Hello from the other side (of September)

Well hellllooooo!

It's been a minute. How've you been? Cool, cool.

After a busy stretch at work and some much needed R&R time last week it appears that nearly a month has passed since CMF has done the rounds. I swear it was August and then I blinked and all of a sudden October was just around the corner in all it's orange, pumpkin spice glory. Anyone bought their pumpkins and candy corn yet?? Haha ha, I'm just kidding*... Speaking of inappropriately timed holiday accoutrements, please let me know if you find the snack-size individually wrapped Reese's cups anywhere - my annual hunt has started. 

*Okay actually I'm not. I bought both edible and decorative pumpkins last week.

The First: I'll Name The Dogs by Blake Shelton

He👏 is👏 back👏 !! It was a rough stretch there with all his bitter somber contributions to the world of country. I'm accepting this song as his second wind of greatness. And *spoiler alert* his second wind is adorable. Not only is the song really sweet but somehow so is the music video (thank goodness). All in all, well done sir.


The Second: Slow Dance In A Parking Lot by Jordan Davis

Mr. Davis is quickly stealing my heart, y'all. This song kind of just makes you want to fall in love, doesn't it? That's 50% why I enjoy it. The other 50% is definitely because it reminds me of old school Tswift. You can spin me around by a Walmart sign any night, Jordan. Here's another gem from him if you're so inclined.


The Third and Not-so-Final: It's Working by James Barker Band

You know what's working? James Barker Band, that's what. It's catchy song after catchy song from these delightful Canadian boys. I attribute the catchy-ness of their songs to the strong beat. Anything that's clap-along-able is wonderful and deserves being played on repeat for hours if you ask me.


The Bonus: Hometown Kids by The Reklaws

You get a bonus song today because a) I've got too many songs to share and b) I feel bad for being a little MIA. Don't say I never give you anything.

I've been on the white picket fence (was that appropriately small town or what??) about this song for a while because it's pretty pop-y but I ultimately like it so here ya go. It also has a distinctly summery sound and I've been told that some people could still use one final desperate grasp at summertime. And finally I'm sharing it because Mr. Dimples there charmed me into it.

I have nothing planned this weekend and I truly could not be happier about it. Maybe I'll even get a jump start on next week's post so that it's not another month of static over here. Who knows??

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

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

Apologies in advance, I wrote this when I was tired.

Sometimes you're just ready for bed at 7pm on a Thursday night but you still have to write CMF. So apologies in advance for the writing this week. If it's any consolation, the music that I had nothing to do with producing is good at least.

The First: Down By The River by Bobby Wills

We haven't heard from Bobby in a while and apparently he's returned ready for a party.
Anecdote: In high school, the cool thing to do on the weekends was to go down to the river. Of course, this was in the hamlet otherwise known as Squamish and I'm 100% confident that those evening were never like the ones Bobby is singing about here. I just imagined it was probably super cold, and dark, and you'd be surrounded by less than sober kids being obnoxious while tripping over rocks. Needless to say, it was not my ideal Saturday night. So when my friends would call and invite me out I would lie and say I already had plans and then hang out with my parents at home and do my laundry or read or sometimes - if I was feeling particularly wild - do some sudoku puzzles. And I gotta say, I'm still pretty happy with my life choices on that one.


The Second: One Little Kiss by Dallas Smith

HE'S BACK!! He wasn't gone for very long but ohmygosh I missed him! You know when you haven't seen someone in a while and then you get to hang out with them and you're just really happy about it even if they don't have any good stories to tell you? That's me with this Dallas Smith song.


The Third and Final: Friends by Blake Shelton

Because I have some really, really good friends.
Related but unrelated, can we get serious here for a second? Show of hands: who feels like they really need an Angry Birds movie in their life? (Put your hand down, no one around you knows what you're doing and you look like a little ridiculous). Is this really something that has been significantly missing from the world? I think not.

That's a wrap people. I hope your work day flies by but that your weekend slows down to a savourable pace. Did I just make up a word? Yes.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

My Top Ten Country Christmas Songs 2015

We're now well into December, so I figured it was the perfect time to share my favourite country Christmas songs with all of you.
Below is a mixture of both traditional and new songs that get me into the holiday spirit!

Please note: this is best enjoyed with some mulled wine and friends, preferably with the sparkling lights of a tree in the background of the instagram photo we both know you'll end up taking.


1. Run, Run, Rudolph by Luke Bryan

I rarely share Luke Bryan but I love this version of the song! Also, please enjoy his guitar strap lights.


2. Oklahoma Christmas by Blake Shelton (feat. Reba)

One time Blake sang this song with his Mom instead of Reba and it was just as wonderful as you would expect.


3. Go Tell It On The Mountain by Little Big Town

Possibly one of my favourite Christmas classics, sung by a group that can vocally do no wrong.


4. Winter Wonderland by Darius Rucker

Thank you, Hootie.


5. White Christmas by Home Free

You didn't even know you needed country a cappella in your life until now, did you? (Their entire Christmas album Full of Cheer is great, if you're super into them).


