Summer Storms and Soggy Bottoms

Happy August!!

I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend! As much as I would have liked to spend all of mine out on the beach, I only visited it for a few short periods on account of the very smokey and not-so-great-for-your-lungs air quality we're currently experiencing in the city. Instead I read a lot, rapped along to Hamilton, spent time catching up with friends, and avoided talking to strangers at social gatherings. So other than not spending time at the beach, all par for the course really.

On a bit of a programming note, we're heading into the busy season at work and as much as I'd like to say that you'll still see a CMF in your inbox every Friday morning... that just may not happen based on how tired and/or musically exposed I am in the coming weeks. I'm aiming to stay on track, but as you've probably already noticed you may not receive a weekly CMF every Friday through mid-September, depending on how things roll out. In the meantime, feel free to throw on the CMF playlist on Spotify if you really need your fix!


The First: When It Rains It Pours by Luke Combs

I avoided this song for a while because I assumed from the title that it would be slow and broody and I wasn't really interested in that. But as is often the case when I make assumptions, I was wrong! This song is a fun one so give it a listen.


The Second: Unforgettable by Thomas Rhett

In. To. Ittttt! Even if I have I no idea was a "mango-rita" is. From what I've gathered via interviews he's done, Mr. Rhett wrote this song about meeting his wife and the start of their relationship. The beat and the story and all of it makes me real happy. And just like that title would suggest, the song is fairly unforgettable and hasn't really left my brain since it was released. Thanks, dude.


The Third and Final: Soggy Botton Summer by Dean Brody ft. Alan Doyle

I remember the good ole days of soggy bottom summers as a kid. We used to spend all day at the lake and although there weren't tube-able rivers in our town, we would sometimes go tubing whenever we were on vacation. Great times and both activities that would often leave your swimsuit bottoms a little soggy because they always took a bit longer to dry. As an adult I don't really experience soggy bottoms because I've matured, you see. And as a mature adult I know that going into any body of water that you can't see the bottom of isn't the best idea because sea monsters.
On another note, you may have noticed that Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea fame lends his one-of-a-kind pipes to the bridge of this song. Much like you would expect from a Bieber song that spontaneously features a rapper de jour partway through. But, like, way better of course. And even more Canadian.

It's looking like rain and maybe even some thunderstorms this weekend in Vancouver! My excitement for this is two-fold. First, we desperado need rain to clear up those wildfires and all the resulting smoke. Two, I love a good thunderstorm. Like, a lot. Especially in the summer when it's still warm enough to have your windows and doors open so that you can listen to the loud rain and thunder with a glass of wine, a good book, and a candle or two. That's the life. I'm going to be so happy if that's what my Sunday ends up looking like.

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

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

Cool music, bro.

No, I'm not talking to my brothers. (Neither of my brothers receive CMF - apparently "they're too cool for it" or something?). I'm talking to you!

Do you find it weird that I've spontaneously adopted the term "bro" as a slang form of addressing you? Maybe, but that's what I was feeling when I looked at this week's selections. And I say: you do what feels right to you.

I also spilled red wine down my shirt prior to writing this, however, so I may not be the most reliable source for life advice. The choice is yours.


The First: Love Would Be Enough by Dean Brody

Shout out to my friend Mike who boldly declared last week that this is his favourite Dean Brody song and reminded me of it's existence. I've since not been able to get it out of my head, so of course it's found a home here. I love how fun this song is and how I can't help but bop along to it whenever it comes on.
Concerning music video moment: 2:10


The Second: From The Ground Up by Dan + Shay

So, I found this video to be... not terrible (please hold your gasps, they're super distracting). In fact, I actually found the storyline to be rather cute but not in a you're-taking-the-attention-away-from-the-music kind of way (*cough* FGL *cough*).
My only question for you is: have you ever seen hair as tall as theirs outside of Danny Zuko and the Tbirds in Grease? This is a serious question.


The Third and Final: Snapback by Old Dominion

You all already know how much I love them and that I've already declared my interest in marrying literally any of them (Valentine's Day dreams, amirite?) and so I, for one, am shocked that I've held out so long before sharing yet another one of their songs. Now, some of you will complain and tell me that there's nothing country about this song. You're entitled to your opinion and I would respond that although this song may not be, they as a group are. I would also say: did you misunderstand me when I said Valentine's Day dreams?

However you're spending your weekend, I hope it's a love-filled one! <3

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

Back on the wagon again.

CMF! CMF! CMF! CMF! (< that was supposed to be read as a chant. Such as one might hear at a sporting event of sorts.)

Today’s selection is brought to you by the place in my brain that is guilty of sometimes really loving redneck hicktown country. The more twang the better.

The First: Catch All the Fish by Brad Paisley

When I have a fervent country music hater in my car, I do three things: 1. Lock the doors and windows via my fun and powerful master buttons, 2. Blast this song, 3. Sing this song with as much twang and volume as I can muster. So far I’ve made two people’s ears bleed, caused four people to refuse to get back in my car, and I have successfully converted one blessed soul into a country music appreciator. So I think those are pretty good stats. Clearly my method is working, which is why I have no plans to change it.

The Second: Chattahoochee by Alan Jackson

About a month ago, my friend David and I were walking and randomly started singing this lovely diddy. In the middle of the song, David turned to me and asked, “Why in the world have you not yet included Chattahoochee in your Country Music Fridays??” So, this one is dedicated to David. DP, I am truly sorry for this great oversight. I take full responsibility. I have no excuse for my behaviour and can only hope that my actions in the future are enough to demonstrate my positive intentions and remorse...
The rest of you, please enjoy this wonderful chanson by the one and only AJ.

The Third and Final: It’s Friday by Dean Brody

Okay. So this song may have veered significantly away from my previous “redneck hicktown country” description, but I heard it for the first time this morning and I love it. I love how Maritime-y it is (courtesy of Great Big Sea, no doubt) and how celebratory it is and how it’s Friday today so hopefully some of his lyrics will ring true soon enough. Enjoy because It’s Friday!

Thanks for listening,
Karla

It’s Country Music Friday!

Well hello!

Today is Friday, and we all know what that means! Country music!

The First: Bait a Hook – Justin Moore

In which good ol’  Justin attempts to put down his ex’s choice for her new boyfriend by picking out every non-country thing about him. Although the second verse is my favourite (because every good ole country boy should know how to melt a girls heart on the guitar) I think the following line might be the funniest: “I heard he's got a Prius, 'cause he's into bein' green.” Also: be sure to listen to the end bit (from 3:08-3:23 in the video), because it’s also quite a laugh.

The Second: The Wind – Zac Brown Band

Now, let me just start by making the following statement very clear: ZAC BROWN CAN DO NO WRONG. Seriously. The man is a genius. This is their newest song. Very banjo-y, very fun. Please ignore the awful lyric video – they have yet to release the music video for this song.

The Third: Dirt Roads Scholar – Dean Brody

In my book, this may be one of the wittiest country music songs out there. Listen closely to the lyrics – so smart! I think I might apply to be a Dirt Roads Scholar for my grad program – thoughts? “I’m from the dirt road poison ivy league...”

Thanks for listening,
Karla