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

It's A Country Party Up In Here

But I mean, when is it not? Amirite?


The First: Are You Ready For The Country  covered by Hank Williams Jr. ft. Eric Church

Sheesh. So much Eric Church lately. Instead, let us enjoy a teeny tiny Hunter Hayes and a somewhat younger Hank Williams Jr. back in the mid 90s... what were you doing in 1995? I was busy learning Spanish and forgetting my English. And then inevitably forgetting my Spanish when I had to relearn my English. I was not performing an adorable rendition of Jambalaya on stage for thousands of people. Were you?


The Second: Underdogs by Chris Young

NHL Playoffs and such. That's happening, right?

Yes, I know that the video features football and not hockey, but the lyrics are still applicable.


The Third and Final: Cool With That by Brett Kissel

In case you were wondering, Brett Kissel would like everyone to know that he's still sticking with the traditional cowboy hat look. You do you, Brett. In other news of equal if not greater importance to Brett's headwear, that drummer may be my favourite part of this video. Evidence can be found at 1:22. And 1:33.... and 2:06. Hope that guy just made your day like he made mine. :D


I realize he's not country at all, but I would be remiss if I finished off this week without a moment of dedication to Prince. As anyone who has ever played music bingo with me will know, I love Prince. (If you don't know what music bingo is, seriously what are you doing still reading this instead of googling "music bingo pubs near me" right now?). This is one of my favourites.


Thanks for listening,
Karla

I Got 99 Problems and CMF Titles Are 96% Of Them.

The other 4% involves contemplating how to live off peanut butter, chocolate, and popcorn without eventually weighing 500lbs. Think on that for me, will you?

In other news, this week has felt like an exceptionally long one... and I have only worked two days. So I suppose that says something.


The First: Record Year by Eric Church

This poor song has been passed up so many times over the past few weeks as others have beat it out for one of these three coveted spots each week. BUT NOW IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE, ERIC! Of course, he's already received a lot of play time on here, including a dedicated week of his own post-concert last year. Not to mention that he's kind of already a big deal. So maybe we'll just play this oversight as me trying to save his ego from expanding any further..? Okay, cool.


The Second: White Lightning by The Cadillac Three

I think more than anything I just really like the simple story this video tells (shocking, I'm aware). Also the crooning at the beginning just makes me happy.


The Third and Final: I Like The Sound Of That by Rascal Flatts

I truly believe that you can never go wrong with Rascal Flatts. They're just a pretty solid go-to when you need some not-at-all-understated twang in your life. This particular song also reminds me of the Aaron Lines song that is suspiciously similar and has an iteration of the same title... so please go listen to that as well. Coincidence? Who knows. All I know is we now have two decent songs.

Cheers to the weekend - hope yours is a great one!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Don't be shy, be yoncé

So Eric Church took a lesson from Beyoncé (or George Strait, if you're looking for a country reference) and spontaneously released a brand new album on Wednesday by casually just emailing it to members of his fan club (cleverly named the Church Choir, by the way... so good!). Just like, "Hey, how are y'all doing? Yeah, I'm good too. Really happy to have gotten that extra hour of sleep on the weekend, y'know. But oh my goodness now it's sooo dark out, SO early, amiright? Oh hey by the way I made this for you *INSERT NEW ALBUM HERE*"

Literally* that's what he said. How wonderfully outrageous is that?!

(*Okay so maybe not literally, but that was what it felt like.)


The First: Mr. Misunderstood by Eric Church

How could I not include his first single after that intro? I had no choice, really. Now, I will preface by saying that this is not my favourite track off the album. My favourite track off the album upon my first few listens is Knives of New Orleans. BUT YOU CANNOT HOLD ME TO THAT. I've barely had time to really delve into it, if you consider time spent working and sleeping since Wednesday afternoon. And I need time to settle on important life decisions such as this one. But for now, it's that one. Followed closely by Round Here Buzz, which also conveniently follows it on the track list.

Now for the song at hand. I do like Mr. Misunderstood. But I also immediately think of Kelly Clarkson and her song Miss Independent every time I hear it and that jars me a little. So now you know my hesitation.


The Second: Drunk On Your Love by Brett Eldredge

Listen. Brett's been on fire lately, in my mind. And I do mean fire in more ways than one, if you'll recall. I like this one because I think it's different and funky and good.

That's all there is to it.


The Third and Final: Arms of Fire by Brothers Osborne

This is what me giving up and giving in looks like.

I've wanted to feature this song for ages. Ages. But since they haven't released it as a single and it really doesn't look like they're ever going to (shameful), it means that they don't have a recorded version of the song on Youtube for me to share with you. And even though you all know my adoration for live music, the thing is that I don't feel this version really does the song justice. So, I IMPLORE YOU to please listen to the recorded version (it's faster and smoother) of this song on your iTunes or Spotify or whatever.

You owe it to yourself.


Please enjoy your weekend.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

My Top Ten Loud-Car-Singing Songs

I spend a decent amount of time in my car and would argue that that's really where my best vocal performances occur. In fact, the best ones usually happen at around 8:30am when I'm driving to work and trying to get myself super pumped for the day. I also feel that this practice doubles as a public service to other drivers who get to see me rockin' out without restraint and thereby have a slightly brighter day because of it. You're welcome, fellow commuters.