6. The Wood Shed Is Full by Dean Brody

Not a classic... yet.


7. Jingle Bell Rock by Rascal Flatts

Their twang rings louder than any of those jingle bells.


8. Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy by Brad Paisley

Can't beat a little Paisley around the holidays.


9. Merry Christmas Baby by Hunter Hayes

I just had to include the little musical gem that is Hunter Hayes.


10. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow by Lady Antebellum

But actually. I would like some snow this year, please.


And finally, Leroy the Redneck Reindeer as a bonus, mostly because that mullet will not be denied.


Thanks for listening and happy holidays!
Karla

My Top Ten Songs of Summer 2015

It's August 19th.
I'm just going to go ahead and call it now. I hope you're all okay with that because, if not, it's kind of too late since you're already reading this. Besides, there's a bonus in doing this now, instead of sometime in September: you can actually enjoy the songs while the season is still upon us.

So here are my top ten Songs of Summer 2015.

I will preface with saying that yes, I know not all these songs were brand new this summer. That's not really the point. The point is they're just the ones I've just been listening to a little bit too much lately. So, in no particular order, here you go:


1. Until I Met You by Sundy Best

We all know how these boys changed my life. Is that an exaggeration? Probably not. They gave me a newfound faith in music videos potentially not being awful forever and also gave us this really adorable song.


2. Break Up With Him by Old Dominion

Don't even pretend to be surprised. I've gushed over these guys three separate times. We all know my love for them and their humour and their talent and their faces.


3. Gonna by Blake Shelton

Still love it every time it comes on.


4. Rodeo by Mackenzie Porter

I think I just like how straightforward she is. I also still think he is adorable at the end with the laundry.


5. Take Your Time by Sam Hunt

My friend's almost three-year-old, Lily, doesn't like this song because "he spends too much time talking." Unfortunately, I disagree with lil' Lily. I'm a fan of the slow jam rap (at least that's what I call it..)


6. Loving You Easy by Zac Brown Band

It would take me forever to link all my past love for ZBB. Y'all get it. They're wonderful. They're talented. And every one of their future singles will probably end up being a CMF feature. Some things in life are just predictable like that.


7. Stay A Little Longer by the Brothers Osborne

So what I actually wanted to link here, and have been waiting (im)patiently for for months, is the extended version of this song. JRFM plays it once in a while and it's just such a treat. If you can find it on iTunes or are lucky enough to catch it on the radio, please enjoy.


8. My Mistake by Cam

Her voice is just so beautiful and the harmonies in this one still make my heart happy.


9. Don't It by Billy Currington

I think I just love the way he sings "as far as I can tell that finger ain't got no ring on it" and then goes on to talk about karaoke for kind of no reason at all.


10. Crash and Burn by Thomas Rhett

I'm into the video almost as much as I'm into the song. I like the part when he's walking next to his car rolling in neutral. I like the look on his face when he's recreating a little 1989 Say Anything and she's throwing his stuff out the window. I even like his jacket. The only thing that I don't really like is this girl's overacting. It's really the only upsetting part of an otherwise lovely music video.

Thanks for listening,
Karla

You thought I forgot but GUESS WHAT? I didn’t.

I was just super tired, that’s all. Hence this post being a tad bit late. Who knew I could sleep for 13 hours straight? I sure didn’t. But now I’m perfectly poised to fully enjoy this long weekend before we all get back into the August rush* to get things ready for back to school. So let’s make the most of it, okay?

The First: Here Goes Everything by Petric

Let me tell you how many times I’ve had to explain this band name as “Metric but with a ‘P’” in this last week. I think four times. So not actually that many now that I think about it… Moving along, I think these Canadian boys are trying to be the next High Valley before High Valley even really has their day in the sun. Looking forward to how this Canadian battle plays out. Please note that I chose the acoustic version here because I just love a good acoustic performance.

The Second: Gonna by Blake Shelton

I can’t tell you how happy I am to usher in another Blake Shelton song right now. I was not a fan of his last single, Sangria, and so I’m really looking forward to hearing something different on the radio for a while. And this one is so good! Well done, Blake. Well done.

The Third and Final: Buy Me A Boat by Chris Janson

Okay. So this is the fifth song I’ve chosen for this last selection. Apparently I become very indecisive after an extended nap. But I’m going with Chris Janson and that’s the end of it! (< that statement was more for me than anyone else.) To me, Chris Janson is one of the funniest guys in country music. This is based purely on the fact that I find his dance moves wonderfully goofy paired with the fact that his guitar always looks too big for him and he doesn’t seem to care about any of it. Many CMFs ago I selected this song by Chris, which I think it supports my argument pretty well.

Have a fantastic long weekend! Mine will be filled with friends (including my close personal friend, TSwift), some beach time, and hopefully a patio or two.

Thanks for listening and I promise to be back in your inbox next Friday morning!

Karla

*August Rush is an excellent film.

Find me and the CMF playlist on Spotify @karcarr8.

An important message.

