I finally slunk into the 21st century this week, purchasing a portable pod device with which to play audio files.
The tipping point came when a friend explained that you can get podcasts of Le Show. Nora wisely points out that “podcast” is really just a fancy marketing word for “mp3 file you can download and listen to whenever you want.” What can I say? She’s right, of course, but I once bought a pair of Nike running shoes, too. I’m just not that bright when it comes to the wily ways of those skilled marketing professionals.
Once I realized I could set up playlists to skip those insufferably long Mickey Hart drum solos, I was hooked. Another friend pointed out that it’s easy to fix the Mickey Hart problem by keeping Grateful Dead music off the pod device entirely. What can I say? I’m just not that bright when it comes to the wily ways of those skilled marketing professionals.
Which reminds me of a favorite joke:
Q: What’d the Deadhead say when he ran out of pot?
A: “Hey man.” Quizzical pause. “This music sucks.”
So, there’s no way to email John fleck?
Stealing from an old British soccer joke….
Q. What’s the worst thing you can call a Grateful Dead fan?
A. A Grateful Dead fan
Oh, I used to make those Grateful Dead jokes too, believe me I did. But then I started living with a Deadhead … and we got separate iPods. Now it’s harmony with a capital H. And I even picked a few of the cooler songs to put on mine. Word to the wise. Don’t fill up a bunch of space with John Mayer. The iPod tends to favor him on Random mode. Could it be the 21st Century version of Alan Freed? Hmmm.