I couldn’t find any solutions at Apple’s web site, but a web search eventually uncovered this post at fonzo.biz: iPod Nano Artwork – Fixed

The posted fix is a couple years old, so apparently this problem has been around for a while, and a scan of the comments seems to indicate that moving large numbers of albums onto and off the iPod triggers the album cover shuffle. The post is also outdated for newer versions of iTunes where the option to enable/disable album artwork display on iPod is now on the Music tab for the device, and not in the Preferences section of iTunes.

As far as I can tell, the fix worked fine for me, but it took a long time re-syncing the album covers. Long as in a few hours.

UPDATE DEC. 2007: Last FM temporarily disabled, as the Windows plugin caused me all sorts of headaches. It will be reinstalled when I switch over entirely to Mac in January 08.

Akon did his best plumber buttcrack impersonation; Fall Out Boy was kinda flat and ripe; Lenny Kravitz, sadly, looks like he’s gained more weight than I have since I quit smoking; Enrique Iglesius *is* smoking hot; I’ve had more than enough of the Police reunion already, thank you; and I’ve must listen to more Linkin Park. And finally, I managed to watch most of Roger Waters’ performance. I’m a big Pink Floyd fan, and I think Waters (right) had one of the best sets of the event. And in a bit of serendipity, I was listening to Waters’ The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking on the way home from work, and thought it amusing and odd that I saw at least 6 people with Dark Side of the Moon T-shirts on during the commute. It wasn’t until I was on the train and leafing through the Boston Now that I discovered Waters is playing at the Boston Garden this evening. I should follow concert schedules more closely — that is a show I would like to see. (He reportedly plays Dark Side of the Moon in it’s entirety for the second half of his show.)

While watching the concert, I also checked out the Live Earth web site and took one of those “how green are you?” quizzes. I was surprised to get rated “worse than average.” I know that having a gas-guzzling full size 4WD pickup gets me no bonus points, but the thing is over 4 years old and has less than 20,000 miles on it, so I’m way below average on miles driven. I use public transportation for 98% of my commute. I think it was the amount of air travel that knocked my score low, and I only do leisure flying, and that’s a not usually more than 6 round trips a year. And certainly, the annual heating bill didn’t help. We heat a huge house, in New England, that also uses the heating system for on-demand hot water. Our local heating fuel company loves us, to say the least.

I’m still giving myself a “greener than average” score, since the quiz didn’t take into account recycling and other small individual conservation measures. I think those add up as well, and I’ve been recycling as long as I can remember — long before curbside recycling was common. I used to haul away all my recyclables: bottles to one place, cans to another place, paper to a farm (they shredded it for bedding, and it was the only option I could find for newspapers, magazines, phone books, etc.). And for many years we’ve been taking canvas bags to the supermarket to carry our groceries home. And when we don’t take the canvas bags, it’s because we need plastic bags for cat litter or papers bags for bagging our paper and junk mail for recycling.

And given my long-held thoughts about junk mail, I think I’ve found a new cause for Al Gore (if he’s not going to run for president): how about greening up the U.S. Postal system. He could save a helluva lot of forests.

In alphabetical order by artist:

The Information – Beck — Beck shelved this album for a while in 2004-05 to record and release Guero, then returned to (and re-mixed/re-recorded a lot of) The Information. Described by some as “quasi hip-hop,” it’s got all the fantastic hooks and weird experimentation one would expect from a Beck album. The cover art for the album (LP and CD) showed only Beck’s name and was otherwise blank, but came with sheets of stickers so you could make your own album cover. The cover art here is what you got if you bought the album through iTunes.
My favorite cut: “Think I’m In Love”
Interesting tidbit: Beck’s first single, independently released in 1993, was titled “MTV Makes Me Want To Smoke Crack.”

Modern Times – Bob Dylan — Starting with 1997’s Time Out Of Mind, through 2001’s Love and Theft, and now in 2006 with Modern Times, Bob Dylan has arguably put together the best 3-album arc of his career. It’s fairly pointless to use superlatives when describing Dylan. He has nothing left to prove, and yet he produces an album that plays like an effortless masterpiece.
My favorite cut: “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”
Interesting tidbit: Modern Times was self-produced by Dylan under the pseudonym Jack Frost.

St. Elsewhere – Gnarls Barkley — The first album from a collaboration between JD/producer Danger Mouse and musician/vocalist Cee-Lo was one of the biggest hits of the year with one of the most distinctive breakout tracks in recent memory: “Crazy.” Another standout track is the fantastic cover of the Violent Femme’s “Gone Daddy Gone.”
My favorite cut other than ‘Crazy’: “Who Cares?”
Interesting tidbit: As crazy popular as “Crazy” was, it never hit #1 — the song spent 7 consecutive weeks at #2 on the charts behind Nelly Furtado’s massively-popular “Promiscuous.”

