It's a little early.

Apparently it's too early to decorate for the holidays.
This is difficult for me, a person who maybe started *secretly* listening to holiday music in September, to accept.
Did I try to quell my festive enthusiasm by pretending that decorating for Halloween/fall was "just as fun" as the decorations that come with December? Yes.
Would I say that it worked? Only about as good as a bandaid on a bullet wound (thanks for the analogy, TSwift).
Was that a little too dramatic? Probably.
Should I stop asking myself questions on your behalf? Absolutely.

Getting back to the point at hand. However ridiculous, what this premature enthusiasm does mean is that this year's holiday top ten round up is basically already written and will be ready for all of you promptly on December 1st. Mark your calendars, friends: Santa's-a-comin'.


The First: Hoods and Tailgates by Dallas Smith

This beautifully talented local boy is back! Dallas released a new album in early September and it is oh so good. But what's new, right? We've certainly got our list of Always Favourites around here and Dallas has been on it since day one. There are many recommendations I could make from this album (and don't you worry, because I will) but I'm going to start with this one because it's got a good beat. And we all know I'd do just about anything for a decent beat. Is the beginning a little bit over-edited for my liking? Yes. But no more than that unnecessarily photoshopped album cover, so whatcha gonna do?


The Second: All Alright by Lindsay Ell

I desperado need the ladies of country to start releasing albums or singles or something! ASAP. Because the men have just been killing it lately and the ladies have apparantly peaced the scene. Having said that, Lindsay Ell has this very catchy tune for you to enjoy while I yell at her colleagues to get back in that recording studio (please).


The Third and Final: Dear Life by High Valley

Canadian boys seem to have the majority today and to that I say, good for you gentlemen! Wordplay makes me swoon about 98% of the time, and this song is no exception. Listen to it and you'll understand, I'm sure.

Have a wonderfully cozy weekend, everyone!

Thanks for listening,
Karla

Kind of a little bit Canadian today

It’s the happiest of all days because it’s FRIDAY!

[Insert some sort of witty remark here that makes you all fall moderately in love with my humour.]

The First: She’s With Me by High Valley

Top of the mountain all the way down, when I’m lost and when I’m found, lalalalalalalalala!! I added in that last part, I bet you didn’t even notice. Did you know these boys are from Alberta? Yep. They’re Canadian and wonderful! This one is a great Friday-afternoon-driving-home-from-work song, in my opinion. Since it’s conveniently Friday, you can try that little tidbit out on your drive tonight. Here is a bonus track from them, if you are so inclined: Make You Mine. From my very limited knowledge, I feel this bonus song has a little bit of a Mumford & Sons vibe… but you may feel free to correct me on that if you feel differently and/or have listened to more than one Mumford & Sons song.

The Second: Break Up With Him by Old Dominion

I’ve been listening to a lot of Old Dominion lately and am noticing that they are nothing if not consistent in their ability to produce tracks that become favourites of mine. Their song Dirt on a Road (listen to it. learn it. love it.) mayyy have been my Song Of The Summer last year, if only it didn’t include that awful voice over from the lady saying, “what I need is a man” that makes my eyes roll back so far that I get a headache every time. But then that chorus comes along and eases my pain. Break Up With Him is a new addition to my playlists, mostly because it makes me chuckle a little. I am also a big fan of the cadence of the song – I like that it’s a little unusual and unpredictable. Also, if we’re being real here: do we think that they are being entirely serious when one of the first words is “wassup”? No. They’re in on the joke. Anyways, stay tuned for more Old Dominion because, if these two songs haven’t convinced you of their hilarious charm, then at least I know that their album cover art will.

The Third and Final: Any Excuse by Bucko & Toad

Since I love bookends, as most of you know, I figured I would bookend this CMF with another Canadian selection: This husband and wife duo – Bucko & Toad – is from Victoria! So if any of you folks from Victoria have seen them live (they have played Gone Country and regularly at the Duke’s, it seems) then please accept my sincere jealousy.  I'm a fan of the female singer’s (Toad) voice, I like that it sounds a little different. Also, this video comes with a bonus: it’s not popular enough on YouTube yet so you won’t have to wait for any pesky ads before getting to the song. You’re welcome.

Thanks for listening!

Karla