allow me to let you in on a not-so-secret secret: the pop side of country has been *killing it* lately.
Like, really pulling out all the stops for spring, which I feel is when most people start listening to country music. It's a highly weather-dependant genre, as I'm learning.

So hold onto your (cowboy) hats and get ready for what's looking like an excellent crop of country hits to start rolling in. I'm so excited!


The First: Worth It by Danielle Bradbury

Some a capella goodness to kickstart your morning right. Don't be distracted by all her hand gestures or the top notch acoustics of the public washroom she's chosen to perform in (odd). Just focus on the sweet sound of her incredible voice.


The Second: Leaving New Orleans by Jordan Davis

Umm... this guy is officially my favourite. Same Jordan Davis from Singles You Up, as well as the one I legit fell in love with back in October, as you'll recall. What am I saying, I'm sure you all know who he is by now. He's great.
He has been releasing singles left and right and they👏 are👏 all 👏 good. Like... I don't understand how, but they're all so catchy and, surprisingly, not at all repetitive which I feel is a rarity when a new artist releases a bunch of new stuff all at once. It's premature, but Jordan Davis is shaping up to be a 2018 highlight for sure. (Bonus: he just released this song last night.)


The Third and Final: The Difference by Tyler Rich

Okay team, really saving the best of the week for last here. And also perhaps the most pop-y, but it's so good I can't help myself. Plus it's my blog so I'll do what I want. Ha ha ha... 
This has been the only song I've played in my car since last Friday. I'm just continually hitting repeat before the song is even over. Over and over and over and I'm not even sick of it yet.
"Who is Tyler Rich?" you ask? "It doesn't matter just be quiet and listen to this song." I reply.


If you're wanting more springtime pop country goodness for your sunny weekend adventures, I invite you to listen to my new Spring 2018 playlist on Spotify (and yes, The Difference is on there twice...) Whatever you get up to, I hope your weekend's a great one!

Thanks for listening,
Karla

'Tis The Season

... for new country music, apparently!

I definitely find that there's a few annual lulls with this genre and January/February is certainly one of them. But then the beginnings of spring start sneaking in and it's basically Country Music's cotillion. A warm up to their busy season: Summer. And I, for one, am looking forward to hearing all about it.


The First: Missing One by Jameson Rodgers

Y'all know my thing for wordplay (and clapping... though there ain't no clapping in this one. Unfortunately. 😒 ) and this song has it down. And it's not just the wordplay, even though that would be enough. When the band falls in after the first verse it's just... so good. So good that I actually said "oh no this is so good" out loud the first time I heard it. To myself, alone in my apartment. So you know that's high praise.


The Second: Space Cowboy by Kacey Musgraves

Her timing is impeccable. I was just thinking a few weeks ago about how I needed we all needed some more Kacey in our lives and here she is poppin' up outta nowhere to deliver. Again, we've got more clever wordplay here, mixed with Kacey's easy voice, so it's a win-win-win. (That third win is because the song title just makes me want to re-watch Firefly, and that's an easy gold star in my books.)


The Third and Final: I Was Jack (You Were Diane) by Jake Owen

We all knew this was coming and honestly it's about dang time. I don't think I've really loved a Jake Owen song since his first single. Seven years ago. Aka pre-CMF.
Yikes.
I guess I just don't get the whole "talking and pretending to kinda walk the line between singing and maybe rapping(?) but really I'm not doing either" thing that he does. But I'll put up with it here because the rest of the song is good and super duper catchy.
Yes, that's right: super duper.


It's been a long week so this weekend really can't come fast enough. Just think: there's just 8 hours of work between you and a glass of wine and a few days off.
Best of luck to all of us as we deal with Daylight Savings Time this weekend. And with that comes my annual reminder to stay safe on the roads on Monday. Sleep deprivation is a thing, people. Drink that extra cup of coffee.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Call A Spade A Spade

Seriously, let's just do it. Let's just start referring to this as CMFS instead: Country Music Fridays, Sometimes.

Doesn't have much of a ring to it, but it's certainly much more accurate than Inconsistent Karla over here.

The First: Sugar and Salt by Jillian Jacqueline

I haven't been able to stop listening to her stuff since I discovered her a few months ago and these simple versions where she just accompanies herself on the electric are certainly my favourites. A bit edgier than an acoustic interpretation but still clean enough to showcase her vocals. Big fan.


