Abstract: A method of assigning a popularity rating to a media recording. A play instruction is generated in response to movement of a switch into an ON position and media playback is started. A stop instruction is generated in response to movement of the switch into an OFF position and the playback is stopped. A play duration indicative of the time lapse between receipt of the play instruction and receipt of the stop instruction is recorded; and a popularity rating assigned to the media recording in accordance with the play duration. A method of selecting and playing a media recording. Play histories are assigned to two or more media recordings, the play histories recording the order in which the media recording were last played. Probability values are assigned to the media recordings at least partially in accordance with their play histories. The probability of selection of each recording is determined by its probability value.