My local library carries Monocle magazine, and I often wonder who in that building decided our small town’s readers deserved such finely tuned perspectives. Monocle manages to feel hip without the self-referential coolness that weighs down some other magazines. Maybe it’s the honesty of the writing—even if much of what it covers is out of reach. (For example, I still want the adorable all-electric Mitbot from KG Motors.)

Tyler Brûlé, Monocle’s Editorial Director and Chairman, used to write a column for The Financial Times. That’s where I first discovered him years ago. In one summer column, he included a playlist, and ever since then, one song—“Summer Time Love” by m-flo—has been a favorite of mine. It’s still the perfect soundtrack for driving on a summer day, heading somewhere fun.