Last Man Standing – Jerry Lee Lewis — Lewis, one of rock and roll’s original bad boys and first-year inductee into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, returns at the age 71 with his first record in over 15 years. It’s a collection of covers, many performed with the original artists — a veritable parade of fellow Hall of Famers. “Rock and Roll” with Jimmy Page, “Trouble in Mind” with Eric Clapton, “Travelin’ Band” with John Fogerty … you get the idea. Given Lewis’ history with his notoriously underage bride, the inclusion here of “Sweet Little Sixteen” with Ringo Starr will produce a grin or a cringe, depending on your point of view.
My favorite cut: “Pink Cadillac” with Bruce Springsteen
Interesting tidbit: The album included 1 of 10 different bonus tracks, depending on where you bought the album. Five other tracks recorded but not released included “Roll Over Beethoven” with Ringo Starr, Ivan Neville, and Nils Lofgren.

Ringleader of the Tormentors – Morrissey — The follow-up to Morrissey’s 2004’s “comeback” album (You Are The Quarry) is not as urgent and raw as it’s predecessor, which turned some fans off. And while I’ll agree it’s not as strong a set as Quarry, it’s a solid album nonetheless. It debuted at #1 on the UK charts, and of course never even made it into the Top 20 in the US.
My favorite cut: “You Have Killed Me”
Interesting tidbit: On “Dear God Please Help Me” Morrissey uses a string arrangement by fellow Rome resident Ennio Morricone, who later this month will become only the second composer in history to be honored with the Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.

How To Get Everything You Ever Wanted In Ten Easy Steps – Ordinary Boys — This is the third album (and best so far) from the English faux-Mod pop band. It’s rollicking fun … think Franz Ferdinand crossed with the Stray Cats, in a package that’s a super cute boy band channeling The Smiths.
My favorite cut: Tough call — “Lonely At The Top” edges “Who’s That Boy”
Interesting tidbit: Lead singer (Samuel) Preston was a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother and is also a descendent of former British prime miniter Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey.

Fundamental – Pet Shop Boys — Here’s the sad truth of the US music marketplace: this album peaked on the Billboard 200 chart at #150. This is one of the best, if not THE best, album of the year. It peaked at #5 in the UK. Looking at the rest of my list, maybe I should just move to London — I’d clearly enjoy the music scene. In any case, this album has not a dud to be found, and some outstanding tracks including “I’m With Stupid,” “Numb,” and “The Sodom and Gomorrah Show.”
My favorite cut: “Integral”
Interesting tidbit: The album is dedicated to two Iranian teenagers who were hanged for being gay.

Highway Companion – Tom Petty — Tom Petty is without the Heartbreakers for his third official solo album (after Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers). The album feels both lush and stripped down. It’s consistently good across the board, with “Saving Grace” an instant Petty classic.
My favorite cut: “Saving Grace” – one of the year’s best songs
Interesting tidbit: The album was produced by fellow Traveling Wilbury and legendary Electric Light Orchestra front man Jeff Lynne, who also produced Petty’s first solo album, the awesome Full Moon Fever.

Stadium Arcadium – Red Hot Chili Peppers. A sprawling 28-song double album full of Chili Pepper’s signature funk, intricate riffs, and driving rhythms. It reportedly started out as a 38-song set that was scheduled over 3 albums in quick succession(!). Probably the band’s best and tightest album since Blood Sugar Sex Magik.
My favorite cut: “Snow ((Hey Oh))”
Interesting tidbit: The band was originally called Tony Flow and the Miraculous Masters of Mayhem. I’m glad they changed the name.

Futuresex/Lovesounds – Justin Timberlake — I’d say Justin Timberlake has fully outgrown his boy band image. This is self-assured, sexy, provocative, and damn-near irresistible pop/dance album. Life’s rough when you’re the new king of pop and you dump Cameron Diaz for Scarlett Johanson. Justin’s so naughty I think I need to spank him.
My favorite cut: “Lovestoned”
Interesting tidbit: Futuresex/Lovesounds producer Timbaland reportedly produced 3 songs recorded by Duran Duran in NYC last fall, and one of those 3 songs is a Duran Duran duet with Justin Timberlake.

Return to Cookie Mountain – TV On The Radio — A fascinating album that, I suspect, tends to elicit strong reactions — you’ll either love it or hate it. It’s the first major-label release (and second full-length album overall) for the NYC-based avant garge indie rock bank.
My favorite cut: “Wolf Like Me”
Interesting tidbit: David Bowie (a big fan of the group) adds background vocals on the song “Province.”

Rudebox – Robbie Williams — I reviewed Rudebox here on the blog last November. And bitched and complained because he doesn’t get the respect (and following) in the US that he deserves. No hesitation in including Rudebox on this list.
My favorite cut: “Good Doctor”
Interesting tidbit: Lily Allen, whose new album Alright, Still is getting a lot of good buzz, sings background vocals here on “Bongo Bong and Je Ne T’aime Plus” and “Keep On.”

