Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Sarah Marie, Moline, IL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:11:27 GMT

My iPod says 'Huh? How many people own this thing?" I have everything from broadway to metal, country to classical on that thing. I put the poor thing on shuffle and it's playing Brooks & Dunn one minute and the Beastie Boys the next.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Katie Spring, TX — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:23:17 GMT

My iPod DEFINITELY says I am stuck in the '90s. I keep telling my husband that I need to find music that isn't at least 10 years old to put on my iPod. But, it never fails, when I go online to buy more iTunes, I end up hitting the 80's and 90's collections to add more songs that I realized I couldn't live without..Recent additions: "Wannabe" (yes, I know it's the Spice Girls, but I have fond memories of MALE college friends dressing up as them for Halloween), "3AM Eternal", "The Sign" (Ace of Base), "Rhythm Is a Dancer", "Hold On" (yes, by Wilson Phillips), "Jump Around", the Tom Cochrane version of "Life is a Highway."

I just can't seem to find a lot of newer music that holds my attention like my old faves...I still find myself listening to Live and Dave Matthews and Weezer (Green Album and earlier) a lot of the time...Of course, my iPod has a lot of their stuff to choose from since I have so much of their music...

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Norm Bernstein, Sharon, MA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:04:58 GMT

Wow, that's depressing... a 29 year old feeling 'old' because her iPod music is from the 90's? Sheeesh.....

I've got 3500+ tunes on my iPod, and I'd bet that fully 1/3rd of them are from the late 60's to the early 70's... and I probably don't have anything at all from the last 10 years, save for a few big hits.

The simple truth is that for most people, the music they listened to in their teens and 20's is probably the stuff they'll listen to for the rest of their lives, and think was the era of the best music.

Thankfully, a few acts survive. I was listening to Led Zep back in my college days (69-74), and they're still alive and kickin'.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Cherie, River Ridge, LA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:07:13 GMT

I have to tell you that I am also stuck in my younger years. I am 25 years old, and all of my cd's are from the 90s. I have 90s compilation CD's. I even have CD's of classic rock that was out before my time - i.e. Led Zepplin, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, Rush, etc. I am a HUGE hair band fan. I love me some Bon Jovi, Nelson, Mr. Big, Poison, GNR, Ratt, Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, etc. Even pop from the late 80s to 90s, NKOTB (which I am going to see for there reuion tour), Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, New Edition, Janet Jackson, etc.

I do have very few in my collection from 2000 and beyond, anything by Britney, some N'Sync, and Kelly Clarkson. That's about it. When I turn on the radio to the "pop" channel, I cannot stand what I hear. Nothing sounds amazing anymore. It seems like most bands/artists, are one hit wonders. Not bands that will stand out in 20+ years. Take for example GNR. Put on one of their tracks and tell me it does not get you excited, because it does for me. I used to have satellite radio and only listened to the 80s and 90s channel. Now that I only have "regular radio" I listen to the Classic Rock channel (which on sunday nights plays Dee Snider's House of Hair!!).

I mean, my 10 yr old step daughter ROCKS out to the Hair Bands with me, and she's actually going to NKOTB with me as well. I want Hair Bands back, not the emo-rock that comes on today.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Scott, Bakersfield, CA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:11:42 GMT

I'm 41 and have "younger" taste than you. Sure, plenty of NIN and RATM, but also Silversun Pickups, Vampire Weekend, She Wants Revenge, Kate Nash, Raconteurs, etc.

Yes, older stuff like The Smiths, Cure, and, yes, Rush.

Still not quite as cutting edge as some, but still: catch up!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Joe Putnam — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:16:09 GMT

As a fellow 29 year old, don't feel old because your music has been around for half your life. Look at that music as a time warp back to your youth, and consider these songs old friends. No matter who comes through your life whether it be a spouse or children, you'll always have this extended family...even if that family includes "the downward spiral"

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Mitch NY NY — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:19:35 GMT

The play count in my iTunes would tell you I listen to way too much Pearl Jam.

Hopefully that'll cover up the Mariah Carey tracks...

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Jeff Walker, Frederick MD — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:21:00 GMT

I'm in my mid 40's and most of my music selections are from "my" era, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Kix, etc. But I do have songs of numerous artists from the past decade or so that I really like such as My Chemical Romance, Skindred, 30 Seconds to Mars, Black Eyed Peas, Cop Shoot Cop, Disturbed, Franz Ferdinand, Kasabian, Marcy's Playground etc...

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Heidi Milbank SD — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:22:40 GMT

I'm 28 and I do feel old at times looking at my Ipod. It holds everything from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors to Metallica, Guns N Roses, to George Strait and Garth Brooks, to Rhianna, Beyonce, and Christina Aguilera. Toss in a few of my favorites at the moment Buckcherry, Daughtry, and Breaking Benjamin and I think it's pretty spread out the way anyone should have their collection

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Angela, Taylorsville, KY — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:26:07 GMT

I've got over 8,000 songs on my iPod (which resides 99.9% of the time in glovebox), ranging from classical to heavy metal to blue grass. It can be a humorous moment when the it shuffles from Frank Sinatra to AC/DC then to Bill Monroe. I'd like to think I have a nice balance of genres on it.

I tend to like music from the 70s and 80s the most, but I do load it with current Country and Alternative as well.

