iTunes does a Last.fm. Sort of.

I've been a fan of last.fm for years now - not least because I do like the idea of parading my somewhat individual music taste. Now, finally, Apple bring their own offering as part of iTunes 8 - the modestly named Genius. For an overview of how it works and how the other players in the market are taking it, take a look at this piece from Wired.com.

All in all, I like it. The playlists are sensitive with the odd surprise, and I've re-discovered a few gems I'd completely lost in the morass of music I have.

However - is it really as clever as it makes out? Well, I tried it out on me. The next step up from vanity googling, I suppose. 

Nope. Nothing. Nada. Last.fm wins there. Still, in the great scheme of things, I am possibly the ultimate in minority tastes on iTunes. I've seen the sales figures. Let's just say the Lear Jet will have to wait until next week. So; not surprised there, to be honest.

However, there is a fly in the ointment. PC World tried the same stunt with a somewhat less-unknown band. I'll not spoil the surprise.