Motor Away

I am writing this from the car as we make our way from Brooklyn to the Florida Keys. I used to love road trips but in the past five years, my fondness has started to wane. I mean, REALLY wane. Partly because my body basically goes on strike having to sit for that long and partly because of the state of our country and not knowing what unprovoked hostility you might encounter for doing something as benign as choosing to wear a mask.

Anyway, to psych myself for this trip, I decided to focus on one of the things I do enjoy about a road trip… the music.

Musically, this playlist has a little bit of everything but the common thread is travel and, in most cases, driving. A couple of new wave bangers from Depeche Mode and Missing Persons kick off the playlist. Rihanna’s pop anthem “Shut Up And Drive” is a no-brainer. I couldn’t help including another Boygenius song off their just released killer debut album. It is definitely my pick for best release (so far) of 2023. Taking things to the more emotive side of the playlist are tracks from indie favorites: Cass McCombs, Built To Spill and Death Cab for Cutie. Sir Roderick David Stewart’s “Young Turks” pairs nicely with the gorgeous country-inflected harmonies of First Aid Kit. Also, representing team modern country is a brand new song from Jess Williamson fresh off the release and tour of the wonderful Plains album. Classics are well represented here with a post-punk one from The Modern Lovers, a soul one from Martha Reeves & The Vandellas and a rock one from Wings. Shout out to my pal Dawn who reminded me of Jon Spencer Blues Explosion’s homage to the New Jersey Turnpike complete with shoutouts its legendary rest stops. Where do you stand on Eddie Rabbitt? This was a controversial one. The driver of our car is not a fan, where it reminds me of my childhood. I decided that Eddie stays. My chauffeur then suggested that Duran Duran close out the playlist. This time, I agree with him. Happy driving!

Depeche Mode - Never Let Me Down Again

Missing Persons - Destination Unknown

Rihanna - Shut Up And Drive

Boygenius - $20

Cass McCombs - County Line

Built to Spill - Car

Rod Stewart - Young Turks

First Aid Kit - My Silver Lining

The Modern Lovers - Roadrunner

Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Motoring

Wings - Helen Wheels

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Big Road

Eddie Rabbitt - Drivin’ My Life Away

Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration

Jess Williamson - Hunter

Duran Duran - The Chauffeur