Currently, it's set to play from the entire library so I do get the occasional Christmas song thrown in, which gets skipped at this time of year.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

S. Williams, New York, NY — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:26:37 GMT

WOW!! Then I will be considered ancient history. Most of my music is from the 60's & 70's. I have a few 80's and 90's. Most of the music today does not move me. It's more noise than lyrics. Oh well, what can one do. LOL!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Jason Edwards, Memphis, Tn — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:28:10 GMT

My iPods would say they are stuck in the 80's and early 90's. Like you, I find it hard to get excited about some of todays music. Some of its great, but the oldies (and its hard for me to think of the 80's as oldies) is what does it for me. I also have everything from country to funk on mine. Depends on my mood I guess. Thats the great thing about players like the iPod.....diversity.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Tommy K., Austin, TX — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:28:21 GMT

Seems to be the same for me...my wife always knows when a song from my high school/college years comes on the radio - she just has to look over and see if I'm singing along to it!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

BillyT — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:30:04 GMT

I have complete collections of Rush, Yes, Steely Dan, Guns and Roses, The Tubes and Tower of Power on there among a million songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and even 00s, even a small selection of songs from before the 60s and a whole lot of Jazz and Classical music. I like Soul/Funk/Motown, Rock and Roll, Jazz, Classical and all fusions thereof.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Jamie S., Hampton, VA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:34:18 GMT

It's interesting: it wasn't until I got an iPod two years ago that I really became aware of the music scene. I'm 27 now, and more than half of my collection is just from within the past decade. I've really fallen in love with indie rock/pop/alternative music, and bands like Death Cab for Cutie and Stars take up a lot of space. But I'm also expanding and exploring and getting back into music from my childhood/teens, like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and The Bangles.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Leslie, Albuquerque — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:36:17 GMT

I'm 27 and depending on what's playing on my MP3 player I either feel old or like I need to grow up. I've got the complete Pink Floyd catalog and lots of classical stuff. And my guilty pleasure...loads of Robbie Williams. And from the "I need to grow up" department, I've got My Chemical Romance and AFI and lots of J-Pop stuff. My husband can't figure out my whole Japanese rock fixation but what can I say. :-P

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Kris Spencer, Royal Oak, Mich. — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:36:26 GMT

I doubt that anyone would guess my age based on the contents of my iPod. Hit shuffle and you might hear:
- Artic Monkeys
- Ennio Morricone
- Gnarls Barkley
- Thelonious Monk
- Interpol
- Jethro Tull
- Henry Mancini
- U2
- Phillip Glass
- Boards of Canada
- Pink Floyd
- Vampire Weekend
- Can
- Nick Drake
- Jerry Goldsmith
- The Pixies
- Charles Mingus
- Pere Ubu
- Glenn Gould
- Patsy Cline
... and on

People who limit themselves to one genre of music (such as Top 40) are like people who never travel outside of their state. They're depriving themselves of cultural enrichment.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Katie B, SLC, UT — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:38:33 GMT

OMG - you're 29 and you're using the term albums?! I'm 51 and even I've shifted my brain to the term CDs. Although the other night we did just convert a bunch of albums into CDs.

I'm with Sarah Marie - my iPod looks like a family of 8 uses it. I've got everything from Latin Jazz to pole dancing music to NIN.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

j, atlanta, ga — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:41:11 GMT

Im 20 and most of my music is much older. Im talking Otis Redding, Sam Cooke old. good music is good music.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Kevin — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:44:00 GMT

So is the question that you really prefer to listen to the same old songs, excellent as they may be, or that you don't enjoy the timbre and quality of "whats-hot" in pop music right now? Perhaps you just need to find contemporary music that appeals to your established music tastes?

Visit PANDORA.COM No, this is not a shameless plug. You tell the site what songs or artists you like, and it plays stuff similar to it or what it thinks you might like based on your input. It'll probably give you all the songs you like, but every now and then it tosses in something completely new that fits with the "oldies" and you'll be dying to go and buy it. It has really broadened my musical library!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

gary, florida — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:46:14 GMT

As a semi-pro musician, I've noticed over the years that many people's fave music comes from their teens and twenties, they seem to get their musical tastes stuck. 20-30 years may have passed since then, and they still listen, almost exclusively, to music from their youth (not everyone is like this).
I do try to keep up with current music and trends, but I'm rather selective - what's on MY iPod isn't any current pop singles - the music has to be good, and the lyrics must speak to me (which pretty much eliminates rap and hip-hop).
Don't worry - I'm NOT gonna be a retiree wandering around singing 'Ice, Ice, Baby' ....

