I Am My Own Downfall

I was really excited to share that this post (surprisingly) featured all new artists! But then I was reminded that I featured Maren Morris a little over a month ago and realized that I am the cause of my own downfall. Does that sound super dramatic? If it does, then you clearly have never met me in person. Dramatic is my neutral. (I blame my friend Lawrence, who has a really charming habit of turning all incidents equal to burnt toast into forest fires).


The First: Little Bit Of You by Chase Bryant

So... I'm not entirely convinced that I haven't shared this song in the past, but I combed through the archives and couldn't find it? So I think we're safe? Apologies if this does turn out to be a repeat; I'm only human (spoiler alert, I know). Enjoyyyy!


The Second: My Church by Maren Morris

I think I just love the soulful beat of this song. It's great to sing along to, of course while driving (as you know by know I do oh-so-often). I linked a live version, because you know how much I love it.


The Third and Final: Hypnotizing by Hayden Panettiere in Nashville

Back when I regularly watched Nashville (I don't know what happens around the end of season 2...), I heard this song and fell in love with it. This week when I was searching for music to feature I stumbled back across it and figured, why not?! What I really loved about this song is that it's upbeat and also how the end of each stanza goes in a direction that you don't really expect. Like, the way that she falls into "but those sweet blue eyes" is just so wonderful. I need someone to teach me how to play this on the guitar ASAP.


I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend (< note the intentional alliteration. You're welcome.) I'm spending mine catching up on a few weeks worth of sleep. #soexcited

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Guess who's back, back again???

Well hello, Friends!!

It's been a couple weeks since we've chatted and my goodness have I missed you! I spent Christmas morning with two pretty adorable tiny humans who were way too excited about Santa's visit, New Year's day waking up unnecessarily early to "be productive on the first day of 2016" (what a fool), and then an unplanned break last week as I was slightly busy helping out with a little gem called the SLC.

A delayed thank you for your patience. I understand that these last few weeks must have been extraordinarily difficult without me/country music updates.


The First: You Look Like I Need A Drink by Justin Moore

If you don't listen to the lyrics, this song is a fun one.


The Second: Lovin' You Is Fun by Easton Corbin

Is this a new song? No.
Do I care? Also no.
I like it and it's fun and isn't that really how it's supposed to be? Yes.
Glad we had this chat.


The Third and Final: Country Ain't Never Been Pretty by Cam

Back with another one from No-Last-Name-Cam. This song is a really fun one to play when you're getting ready in the morning. Something about the irony of curling my hair while singing these lyrics just really starts my day off in a fun, rebellious(?) way.

Please wish me luck as I now head off to camp with 80+ student leaders and some pretty sweet colleagues for the weekend. January is an interesting month to be an extroverted introvert.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Hello CMFers,

Since the boys had their day in the sun (rain, if you were in Vancouver) last week, I thought it was only fair to balance it out with these three ladies this week. So get ready for lots of clear, twangy, pretty vocals and stuff.

The First: Want It All by Cam

That twang. Also, that hair. Both things I seriously envy about good ol' Cam.
This lovely lady released her first record last week and it's a good one, as promised by her single My Mistake.
She also is still super into yellow. I respect a woman with this degree of commitment.


The Second: Shut Up And Fish by Maddie & Tae

I mostly just think this song is funny and extraordinarily catchy.
But I am also now going to have to remember "madder than a hornet in an old coke can" for future use because that just paints a very clear picture of someone who is quite perturbed.


The Third and Final: I Wish I Was by Maren Morris

I'm calling this bluesy country, which I'm really loving for the record. It combines two of my three favourite genres of music: country and jazz. The third genre on my list is musical theatre, which I assume would be a tricky combo attempt, outside of Annie Get Your Gun and Oklahoma!.


Finally, you get a bonus this week because Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton did this a month ago. ("Anyone born after 1997 thinks Justin Timberlake is an okay actor who is just now breaking into the music industry." - a hilarious thing I once read on Instagram).

Thanks for listening,!
Karla

Good Ole Boys

Hello CMF lovelies!

I hope you've all had a fantastic week and are gearing up for an exciting weekend! I don't know what your plans are, but I'm sure they're good ones. If you're in need of assistance in making your weekend particularly festive, please note that I shared a list of Country Christmas songs earlier this week, for your listening pleasure. You are most certainly welcome.

The First: Maybe It's The Moonshine by The Washboard Union

These wonderful men and their beards are at it again! I haven't shared a solid sing-along-in-the-car song in a while, but here you go. Hopefully it makes you feel a little sunshine-y, especially for those of you who have had the pleasure of experiencing this lovely sideways rain Vancouver's been conjuring up lately.


The Second: Fire Away by Chris Stapleton

Rough and gravelling and glorious. That's what this song is.
Those also happen to be the three words I typically use to describe myself, in case you were wondering.


The Third and Final: Think Of You by Chris Young (feat. Cassadee Pope)

Chris Young's voice will never get old.
On a side note, I do realize that Cassadee's vocal presence in this song kind of contradicts the title for this week, but the truth is I'm much too lazy to change it at this juncture. I'm afraid we're all just going to have to live with it.


That's all from me this week! Enjoy this collage of selections - I didn't really know what I was sitting down to write but can honestly say that I'm rather pleased with how this week shaped up. Hope the feeling's mutual.

Thanks for listening!
Karla

My Top Ten Country Christmas Songs 2015

We're now well into December, so I figured it was the perfect time to share my favourite country Christmas songs with all of you.
Below is a mixture of both traditional and new songs that get me into the holiday spirit!

Please note: this is best enjoyed with some mulled wine and friends, preferably with the sparkling lights of a tree in the background of the instagram photo we both know you'll end up taking.


1. Run, Run, Rudolph by Luke Bryan

I rarely share Luke Bryan but I love this version of the song! Also, please enjoy his guitar strap lights.


2. Oklahoma Christmas by Blake Shelton (feat. Reba)

One time Blake sang this song with his Mom instead of Reba and it was just as wonderful as you would expect.


3. Go Tell It On The Mountain by Little Big Town

Possibly one of my favourite Christmas classics, sung by a group that can vocally do no wrong.


4. Winter Wonderland by Darius Rucker

Thank you, Hootie.


5. White Christmas by Home Free

You didn't even know you needed country a cappella in your life until now, did you? (Their entire Christmas album Full of Cheer is great, if you're super into them).


6. The Wood Shed Is Full by Dean Brody

Not a classic... yet.


7. Jingle Bell Rock by Rascal Flatts

Their twang rings louder than any of those jingle bells.


8. Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy by Brad Paisley

Can't beat a little Paisley around the holidays.


9. Merry Christmas Baby by Hunter Hayes

I just had to include the little musical gem that is Hunter Hayes.


10. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow by Lady Antebellum

But actually. I would like some snow this year, please.


And finally, Leroy the Redneck Reindeer as a bonus, mostly because that mullet will not be denied.


Thanks for listening and happy holidays!
Karla