Props to the Queen

May Long is HERE!! And we all get Swiss weeks next week, courtesy of the Queen. So lovely of her.

I don't really have that much more to say other than I hope these songs help you get through whatever's left of your workday and that you've got some great plans in store for how you'll spend this long-weekend gift.


The First: Heart Break by Lady Antebellum

I kind of think this is the country version of John Mayer's Perfectly Lonely and I'm super pleased about it. I love that song and I love country (a shock to all of you, I'm sure), so this works for me on several levels. Three levels, in fact.


The Second: You'll Accomp'ny Me covered by Frankie Ballard

I realize there's a lot of new stuff out right now that I could be featuring, but this one has been on repeat because it's got a strong beat that's oh-so-perfect for a sunny (fingers crossed!) long weekend. Plus there's snapping, which is like second best to clapping, which we all know I love incorporated into my music.


The Third and Final: Happy People by Little Big Town

Beyond the fact that these four really can't do wrong with their song choices, I'm really loving this one. I get that it's not the most country-sounding in a hoedown kinda way, but I think the message is positive and true and that's pretty country unto itself. Don't forget to be a happy person this weekend.

And with that, I hope your day passes quick and that you're swiftly ushered into a weekend of relaxation and sunshine (fingers double crossed)!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Let's be more Swiss.

It's Friday! Finally! Find yourself some friends and a cocktail and cheers to the weekend!

In between extended weekend trips and some long-anticipated days off, it's been a few weeks since I've worked a full five-day week. And you know what I've learned? Five days a long haul. Who else is thinking that Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands (among a few others) have the right idea with their four-day work weeks? All in favour for being more like the Swiss raise your hand.
I thought so.

Bonus: I also love swiss cheese, so I'm thinking this'll work out well for me in more ways than one.

The First: Tin Man by Miranda Lambert

Well just break my heart and put it back together, Miranda. I love this.
She sounds like old Miranda circa Famous in a Small Town and New Strings and it's so good. Not only is this song great, but can we take a moment to just appreciate her as a performer? It's just her and her guitar and her voice and a spotlight and she has that entire audience captivated. I mean, her fringe should also get a shout out for its stage presence (obviously) but mostly it's just her guitar and her voice that captivates you. And that's pretty incredible.


The Second: I Could Use A Love Song by Maren Morris

I've had a hard time finding a Maren Morris song I haven't immediately loved, and this one is no different. It's on the slower side but oh so good. As you may have guessed, the official music video was waaay too much drama for a Friday and disrupted the song a few times so you get this zero budget lyric video instead. Trust me. It's for the best.


The Third and Final: Broken Halos by Chris Stapleton

Man can this guy sing. I don't know that I'll ever tire of his voice and the never pop-y song selections. I think what I love most about Chris Stapleton's music is that it's always all about his voice and the lyrics. They're not about how catchy they can make the chorus sound or if the kids in the club will be able to dance along to the music (clubs are still a thing, right?). They're just about the weight of his voice and I think that's cool.


Looking forward to a few sunshine-filled walks along the water, plans with friends, and the return of a certain European traveller this weekend. Hope you've got exciting plans in the works too!

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Cleaning = Relaxing

Happy Cinco de Mayo, friends!

I'm looking forward to an easy weekend at home after several weekends spent being a busybee and/or out of town. I'm gonna watch a lot of Planet Earth and clean my apartment and drink wine/margaritas and my goodness am I looking forward to all of it. Yes, even the cleaning part. Most people probably wouldn't include cleaning in their list of things that are relaxing but if you know me at all, this likely doesn't surprise you; I clean and tidy when I'm happy, stressed, procrastinating, and yes, even when I want to relax. A clean house is cathartic, people!


The First: More Girls Like You by Kip Moore

This song came on the radio yesterday and it dawned on me that I never got around to sharing it. It was the fourth in line for several weeks there but just kept coming in as the runner up and eventually was forgotten about. So sorry, Kip. Sharing you first this week to make up for it.


