Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner (She'll Fall Asleep)

Live video footage of me being super excited about stuff at work and then immediately falling asleep when I get home.

The First: Whiskey's Fine by Adam Doleac

Was listening to a mix of new music at work earlier this week and this song hit me like a rock. I can't really tell you why so I'll just go with I think it's beautiful and catchy. Adam's not only a new name around here, but also an emerging artist on the country scene and, based on what I've heard so far, I think this is just the beginning.


The Second: Guilty Flowers by Ward Thomas

They're either super hipster or they're just twins from Britain. Or maybe they're both. Either way, I'm a fan. Plus we need more ladies on here just like the world needs more country music lovers. And also once they covered that one Bieber song I love and that's fun, right?


The Third and Final: Not Everything's About You by Old Dominion

My faves. Though I wasn't the biggest fan of their last release (sorry boys, but both the song and the music video seemed well-intentioned but generally off the mark to me), this one is another story.
Not to mention the bonus treat of that a capella harmonizing that they gifted us at the beginning of this video. Dear Old Dominion, I've said it before and I'll say it again: I will marry any of you as long as you promise to sing to me on the regs.

Since by brain could barely focus on choosing three songs this week, perhaps we'll skip all this cordial chit chat at the end here and just let me sleep. Have a great weekend everyone!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Jack Bauer and Bigfoot

Real talk: I've basically still just been listening to this Brett Eldredge song on repeat for the last two weeks because it's just so great. But it also means that I got distracted a lot while writing this/searching for new songs... whoops!

#worthit
#flipflopflippin'
#sorrynotsorry


The First: No Such Thing As A Broken Heart by Old Dominion

OLD DOM IS BACK. And they've found Bigfoot.


The Second: Drive Me Away by Jess Moskaluke

PSA: The song starts a full thirty seconds into the video.
I'm sorry. I have no control over these things. We all know if I did, music videos wouldn't waste our time with long pre-song intros nor would there be breaks for storyline progression/dialogue mid-song.

Since we're talking about music videos... I am also confused about whether this guy is a) her mechanic, b) her boyfriend, or c) both. We'll never know.
The song is catchy though.


The Third and Final: Can't Stay Away by Kiefer Sutherland

Yep. That's right. That's Kiefer Sutherland. Of 24 fame. Turns out he can do more than just save the world hour-by-hour. He can also sing and play guitar. Probably not at the same time as saving the world - that would be a little tricky. But then again, Jack Bauer could probably swing it if he needed to. Please enjoy.


So... who do you think would win in a fight? Jack Bauer or Bigfoot? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this very important issue concerning two fictional characters with very real followings.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Sometimes we TSwift it

Once in a while country artists get a little pop-y. Usually I try to avoid songs that blur that genre line, but this week I've chosen to overlook the boundary lines and just go with it. Now, I'm not talking about artists who outrightly crossed the border and burn their passports without looking back like Taylor Swift did (still love her, tbh). For the record all these artists are still country, but some of these selections just happen to be a little more Red than Our Song, if you know what I mean.


The First: Saltwater Gospel by Eli Young Band

What have these boys been up to lately? Apparently working on some new stuff like this salty gem. I think the steady power of the drums is what gets me most.


The Second: War Paint by Madeline Merlo

I like this song. What are your thoughts on it?
Additionally, what are your thoughts on her lip syncing only some of the words in the music video? What about the attempts to oversell those aforementioned words with a bounty of emotion and over-exaggerated facial reactions? And let's not forget about the profuse head shaking, à la Shania in Party for Two. Because on those fronts I'm a little torn.
Still super into the song though (and also the "unplugged" version).


The Third and Final: Song For Another Time by Old Dominion

Old Dominion is still one of my favourite obsessions of 2015. So much so that they've remained an obsession into this calendar year. These boys will apparently be performing just over the Canada/US border (with the likes of Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, and Sam Hunt... like... what?!) and that makes me sad. Come over to Vancouver, guys! It's fun here too!
I love the references to other songs within this one. Very inception-y. At least I think it is... I still haven't seen the film.


