Seriously, let's just do it. Let's just start referring to this as CMFS instead: Country Music Fridays, Sometimes.
Doesn't have much of a ring to it, but it's certainly much more accurate than Inconsistent Karla over here.
The First: Sugar and Salt by Jillian Jacqueline
I haven't been able to stop listening to her stuff since I discovered her a few months ago and these simple versions where she just accompanies herself on the electric are certainly my favourites. A bit edgier than an acoustic interpretation but still clean enough to showcase her vocals. Big fan.
The Second: Last Shot by Kip Moore
Will we ever get tired of his voice?? Nope.
This one's got a great catchy cadence to the chorus that'll make you hit repeat. If you were my last shot.............OF WHISKEYYYYY.
The Third and Finally: Kiss Somebody by Morgan Evans
Wanna feel incredibly uncomfortable? Watch the beginning of that video. Wanna feel even more uncomfortable? Watch the rest of it. Go ahead, just do it. I dare you. What do you have to lose? It's Friday, after all. You'll have the whole weekend to recover.
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!
Ugh. What is wrong with me??
Me, Karla, the self-proclaimed Popcorn Queen failed to notice that last Friday, while it still was National Thesaurus Day, was also POPCORN DAY.
How embarrassing for me. I don't deserve this crown. Take it away from me. But please be gentle. It's made entirely of popcorn kernels I've collected over the years and it means a lot to me. And also keep it away from direct heat.
Please.
Thank you.
The First: Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega by Ashley McBryde
Any new artist endorsed by Eric Church is someone to watch out for in my books. This up-and-comer is tough and tattooed and talented and I'm a fan (of her, and also of alliteration). Certainly worth a listen if you've been looking for some edgier old school Miranda in your life.
The Second: Marry Me by Thomas Rhett
Y'all knew it was only a matter of time for this one. The music video is completely not terrible. The song is quite good. Thomas Rhett's voice is pleasant to listen to. Plus, #spoilers: That lyrical plot twist is just too great to not get featured here.
The Third: Put It In A Song by Taylor Acorn
Gosh, it's been years since someone named Taylor wrote a song about writing a song. Okay, that's probably enough sarcasm. In reality, I do quite like this Taylor Acorn song. It's not too serious, catchy, and I quite like her voice. Plus, how fun was it to sneak in that TSwift flashback? So fun.
The Fourth and Final: Say Somethingby Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton
I know I'm gonna get some heat for this and that I'm already walking on thin ice following the whole popcorn thing, but I really don't care. This may not be a country song but I have to share because nothing short of literal magichappens when these two kings get together.
Boy, oh boy am I looking forward to my free weekend! It's been a while since I did nothing but slept in and sat around in my pyjamas and read books and napped and watched movies for two days straight. But that is what I've got planned and I couldn't be happier. Maybe a glass of wine would make it a *tad* better, but I'm now just days away of successfully completing my Dry January mission and so a cuppa tea will have to do. Enjoy your weekend, whatever you get up to!
Apparently when I'm at a real loss for a title, I resort to celebrating arguably fake holidays. How exciting,exhilarating,intoxicating,invigorating,action-packed, thrilling!! Hope you make the most of all the synonyms out there today.
The First: Travellin' Soldier by Dixie Chicks
Umm so these unicorn women do. not. age. Look at 'em! Listen to 'em! Love 'em!
This is one of my all-time favourite DC songs and for good reason. When you blend their beautiful voices and harmonies, stage presence, and a heartache of a story all together, what do you expect other than a masterpiece? So grateful that they got together to grace us with their musical talent once again.
The Second: Woman, Amen by Dierks Bentley
Some thoughts:
1. Those are some beautiful scenic shots.
2. Dierks' beard has become quite wild. It now rivals the beards of the boys in The Washboard Union.
3. It's about time for a decent new one from this fellow. I'm always happy with a strong drum beat.
The Third and Final: Playing With Fire by Jennifer Nettles
According to the internet, this song came out a YEAR ago and I'm only just finding it now. What?! Why didn't anybody tell me?! Y'all really have to get better at having my back on these things. Step up, please.
Looking forward to a few days off to spend with friends and books (aka my other friends). Here's hoping you've got fun things planned too!
Well let me tell you, no one is more surprised you're reading this right meow than yours truly. This week has been something else. Between work, and life, and trying to drink eight glasses of water a day (I'm tryingy'all) and remembering to call my father on his birthday (Happy Birthday, Dad!), I really didn't think this was going to happen. And yet, here we are.
What a world.
The First: I Hate Love Songs by Kelsea Ballerini
We haven't had a Grand Ole Opry performance around here in far too long, so I think it's about time. Why have a regular music video when we could instead pretend that we are all hangin' out at the Opry on this Friday morning, enjoying Kelsea's performance? Alternatively, we could all just move to Nashville and exclusively listen to live music for the rest of our lives.
Either/Or.
The Second: Castle On The Hill covered by Thomas Rhett
Umm... are you kidding me?
Thomas Rhett? Big fan.
Ed Sheeran? Love him.
Covers? Bring 'em.
Country covers? Excuse me while find a paper bag to hyperventilate into.
The Second: Shoot Me Straight covered by Brothers Osborne
Glad to have another great one from the brothers, their guitars, and their moody twangy voices. Just try not to tap your foot while you listen to this one. I dare you.
Cheers to an exciting and busy weekend. Let's see if we're able to stretch this ~very impressive~ streak to three weeks in a row, shall we?
