computers are astonishing

as per the freakonomics blog, i happened upon pandora.com. it builds custom radio stations depending on what you tell it you like it. i told it *one* song and it built me a perfect radio station, with this information:

Based on what you’ve told us so far we’re playing this track because it features a subtle use of vocal harmon, demanding instrumental part writing, extensive vamping, thru composed melodic style and minor key tonality.

Holy crap. I told it *one* song and it figured out exactly what the music I like contains. To a frighteningly accurate point. The people at the music genome project are incredible.