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

Nothing exciting has happened in the last 24 hours

As you may have guessed, I don't really have anything too important to share. The last 24 hours have been pretty standard. I woke up. Worked out. Had some meetings. Did some work. Ate some food. Heard some vocal performances by Little Big Town that legitimately changed my life. Stretched. Went to bed. Now we're here.

Really nothing to report.

The First: Boondocks by Little Big Town

SO THIS CONCERT. Let's talk about it.
Their harmonies: on point.
Their song selection: excellent.
Their theatrics: subtle and not so overwhelming that it takes away from the music.
I've chosen this classic mostly because I realized that I hadn't up until this point and that seems shameful. They closed with it last night and it really was the best last song. Also, for the record, the ending of this song is hands down the best part.


The Second: Won't You Be Mine by Bobby Wills

You have permission to not watch the video. It's weird and has no clear storyline.
Actually, maybe go ahead and watch it if you like watching confusing videos.

I like this song because, as most of you know, I get oddly enthusiastic about songs that have clapping parts. Exhibit A. Exhibit B. Also it doesn't take itself too seriously and I think that's what we all need right now.

PS If you like watching confusing videos (or if you just need a serious laugh), please enjoy this incredible gem that a student shared with me last week. I've been forcing people to watch it all week - that's how good it is. The epitome of Fox News.


The Third and Final: Crazy Beautiful Sexy by my faves Old Dominion

I HAVE BEEN REMISS. Old Dom released their debut album Meat and Candy (gross) several weeks ago and we HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT IT.
I will say this: they do not disappoint. The entire album is everything I had hoped for and more. Simply put, every single new song is perfect.
I only chose this song because it is the first one I listened to and since we have seven new songs to work through, I had to start somewhere.
(There's also clapping.)


Okay. I think I've now exhausted myself by all the music-related excitement that's happened in this edition of CMF. I feel like my four-year-old niece on Christmas morning after opening all the presents: hungry and ready for a nap.

Enjoy your Friday! Only a few more hours until you can go home, pour that glass of wine, and unwind from the week.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

My Top Ten Songs of Summer 2015

It's August 19th.
I'm just going to go ahead and call it now. I hope you're all okay with that because, if not, it's kind of too late since you're already reading this. Besides, there's a bonus in doing this now, instead of sometime in September: you can actually enjoy the songs while the season is still upon us.

So here are my top ten Songs of Summer 2015.

I will preface with saying that yes, I know not all these songs were brand new this summer. That's not really the point. The point is they're just the ones I've just been listening to a little bit too much lately. So, in no particular order, here you go:


1. Until I Met You by Sundy Best

We all know how these boys changed my life. Is that an exaggeration? Probably not. They gave me a newfound faith in music videos potentially not being awful forever and also gave us this really adorable song.


2. Break Up With Him by Old Dominion

Don't even pretend to be surprised. I've gushed over these guys three separate times. We all know my love for them and their humour and their talent and their faces.


3. Gonna by Blake Shelton

Still love it every time it comes on.


4. Rodeo by Mackenzie Porter

I think I just like how straightforward she is. I also still think he is adorable at the end with the laundry.


5. Take Your Time by Sam Hunt

My friend's almost three-year-old, Lily, doesn't like this song because "he spends too much time talking." Unfortunately, I disagree with lil' Lily. I'm a fan of the slow jam rap (at least that's what I call it..)


6. Loving You Easy by Zac Brown Band

It would take me forever to link all my past love for ZBB. Y'all get it. They're wonderful. They're talented. And every one of their future singles will probably end up being a CMF feature. Some things in life are just predictable like that.


7. Stay A Little Longer by the Brothers Osborne

So what I actually wanted to link here, and have been waiting (im)patiently for for months, is the extended version of this song. JRFM plays it once in a while and it's just such a treat. If you can find it on iTunes or are lucky enough to catch it on the radio, please enjoy.


8. My Mistake by Cam

Her voice is just so beautiful and the harmonies in this one still make my heart happy.


9. Don't It by Billy Currington

I think I just love the way he sings "as far as I can tell that finger ain't got no ring on it" and then goes on to talk about karaoke for kind of no reason at all.


