Whirlwind Travel

Seven nights and five different beds: this trip flew by like a whirlwind. Every minute was filled with family and friends — a beautiful blur that left only little time for ourselves, and to indulge in memories.

In the car, we listened to a station called 80s 80s, which – you guessed it – plays 80s music as heard in Germany 40 years ago. It was a bit cheesy to ride this obvious nostalgia wave with a playlist that seemed to include fewer than 100 songs, but it suited our mood.

They also had a show dedicated to the Maxi, the 12-inch single format that was popular at the time. Why, I don’t know. While there were true gems, like the Maxi of “Rage Hard” by Franke Goes to Hollywood, which elevates the 12” to the meta level, most of them were garbage that dragged out songs with repeated instrumental sections and choruses to over eight minutes. We’re looking at you, Ultravox, with your dull, extended version of the actually superb “Dancing With Tears In My Eyes.”

Next week, we’ll return with Five Songs, Nine Photos, and album recommendations.

Song Pick of the Day

Listen to/watch all seven songs on YouTube. Follow our daily updated playlists on YouTube, Apple Music, or Spotify for the 50 latest Song Pick of the Day features, or subscribe here to receive them in your mailbox in real-time. Thank you for following us and sharing the excitement.

• Brooklyn artist Ski Team turns “Thirst Trap for Diego” into a sly, live-recorded pop groove about the digital seduction spiral.
• “Hot Mess” by LuxJury simmers with tension and tenderness — timeless, fearless, and full of feeling.
• Ikonika’s new single “Listen To Your Heart” turns a single lyric into an irresistible dance-pop hook, offering a first glimpse of her upcoming album SAD.
• Turn up the volume and drift away — Sweet Nobody “Forget Me” is your soft, fuzzy escape.
• “Skin” by Skulk turns rhythm and voice into a hypnotic statement of self-assurance.
• The The Weather Station’s “Airport” captures that suspended-in-time feeling between longing and departure — tender, timeless, and true.
• When dating feels like a new disappointment every week, Aubrie Sellers has the soundtrack for you. “Villain of the Week” is a fuzzy, slow-burning pop-rock gem that hits the truth with style.