Just got an iPod a few weeks ago. I've had a few MP3 players, but none with a really viable playlist function. I've finally gotten to the point where I want to start putting some playlists together (I've been underwhelmed by the Genius function to this point). Outside of a very pedestrian playlist of new songs I want to listen too (Recent Favorites - even the name is lame), I don't have any really good ideas short of some greatest hits for some favorite bands.

So... please post your favorite playlist - including name and any inspiration, i.e. you're using it to workout, for long drives, to commute to work, etc.

As soon as I put some together I'll post mine.

You're not going to like mine.
Binaural tones,
Hypnosis scripts (some really messed up stuff)
Multiple versions of Pachelbel's Canon in D
Multiple versions of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.

There's some music on one or two of them, but
up until yesterday, my best player was a 256Mb
player and I had to loop the binaurals at 5 minutes
to get them all on there.

I bought a 2 Gig player yesterday. I can put some
music on mine now!

I'm not much help.

I use a lot of Smart Playlists in iTunes, based on song ratings, genres, playcounts, and date last played (or not,) or skipped. It's taken a few years, and some discipline, but it works fairly well:
Keeping those genre tags organized allows easy Smart Playlist creation. For instance, I can build a playlist that is any song rated 4 stars or greater, where Genre is Alternative Rock. Or a playlist that has any Classical piece rated 4 stars or greater, if I'm in the mood for some true classic. I have another playlist that is any song with "rock" in the genre and rated over 4 starts. There's a "4 Stars Country" playlist for trips back home to BFE.

My favorite playlist is the "4 Stars" playlist. This includes any song that is NOT Classical, New Age, or Audio books, and rated 4 stars or greater. It makes a very interesting and somewhat eclectic mix, and currently contains over 1350 songs. I've been listening to this playlist since 4/2, and have about another 400 songs to go before I'm finished.

In addition to the Smart Playlists, I have a few normal playlists that I build based on mood. There isn't really any rhyme or reason other than "these are the artists/songs I feel like listening to today."

Also, Video and anything spoken (audiobooks, comedians, etc) is kept separate from the song playlists. I wish the Smart Playlists could do an "or" command, but since they don't I use a lot of "is not" specifications to keep stuff out.

The Genius function can be hit or miss, but I've got a few it generated that I've enjoyed.

Joanna Newsom ~ This Side Of The Blue


The Lovin' Spoonful ~ Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?


The Cramps ~ Bikini Girls With Machine Guns

It's like I have 3 completely different Ipods shuffling (though it's interesting to note that Bob Dylan does appear on all three lists).

I've got ideas for actual playlists (2 minute long songs, wacky cover versions, etc.) but I never get around to actually making them.