Still Dreaming About JT's Country Album

Remember when there were rumours flying around about how Justin Timberlake was going to put out a country album and everyone (namely: me) got super excited about it but then he didn't and we were all mildly sad even though his new album is still good? Everyone remembers this? Yeah, that's what I thought. Well let's hope he makes up for it with his Super Bowl show this weekend, amirite?

The First: Midnight Train To Memphis by Chris Stapleton

If y'all haven't already listened, then let me tell you: Volume II is gooooood. Real good. I mean, when the first Volume wins the Grammy for Best Country Album, you just gotta know this guy's doing something right. And if you ask me, his powerhouse gravel voice (that's a compliment, I swear), excellent songwriting and skilled guitar playing are just a few of those things he's doing right. Here's more proof because why not. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not give a shout out to Chris' wife, Morgane, who is is rockin' it on stage with him, pregnant with twins and all.
(PS if you're looking to procrastinate a little more than usual this morning, here's something fun.)


The Second: Call It A Night by Leaving Thomas

These Calgarians have finally released their first EP! This song speaks to me on a deep emotional level because I always call it a night and stay at home. Order in? Dance in the kitchen? Snuggle up on the couch? Red wine for a good time? Count me in always. Cancelling plans is my favourite social activity.

The Third and Final: Into The Mystic by Stoney Larue

This has some early days Zac Brown Band vibes and if you've been here for any amount of time you know that ZBB (and peanut butter cups and wine) are truly the way straight to my heart. So yeah, I like this song. Also now you conveniently know these very important facts about me since Valentine's Day does happen to be just around the corner...

Happy brunching/relaxing/watching the Puppy Bowl/hanging out with friends/calling it a night-ing or whatever else you're up to this weekend!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Awkward slideshows and Academic Awards

Have we not had a magnificent fall so far?? Like, this has been a fall out of the movies. Pretty sure hollywood produced and Mother Nature art directed this season. Crisp but sunny mornings, clear and relatively rainless skies (although I'll admit I'm looking forward to a rainy snuggly day inside this weekend for sure), and cold but not yet freezing temps. Who knew Vancouver had it in it? Plus, I've never seen so many trees gracefully lose their leaves in choreographed synchronicity in my 27 years on this earth. It's been glorious. If it were up to me, the Academy Award would go to fall, fo sho.


The First: Roots by Zac Brown Band

I mean. ZBB. What can I say?? There's a reason why they are and will forever be some of my favourite musicians and this song is a pretty clear summary of my argument as to why. Plus, in a charming twist of events, it seems that after years of getting flack for always wearing a toque, Zac has made a change. Perhaps this change is real. Or perhaps it's a way for him to take his hat game to an extreme with the hopes that we'll eventually start begging for his plain ole toques back. Who's to say? Zac, probably, but he hasn't responded to any of my fan mail demanding an answer to this very important question hat question so I guess we'll just never know. 

The Second: Diane by Cam

Cam! She's back! She's got more gold for us! I didn't realize I was in need of new stuff from this ray of sunshine until I heard this new single. Spoiler alert: turns out I needed new stuff from this ray of sunshine. There's also an acoustic version of this song which I feel captures the power of her voice, but we miss out on the beautiful harmonies so in a very unusual move on my part, I've opted for the recorded version instead. 

The Third and Final: Oklahoma Breakdown by Stoney LaRue

I really don't know what's happening with this seemingly random photo slideshow that's been put together for this YouTube video but it👏 is👏 something👏 else. Please enjoy it and enjoy it thoroughly. Since I haven't done this in a while, I figured this would be a great time for me to play a game I *just* named: The Weird Bits. The Weird Bits is a game in which I just casually draw your attention to the weird bits of the video. It's like easter egg hunting but with a very clear and detailed map of where to find only the strangely decorated eggs.
0:09 - Whose puppy is that?
0:38 - Who are these women? Why are they trapped in a funhouse mirror?
1:21 - Did that woman want to be in the photo? Did she sign a photo release form?
2:20 - Ah. Return of the clipart, I see.
3:22 - ???
And then I stopped watching.

I hope you all take the time to remember and honour those who have been lost in war - not just from Canada but all over our shared planet - this weekend and consider the freedom we enjoy as a result of a sacrifice from countless others. 

Thanks for listening!

Karla

Bad Analogies

It happened.
The tree is up.
The festive tea towels and mugs are out and about.
The advent calendar is ready to help build anticipation like when they dim the lights at the theatre. Except apparently this movie theatre worker is a big tease and is just dimming the lights verrrrry slowly for like 24 days.

I know that was a terrible analogy. Just ignore me. We all know I can't come up with good analogies when I'm tired.* Please instead allow me to redeem myself by telling you that Country Christmas 2016 is ready for your listening pleasure.

*Don't even think of saying anything along the lines of "she must be tired all the time then ha ha ha." because that would just be rude.


The First: Box #10 covered by Stoney LaRue

I've been very into the jazzier side of country lately and Stoney LaRue is a pretty good example of what I'm talking about. A blend of two of my three favourite genres of music. You can go ahead and be thankful that it's not a blend of country music with my other favourite genre: musical theatre. Because otherwise we'd basically just be listening to Oklahoma! and Annie Get Your Gun. 


The Second: Smooth by Florida Georgia Line

You know what really carries this song? The frog ribbits. I especially like that they're not just there for the intro. They're there for the duration. For the long haul. In it to win it. In it to ribbit.
Sorry.


The Third and Final: Tougher Than Love by Bobby Wills

Just... ignore the dramatic beginning. And the less-than-ideal video quality. Because the song is worth it, I swear. This is the title track off Bobby's newest album and for good reason, if you ask me. Which you kind of are just by virtue of reading this.
If you want to hear more about Bobby, I've featured him before (wink wink, nudge nudge).

I'll be spending my weekend celebrating the kick-off to this holiday season and baking probably too many cookies. Hope you have a sweet weekend too.

Thanks for listening!
Karla