iPod

After a week I've decided I really like my iPod. It has a few quirks (like that my computer will not boot with it attached!) but overall a very well-done product.

I've started using the iTunes store, which is convenient and addictive. I don't think I'll ever use them to buy whole albums -- I'd rather buy an actual CD so I get an uncompressed version -- but for individual songs it's great. There are a lot of groups out there who have had one or two or three songs I like, and it's much cheaper to buy them individually than on a best-of compilation.

Recent iTunes Store downloads:

CCR: Born on the Bayou (their best song, but weirdly not on their best-of album)
ZZ Top: La Grange (how how how how)
Gladys Knight: Midnight Train to Georgia (I know the whole Pips part by heart)
The Hollies: Long Cool Woman
ELO: Mr Blue Sky
Elvis: Promised Land, Suspicious Minds, Kentucky Rain (late Elvis is underrated: James Burton rocks)
Little Feat: Dixie Chicken
Queen: Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Blondie: Heart of Glass (long version)
Aerosmith: Sweet Emotion (one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time, but I had to settle for a live version since iTunes' selection sort of sucks)
Bangels: Hazy Shade of Winter, Walk Like an Egyptian
Roxy Music: More than This. (I've had this song in my head on and off since I saw Lost in Translation TWO YEARS AGO)
The Romantics: What I Like About You

Another thing I'm wondering about is possible hearing damage. Every time I listen to the thing at anywhere near full volume my ears ring afterwards. But I'm sure there are millions of people listening to them at full volume all day long. Either it's safe to do, or Apple has a potentially huge liability problem on their hands.