The Second: Last Shot by Kip Moore

Will we ever get tired of his voice?? Nope.
This one's got a great catchy cadence to the chorus that'll make you hit repeat. If you were my last shot.............OF WHISKEYYYYY.


The Third and Finally: Kiss Somebody by Morgan Evans

Wanna feel incredibly uncomfortable? Watch the beginning of that video. Wanna feel even more uncomfortable? Watch the rest of it. Go ahead, just do it. I dare you. What do you have to lose? It's Friday, after all. You'll have the whole weekend to recover.


Stay warm, y'all!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Still Dreaming About JT's Country Album

Remember when there were rumours flying around about how Justin Timberlake was going to put out a country album and everyone (namely: me) got super excited about it but then he didn't and we were all mildly sad even though his new album is still good? Everyone remembers this? Yeah, that's what I thought. Well let's hope he makes up for it with his Super Bowl show this weekend, amirite?

The First: Midnight Train To Memphis by Chris Stapleton

If y'all haven't already listened, then let me tell you: Volume II is gooooood. Real good. I mean, when the first Volume wins the Grammy for Best Country Album, you just gotta know this guy's doing something right. And if you ask me, his powerhouse gravel voice (that's a compliment, I swear), excellent songwriting and skilled guitar playing are just a few of those things he's doing right. Here's more proof because why not. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Chris' wife, Morgane, who is is rockin' it on stage with him, pregnant with twins and all.
(PS if you're looking to procrastinate a little more than usual this morning, here's something fun.)


The Second: Call It A Night by Leaving Thomas

These Calgarians have finally released their first EP! This song speaks to me on a deep emotional level because I always call it a night and stay at home. Order in? Dance in the kitchen? Snuggle up on the couch? Red wine for a good time? Count me in always. Cancelling plans is my favourite social activity.

The Third and Final: Into The Mystic by Stoney Larue

This has some early days Zac Brown Band vibes and if you've been here for any amount of time you know that ZBB (and peanut butter cups and wine) are truly the way straight to my heart. So yeah, I like this song. Also now you conveniently know these very important facts about me since Valentine's Day does happen to be just around the corner...

Happy brunching/relaxing/watching the Puppy Bowl/hanging out with friends/calling it a night-ing or whatever else you're up to this weekend!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

I Relinquish My Crown

Ugh. What is wrong with me??
Me, Karla, the self-proclaimed Popcorn Queen failed to notice that last Friday, while it still was National Thesaurus Day, was also POPCORN DAY.

How embarrassing for me. I don't deserve this crown. Take it away from me. But please be gentle. It's made entirely of popcorn kernels I've collected over the years and it means a lot to me. And also keep it away from direct heat.
Please.
Thank you.


The First: Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega by Ashley McBryde

Any new artist endorsed by Eric Church is someone to watch out for in my books. This up-and-comer is tough and tattooed and talented and I'm a fan (of her, and also of alliteration). Certainly worth a listen if you've been looking for some edgier old school Miranda in your life.


The Second: Marry Me by Thomas Rhett

Y'all knew it was only a matter of time for this one. The music video is completely not terrible. The song is quite good. Thomas Rhett's voice is pleasant to listen to. Plus, #spoilers: That lyrical plot twist is just too great to not get featured here.


The Third: Put It In A Song by Taylor Acorn

Gosh, it's been years since someone named Taylor wrote a song about writing a song. Okay, that's probably enough sarcasm. In reality, I do quite like this Taylor Acorn song. It's not too serious, catchy, and I quite like her voice. Plus, how fun was it to sneak in that TSwift flashback? So fun.


The Fourth and Final: Say Something by Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton

I know I'm gonna get some heat for this and that I'm already walking on thin ice following the whole popcorn thing, but I really don't care. This may not be a country song but I have to share because nothing short of literal magic happens when these two kings get together.


Boy, oh boy am I looking forward to my free weekend! It's been a while since I did nothing but slept in and sat around in my pyjamas and read books and napped and watched movies for two days straight. But that is what I've got planned and I couldn't be happier. Maybe a glass of wine would make it a *tad* better, but I'm now just days away of successfully completing my Dry January mission and so a cuppa tea will have to do. Enjoy your weekend, whatever you get up to!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Happy National Thesaurus Day!

Apparently when I'm at a real loss for a title, I resort to celebrating arguably fake holidays. How exciting, exhilarating, intoxicating, invigorating, action-packed, thrilling!! Hope you make the most of all the synonyms out there today.


