Who's on aux: 225's staff playlist for summer road trips and vacations

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June 1, 2025

The 225 team is on the aux. Here are our top picks for road trip listens and beachy jams.

What are your most-played albums, songs, audiobooks or playlists in the summer? Let us know by emailing [email protected].

Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen

“Forget the Apple TV series. The novel is super witty and the audiobook version, laugh-out-loud funny.”

—Maggie Heyn Richardson, 225 staff features writer

“Could You Be Loved”

“The Bob Marley and the Wailers ’80s track perfectly captures the feeling of soaking in the summer sun. “

—Avery White, 225 editorial intern

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves

“Grammy-winning, fourth studio album for the country pop singer with arguably no skips and coastal cowgirl vibes.”

—Olivia Deffes, 225 digital editor

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

“The SNL and Parks and Recreation alumna chats and laughs with fellow comedy A-listers like Tina Fey, Martin Short and Jack Black.”

—Laura Furr Mericas, 225 managing editor

Bandsplain

“I never pictured myself listening to a podcast ep running 4 hours long—until I met Yasi Salek’s deep dives into the lore surrounding artists like Rilo Kiley, The Cure and Neutral Milk Hotel.”

—Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, 225 editor-in-chief

2000s indie rock playlists

“Building a list around fast, fun songs like ‘Chelsea Dagger’ by The Fratellis makes a road trip fly by.”

—Maggie Heyn Richardson, 225 features writer

Khruangbin radio

“Largely lyric-less tracks from this Texas-born band make you feel like you’re driving through the opening credits of your favorite HBO series. Collabs with Leon Bridges bring added funk.”

—Laura Furr Mericas, 225 managing editor

Yacht rock playlists

“Smooth hits from the ’70s and ’80s make for an ideal backing soundtrack for boating and beach lounging.”