Here are my favourite songs to sing loudly along with while I'm driving:

1. Here Comes the Thunder by Tim Hicks

I really can't express to you just. how. excited. I get whenever this song starts playing on the radio. My hand immediately shoots to the volume dial and the music takes over. This one arguably turns into something more akin to screaming than singing. Tim's Hell Raisin' Good Time is a good substitute, if you need one (the vid's weird though).

2. Kerosene by Miranda Lambert

Because who doesn't love a good revenge-filled cowgirl kiss-off?


3. Friday Night by Eric Paslay

Bonus points for singing this on a Friday, post-work.


4. Young and Beautiful by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood's powerful voice really just invites you to duet with her in the car.


5. Natural Disaster by Zac Brown Band

You can hear more about my thoughts on this gem here.


6. Want To by Sugarland

This song reminds me of my lovely high school friend Melissa and our adventures driving around our small hometown.


7. Drink In My Hand by Eric Church

Even though I love my job, I can't help but sing this anthem real loud when it comes on.


8. Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift

Because let's get real, once a commercial break comes on the radio I'm switching to the CD player and TSwift is in there 70% of the time. Haters gonna hate.


9. Catch All the Fish by Brad Paisley

I explain my tactic with this song in great detail here.


10. Who's Bed Have Your Boots Been Under by Shania Twain

Shout out to by good friend Lawrence, because this is the only country song he knows (but at least he loves it) so we sing it together sometimes.


Thanks for listening,
Karla

Ode to Eric Church

I wish to dedicate this week’s CMF to Eric Church, in follow up to the concert I was lucky enough to attend this past Tuesday (or Chooseday, as many of you know I like to call it… I chose to go to the Church concert, in case you were wondering).

Eric Church is what I like to call Rock & Roll Country. It’s a little bit louder and a little bit edgier. There was a drummer, four guitarists, and the wonderful Joanna Cotten (decked out head to toe in leather) on stage with him and all seven of them were just loving life and it was glorious.

Anyways, welcome to my Ode to Eric Church.

The First: Guys Like Me by Eric Church

Look at this young fella with his long almost-Blake-Shelton-circa-2004-style locks. And…incredible… you can see his eyes!  Who knew they still existed under those aviators? Not I, that’s for sure. Not I.

The Second: How ‘Bout You by Eric Church (again)

Gosh this guy is cool. Oh, wait, you thought I meant Mr. Church? No, I was referring to the gent with the overwhelmingly invasive moustache featured at 1:35… I kid, I kid. I do mean my good friend, Eric. He is the coolest of them all.


The Third and Final: These Boots by Eric Church (shocking!)

Okay. I love this song. It’s just good, you know? Additionally, please allow me to gush about how incredible his voice is, because it was so evident with this particular song. In fact, I would argue that his voice is better live than any of the recordings you may have heard here today. Wonderfully rough and intense and loud and perfectly matches the lyrics he’s singing.

Bonus: I told Teri, my lovely Vancouver country music concert-going buddy, that I would consider adding in her selections to this Eric Church issue of Country Music Friday. Since she both drove AND put up with the flailing I like to call dancing, here is a bonus for you, courtesy of Teri: What I Almost Was (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ74kO22m1M).

Thanks for listening!
Karla

CCMF

Hello CMFers!
It's been a long time. TOO long, really. I blame the whiplash caused by me thinking moving/starting a new job in the middle of hiring season and over the course of three measly days was a smart decision. Hindsight, I tell ya. But! Things have been really great at my new job and my team is amazing, so really there isn't anything to complain about. Not even the temperature (which I have yet to figure out how to appropriately dress for) because whenever I do complain I am faced with several people from Ontario looking back at me with blank stares and then telling me that negative degree weather that remains in the single digits is what they simply refer to as "early fall." 

Anyways, today's selections have no theme. Just three songs that I've been really loving lately! So, Classic Country Music Friday.*


The First: Sober by Little Big Town

LET ME JUST SAY THAT A SONG CANNOT GET MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THIS ONE. I mean, really. Not only is the message really heartwarming and the analogy is fantastic, but pair that with a group that is just so  perfect in their harmonies and you get this. This amazing song that I will never be able to emulate singing alone with my guitar, but one that I will continue to try to do. Because how can I not?

The Second: Give Me Back My Hometown by Eric Church

Dear, Eric Church. You make me love 'rock and roll'. You also make me love you and your ability to mix twang with rock while simultaneously not caring/not wanting to define your genre. Other things: You only wear your signature sunglasses in a few seconds of this music video - you're learning that people want to see your face! Yay! You feature some of your other songs in this video. Classy. Me gusta. Finally, this video makes me feel emotions, which most of you know is something I try to avoid as much as possible. So. 9/10.

The Third and Final: Wake Up Loving You by Craig Morgan

Gah. This song is just so up my alley! I don't know why. But it's been on repeat for several weeks. So now you get to hear it too. PS I think Craig Morgan is somehow being sponsored by a motel chain. (Sidebar: 2:28 when he's singing into the door frame = my favorite).

*Not to be confused with Classic Music Friday which is a WHOLE other beast. And not one that I would have any authority on.

Thanks for listening!

Karla