iTunes Genius. Thoughts?

[Spoon]

Hey everyone. I've just started using the iTunes Genius now that iTunes 8 is out and I think I'm enjoying it. So far the selections aren't as "on the money" as I'd like them to be, but they work for the most part.

The thing I like most is the Genius Sidebar. I'm always browsing the iTunes Store, looking for more music based on what I already have.

So what do you guys think? Like it, love it, hate it?

[Pepper]

I completely agree with you, its fantastic. When i first heard Kevin Rose talk about it, I thought it would be another feature of iTunes I wouldn't bother using, but infact, I have really come to enjoy it. It really has come in very handy, and as you mentioned... its spot on with the song selection, and finds songs in my library that I may not have listened to in a while.

Also, the sidebar. I do the same thing as you. Browsing the iTunes store always looking for something new, and that sidebar really makes things much easier and i'm pretty satisfied with what Apple has given us.

[Rivers]

Ya, even tho it seems like a way for Apple to sell more music (which it is), it's TOOOTALLY worth it to have the sidebar. Well done Apple! :)

[n1nj4]

I think it's t3h suxorz. Much f41l.
Last.fm and Pandora radio are gonna get left in the dark for a suckier product. Why don't they just license their algorithms? At least then it'd work right, and then they could save Pandora Radio.

Grumblerumblerumble...

[Spoon]

After using it for a while, I've decided it's not as good as I thought. It does pick music that "goes well together"... sort of. It just seems like it's doing the "hey, if you like this artist, you'll like this one too" deal in your library. I may like The Decemberists and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, but they don't go well together. :sigh:

[Tandersn9]

Hmm I think that its alright, some times it works sometimes it doesn't. An example is the song Windowpane by Opeth,which is a mellow. I made a playlist of that song and itunes put a necophagist song in it, which is a brutal death metal.

its hit or miss at the moment, hopefully it gets smarter as time goes on

[outaru]

it's good when you wan't instant playlist, just a though.. what if apple put a rating system to it.. so itunes will know how user rate each playlist to eventually discover the best playlist for a song..

[Spoon]

I totally agree, it needs a rating system. At the very least a thumbs up or down thing would really help things along with the Genius playlists. I happen to be listening to one on my iPhone right now that isn't bad, but I'd "thumbs down" a couple of tracks.

[dietpepsi8]

i honestly think apple is overhyping it! but that is just my opinion. It isn't that great. :(

[hauntedtrail13]

I think the genius playlist is actually pretty cool. It's defanitly a good idea. Almost similar to what you would do to mix music if you were a dj. But there are a few things they can improve, to make it that much more fun.

[Bernie]

We all have good days and bad days and Genius is no different.

Don't read the playlist.

Just make like you are listening to the radio and let it happen. My music spans decades and genres. If I read the list I just know it won't work. But I just let it happen and it was great.

Listener experience may vary. If irritation persists stop using and consult a Genius.

Cathedral Crosby, Stills & Nash CSN
Yours Is No Disgrace Yes The Yes Album
Breakdown The Alan Parsons Project I Robot
Undun The Guess Who The Greatest Of The Guess Who
I'm Free The Who The Ultimate Collection [Disc 1] M
God Bless The Child Blood, Sweat & Tears Blood, Sweat & Tears
Hold Your Head Up Argent The Argent Anthology
San Jacinto Peter Gabriel Shaking The Tree: 16 Golden Greats
A Face In The Crowd Tom Petty Full Moon Fever
It Can Happen Yes 90125
Miracles Jefferson Starship Red Octopus
Dark Star Crosby, Stills & Nash CSN
Gallows Pole Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin [Disc 2]
5'15 The Who The Ultimate Collection [Disc 2]
Let It Grow Eric Clapton The Cream of Clapton
I Can't Quit Her Blood, Sweat & Tears Child Is Father To The Man
I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You The Alan Parsons Project I Robot
Hand Me Down World The Guess Who The Greatest Of The Guess Who
Rough Boys Pete Townshend Empty Glass
Long Distance Runaround Yes Fragile
Bargain The Who The Ultimate Collection [Disc 1]
Biko Peter Gabriel Shaking The Tree: 16 Golden Greats
Silver Blue & Gold Bad Company Original Bad Company Anthology
In My Dreams Crosby, Stills & Nash CSN
Ten Years Gone Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin [Disc 3]

[Beast]

I love using Genius. Party shuffle could never do it for me because I'd be listening to Seconhand Serenade, then Little Mermaid, then Finger 11, then some book on tape. This is a very nice tool and I love that it's included on the iPhone.

[iLiam]

Yee I love it