GarageSpin

Continuing an iPod-related stream of discussion, I thought a band's use of an iPod Shuffle as a means of album distribution was quite an interesting marketing gimmick. The Sexahol Shuffle comes preloaded with the Sexahol's 12-song album "Enjoy!".

Though I'm in the market for a digital music player, I probably won't opt for this particular off-shoot of the Shuffle. However, I commend them for the idea. They're simultaneously hitching a ride with a product that's already high in demand, and generating a ton of buzz by being the first band to do it.

What will the next innovative marketing gimmick be? Garage bands and home recording studio musicians that think big and "out of the box" (I despise that buzzword) can reap handsome rewards.

Since we're on the topic of Shuffle-related marketing gimmicks... LuxPro, a company in Taiwan, recently announced the Super Shuffle. Its resemblance to an iPod Shuffle is beyond striking. However, LuxPro's version is better -- it includes an FM radio tuner and a voice recorder.

Apple's legal team pounced on the mimic quickly, and it's not likely we'll see the Super Shuffle on store shelves (which is a darn shame). However, the sheer gall of LuxPro to do what it did is sure to earn them a significant amount of buzz. If they recover from the lawsuits, they should do well; I wouldn't be surprised if that was the plan in the first place.