10. Crash and Burn by Thomas Rhett

I'm into the video almost as much as I'm into the song. I like the part when he's walking next to his car rolling in neutral. I like the look on his face when he's recreating a little 1989 Say Anything and she's throwing his stuff out the window. I even like his jacket. The only thing that I don't really like is this girl's overacting. It's really the only upsetting part of an otherwise lovely music video.

Thanks for listening,
Karla

Déjà vu?

So basically I may have featured/listened to all of these artists too much this summer but if I’m being honest, I don’t really care. I will not apologize for selecting super talented people and their noise art! #noregrets*

*That was a shout out to my friend Jam. Yes, that’s his real name. Poor guy.

The First: Beer Can in a Truck Bed by Old Dominion

They’re back again. They’re still charming and hilarious. They’re still not coming to Vancouver anytime soon and I’m actually really torn up about it. How else will one of them fall in love with me?! (Yes, I really don’t care which one). Sigh.
I like this song because it is light-hearted, fun, and has a good beat. And they have a clapping part! Who doesn’t love a little clapping interlude? Fools, that’s who. I personally love it (obviously). After all, I’m Spanish. I’ve been clapping along to songs since I was an infant.

The Second: Smoking Gun by Sundy Best

Because these guys are still so wonderful to me, ever since I discovered them back in May and fell in love. I selected this particular song a) because it’s heartbreakingly beautiful and true, and b) because it has some smart lyrics that I’m just super impressed with. I mean, just listen to the chorus! “I can’t rewrite all the words that have set foot on my tongue” and “I can’t do one damn thing to change the road that I’ve run.“ Because guess what? No one can. We can only change our future.
CMF just got real.
Life lessons from Sundy Best.

The Third and Final: Front Porch Thing by Little Big Town

Because I will never get over their perfect harmonies and this one exemplifies their pipes so wonderfully. When I hear this song I legit picture them sitting on an old porch next to a creek somewhere in Alabama. It makes me want to join in with a banjo or something. I should probably learn how to play the banjo first though. And then I guess I’d need to find their porch somehow, even though I know nothing about wayfinding in the state of Alabama. Also Alabama has that whole alligator thing, and alligator/crocodile encounters are kind of my greatest fear. This dream is actually turning into more of a nightmare.

Thanks for listening,
Karla

Find me and the CMF playlist on Spotify @karcarr8.

a deer(e) and a cougar walk into a bar...

Hello and welcome. Lovely to have you here, as always. I hope the last seven days have been pleasant for you all.

We’ve got a little bit of a motley crew selection this week, but that’s just what happens sometimes so you’ll just have to trust that it will all be alright.

The First: John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16 by Keith Urban

There was NO.WAY. I could avoid including this song today. It has been following me all week and I’m not complaining. This song in a strange way reminds me of Kenny Chesney’s American Kids and I can’t quite put my finger on why. If you figure it out, please let me know.

Since I know you’re wondering, I knew the latter two Johns but will admit that when I was explaining this song to my father* this past weekend, I had to google who John Cougar was. I know now: It’s John Mellencamp. Just in case you were pretending to know but didn’t. Now when someone comes up to you tomorrow and asks you who all the Johns are that you’re singing about – because good luck getting this song out of your head – you’ll be able to tell them and not look foolish.

Finally, I feel it is my duty to tell you that this song sounds best when played at a high volume. In a car. With them windows rolled down.

The Second: Oh, Tonight by Josh Abbott Band feat. Kacey Musgraves

A favourite of mine from many summers ago, this song found its way back into my brain this week, which has obviously resulted in me continuously hitting repeat every morning as I’m getting ready for work. Please enjoy it.

The Third and Final: Nowhere Fast by Old Dominion

Can’t stop, won’t stop. As you’ve undoubtedly noticed, these boys are very quickly becoming serious favourites of mine. It cannot be helped. I did struggle to find a recorded version of this song on the youtube, which is a real shame (although you can find it at other sources like iTunes and Spotify) but as I am also a big fan of live music, I’m really not that heartbroken about it. Hope you enjoy it!

*FATHERS DAY SHOUT OUT! I love you, Dad <3

Here’s a song dedicated to you by another father who, though also a talented musician with as many kids, cannot possibly be anywhere near as hilarious as you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbIJeMniHKU 

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