The I-Pod Shuffle is definately not my MP3 player of choice.  I got one free with an order of some software a few months back before I got my current player, a Creative Zen Nano Plus. 

However, when I can't decide what to listen to I have been using the whole "shuffle" concept with my music for the last 10 years or so.  Every track on every CD I have is catalogued on Excel and each track is allocated a number.

On a separate worksheet, a random number is generated and the corresponding track is displayed.  All I have to do is locate the CD (which will be in alphabetical order) either in the lounge (more recent/favourite CDs) or in my spare bedroom wardrobe (old CDs) and then play.

Often what comes out is a track I probably would never have chosen to play at that time - sometimes it reminds me of an old favourite CD I've had tucked away in the cupboard.  Because I have never thrown a CD away in my life, occassionally I unearth a track that is painful to listen to.  My one rule is, if the computer selects the track, I must play it in full.

OK, enough chat - I'm prepared to risk embarassment by sharing my CD collection with you.

• Random Number: 1326
• Track:  Don't Panic
• Artist:  Coldplay
• Album: The Album, Various Artists

[2 min 15 sec later]

Wow! That was a short track.  Could have been MUCH more embarassing - I promise it was the first one the computer selected.  As the opening track from their debut album, Parachutes, it starts the album off in fine style.  I haven't heard it in a while - I think I may go back and have another listen!

It's a shame that copyright issues prevent us being able to put audio clips on these pages, in the same style as the photo albums.

Well check back soon - I'll do another random track and maybe write more about the song - Now all I need is a catchy name for the feature...