We saw WALL-E again over Thanksgiving and I was reminded at how much I like the Peter Gabriel song, “Down to the Earth.”
I don’t have an Ipod. I don’t use iTunes (yes, I do have a Mac). I have not bought any online music, ever, except for ordering CDs every once in awhile from Amazon or Basin Street.
So I wondered, if I just want the Peter Gabriel song that I like, how can I get this song? Where can I listen to it? Can I listen to it on my interview recorder (which will play MP3s)? If I buy a used Ipod, will it play there, too? What if I upgrade the Ipod? And what happens when I get a laptop — I’m not going to use only my desktop forever?
Paul started trying to explain the facts… which are basically that you never own an MP3, the player you use could be obsolete tomorrow, and compatibility is something you determine through fine print. I’m not really into buying things I don’t need and not at all into re-buying anything ever. The whole thing just got me more and more confused. Then Paul remembered an xkcd cartoon that he said, explained it all very clearly.
Okay. NOW I understand.
What I wonder now is how people use their Ipods, and what experiences with incompatibility have they had? Do you have advice or stories on how you enjoy music, where you store it, how much you spend, etc. etc? Me, the music Luddite, wants to know.
And just ’cause I like it, you can hear it here…
Amy | 02-Dec-08 at 7:40 pm | Permalink
Kevin and I share an iPod. He’s got primary custody, but I borrow it for trips. I don’t listen to music as much as I listen to all the free podcasts that are out there (NPR and Chicago Public Radio rock). Also, believe it or not, I’ve watched videos on how to fold a fitted sheet, how to hang a picture, even how to clean a house in under 10 minutes (!!!), etc.
jenny | 03-Dec-08 at 7:35 am | Permalink
most of the music on my ipod (and in my collection), i’ve ripped from cds i’ve purchased. i have maybe 10 albums’ worth that i purchased thru itunes, but i don’t do that anymore due to the DRM issues above. and i refuse to believe that i don’t have the right to burn a cd full of music i’ve paid good money for. (great attorney, aren’t i? just digging in my heels and saying “ha!”)
now i get most of my music thru used cd stores. it’s MINE, and the mp3s i rip are MINE, and the RIAA can have it back when they pry it from my cold, dead… what’s that? oh, fine. i didn’t really like the 3rd installment of the “sedated in the 80s” compilation that much anyway…
Randy | 03-Dec-08 at 10:28 am | Permalink
EMI albums on iTunes are DRM Free
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/04/02itunes.html
EMI is also Peter Gabriel’s label…
Therefore you should be able to buy the song from iTunes with no worry around DRM.
admin | 03-Dec-08 at 1:08 pm | Permalink
Jenny — we rip, too. You’ve made me feel a bit less behind the times as I was beginning to think that buying used CDs and ripping them was so 8 years ago. Paul is all crazy about the whole SONY thing (we cannot buy anything SONY, ever) and the trend to make protections against ripping CDs. I feel sort of paralyzed that I’m going to make some sort of error, so I end up just not doing anything… extreme paranoia.
Randy — here I was, feeling all okay with my circa-2000 ripping of CDs, and you come along and tell me that there are other ways to get stuff without DRM restrictions. Sheesh! Still, I feel confident that Paul could find someway to freak me out about it. He’s intense, man. (Actually, this: http://www.xkcd.com/511 sums it up nicely.)
admin | 03-Dec-08 at 1:11 pm | Permalink
Amy: Paul is obsessed with podcasts. Particularly one called “The Best Radio You’ve Never Heard” which he goes on and ON and ON AND ON about how great it is, and then starts one when we’re working together or driving or something and has to change the channel 3 minutes because our ears are bleeding and he’s apologizing about how “that one isn’t a good one, the rest are better, really.”
Amy | 03-Dec-08 at 6:28 pm | Permalink
Too funny, Holly! I’ve never heard of that podcast, but will have to check it out. I don’t do it enough, but I’ve found listening to a podcast while doing housework makes me feel twice as productive. I’m nurturing my mind AND getting my countertops cleaned. It makes tedious tasks rather pleasant – and is a great diversion from Thomas the Tank Engine and Backyardigans (although I am happy to report that one of B’s favorite shows is “How It’s Made” on Discovery!)…