Life's Little Annoyances #412 - Having a Lazy iPod
Tuesday, 30. September 2008, 09:09:30
I like the concept of iTunes' Genius playlists, it's just that my iPod doesn't seem to be that good at creating them. It's like he gives up halfway through. He's all eager, and up for the challenge when I tell him to go and find the similar tracks, and for the first three or four, the little chap gets it spot on. Then it goes downhill, and he decides to take a break, or something.
Yesterday, for example, I set off to work feeling lively and in the mood for something upbeat to accompany my walk to work. I choose "Don't Stop Me Now", by Queen, and set off on my merry little way. I pressed the Genius button, and a playlist was created. I would expect to see on said playlist some more upbeat tracks, maybe some 70s rock, some more Queen. I was secretly hoping for "Mr Blue Sky" by the ELO as it's one of the best tunes ever created.
The first few tracks didn't disappoint, but as the playlist went on, it all went horribly wrong. On came "Warwick Avenue" by Duffy, not exactly upbeat. I could appreciate what iPod was thinking - "I'm going to mix it up a bit, change the mood" - but then he went crazy, as he always does. I swear he has about 20 tracks that he puts into every Genius playlist he creates. No matter what I choose as my starting track, you can pretty much guarantee that these tracks will appear at some point. It's sloppy, and shows a lack of effort and thought.
IPOD: But you like those tracks, don't you? So what's the problem?
ME: Well I would quite like a bit more variety, you know. You've got over a thousand tracks to choose from.
IPOD: Yeah, well, I like these ones, and they're all bunched together - easy to find. And why are you blaming me? It's your music. Not my fault you have a taste for bland and generic tunes.
ME: But I could give you dozens of tracks that would suit that list better.
IPOD: Well then make your own bloody playlist. Listen, pal, I didn't want this job. It's not what I signed up for. Some geezer does a fancy update, and expects me to do extra work, and for what?!?! Nothing. The Union isn't happy about it, and neither am I. If I was you, I'd stop complaining.
ME: Or what, eh? You're my iPod, and you'll do what I tell you to.
IPOD: I'll tell people about the fact that you listen to Chas and Dave.
ME: OK, fair enough. Carry on.
WIDGETIZE