Ohh! Monica!

Don't you wonder sometimes, 'bout sound and vision?

Is it just me, or have big, expensive hi-fi systems become far less trendy status symbols? Obviously download-able music has become commonplace, and in doing so, it has made the CD player an unnecessary device for many. But it seems that the iPod/iPhone/iEverything age has made the huge sound system (with "mega bass" and speakers that are 5 ft high proudly displayed in the lounge/chill out room; the type of thing you could win on The Price Is Right or buy from shops like Quantum) a tragic, 90s, middle-class embarrassment. It used to be impressive but now it's a little bit sad.

These days, you're "with it" if you can fit your entire music and DVD collection onto your 6000GB iPod video that also connects to the internet better than any computer ever could.

I'm sure this observation is nothing you haven't all thought of before, but it just struck me over the weekend while I was looking for a new CD player. How quickly the grand becomes tacky.

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Also, how funny is the word "Ghetto Blaster"?! It's so descriptive of a classic stereotype (pun not intended but certainly approved). It is not used to play music but to "blast the ghetto". And it's great how, in the 80s, everyone seemed to refer to "ghetto blasters" without even a hint of irony. And how old people still called CD players "ghetto blasters" or "boom boxes", even until recently!

I don't know how to like these bands

Not that I feel like I have to like them, but the following are very popular, critically acclaimed, successful bands that I just don't get. I guess there's no great mystery as to why I don't like them; it's just not my type of music, but I'm sure everyone has their own equivalent list, so I'll share mine anyway.

The Foo Fighters
Somehow, for me, any Foo Fighters' song sounds like it's been playing for about 10 minutes, regardless of its actual length. They've got an impressive discography but I just don't think I'll ever like them.

Kiss
It is beyond me why this band is so huge. They're nothing but an overblown gimmick. For most of these bands it's a case of "it's not you... it's me"; but with Kiss, I think it's them.

Nine Inch Nails
Most people have nothing but good things to say about Trent Reznor and his music. I can see how innovative he is. I like 'Head Like A Hole'. But that's about it. What am I missing with this band?

Beastie Boys
I like a bit of 80s hip hop (De La Soul, Public Enemy are great!) but I don't think I've ever enjoyed a Beastie Boys song. I didn't even go through a brief faze of liking them.

Arctic Monkeys
Time will eventually tell us if these guys are the real deal, but I'm willing to take a stab and say "no, they are not". "Chav rock" doesn't really appeal to me, and I think they're one of many hyped up British bands that no one will remember in ten years. I thought The Libertines were a better band.

It feels good to get that out there. Anyone else want to confess?