Hello, Good Morning, and TGIFBTMICMF! (aka Thank goodness it’s Friday because that means it’s Country Music Friday!)

It’s been a couple weeks and things have certainly been booming in the country music arena! This week’s selection is brought to you by: Summer. 

There have been so many awesome new songs released lately that I been forced to react to by yelling, alone in my car, “OMGTHISISGOINGTOBEMYNEWSUMMERJAM!”

Now, as you probably know, I often exclaim things to myself (or sometimes other drivers) while I’m alone in my car. But what I bet you didn’t know is that I use the term “jam” in my everyday vocabulary. Yeah. I know. I’m hip like that. Try not to get too close. You may catch hypothermia because I am so cool. So settle in - it’s a good one this week! (But let’s be honest, we’re talking about country music here: they’re all good ones.)

The First: Boys ‘Round Here by Blake Shelton

Like you didn’t think this was going to be on here. I’ve just been loving this new Shelton song. It’s amazing. It’s got a little hint of that ‘country rap’ that Jason Aldean paved the way for with Dirt Road Anthem two years ago, but also fully embraces the hillbilly by interspersing “re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-redneck” to emulate a record scratch in the background. How clever. And, of course, let’s not forget my favourite and least favourite line in the entire song, the line that marks the culmination of the chorus, the line that makes me want to puke and sing along all at the same time: Chewtobacca, chewtobacca, chewtobacca, spit.
Just amazing. I also very much enjoy the cameo appearances of the cow, the piglet, and the chickens. Because why not.
(PS He also references/makes fun of ‘the dougie’)


The Second: Beat This Summer by Brad Paisley

http://tinyurl.com/blo43ea 

haha, just kidding:

He’s right. There’s no way we’ll be able to beat this summer. Because this summer is going to be awesome. AMIRYTE? Serious item to research: are there any boardwalks in my town that I can go hang out on? I feel like that needs to happen this summer. Why? Because Mr. Paisley basically just told me that I have to.  Please note that I almost left this song out of this week’s selection because I have been in a 4 year-old war with a friend David about what the best season is (autumn, of course) and I wasn’t sure if this would weaken my argument. But then I thought, “No. Karla The Martyr would never allow a silly vendetta to disservice you, the readers of CMF.” So here you go. You’re welcome.


The Third and Final: Find Me a Baby by Josh Turner aka The Best Looking Guy in Country Music

Because summer is when all the good-lookin’ ones come out of the shadows and grace us with their chiselled chins and six packs and tans. And who better to represent them than the deep-voiced beauty that is Josh Turner? Answer: No one. There is no one better.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Lists and whatnot

Time to celebrate – it’s Friday, CMFers!

I feel like all the songs that I’ve been loving lately have involved some sort of list-making. What I mean by this is that a large portion of the song lyrics are comprised of the artist listing off all the wonderful things about their love interest. Or all the things about themselves that their love interest makes better. In some cases the love interests are people. In other cases they are a time of year. Or a country. Did I lose you on that last one? That’s okay. You’ll see what I mean soon enough.

The First: Friday Night by Lady Antebellum or Eric Paslay

I. Love. This. Song. I can’t even... ah. So good. So good, in fact, that I have found not one but two great versions of it. Two! If that’s not a marker of greatness, I don’t know what is.

The Second: Ten Time Crazier by Blake Shelton

So adorable. Every girl wants a guy to say that he’s crazy about her. But then Blake Shelton goes ahead and literally surpasses all men on the planet by saying he’s not just crazy about Miranda (we can assume that she’s the one he’s singing about. I always just do.) but he’s ten times crazier about her. Ten times! Imagine winning the lottery and being all “guys! I just won a million dollars!” and then Blake Shelton walks in and goes, “that’s nothing. I just won ten million dollars. I’m buying ya’ll your own unicorn.” That would hurt a little bit, don’t you think? You may say to me, “It’s okay, the good news is that I still have a million dollars to comfort me.” Well guess what, money isn’t everything. Way to be materialistic. So what have we learned today, boys? The lesson is that you should tell that special person in your life that you are eleven times crazier about them than anything else on the planet and just blow Blake Shelton out of the running for Most Romantic Cowboy. You’re welcome. 

The Third: Point at You by Justin Moore

The song that puts a giant, stupid smile on my face whenever it comes on my radio dial. It’s just so happy and sweet and wonderful. 


The Fourth and Final: Stronger Beer  by Tim Hicks

I know, I know. I usually limit CMF to three songs but I just couldn’t do that this week. I just couldn’t, people! And when you hear this song, you’ll know why. It’s too good/ridiculous to pass up. And it would be quite impolite to leave it out of my Lists Roundup, and that’s just not very Canadian, eh? So here you go. A bonus song this week! Woohoo!!! Okay, calm down. Save that energy for your big Friday night plans. Mine include making popcorn, cleaning my house and – hold on to your hats ‘cuz it’s about to get crazy - watching tv. So, yeah. I’m saving my energy.

Thanks for listening!
Karla