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Randy Shore, Ventura, CA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:47:05 GMT

I'm 45 and never got rid of my vinyl records from my high school days, even though it has been over 25 years since I owned a turntable to play them on. This year I bought a USB turntable that connects to my computer and was able to "rip" my old music down to MP3s. That was the day I bought an Ipod. My play list is vintage 70's and 80's album rock, from Cheap Trick to Boston to Styx to Meat Loaf to Gary Numan. I also have 3 KTel compilation albums from the 70s on my Ipod Classic. Now, I've framed some of the best album art from my collection and it decorates my office.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Dahan, Saint Paul, Minnesota — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:47:27 GMT

At 38, I guess I truly am old. 90's are old? 60's? I've got stuff from the eighteenth century. Yeah I got some classical. I've also got a healthy selection of 50's through today. Eclectic? I mentioned the classical, I've also got the Sisters of Mercy, Johnny Cash, Prince, Iron and Wine, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Devatchka, Po Girl, the Clash, the Pines, Michael Franti and Speerhead, and dozens and dozens more in there. What I don't have a lot of, is mainstream pop from today. Boring, for the most part, I'm afraid. There's some good stuff coming out now days, just not a lot of it making it to the radio. That's why I have an Ipod in the first place.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Kathleen, Helena, Mont. — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:49:21 GMT

It's good to know that I'm not the only one who thinks music from this decade is boring. Mine is mostly 60s, 70s, and 80s. The only music from the 90s is from classic rockers like Springsteen, AC/DC, etc. I consider most of the rest of 90s music to be a yawn, too.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Dahan, Saint Paul, Minnesota — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:50:13 GMT

Kris Spencer,

My guess is you're late 30's to early 40's. That's my guess because I'm seeing titles that are also in my collection.

Gen-X tends to listen to a broad range. Am I close?

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Maggoo32, Elgin, IL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:50:57 GMT

I felt the same way. My music definately shows my music is mostly from 60s - 90's. My genres are all over the place, but basically limited to current music. I'm 38 and I just got an iPod in January and was feeling older and out of place not having one. I absolutely love it. I actually listen to podcasts, more than music.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

GB Atlanta, GA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:53:33 GMT

It's still an "album" - a collection, like your photo album is a collection of pictures. Even if it's on a CD, it's still an album of music. Now if they had said "record" or "LP", then you would pretty much have to give them a hard time! I'm with you; my iPod collection is eclectic, eclectic..Bluegrass, Opera, Folk, Country, Pop...that's what's so great about being able to download one song at a time.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

vin m, lake in the hills IL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:53:35 GMT

my pod is full of everything i think im the only person who will be listenign to rob zombie and britney on the same playlist. i love some old stuff but i love listenign to new songs even if they are one hit wonders i find i like the songs more than i have loyalty to the bands. but im totally into the new emo/pop/punk bands. love em

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Matt — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:57:21 GMT

There seems to be this notion that music HAS to be new or recent to be acceptable. As a result, people fall into the trap of only listening to 'trendy' music or the top 40, if you like. Compare most people's iPods and you'll find the same songs and artists. Sad part is those same artists and songs are only a tiny percentage of the music out there. Majority of people don't get outside the box of what they hear on radio, TV, or see in magazines. Try going to a second hand tunes store and pick something completely at random and force yourself to listen to it. Don't give up if the first thing you try doesn't sound so good. Experimental listening is the best way to expand your music collection in a healthy way as it takes you out of your comfort zone and opens you up to other ideas. One trap to stay away from is to pick an artist at random because he sounds like another artist you're already familiar with - don't do that, it'll just frustrate you because he won't sound as good as the artist you're already familiar with. With today's digital download services, picking music at random should be simpler than ever (and cheaper too). Sample music online before you buy - the caveat being only the more popular artists will be online. for a true obscure random pick, you'll have to visit a second hand music store, or scour the web for blogs on the subject.

I still have stuff from the 90's, but I also have expanded my tastes to many other eras including big band jazz of the 30's thru 50's, lounge, exotica, surf, psychedelic rock, trance, classical, and so on. The point being that different eras have different structures of music. Older music tends to be more complex with 8 beat structures compared to today's 3-chord rock. Now when I look on my 90's collection, I find it not very original or sophisticated after all the special effects have been stripped out. Looking across my entire music collection, I can see a very definite trend line of music structure getting simpler and simpler with each decade. the difference today is how much re-processing and special effects are added. Pop music is becoming less music and more marketting for money making. While yesteryear's recording technology was rather lacking, the quality of musical composition, in my opinion, was stronger. But like mentioned above, the trick is to venture outside your comfort zone to try new things.

Long story short, if your iPod has the same songs on it today as your teen years, chances are you need to try something else and/or expand your horizons.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Tim C, Eagan, MN — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:05:53 GMT

My MP3 has only 4 migs to it so I keep changing the titles around. Like many of you, I have mostly stuff from the 70's and 80' with Barenaked Ladies the most "current" band. Like many of you, I like throwing the thing on shuffle and go from Frank Sinatra to Vivaldi to Jimmy Buffet to John Coltrane to the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. What keeps me going these days in my so-called "twilight years", (I'm 50) is that in 20 years +, the stuff that is popular today will be on the "classis rock" stations and those people will wonder what the heck their kids are listening to.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Dan T, Lombard IL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:06:18 GMT

At 39, my iPod would say I'm in my 50's. I have great jazz, Coltrane, Davis, Holiday, etc. I have some newer music, but when you have classics... who cares. What music today will stand the test of time like Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue".

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Lynn Hudson, MA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:07:58 GMT

My musical tastes are all over the place, so while I'm in my 40's, I have plenty of today's music on there. Since I can't transfer my old albums (yet), I find myself purchasing or downloading my favorite songs from my youth. So I have a wide array of songs on my iPod.

My husband, on the other hand, his iPod is stuck in "80's hairband hell!"

