Hartsfield-Jackson international Airport

While most dread airport delays, I relished my recent seven-hour stay at Hartsfield-Jackson thanks to the occasional tunes that drifted down from terminal speakers. I suspect, but cannot confirm, that the handpicked hot hits (from the ’80s, ’90s and today) come straight from TSA officials’ iPods.

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1) “Speed of Sound” — Coldplay: Oh, if only I were flying to London ... or Leeds, or gosh, even Louisville. Crying babies overpower Chris Martin’s Brit rock as I settle into my speedless state.

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2) “Way It Is” ­-- Bruce Hornsby: The original (later sampled by Tupac), calms the frenzy of weekend travelers like all good elevator music should.

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3) “One Headlight” — Wallflowers: Jakob Dylan’s one chance at fame (outside of his lineage) boasts a steady drumbeat, but not much else. The airline employees are dancing outside; I suppose that means everything is OK.

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4) “No Rain” — Blind Melon: Falling asleep to the hum of operating laptops, the faint whine of Shannon Hoon, Blind Melon’s deceased lead singer, brings me back to reality. I’m still waiting for my great escape.

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5) “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” — Simple Minds: Although this ditty is inseparable from its The Breakfast Club appearance, I can’t think of a better song to soundtrack the end of my airport stay.






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