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

Let's be more Swiss.

It's Friday! Finally! Find yourself some friends and a cocktail and cheers to the weekend!

In between extended weekend trips and some long-anticipated days off, it's been a few weeks since I've worked a full five-day week. And you know what I've learned? Five days a long haul. Who else is thinking that Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands (among a few others) have the right idea with their four-day work weeks? All in favour for being more like the Swiss raise your hand.
I thought so.

Bonus: I also love swiss cheese, so I'm thinking this'll work out well for me in more ways than one.

The First: Tin Man by Miranda Lambert

Well just break my heart and put it back together, Miranda. I love this.
She sounds like old Miranda circa Famous in a Small Town and New Strings and it's so good. Not only is this song great, but can we take a moment to just appreciate her as a performer? It's just her and her guitar and her voice and a spotlight and she has that entire audience captivated. I mean, her fringe should also get a shout out for its stage presence (obviously) but mostly it's just her guitar and her voice that captivates you. And that's pretty incredible.


The Second: I Could Use A Love Song by Maren Morris

I've had a hard time finding a Maren Morris song I haven't immediately loved, and this one is no different. It's on the slower side but oh so good. As you may have guessed, the official music video was waaay too much drama for a Friday and disrupted the song a few times so you get this zero budget lyric video instead. Trust me. It's for the best.


The Third and Final: Broken Halos by Chris Stapleton

Man can this guy sing. I don't know that I'll ever tire of his voice and the never pop-y song selections. I think what I love most about Chris Stapleton's music is that it's always all about his voice and the lyrics. They're not about how catchy they can make the chorus sound or if the kids in the club will be able to dance along to the music (clubs are still a thing, right?). They're just about the weight of his voice and I think that's cool.


Looking forward to a few sunshine-filled walks along the water, plans with friends, and the return of a certain European traveller this weekend. Hope you've got exciting plans in the works too!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

The Youtube Autoplay Rabbit Hole: a love story

There's all sorts of greatness in store with this week's selections. Including, but of course not limited to, the results of me falling down the sneaky yet inevitable Youtube Autoplay Rabbit Hole. This time, like most times, it has led to some really great things. So let's take a listen, shall we?

The First: Shot of Glory by The Washboard Union

It's brand spankin' new and it's great. But really, what else do you expect from these bearded gems? Literally nothing. Great is the only kind of music they know how to make.


The Second: Tread by Blackjack Billy

I realize that this is a different kind of country, but I took a hip hop class last night for the first time in like seven or eight years, and so a little bit of what I've now deemed to be "gangsta country" was kind of guaranteed today. Yes, I did just make up my own sub-category of country music. And I hate that I don't hate it. In fact, if I can get real with you guys for a minute, I really love the chorus of this song. Of course that's mostly because it's frustratingly catchy and I can't escape it. But isn't that what love is, after all?

No, it's not? Oh... whoops.


The Third and Final: The Right Ones by Chris Stapleton

So. Here's the truth, team. I originally intended to share a different song by Chris Stapleton called Parachute. Don't get me wrong, it's a great song. However, I then stumbled upon his cover of Josh Turner's Your Man, which he apparently co-wrote with good ole' Josh aka The Best Looking Guy in Country Music, and I got really excited about it because it's pretty great. But of course the Youtube Autoplay function had a whole other song in mind and led me to The Right One (was the title a coincidence? I think not) and I gotta say, Youtube Autoplay knew what it was doing. I mean, just listen to it. It. Is. So. GOOD! And then, as if that wasn't overwhelming enough, I then kind of fell down a bit of a Chris-Stapleton-singing-songs-he-wrote Rabbit Hole. It happens. And leads to amazing things.

And so, CMFers, I leave you in the very capable hands of Chris Stapleton and his entrancing and gravelly voice to lead you into the weekend.

Please, don't thank me. I'm no hero. I do it only because I care.


For all you Canadians out there, I hope you have an exceptional Victoria Day long weekend! As my boss told me when I accidentally tried to book a vacation day for Monday, the Queen has granted you this day off, so enjoy it!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Good Ole Boys

Hello CMF lovelies!

I hope you've all had a fantastic week and are gearing up for an exciting weekend! I don't know what your plans are, but I'm sure they're good ones. If you're in need of assistance in making your weekend particularly festive, please note that I shared a list of Country Christmas songs earlier this week, for your listening pleasure. You are most certainly welcome.

The First: Maybe It's The Moonshine by The Washboard Union

These wonderful men and their beards are at it again! I haven't shared a solid sing-along-in-the-car song in a while, but here you go. Hopefully it makes you feel a little sunshine-y, especially for those of you who have had the pleasure of experiencing this lovely sideways rain Vancouver's been conjuring up lately.


The Second: Fire Away by Chris Stapleton

Rough and gravelling and glorious. That's what this song is.
Those also happen to be the three words I typically use to describe myself, in case you were wondering.


The Third and Final: Think Of You by Chris Young (feat. Cassadee Pope)

Chris Young's voice will never get old.
On a side note, I do realize that Cassadee's vocal presence in this song kind of contradicts the title for this week, but the truth is I'm much too lazy to change it at this juncture. I'm afraid we're all just going to have to live with it.


That's all from me this week! Enjoy this collage of selections - I didn't really know what I was sitting down to write but can honestly say that I'm rather pleased with how this week shaped up. Hope the feeling's mutual.

Thanks for listening!
Karla