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

BG, San Bernadino, CA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:10:36 GMT

I am just glad to hear I am not the only one musically stuck in the 90's! The only band I buy an album from the day it comes out is The Offspring. They have been my favorite band since Jr. High, and no matter how old I get they always will be! I'll probably be an 80 year old grandma still screaming the lyrics to "Bad Habit"!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Susan , Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:12:03 GMT

I've set up my iPod with playlists from each decade. They range from "60's Songwriters and Superstars" to "Y2K". Then I set up playlists with annual increments since I purchased my iPod ( i.e. "2006" through this year's "2008 is gonna be great" playlist ) with the idea that I'll combine them at the decade's end. I'm surprised to see that you are still buying full CD's. I haven't bought a new CD since "NOW that's what I call Music - 10".

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

David, Illinois — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:14:14 GMT

Oh, our brains definitely get programmed with the music from our childhood and teen years. Even today, when I hear certain songs that I used to listen to on 8-track (!), my brain expects to hear that *click* of changing tracks at certain spots. I still have my old LPs AND a turntable. Can't say I use it much, though, except for the Beatles albums. My iPod has mostly 70s and 80s stuff. I do like some current things. Relient K and Vampire Weekend, for example.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Don, Nashville — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:14:22 GMT

I am in my 40's; have a lot of stuff, mostly older but half the songs are from the greatest group ever:
The Beatles. No one comes close to them. We still hear
about them today, i.e. a 1964 interview that just surfaced.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Donna, Port St. Lucie, FL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:17:09 GMT

I'm 43 and my iPhone has mostly 80s and 90s music as does my 15 year old daughter. Ozzy is playing now!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

DJS, Bronx, NY — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:24:59 GMT

62, and 15,000 songs on my pod. On this morning's commute, a random shuffle included tracks by Tinariwen, Sophie Tucker, Joseph Spence, Blind Boys of Alabama, The Goodies, Ali Farka Toure, Slaid Cleaves, The Chambers Brothers, Los Lobos, Charley Patton, Miles Davis, Lucinda Williams, Chuck Prophet, Emmylou Harris, The Clash, and Sam Gaillard & His Flat Foot Floogie Band.

Go figure. :)

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Ms Tek, Chicago — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:27:35 GMT

Radio? Internet radio is where its at. They play garbage on commercial radio (esp American and British Radio).

If you like "Indie" try dr.dk the "Barometer" station. Yes, it is Danish Radio. YES, It is FRIGGIN GOOD.

I'm 32 so I am halfway to my deathbed apparently so take it for what it's worth! ;)

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Pete, Hbg, PA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:29:53 GMT

RATM more talented than Kid Rock? Yeah, okay...

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Rochelle, Miami, Florida — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:33:50 GMT

I think I have a good combination of present and past (though my present is mostly electronic music). There is nothing wrong with filling an IPOD w/ Nine in Nails & Prodigy. It does not get much better than that!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

matt flood — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:33:56 GMT

mp3's are souless. all the real music afficianados have gone back to vinyl anyways ;)

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Natalie, AZ — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:35:39 GMT

My IPOD says that I'm a raver (I'm not) because I only use it while I'm exercising. I was big into the techno scene in the 90's and that kind of music is the only thing that seems to get my body moving.

I do listen to other things on the radio, that's just what's on my IPOD (LOVE Depeche Mode)

I agree though, I am 33 and most of what comes out today seems boring to my ears.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Barry, Birmingham, Al — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:41:43 GMT

I'm 47 and have over 35,000 songs on my IPod, that's right, 35 Thousand.... and it covers everything, classical, rock, religous, jazz, you name the genre, I've got it. and from the years of 1931 to 2008. and the songs I keep going back to? the 70's and 80's. My teen years to the years I was going out dancing. So yeah.. I agree... I'm stuck in the past. but if I want to catch up, it's available at the click of the wheel

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Laurie, Boston, MA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:43:03 GMT

I'm in my forties and have quite a mix of things from religious, classical, rock, easy listening, country, blues, and pop. I agree with Matt, you should seek music beyond your music from your teens. If I hadn't done this, I would have never listened to Etta James,or my Native American music.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Doug Baxter, Athens, NY — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:49:03 GMT

Hmmm, if 29 is the new 60 as you imply, I hate to think where I am. Most of my music on the Ipod came out of the late 1700's to mid 1800's but I do have some swing and even some classic rock to give the 20th century its due. We won't discuss the 21st century. Not to mention, lots of Star Trek episodes (with characters named Kirk, Spock and Scotty) which this old dinosaur remembers from the shows initial run.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Peter, Suamico, WI — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:51:27 GMT

Its sounds like your ipod is telling you that if you don't watch out you're going to be some cranky old person that all the kids in the neighborhood despise.

When you close yourself off to new things you might as well crawl up and die. Life is about experiencing as many things as possible whether its the first time you hear Mozart, the Clash or Salvador Santana.

My ipod says I'm older than you, but younger than you and and my musical soup is constantly getting new spices added to it.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Tia, Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:56:19 GMT

Quality music is just that: quality music. As a soon-to-be 25 year old, I can proudly say that the majority of the music on my mp3 player is from the 60s and 70s, followed by tracks from the 90's. I guess I have an old soul, huh?

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Amber, Albuquerque NM — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:58:26 GMT

I am totally the same way! I am 30 and everything I listen to is from the 70's and 80's. I love classic rock , classic metal and hair bands. Most might think this music is outdated, but I don't agree. I think a lot of people are preferring music of the past over the present. Music today also sounds boring to me, and I just can't relate. It just sounds so young and juvenile.