The First: Travellin' Soldier by Dixie Chicks

Umm so these unicorn women do. not. age. Look at 'em! Listen to 'em! Love 'em!
This is one of my all-time favourite DC songs and for good reason. When you blend their beautiful voices and harmonies, stage presence, and a heartache of a story all together, what do you expect other than a masterpiece? So grateful that they got together to grace us with their musical talent once again.


The Second: Woman, Amen by Dierks Bentley

Some thoughts:
1. Those are some beautiful scenic shots.
2. Dierks' beard has become quite wild. It now rivals the beards of the boys in The Washboard Union.
3. It's about time for a decent new one from this fellow. I'm always happy with a strong drum beat.


The Third and Final: Playing With Fire by Jennifer Nettles

According to the internet, this song came out a YEAR ago and I'm only just finding it now. What?! Why didn't anybody tell me?! Y'all really have to get better at having my back on these things. Step up, please.

Looking forward to a few days off to spend with friends and books (aka my other friends). Here's hoping you've got fun things planned too!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Surprise, surprise

Well let me tell you, no one is more surprised you're reading this right meow than yours truly. This week has been something else. Between work, and life, and trying to drink eight glasses of water a day (I'm trying y'all) and remembering to call my father on his birthday (Happy Birthday, Dad!), I really didn't think this was going to happen. And yet, here we are.
What a world.

The First: I Hate Love Songs by Kelsea Ballerini

We haven't had a Grand Ole Opry performance around here in far too long, so I think it's about time. Why have a regular music video when we could instead pretend that we are all hangin' out at the Opry on this Friday morning, enjoying Kelsea's performance? Alternatively, we could all just move to Nashville and exclusively listen to live music for the rest of our lives.
Either/Or.


The Second: Castle On The Hill covered by Thomas Rhett

Umm... are you kidding me?
Thomas Rhett? Big fan.
Ed Sheeran? Love him.
Covers? Bring 'em.
Country covers? Excuse me while find a paper bag to hyperventilate into.


The Second: Shoot Me Straight covered by Brothers Osborne

Glad to have another great one from the brothers, their guitars, and their moody twangy voices. Just try not to tap your foot while you listen to this one. I dare you.


Cheers to an exciting and busy weekend. Let's see if we're able to stretch this ~very impressive~ streak to three weeks in a row, shall we?

Thanks for listening!
Karla

And all of a sudden it's 2018

Well hello again!

Apologies on going a little AWOL... didn't quite plan for that to happen. And I certainly didn't plan to skip out on a Country Christmas 2017 playlist but sometimes life gets in the way, ya know? But! I have three peices of good news:
Good thing #1: With a new year comes new motivations.
Good thing #2: A delightful byproduct of my radio silence is that I now have a 👏  very👏  long👏  list of new country music that I'm so excited to share with all of you!
Good thing #3: I put a package of Reese's cups in the freezer two weeks ago, forgot about them, and just rediscovered them so we're all winning right now.

Anywho, I think I've made you wait long enough, so I'll just get to it now.


The First: Makin' Me Say by Brett Young

Here's the thing: I'm not ashamed. You may be bored of him by now, but I'm certainly not. I don't think I'll ever be bored of him. Not even after I meet him at a show and he instantly falls in love with me and we've been married for sixty years (daily serenades, of course), raised our children, travelled the world and retired in Stars Hollow. I still won't be bored. I just don't think it's going to happen.
~Also there's clapping in this song so I couldn't not share it.~


The Second: Holier Than Thou by Jillian Jacqueline

I'm honestly still on the fence about whether she's actually a country artist but there are definitely a few songs where Jillian's twang is on. point. The sass of this song is so subtle you don't notice until you actually pay attention to the lyrics and then it will just consumes you. I'm a fan. If you're looking for a more toned down and sweet take on Jillian then I would suggest you check out Sugar and Salt. Pun intended.


The Third and Final: Your Love Is The Drug by The Road Hammers

Not to be confused with another favourite of mine, Your Love Is My Drug by the wonderful unicorn also known as Ke$ha.
I'm really feeling the harmonies in this one. They remind me of old stuff from Alabama, which earns them gold stars in my book. I was initially going to apologize for the beginning of this music video. But then I watched the rest of it and realized there's legitimately just too much to apologize for. It's a lot. I'm sorry doesn't even cover it.
But the harmonies are nice, I swear.

Place your bets on whether there will be a CMF next week. Honestly, it's anyone's guess at this point.

Thanks for listening!
Karla