One of the fundamental pleasures of the iPod is the ability to listen to anything you like, anywhere you like, at any time you like. You could be on a beach in Jamaica listening to the Clash, in a fancy Florence hotel listening to a spot of Keith Jarrett, or you could be squashed into economy, crossing the Atlantic, listening to Mansun's 'Wide Open Space' or Leo Sayer's 'You Make Me Feel Like Dancing' (ha ha).
Personally I love the sensation of being halfway round the world, 24 hours from home, and hearing my favourite songs swirling around the room. You're never alone with an iPod, and for me it's become a very particular way of curing homesickness. It can also mend a broken heart, accompany a cinematic sunset, and - incredibly important, this - act as a seduction tool.
Ten tunes for a dirty weekend
I Want You Marvin Gaye
The sexiest record ever made.
Stay David Bowie
The second sexiest ever made.
Trick Me Kelis
One of the few records that actually sounds like sex.
I've Got You Under My Skin Frank Sinatra
A record you can play before, during and after.
Slave To The Rhythm Grace Jones
A tune to play when you're being tied to the bedposts.
One From The Heart Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle
The perfect tune for post-coital bliss.
Too Much Time Captain Beefheart
It works (I've tried it!).
More Than A Woman The Bee Gees
Just in case your partner needs a bit of karaoke to get them in the mood.
Don't Make Me Wait Too Long Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
A song both of you can sing.
You Might Need Somebody Randy Crawford
While you're having cocktails on Friday night.
Ten tunes for a city break
Neon Lights Kraftwerk
The sexiest urban record ever made.
West End Girls The Pet Shop Boys
The perfect weekend record.
Beautiful Day U2
Puts you in the mood for anything. Even a trip to a museum.
Windmills Of Your Mind Noel Harrison
A pure escapist thrill ...
Love Town Booker Newberry III
Do you feel lucky, punk?
Dancing In The Street Martha & The Vandellas
Go on then, do it!
The Boys Are Back In Town Thin Lizzy
If you're on a bachelor weekend.
Pacific Coast Highway Burt Bacharach
Especially if you're in California.
London Calling The Clash
If your city break is the capital, that is.
Hot In The City Billy Idol
Unless it's winter, of course.
Ten tunes for the beach
The Warmth Of The Sun The Beach Boys
The beautiful song Brian Wilson wrote after the assassination of JFK.
At The River Groove Armada
A tonic for anyone 'fond of sand dunes and salty air'.
Rock Your Body Justin Timberlake
If you're going to dance on the sand, dance to this.
Love Is The Word Sweetback
Includes samples from Grease and the Isley Brothers' 'Between The Sheets'.
Mas Que Nada Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
The best funky beach bossa nova record you'll ever hear.
The Girl With The Sun In Her Hair John Barry
He may be famous for his James Bond themes, but this shampoo commercial is his best work.
Music To Watch Girls By Ray Conniff
A preposterous take on the battle of the sexes. Sublime.
La Femme D'Argent Air
Ice-cool chillout for boiling hot days.
The Way Young Lovers Do Van Morrison
Hear this on a beach and you'll never go back to work.
Inner Flight Primal Scream
Bobby Gillespie's quaint homage to Smile-era Beach Boys.
· Dylan Jones is editor of GQ and author of iPod, Therefore I Am (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, £12.99).To order a copy for £11.99 call the Observer Book Service on 0870 836 0885.