If my iPod says I'm old, I don't care!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Jane, Fairfield — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:01:22 GMT

I'm with the people whose Ipod on shuffle makes one wonder if a family ranging in age from 16-82 shares one Ipod. In the last hour, my shuffle has gone from Ella Fitzgerald to Guns and Roses to The Beatles to My Chemical Romance to Dion to Beethoven to Johnny Cash to Meatloaf and now, Weezer.
I thought the music of my teens and twenties was getting the heaviest play but surprisingly it's Ella Fitzgerald, Death Cab for Cutie and Pearl Jam. I don't think that playlist gives any clue to my true age.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

E. Alan, Milwaukee, WI — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:02:41 GMT

I'm with the majority- I'm hard pressed to find much new music interesting these days- its a little bit "lame". My iPod has a lot of 80's pop (Paul Young, Come Back & Stay, Bananarama I heard a Rumor), but also some good disco (Thre Three Degrees, Odyssey- Native New Yorker). I do have some modern day electronic music- Thievery Corp. or Goldfrapp, etc.
... and I'm embarassed to say I may have 1 or 2 Enrique Iglesias songs...

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

scott schrader, mounds view, mn — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:03:07 GMT

this old NoDak boy has a ton of surf music (Brian Wilson, Beach Boys, Jeffrey Foskett, Dick Dale), Rundgren, Gary Moore, Lighthouse, Chris Rea, and other good ol' music. Newer stuff includes Wondermints, Sheryl Crow, Barenaked Ladies, and even a touch of (the real) King David.

but it's skewed older because that was the music of my developing life. nothing wrong with that, anybody whose pod persona is al new stuff is active in the business.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Lisa, WA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:05:22 GMT

I'm like everyone else here - I have a strange eclectic mix. I have playlists for the 80s, Classic Rock (Cream, CCR, Foghat), "the Craptastic 90s" (think Vanilla Ice, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, New Kids on the Block, Technotronic), and my gym mix includes everything from Pat Benetar to CCR to Justin Timberlake, Kinky and Daft Punk. I have playlists for classical/opera, music from movies, Motown classics, and everything in between. I have a Napster subscription, so I will sometimes spend HOURS just wandering around trying out new stuff :)

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Kat, TX — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:07:28 GMT

I don't understand why people are stuck thinking that when you are a certain age you must listen to a certain genre of music. That's insane. Your musical taste is your music taste. I grew up listening to everything under the sun. That has never changed. I hope some of you will one day broaden your musical horizons. There is so much you're missing out on!! You'd be surprised at some of the music out there that is new that you'd very much enjoy. For me, there's so much excitement to be had when looking to find a new band with a new sound. Or even a new band with an old sound. I've been listening to a lot of that lately. But, don't get me wrong, I still listen to a bunch of old stuff and "old" stuff from the 90's.

For the love of music, buy a record!!! A record record. Vinyl is very much making a come back. I love buying the CD and record when a new album comes out to have it on both mediums. Older albums are being rereleased on vinyl. A bunch of new records that come out come with a coupon to be able to download the mp3's of the album off the band's or label's website. See, you REALLY can have your cake and eat it too. And let me tell you people, it tastes GOOOOOD! Plus, vinyl sounds so much better. haha

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Ted, Dallas — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:08:09 GMT

My Zune (far superior to Apple's IAutomaton) says that I like music made by talented people...not the flavor of the month on Billboard. Aerosmith, Boston, Led Zepplin, Rush, The Who, Van Halen...you know, musicians. True musicians. Not weenies who learn 3 chords and then call themselves guitar players.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Heather B., St. Augustine, FL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:14:18 GMT

Mine says that I'm going to keep 'em guessing. Sometimes it's not about the genre, but about the what moves you.
Some of the artists I have: Led Zeppelin, Nikka Costa, Earth Wind & Fire, Dandy Warhols, U2, Gorillaz, Alabama, Ludacris, Missy Elliot, INXS, Megadeth, Audioslave, Coldplay, Crosby Stills & Nash... I could go on.

And for the record, I'm a 36 yr old mom to a toddler.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Allison, Wilmington, DE — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:18:55 GMT

I may be fifteen, but if you look at my iPod, most of it will look like I'm my dad's age (48). Most of the stuff on the radio all sounds the same to me today. So, I go back to the seventies and sixties and sometimes the eighties for my music. I much prefer, say, The Eagles, to any modern band. I'm gonna sound like a huge music snob when I say this, but most of the bands now sound the same. Why would anyone want to listen to the same thing on every top 40 radio station out there?

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Michelle Hensley, Cincinnati, OH — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:21:06 GMT

At 42 most of my iPod is stuff I listened to in high school. Over half is The Beatles and McCartney solo stuff. Genesis, Jethro Tull, and some Grateful Dead. But I do like alot of current bands - mostly from Great Britain. Kasabian, British Sea Power, and Snow Patrol fit right in with my older faves!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

SV — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:22:08 GMT

My guess for downloading the old tunes is because there is not much worth listening to these days. Most artists today are one hit wonders. Face it, AC/CD, Def Leppard.. now those were albums you could buy and like almost the whole album. I would suspect that is why downloading is so popular today so you don't have to download the rest of the crap that is on the albums. There are a few good groups out there today but not many.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Mark, Pensacola, FL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:24:32 GMT

Newer music doesn't excite me. It just feels like it's all been played before and when I listen to a "new" song I can usually predict all the lyrical rhymes and chord changes.

