A Jazzier Friday

I've pretty much just been listening to Maren Morris all week, so today's selections are definitely on the blues-y/jazzier side of the country spectrum as a result. But who doesn't like a blues-y soundtrack to rock them into the weekend?? (If you put your hand up in response to that question, please put it down. I can't see you. This is the internet.)


The First: Make You Feel My Love covered by Maisy Stella

It's undeniable that this girl has got a pretty incredible and unique voice. This sweet rendition is made even sweeter with her dad accompanying her on the guitar. I'll admit, her raw talent makes me super jealous. But knowing that she's literally half my age (I looked her up and learned we share a birthday, you see) and has already had the experiences she's had is even more sobering. Thankfully I've got this song to calm my nerves.


The Second: Waiting On You by Lindsay Ell

I'm into this. Like, I could probably listen to it on repeat for a solid two to three days before I would start getting tired of it, which I feel is a significant amount of time to listen to the same song over and over and over and over again. A note about the music video: do not be ashamed if you watch it to the end and are frustrated that she didn't remove the painters tape. It frustrated me a lot. I re-watched it twice to see if I had missed something and then became very annoyed when I learned that I missed nothing. She just. didn't. remove. it.


The Third and Final: Company You Keep by Maren Morris

Since I've been listening to her non-stop I figured I better share something. I think this song is a great reminder of what's is really important - it's not what you do but rather the people you do it with. I've also really been loving Rich lately, though there is some mildly NSFW language so I figured I'd link it instead, out of respect for you and your officemates. 😉


And so ends another week. My long weekend was just splendid! Lots of beach time, pool time, friend time, and out-of-town-visitor time to really stretch out the weekend. More than that, it was just the right balance of having stuff to do and relaxing in preparation for what has turned out to be a very full first week in my new job. Looking forward to another weekend of summertime activities as of 5pm this evening! Hoping your calendars look the same.

Finally, a shout out to my sweet parents who were married 30 years ago today. Happy anniversary to the people who made me who I am today (minus the love for country music... because no one knows where that came from). Love you!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

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

Trucks and other clichés

So, I've been doing this for several years now and I would say that I have worked hard to two-step sidestep or at least downplay a lot of the classic country music clichés (unless I do so ironically, which is different and allowed). You know the ones I mean: tractors, dirt roads, boots, beer, cut-off jeans, hay/fields, ballgames/caps and of course, trucks. Basically anything and everything you can find in a Luke Bryan song these days.

But today, yours truly has faltered. I know, you're asking yourself: "But how could this be?!"
It's because I'm human, folks.
Don't hate the player. Hate the cliché-ridden game.


The First: Getaway Truck by Aaron Watson

How much fun is this song?! I love that it is upbeat, kind of funky and different in its melody, and kinda funny. I can't remember how I stumbled upon Aaron Watson, but my oh my am I happy about it. Basically I'm just super into this. Even if he is made up like a rodeo clown (weird).


The Second: Too Tennessee by Chris Lane

I've been super into Chris Lane lately. Something about that southern drawl pulls me in, you know? Anyways, that's basically the only reason I'm sharing this with you today. Well, that and I like the song, which is kind of what CMF is all about.
~enjoy~


The Third and Final: By The Way by Lindsay Ell

This song is a bit more sassy and girly than my usual selections, but I was just really feeling it today. My apologies if you don't like it. But, as the internet says, I can't make everybody happy all the time. I'm not a jar of nutella.

PS I made this for you.

Thanks for listening!
Karla