Hey DJ, Keep Playing that Song
Tuesday, May 15 : 7:07 AM : 0 comments :
As I mentioned before, I'm in the process of revolutionalizing how (often) I listen to my music. I already have an iPod, a 15-gig that I'm reluctant to trade in because (a) it was a gift (b) it still works fine and (c) the scroll wheel is so much quicker to use than current models. The problem with lugging around an iPod is that it's not very convenient. I know, sounds stupid. An iPod is super convenient. But I demand better. Since cybernetics haven't advanced yet to the point where I can implant a music device in my body, I want the next best thing.I had always shied away from the Shuffle because constant badgering from my Apple guru James told me that to buy anything less than the top of the line iPod was a waste. It was true, one gig of music didn't seem like a lot of songs. On top of that, two years ago, I had purchased a mobiBlu Cube, which I've used like twice. The Cube is pretty cool except the interface just isn't that user friendly and it's a little difficult to wear around all the time.
Then came the new Shuffle, which was tiny and perfect for people looking to jam and work out at the same time. Problem was, I don't work out. Pass. Plus the grey color of the Shuffle tended to get lost in the um, shuffle.
Of course, there's a reason millions of Shuffles are sold. I figured it out. They're not iPod alternatives; they're to have in addition to a full featured iPod. A colorful new Shuffle is the perfect size to carry around with you at all times. At eighty bucks, you can kick it, drop it, lose it, and not get too upset. I won't carry my iPod (which I even got for free) sometimes because I know how much it would pain me to lose it. Not the case with a Shuffle. It's totally replaceable!
So I recently purchased a Shuffle, initially with the idea of wearing an athletic wristband and just slipping it under there at all times. I figured I could be Robo-DJ. This turned out to be a bit unwieldy. My bicep was getting jealous of the half-inch bulge on my forearm and I didn't want to deflate its self-confidence any further so I purchased a lanyard to hang the Shuffle from. Perfect.You'll note that the lanyard I purchased is about as unattractive as a lanyard can get -- plus it's Roxy. No self respecting thief is going to be taking this thing; plus it's so colorful nobody will not remember it's mine. I hesitate to use "genius" but I'll say it now, "genius." I've made my Shuffle lost, stolen, and masculine-proof.
The real kicker is that in conjunction to carrying my Shuffle with me at all times, I'll be carrying a 2-gig flash drive (purchased at RadioShack for a mere $30) with me on another lanyard -- or a Pokemon keychain currently. Now I've got all my favorite albums in one pocket, ready to give away to worthy acquantainces and friends. I'll be a roving Johnny Music-seed. I'll spread the gospel of song everywhere I go and for under $100 I've totally changed my life.In my man-purse, should I be carrying it, I'll also have earphone splitters (so me and a friend can share), maybe some travel speakers, and when I'm rich, another Shuffle for a really needy friend. That's it! I'll be a music genie, ready to give must-have albums to anyone with an iPod or a laptop. I'll also be more likely invited on short road trips since I'll be able to plug-and-play instantly.
I also plan to have one earphone in my head at all times, which is kind of rude I know, but to be honest, I can listen to you better with music as background noise anyway. Forget social politeness and convention. If you can't keep me from getting lost in music I've heard a thousand times already, should we really be conversing anyway?
Current albums loaded onto my flash drive:
GangStarr - Moment of Truth
Jason Mraz - Live
Lauryn Hill - Best of and J.Period
Mos Def - Black on Both Sides
Roots - Best of and Homegrown
Shippopatamus - a hip hop compilation
Soulstice - a soul compliation
Kanye West - Best of and Remixes
Jay-Z - Unplugged
Alanis Morissette - Unplugged
Wicked - Soundtrack
Amy Winehouse - Back to Black (just purchased)
and a few other singles and gems that I have to have with me at all times.
