I just came across a service called Meemix (.com). It’s one of those personal web radio stations where you put in a favorite artist and it tries to guess what kind of music you like to hear. You rate the songs and it adapts to your tastes.

These things have traditionally turned out to be Web Disasters but I figured I’d give it a shot. My other music-intensive friends love these things, so I keep wondering why I don’t. T he answer always smacks me in the face (like my wife after I make certain suggestions)…

I figured I’d go with a safe bet and typed in Jeff Beck.
It obliged with a track from Blow by Blow. I rated it best.

It followed with Phish.
I don’t like Phish. But I figured I’d try training the service and maybe come up with some new music I’d like. I rated it not so good.

It brought up some atmospheric weird jazz.
No thanks.

It tried Pheobe Snow.
Bzzzzzt.

Then it played Lyle Lovett.
I liked it and rated it thusly.

Because of the extensive training I did, it played Phish again.
I didn’t like Phish any more than I did the first time I told it I didn’t.

It made a swift left turn, playing Chris Poland.
I’d never heard of him, but he’s a decent guitarist, so I rated it good.

Well, it had obviously figured me out, so next up was Dave Matthews.
I don’t have anything against Mr Matthews, but I don’t listen to him.

The service figured it would play it safe and tried another Jeff Beck tune.
Yes, I’m really expanding my horizons now, aren’t I? If I like Jeff Beck, perhaps I’d like Jeff Beck!!

Hey, it thought - here’s something new: Xmas music!
I don’t like xmas music and it’s not even xmas.

Perhaps some James Taylor xmas music, then….
Nope. Still don’t like xmas music. I like james Taylor, though.

POOF - Liquid Tension Experiment.
I like this. I also know about them.

At this point, it KNOWS me like the back of its hand and puts on Madonna.
I fucking DESPISE Madonna. Her only talent is marketing. I give it a minus six.

Meemix counters with Lightnin Hopkins. Playing xmas music.
Third xmas music suggestion that I continue to not like.

By now it’s personal. Time to whip out the Christina Aguilera!
You’re kidding me, right? Talentless ho. No mo.

Surprise - Jeff Beck!
Considering that’s what I put in first, this thing is really bright.

Curveball - Phish.
What is it about I DON’T LIKE PHISH that you fail to grasp?

Fats Domino sings songs of xmas?
I don’t listen to songs of xmas.

How about some more Chris Poland then?
Yes, he’s the 2nd artist I liked. How about something else?

Ok, Phish.

AHA. I get it.
This is not an adaptive service - it’s an experiment to see how long people are willing to be abused by an anonymous web service!

Right now there are six technicians looking at a console, laughing hysterically at me.
“Hey, let’s give him some more Phish!!! And xmas music by Britney Spears!!”

This is why I carry mp3’s with me everywhere I go.