When we bought our first computer back in 2000, Winamp was one of the few software that came pre-installed. The computer guy had also put some Malayalam and Hindi songs. So the first thing we used to do, as a ritual, when we switch on the system was to open a playlist in Winamp. After a while, we tried Jet Audio (the music player that literally resembled a Hi-Fi audio system) and Sonique. But eventually, it was Winamp that survived the battle. In those days, the CDs that came with computer magazines had few Winamp skins in the 'resources' section and to someone bored by the uninspiring Windows 98 GUI, these skins were refreshing. We used to quarrel (me and my brother) about what skin to select!! Ironically, the default Winamp skin was the go-to choice in the end!!
Although much has been changed in the decade after that, a decade that saw the rise of 'bees', 'monkeys' and a certain 'apple' fight for the pole position of desktop music players, Winamp is still there in the 'programs' list. For a generation to whom Winamp was the real window to the wonderful world of computers, to whom it offered a world of musical opportunities, it’s heartening to see the ageing llama given the death warrant. When sun rises above the misty whirls of a winter morning bringing along with it the joys of Christmas across the world, Winamp and the ubiquitous llama will breathe their last and will forever be a part of history.
Thank you for the memories, the experience and the wonderful notes of music you played!
Winamp shuts down on December 20th: http://lifehacker.com/winamp-our-favorite-media-player-for-windows-is-shutt-1468411866
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