My Week With the iPod Classic

I recently acquired an iPod classic when I bought a new Mac a few months ago, and I love the thing.  Not really sure what I need it for, but I love it.  So far, all it has done is sit on my desk and gather dust, while comfortably storing literally every bit of music and video I own.  It is a beautiful piece of technology, well crafted, sleek, contemporary; in a word, Classic.

Still, my iPhone has remained my weapon of choice when it comes to taking my music on the go.  It is effective and convenient, if only carrying 16 gigs worth of stuff.  So, I decided to give the Classic a go on the road, and see if it's superior storage capacity and tactile interface would sway me from the iPhone once and for all.  For one week, the Classic became my go to guy in the car and while out, and my iPhone sat in my pocket.

Having all of that stuff with me all the time was pretty sweet.  Anything I wanted to hear, whenever I wanted it.  Genius playlists were well populated and easy to make.  And having a real iPod in the car again was a nice trip down memory lane, to be sure.

Unfortunately, it was mostly downside. Don't get me wrong, I still love the Classic, but after a couple of years using the iPhone, the old iPod was not as easy to use anymore.  Just try to turn off the shuffle on a Classic.  You have to go out of the music, back to the preferences, turn off "shuffle songs", then navigate your way back to whatever it was you were listening to.  As a frequent whole-album-listener, this is a crucial feature for me, and on the iPhone it is only one click away.

I also found my self surprised at how much I missed shake-to-shuffle and voice control on the iPhone.  Even though I complain about how poorly these features work, they are there and I miss them when they're not around.

Of course, taking a phone call was expectedly painful.  Where the transition from music to call to music again is a pleasant one on the iPhone, it is a real hassle when listening to the music on one device and taking a call on the other.  Ahh, remember the good ol' days??  Trying to turn down the volume on that AC/DC track while fumbling for your phone in your pocket, all the while attempting to keep your car on the road? Don't try this at home, folks.  The whole experience has led me to believe that using the iPhone is actually a safer choice, at least.

So, my bottom line. I love my iPod Classic, but I am sticking with everything on my iPhone.  I like the idea that I could take everything with me, if I wanted to.  Usually, I don't want to.

Pearl Jam: (My)Backspacer.

So far, a great record.  As long as you un-check track 5, Just Breathe.  Why did they include this song?  It just doesn't fit the rest of the record.  Without it, it's a nice, rockin' flow to the album.  So, just take it out. Problem solved.

4 Stars.

Get Backspacer.

Got the iTunes LP, BTW. Interesting, and fun.  More on that later.

Kids reviews

Ok, I admit that I am interested in getting the new Paramore album from iTunes, but I am so discouraged by all the reviews that begin with, "OMG! OMG! OMG!!". Can a grown up really buy this with a clear conscious?


-- Posted with BlogPress for iPhone

Another Sample Post

Yes, more samples; this time from BlogWriter.

A two Blog post

BlogPress will also let you post to more than one Blog at a time, as I am posting this to WordPress and Blogger. Nice.


-- Posted with BlogPress for iPhone

iTunes peeking

Here is a look at my selection this morning...



-- Posted from my iPhone

An Honorable Mention For The 97's

I don't exactly think that The Old 97s are likely to win my award for album of the year or anything, but before we get into the winter season of album releases I feel this record needs a mention.

Once in a while an album comes along that takes you back to a different time or place, every time you hear it.

Blame it on Gravity is one of those records, at least for me. With every song I am taken back to another time in my life long ago, when my only chores were to make sure there was beer in the fridge and fresh music in the (gasp) cd player.

I've got no regrets, and I wouldn't change a thing. Still, I thank the Old 97's for the journey.


-- Posted from my iPhone

Episode III: A New Start

Trying out Blogger for the Musical Mystery tour. All of my incoherent thoughts on music today, for whatever it's worth. Check back soon for my first real posts, including my build up to the Album of the Year noms...