The above photo is not me, but just someone who I might just look like after this weekend.  I have been a bit remiss in my music blogging the last couple of days on this past labour day weekend – a long weekend without a music blog playlist!?!?  What was I thinking, a long weekend always calls for a playlist of sorts, but yes, there was family stuff (lots of family stuff and driving around the city every day) and you know how it is.   So while driving around the city, I use my 1st generation iPhone with a FM transmitter for my car stereo.  I know its a bit low budget and lack luster for sound quality but what else do you do with your old iPhone???

But I digress, lets listen to a few tracks that have been spinning lately;

“Unfold” – Julie Peel

This one has really grown on me, I found myself putting it on my “best of August” playlist (I have a million playlists, so yeah) and the late night traffic just spun past with this song.  I tend to get a bit of rage while driving as I am a white male and mini vans make me angry – but Julie Peel calmed me.  The music is almost dreamy and oozes through the speakers – it is a nice acoustic piece, but with accents of strings, keyboard and harmonies (a male counterpart that I am unaware of along side Julie). Visit her at her Website or MySpace, and make sure you pick up the new album “Near The Sun” on Sept. 22nd when it is officially released.

“Minneapolis” – Boca Chica

Nice little alt-folk outfit out of Pittsburgh/Philadelphia that both myself and the guys at Knox Road are currently enjoying (KR played them on their radio show this past Sunday, were you listening?).  Hallie Pritts and crew bring this track through another “dreamy” type path to a true folk-pop lament – it almost has a lo-fi folky Cardigans feel to it.  I love the strings in the song as well, they just build the track perfectly.  If you listen to the chorus, they just might conquer North America with their upcoming release “Lace Up Your Workboots”.  Check them on MySpace and pick up the album, their 2nd full length, this September 18th at their CD release party at Belvedere’s in Pittsburgh!

“Antiques” – Concept: Bravery

This one is a bit more true singer-songwriter, and comes from the moment in the morning that the sun just pierces across your bedroom and you ease your way into the day.  The song is relaxing (re: NOT boring) and has some great harmonica and lone guitar – the good stuff.  While this track is a free download, you must pick up the album for the track “A Resignation” it is stunning and is highly recommended.  Jared’s new album “The Trouble With Pretending” is now out (check it at iTunes) and you can visit his website, Conceptbravery.com, for a free download of his previous 6 track EP.  You could also check him upcoming if you are in the San Francisco area, dates on his MySpace page.

Well that is all I have at the moment, but seriously take a listen to the above tracks and tell me you aren’t working on your own playlist…

~Smansmith