There's usually a tune in my head too--I wonder if that's behind the problem? Maybe the external music interferes with the Walkman in my head? It's OK if I get to chose the music; I can do this at home or in my car, but I wouldn't subject other people to it by taking a ghetto-blaster (can I say that?) with me.

Talking of in- and out-car entertainment, I think the problem there is that the doors aren't well enough insulated to keep the sound in (although having the windows open doesn't help!). I have to turn my radio/tape player up to hear it over the engine noise, and my aging ears insist that I turn it up more than I used to; but I've found that if I get out and close the doors, the noise is quite loud on the outside. I drive faster now, so as to reduce the time people have to suffer!

It's some comfort to know I'm not the ony one who has the problem with public music, but at the same time it's saddening to realise it's upsetting so many. Hey--I've just thought of this--why are we doubly persecuted in Engalnd & Wales, where we have to put up with this recorded stuff in so many public places, but we're not allowed to make our own music? (See HELP CHANGE MUSIC IN MY COUNTRY and You can't Sing here.

Steve