My Archos 504 has 80GB full of music, but very little of it is from the last several years. More recent bands on my player include 30 Seconds to Mars, Lacuna Coil, Gentleman (reggae), but I still stick to my NIN, RATM, Bob Marley, etc.

It seems the only place to find exciting music is on MySpace, not the radio. I've found so many interesting bands on there and have happily bought their CDs/MP3s. I don't need the radio telling me "what's hot" just so a record label can make money and the best undiscovered artists can go without.

In the past two months I've bought music from:
* Project Music: Beatboxing flute, cello, bass - so fun and funky.
* Avi Ghosh: A kid from Little Rock whose industrial music would not sound out of place on an NIN album.
* The Dreaming: The former singer of Stabbing Westward's new emo-yet-absolutely-rocking band.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

michael conner, austin, texas — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:30:43 GMT

Your iPod may not say "I'm old," but your article says, "I'm worried that people think old."

GET OVER IT! Or else I'm going to send Kim Gordon to smack you up side the head with her bass guitar. Kim Deal will be next, and she'll mess you up ;-)

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Cindy, Deep South — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:31:37 GMT

I'm 43 and don't own and Ipod, but I do download iTunes music. Yes, I love 70s/80s music, but I have current stuff too, thanks to my son, who keeps me somewhat up to date. I don't have time to investigate everything out there music-wise since this too has exploded with the internet. I like my classic Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, and Heart, my funk/disco Gap Band and Ohio Players, but I also like Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, and Audioslave, though I never quite understood the attraction of Britney Spears (to each his/her own).

I love the ability to mix my own playlists rather than being hostage to buying a CD at $15-$18 of one artist where half the songs are crap. I don't care what others think of my musical tastes either! If someone thinks I'm old, well, it's true that I'm getting there (preferable to the alternative), but I'm having fun and grooving out in my car to music I like. Rock on, middle-aged moms!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Tracy, Jessup, MD — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:34:53 GMT

My iPod is another one that says how may people put music on it. I am 37 - and most of what is in it is 80's. After all, I was an 80's teen - totally in love with Duran Duran (still am - Red Carpet Massacre is a great CD). So you will find:
Ray Charles
Garth Brooks
Thompson Twins
Pussycat Dolls
Kanye West
Duran Duran
Mister Mister
Carrie Underwood
Patsy Cline
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Soundtrack
Dreamgirls Soundtrack
Hairspray Soundtrack
Alicia Keys; and
Bob Marley.

That list is not everyone - just to show I am all over the place.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Dennis Butler, Sanford, FL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:36:30 GMT

Well, I'm 58 and don't even have an Ipod. But the nusic I listen to and make mix CDs from is not from my youth, and is very diverse. Lately it's been Celtic Woman, Julianne Hough, Miley Cyrus, Martine McCutcheon, Rachel Farris, Kay Hanley, Jewel, Mandy Moore. Lots of times I'll hear a song in a movie soundtrack and hunt down that artist.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Mark — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:44:25 GMT

So many posts that talk about havign 80's and 90's music says two things...A) MSNBC readers skew older and B) the new millineum has brought about a vast wasteland of anything new or exciting. Even my 14 old nephew had more older music than new stuff.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Chris, New York, NY — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:51:05 GMT

Amen, brother! 90's pop/rock/r&b/hip-hop was just better. There are a few innovative & talented newcomers on my iPod -- John Mayer, Jill Scott, Britney Spears (say what you want about her antics, but her CD is good!) -- but by and large 90's music was more intelligent, innovative, and had more depth.

Wow, I really have turned into my parents haven't I?

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Darlene, Orlando, FL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:01:45 GMT

My iPod is a HUGE mix of different music from different genres and decades. One minute I could be listening to a Fall Out Boy dong and the next song after it is a song from the German industrial heavy metal band Rammstein. I have Elvis mixed with Rage Against the Machine. *N Sync next to Sevendust. My iPod shouldn't make me feel a certain age.....I just love music....ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF MUSIC!!!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Mike Then, Rocky Mount, NC — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:09:58 GMT

Mine is a hodge-podge of a very wide range of music. I have lighter fare, like Tom Petty, Jack Johnson, and John Mellencamp, to heavy metal like Iced Earth, Bolt Thrower, and DevilDriver. And everything in-between, like Sugar Ray, Alanis Morisette, Fuel, and Nickelback. Except for County and Rap, both which I don't consider to be music.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Scott, Seattle WA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:11:31 GMT

Great article. I am 38 and still feel closer to 18. My playlist is mostly 80's 90's and 00's with some 70's and 60's mixed in. How is that for specific.

While I still have AC/DC, Beatles, Bon Jovi, The Cure, Dire Straits, The Doors, Foo Fighters, Green Day, INXS, The Pogues, Queen, U2 on my ipod, (with lots) more, there are a lot of good bands making music in the 00's:

Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Death Cab for Cutie, Jet, The Raconteurs, She Wants Revenge, Weezer, Audioslave, The Bravery, Decemberists, Flogging Molly, The Kooks, Modest Mouse, The Shins, etc etc.