The Second: Play It Safe by Petric

I've said it before and I'll say it again, these Manitoba brothers are quickly giving the High Valley boys a run for their money. I like this song for the summer because it's easy and carefree and upbeat. Plus it sounds like there's some banjo thrown in there too, which you can't really go wrong with in my opinion.
PS. because I know not everyone's into live acoustic performances in radio station booths, if you're looking for the recorded version you can find it here.


The Third and Final: That's When You Know by Chris Buck Band ft. Kira Isabella

Okay FINE. This video is adorable. And I appreciate that they include some of the lows throughout the couple's relationship and not just all the good lovey dovey stuff. Makes it feel a bit more real, you know? I'm also a fan of the pairing of Chris and Kira's voices here - and not just because of their inherent Canadian wonder.


Cheers to a relaxing weekend for all of us - even if cleaning isn't part of your plans.


Thanks for listening,
Karla

I can't think of a good title

Much of my week has been spent like this: reminiscing over photos from last weekend's wedding festivities; getting sick; sleeping; feeling kinda better; getting even more sick; sleeping some more; eating frozen mango on my couch because most other foods feel like I'm swallowing razor blades; sleeping again. Needless to say, it's been a real riveting time around here.


The First: I Know She Ain't Ready by Luke Combs

Luke Combs has been gaining some traction lately so I thought I'd share the first song I ever heard of his. It's a sweet story if you like stories about pining, I guess? If you don't, just enjoy the smooth twang in his voice instead.


The Second: Love and War by Brad Paisley ft. John Fogerty

Mr. Paisley shared his album on Youtube last week, so of course I had no choice but to pass some of it along to you today. This is the title song from the new album and, although it's an early prediction, I think it's a favourite. Some of the others are... boring (sorry to say it, Brad.) But! If you like it and are just super excited to have some new Paisley in your life, I can also recommend Grey Goose Chase which I find sounds a bit like Catch All The Fish and I'm not complaining about it.


The Third and Final: Any Way The Wind Blows by Home Free

Shocker: the music video concept isn't great but the song really is - especially since it's an original and these boys typically stick with covers. I've listened to this song twice and it's already stuck in my head. I'd be annoyed but it's actually not that bad a song to have stuck in your head. Examples of songs that would be worse: the Small World song, The Song That Never Ends, anything by Nickelback. I need not go on.


Hoping for a strong recovery and a good weekend with my extended family. Hope you all have relaxing, sickness-free, Nickelback-free weekends!


Thanks for listening!
Karla

Rainbows and sunshine but absolutely no unicorns please.

I know, I know. I've been AWOL. But let's just blame the busy-ness of travelling, Easter, and wedding planning - cool? Just be thankful that this whole Starbucks Unicorn Frap thing hasn't caused another week's hiatus for recovery purposes because it's weird people.

The First: Love Story by Taylor Swift

Throwing it way back in honour of two dear friends who are saying "I do" to one another this weekend. This is the bride's favourite karaoke song, so obviously I had to include it. Hoping this next chapter in their love story is a beautiful and memorable one! #chengfray2017 #prayforsunshine


The Second: Lonely Drum by Aaron Goodvin

This song has been playing on repeat in my brain for weeks! I curse myself for not writing a CMF earlier to have shared it with all of you because it is excellent. It makes me want to dance. But since usually I'm listening to it in the car and I don't know how to dance like a normal human when I'm in the car, it just ends up being these weird but super aggressive shoulder shrugs and head bobbling. See? Now I've distracted you from being upset about the lack of CMFs with that imagery instead. Sneaky...


The Third and Final: Real Thing by Zac Brown Band

Ugh. Zac Brown... I've said it before and I'll say it again: leave some talent for the rest of us. This is the perfect easy listening sunny Saturday morning song. So listen to it now but then also put it on tomorrow for when you laze around and sip on your coffee. It'll do you good.

Looking forward to a weekend celebrating great friends and having a generally awesome time. Hope y'all have an exciting weekend planned too!

Thanks for listening,
Karla