Grand Ole Opry Covers

The Grand Ole Opry is definitely at the tip top of my list of venues to see a show (another top contender is Red Rocks because... I mean, did you click on that link? It would be epic.)

With that in mind, I thought I'd take us to a virtual concert of some great covers that have been performed on that epic and historic stage (that I one day plan to touch).

The First: 9 to 5 covered by Jennifer Nettles and Carrie Underwood

Two voices - that may just be well on their way to Dolly-like recognition one day - just rockin' this gem of a song. These ladies are definitely two of my favourites in country music these days because not only are their voices so strong but they also always own the stage and make it look easy, breezy... (~beautiful CoverGirl~).

The Second: Mama Tried covered by Scotty McCreery

It still throws me off a bit every time his sweet baby face opens his mouth to sing, but then he sounds so great we can't really complain, can we? If we learn anything from this song, it's that we can all be a little better at listening to our mama's... goodness knows that Merle Haggard, in his infamous wisdom, knew he should have. 

The Third: Ring of Fire covered by Lennon & Maisy

First off, they're adorable. 

Secondly, they're so talented. How?!*

Thirdly, what a great song. Now, yes, they bring a different sound to this Johnny Cash classic, but it works for them and their sibling harmonies.

* I think it might have something to do with their genes. But, like, that's just a guess.

Hope this brought a little bit of light into your day, or at least a few moments of distraction from the heartbreaking things happening in this world of ours. Take some time this weekend to do someone else a kindness and to send up a prayer for all those who hurt. Xo.

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

Oh, Canada!

In honour of Canada Day, I thought we could celebrate some of the many talented Canadian artists. Please join me in celebrating this strange, silly, and wonderful place with a little country music (because it's Friday, after all).

The First: Convoy by Paul Brandt

When I'm setting out on a long car ride (aka anything longer than, like, 20 minutes), there legitimately is no other song that I hope comes on the radio more than this one. Do I have to actually be in a convoy myself? Absolutely not! I just pretend that the other drivers are my squad and I give them knowing nods while singing the lyrics to this song. I may confuse the heck out of people, but goodness gracious does it make me feel cool.


The Second: Truck Got Stuck by Corb Lund

Boy, oh boy! I cannot express to you how fired up I was when I realized that this song had never before been featured. Past Karla's mistake is your great reward today. This poetry is still one of those songs that I can't help but laugh-sing along with.
You know what I appreciate about the production of this video ten years ago? That it portrays the narrative of this song so perfectly. Because who needs/wants to use their imagination on a holiday?
Agriculture Canada is definitely gonna be lookin' for us!


The Third and Final: If You Ask Me To by Mackenzie Porter

Get ready for one of the sweetest videos - it's a hard one to beat. If I think about it, actually, Mackenzie Porter is real good at making music videos that don't make my brain hurt. Maybe this lady from Medicine Hat, Alberta can teach a thing or two to whoever keeps directing those annoying Florida Georgia Line vids...


Enjoy the long weekend, everyone! If you have the pleasure to live in Canada, I hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy its beauty in one way or another. I plan to be inside as little as possible (because I only put up with Vancouver's rain in order to enjoy the killer summers here).

Thanks for listening!
Karla

Knock, knock.

Who's there?
No one, I just needed some sort of horrible transition to remind you of how great the start of this song is because it's still one of my all time favourites.

... No one, who?
Never mind. Let's just move on to this week's songs, shall we?

The First: Rather Make A Living by Steve Moakler

I heard about Steve Moakler yesterday while listening to the radio (they were talking about his current single, Suitcase) and I was intrigued enough to do some digging. I think he's kind of reinvented himself in recent years and changed up his sound to be more country. Surprise, surprise: he does it well. I like several of his songs, as it turns out, but this one specifically caught my ear. Listen to my friend Steve and don't let this be you.


The Second: Grinnin' by Drake White

This song was a recommendation from a fellow country music appreciator, Jordan. You should know that he is arguably more of a country music fan than I am... so you just know that this is a good pick. I think my favourite part of this song is when he scats and just kinda takes the song where he wants it to go in the moment. Like, 4:25 onwards is just perfection. Basically what I'm saying is that it's a great acoustic performance and has anyone made progress on that whole time machine thing because I'd love to go back and be in that audience. I'd also use it to stock up on more adorable stationary and throw pillows (you can never have too many) while Target Canada still existed, but I suppose that's neither here nor there.


The Third and Final: Cover Me Up by Jason Isbell

I don't think I've shared any Jason Isbell on here yet, so it must be about time. Like all these guys, he's got lots of great songs I could feature but I think this one effectively captures the gravellyness (...it's a word) of his voice and the way he sings emphasis on certain words really well.


Here's to a Friday that flies by! I'm personally looking forward to welcoming the sunshine back for a fun weekend and short work week! Hope you all have exciting things planned and if you're a Vancouverite hitting up Greek Day, perhaps I'll see you there ;)

Thanks for listening!
Karla

K & P

My incredible friend Kali (yes, the one we chatted about not too long ago) and her hilarious partner, Paul, are getting married tomorrow. So obviously we're celebrating their loOoOoOove in this week's CMF.

This will either make them very happy or very embarrassed... but we won't know until we try, will we? (Jk, I already know it's going to be the latter. Ha ha ha.)

The First: Love's Lookin' Good On You by Lady Antebellum

It's lookin' real good, you two. Almost as good as head-to-toe Star Wars costumes. Almost.

The Second: Save Water, Drink Beer by Chris Young

This is a selection for so many reasons. Here are just a few:

One: there's going to be a wedding, so... 

Two: Kali always talks about the California drought and yells at people for not finishing their water before they leave a restaurant.

Three: You just know that this is going to be a real fun song to dance to.

The Third and Final: All Nighter by Dan + Shay

These boys are back with their usual wonderful musical ways. This song seemed like an appropriate choice for tomorrow's highly anticipated, likely lengthy celebration.

And an extra special shout out to Dan Davidson's Found, which I've featured before but they really like so we might as well all be reminded of how great it is.

Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you're up to! And don't forget to tell your dad all the reasons he's so great this Sunday. I'm lucky enough to get to have lunch with mine because we'll be in the same town this year!

Thanks for listening!
Karla