Popular music has a knack for engraining itself in the sub conscious, forever associated with a particular time, place and experience. My music library is littered with "like" songs, each carrying a story unto itself, immediately catapulting me back in time to some "special time".

Everyone has 'em…first love, getting into trouble at East Park (oh, that's just me?), the song you first slow danced to…or in my case, my first slow skate.

Unfortunately, the experience is not right out of the pages of a harlequin romance. Nay!

Everyone has an album or a song (a guilty pleasure, so to speak) that you wouldn't want your friends to find out you enjoy listening to. One example for me is Stripped by Christina Aguilera. A perfectly good album, but to some of my acquaintances a purchase I should be very ashamed of. I'll also admit to groovin' to Bon Jovi, The Outfield, Night Ranger and Britney Spears in my van when I come across them on the radio. I've admitted my shameful music moments - now it's your turn. What music do you secretly love?

Music has many devices that can draw your ear in for a listen, but I think the most subtle way is through the lyrics. While a great guitar riff or a pounding beat can catch your interest immediately, it takes time to draw you in with lyrics. If lyrics are really great, they can pull you in with their imagery, their story, their statement about our world, and sometimes with their wit and humor.

I got an iPod for Christmas! I’m excited about all of my new listening options, but does having an iPod mean no longer buying albums?