The problem for me now is finding new music, since I don't listen to the radio anymore. It takes a lot more research and time searching around music websites, trying to find stuff I like. But the end result can be great!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Dedra C, Dallas, TX. — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:39:41 GMT

I am 28 soon to be 29 and I feel music makes the person who they are. I have so many different types of music that just takes me back to my "good old days" I have any thing from ABBA to Zeppelin! I try to hear the new so called music that is out there but find I just keep going back to my old friends! Just look at this way if you like it and no matter how old you are who cares what others think! You are only as old as you feel :-)

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

BoBinDenver — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:52:47 GMT

I'm 45 but you wouldn't know it by looking at my IPod. 90% of my music was made in the last 6 years or so. Most of the groups I listen to, the band members are 25 years or younger. Pop-punk, post hard core, emo, screamo, power pop, spunk rock, etc, etc. Love the classics, Stones, Zepplin, Police, U2, Pink Floyd, but just haven't listened to them in such a long time. Circa Survive, Zolof The Rock and Roll Destroyer, Paramore, VersaEmerge, Story of the Year, etc, ect rule my Mini, and everyone else who played at the Warped Tour. I refuse to be stuck in the past!!!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Bob, Santa Monica, CA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:55:50 GMT

For me, the magic of the iPod is that I can collect music from a myriad of genres, hit "shuffle" and then sit back and enjoy the amazing juxtapositions of Keb Mo next to Astrud Gilberto next to Ben Harper next to David Gray next to Itzhak Perlman next to Jack Johnson next to 50 Cent next to Rage Against the Machine . . .

The iPod can be a Time Machine for those who want to travel back to earlier times but I look at it more as a Timeless Machine. "Wild Horses" by the Stones vs. "Wild Horses" covered by Tim Ries with Norah Jones epitomize that timelessness -- both renditions are amazing and evoke strong feelings. And their particular time in the continuum is irrelevant. It's truly about the heart and soul of music and the iPod concept delivers that feeling to perfection!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Jean Luc, Lake Oswego, OR — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:56:01 GMT

Some of you are scaring me...."too old too fast" ?

I am 55 and I have everything from Elvis to Rilo Kiley. Tend to favor Springsteen though....My kids are the same....varied and across all genre's. However I do stay away from Rap...Kanye sucks. Winehouse is a train wreck but talented.....Britney will NEVER occupy space on my "pod".....

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

BZ — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:01:05 GMT

Today's music is just awful. Ever wonder why today's artists keep remaking songs from the 80s and 90s? Uh, because they're the BEST! Same with movies. Bands like Coldplay just make me want to puke. Give me some rock like Van Halen and Aerosmith!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

heather g, san diego ca — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:11:05 GMT

So good to know that I am not the only "hanger on" from the 90's! Someone commented about always loving music from your teen years, and it is incredibly true...my teen years were filled with New Kids on the Block (sooo happy they are back), New Edition, Bobby Brown, Paula Abdul and Color Me Badd, but luckily my mother was heavily influencing me with the music of her days, so my ipod has all of those listed above and Frank Sinatra, Rose Royce, Lou Rawls, Santana, the Temptations and many more. While I enjoy the occasional Justin Timberlake song, or Kanye West jam...my heart is firmly planted with the Oldies but Goodies...

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Smackman, Manitoba Canada. — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:27:05 GMT

Hey, don't feel bad! There's a very good reason that your iPod is filled with 90's or older bands...the music back then was simply better. I'm 27 and my iTunes playlist is mostly from the grunge era (Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam). Just wait, kids these days will eventually grow tired of the current pop/"rock" music, and they'll discover these old jems and find out just how good music could be if it isn't formulated by some corporate clown at a big lable.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

James in Indy — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:43:39 GMT

Anna, you can still find groundbreaking new stuff, just not in the mainstream. As a huge Depeche Mode and electronic fan, I share many of the groups you list. May I suggest to you the groups Shpongle (Nothing Lasts... but Nothing is Lost is the best album--er, cd--ever) Younger Brother (spinoff from Shpongle), and Infected Mushroom

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Chuck, Delray Beach, FL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:49:51 GMT

Any psychiatrist viewing the songs on my ipod would definitely conclude it's owned by a multiple personality psyco. One of the original ipods, it contains great opera arias, Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi and Beethoven before moving into the 60's through the 90's. In that period you'll find Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and move onto the Stones, Beatles, almost anything U2 and Pink Floyd with a healthy sampling of The Who and Gund 'n Roses. Elton John makes an appearance or two as does Johnny Cash. There is also a sampling of The Eagles, Joe Cocker, INXS and even some hip hop. At 62, I still can't find myself. Somebody help me.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Mike — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:07:03 GMT

i have lots of heavy metal(different styles of the genre). but as much as i like it, even i get headaches from it. so, i actually have alot of blues, ranging from "real blues" from different eras to more "rock" blues. i even have SOME rap, but more of that layed back kind of rap(if you understand what i mean) from the late 90s(i.e. snoop dogg, 2pac)

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Bill S, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:10:56 GMT

I feel the hippest of all...I would never waste money on an iPod!

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Kirsten, Mason City IA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:20:06 GMT

My shuffle says I'm a redneck, rock loving kid that lives back in the early 70's.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Lyn, OH — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:24:37 GMT

Rage IS better than Kid Rock... to say other wise the comment should begin with "you might be a redneck if...."