Because I had a hard time cutting the list off at a dozen, here are another half-dozen that just missed the cut:

• Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not – Arctic Monkeys (great album, a little tired of all the hype);
• Taking The Long Way – Dixie Chicks (I think this will win best album Grammy, mostly because of politics rather than the music);
• The Captain and the Kid – Elton John (surprisingly strong effort, some of the best stuff he and Taupin have done in 20 years);
• Soundtrack – The U.S. vs. John Lennon (a great collection … kind of like a greatest hits of all the songs that don’t usually make it onto a John Lennon greatest hits);
• Continuum – John Mayer (I think this Mayer kid’s got a great future ahead of him);
• Broken Boy Soldiers – The Raconteurs (Jack White and friends rock out).

Finally, getting a head start on next year, here’s what I’m currently enjoying:

• A Weekend In The City – Bloc Party
• Wincing The Night Away – The Shins
• Life In Cartoon Motion – Mika
• and my now mostly-restored Beatles and John Lennon catalogs

Unfortunately, Robbie’s newest album appears slated for the same fate, as Rudebox will apparently only be available via iTunes. And this is a shame, because Rudebox is a fantastic set. Williams’ departs from the more cohesive themes of his past few albums and branches out to sample and explore. He worked with several different producers here, and the result is some light pop, some power pop, some rock, some rap/hiphop, and generally a lot of fun with a lot of great hooks.

Producers include 2 songs with William Orbit (who worked with Madonna on Ray of Light) and 2 songs with Pet Shop Boys. And Robbie’s continuing collaborations with Stephen Duffy this time around include a hot cover of Duffy’s band Tin Tin’s dance hit “Kiss Me.” Standout songs include the title track, the drug rap “Good Doctor,” the funky “Never Touch That Switch,” the rhythmic “Bongo Bong,” and “She’s Madonna” (one of the two collaborations with PSB).

The only dud here is his mediocre cover of Human League’s “Louise” and I have mixed feelings about the back-to-back autobiographical tracks “The 80s” and “The 90s.” I think it’s an interesting concept, but the songs are a bit rambling and take up 10 minutes. I wonder if he might have created a great song by combining them and using his best 7 minutes of hooks and refrains.

1. Gwen Stefani – Love, Angel, Music, Baby
2. Mariah Carey – The Emancipation of Mimi
3. The Strokes – First Impressions of Earth
4. Eminem – Curtain Call
5. My Lives (iTunes Version) – Billy Joel
6. John Mayer Trio – Try! (Live)
7. Madonna – Confessions On a Dance Floor
8. Neil Diamond – 12 Songs
9. Sufjan Stevens – Illinois
10. Robbie Williams – Intensive Care
11. My Morning Jacket – Z
12. Josh Rouse – Bedroom Classics, Vol. 2 (EP)
13. John Fogerty – The Long Road Home
14. Fiona Apple – Extraordinary Machine
15. Franz Ferdinand – You Could Have It So Much Better
16. Paul McCartney – Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
17. Kanye West – Late Registration
18. Ben Folds – iTunes Originals
19. The New Pornographers – Twin Cinema
20. Eels – Electro-Shock Blues
21. Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill Acoustic
22. The White Stripes – Get Behind Me Satan
23. Coldplay – X&Y
24. Britney Spears – Greatest Hits: My Prerogative
25. Spoon – Gimme Fiction
26. The Bens – EP
27. Dave Matthews Band – Stand Up
28. Spamalot
29. Eels – Blinking Lights and Other Revelations
30. Ben Folds – Songs for Silverman
31. Bruce Springsteen – Devils & Dust
32. The Bravery
33. Beck – Guero
34. Fiona Apple – When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts …
35. Fiona Apple – Tidal
36. Bloc Party – Silent Alarm
37. Queens of the Stone Age – Lullabies to Paralyze
38. The Decemberists – Picaresque
39. Josh Rouse – Nashville
40. Kaiser Chiefs – Employment
41. Usher – Confessions
42. Eminem – The Slim Shady LP
43. Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP
44. LCD Soundsystem
45. Alicia Keys – The Diary of Alicia Keys
46. Ray Charles – Genius Loves Company

And speaking of showtunes, I highly recommend the Broadway cast album for Monty Python’s Spamalot — what a hoot! I can’t wait to see this show, but it looks like it will be many, many months until reasonably good tickets are available. Why? Because Broadway has finally found a show that appeals in a big way to straight white men. You just know someone, somewhere, right now, is working on a musical theatre treatment of Animal House.

Duross O’Bryan testified that as of February 2003, the month that a damaging documentary about Jackson aired on television, Jackson had $10.5 million in unpaid vendor invoices and only $38,000 in cash in bank accounts.