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

east, natrona heights, pa — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:36:48 GMT

You can't wait for music that moves you to come to you, you need to seek it out. With the decline of the broadcasting industry and the rise of the internet you can no longer afford to be a lazy music fan. As for my iPod? Master's Hammer to Miles Davis. Tangerine Dream to NoMeansNo.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Laura Sv — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:38:20 GMT

I'm only 14, but I don't listen to any of the music that comes out today. Sure, I have a few of The Fray, one Kanye West, some Lily Allen, but really not all that much. My iPod consists of 1/3 Beatles, 1/5 Johnny Cash, and a mishmash of things from the 70's and 80's. If someone were to look at me solely from my iPod, they'd probably guess I'm my parents' age :D

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Tom Black — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:38:55 GMT

I'm 39 and more hip than you, still more up to date, listen to older music than you, and newer music than you and to a lot wider breadth of genres. So, I'm well qualified to answer your question, I don't think should be so much about "oldness" as about "slowness" -- at best maybe you are just stuck in a grove. But the fact is: Yes, that playlist of yours definitely does say something.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Christopher Martin, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:51:55 GMT

Anna will you marry me? Because if we were living together and you were in a rush one morning and picked up my iPod by mistake you couldn't tell it was your iPod and not mine. Okay, I might have some more Foreigner on it than I should, but other than that...

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

FM - Denver CO — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:57:47 GMT

How in the world can you feel old at 29?
Sheesh - you've got a whole life ahead of you.
Yea Yea Yea! Just listen to the music.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

mike ca — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:07:04 GMT

your not old you just have bad taste in music thats all. spears blackout are you kidding me guns and roses i can see but spears?

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

A Wilson — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:11:06 GMT

What's an IPOD? 45's are the best. It's good exercise to get up and change songs each time.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Mary Ann, Jamestown, NY — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:17:25 GMT

AGE has nothing to do with TALENT, good music is good music. Most of the cr*p that is released now is not worth the money people are spending to produce it let alone buy it. I LOVE Classic Rock and though I don't have an I-Pod, it is what I listen to on my Sirius radio, I have over 100 channels to choose from and that' what I keep going back to. Want to know my age 37, if that makes me old then so be it but I enjoy good music and it's not based on when the song was published.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Dawn K, Denver CO — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:45:44 GMT

I also have the iPod that looks like everyone I've ever met uses it. I got a degree in music, and maybe because I studied it so extensively, I tend to have more eclectic taste than most (my friends all think I am NUTS)

I have everything from Gregorian Chant to The Roots to Hank Williams to The Rolling Stones to Panic! At the Disco to Broadway to Mozart. I always try to listen to something new or different, and love seeing what has changed with music, as well as what stays the same. It also helps that my husband is a music journalist, so we get to see famous bands in larger arenas as well as new groups in small venues. When he interviews them and asks the obligatory, "Who are your musical influences?", 9 out of 10 list one or all of the following bands: The Beatles, The Ramones, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zepplin. I would love a young musician to say "My biggest musical influence is Johannes de Garlandia". Or even "George Clinton" or "Patti LaBelle". Something different or unique or unusual. I would love someone to come right out and say that they are most influenced by "Echo and the Bunnymen". Wouldn't that just rock?

I do agree, though, that we all tend to get stuck in our younger years for our favorite music. As much as I try to be different and try to grow and expand my musical taste, I always find my way back to Pearl Jam and Janes Addiction.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

BigJ — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 06:27:35 GMT

At 55 years old, I've got a decently eclectic bunch of tunes on my 'pod, but I'll tell you, I've really been into this band, The Brakes, out of Philadelphia. What a band... that just hasn't gotten it's due yet...
Definitely worth a listen.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Rose, Columbus OH — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:08:52 GMT

Mine has a curious mix of anime and video game soundtracks, J-rock and J-pop (Japanese rock and pop for those not in the know), alternative music, rock, pop, and country. I LOVE music from the '60s and '70s (especially the Beatles and the Rolling Stones), and I was born in freaking 1985! But I just love music, and just about any genre; no rap, no blue grass, no Broadway, and not too much classical. There is a small amount of classical, but it annoys me to listen to it too much.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Toni, New Orleans, LA — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:48:23 GMT

NIN sucks nowadays, its just Trent making crappy mixes. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake? Come on, those beats are created for them, not made by them (not to mention the lyrics are so generic and juvenile it nearly makes your head explode). And you DON'T like Amy Winehouse or Kanye - two of the two top 40 artists that actually have raw talent? You aren't old, your music lacks quality. There was some good stuff in the 90s, but if you can't find good, new music, you simply aren't looking. Try some Arcade Fire or Interpol, looking for good music in the top 40s and staying in one decade is fail.

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Tracy, Grandview, Indiana — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:12:02 GMT

I think that this is one of the greatest things about the mp3's. The fact that you can go from one genre to the next, go from one era to the next, from one great artist to the next, all with the Shuffle mode. I don't think this "dates" us, I think this makes us all "un-ageable"! Remember, "variety is the spice of life".

Is my iPod saying I'm old?!

Peggy, Long Beacg CA — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:15:08 GMT

So maybe we boomers can be forgiven for still listening to 60's and 70's music now that Gen X can't get past their own musically formative years...