With regard to the ads, I understand where you're coming from. However if they didn't have the ads in this 'free' version, they'd have to resubmit said 'free' version [to Apple] with ads included once the paid app was submited. Either way, it's not that bad. It is, after all, a 'free' version.

You sang praises about it having a "very customizable playlist". I think it's more than that. This is the first time in the 3 years that iDevice users can create 'real' playlists on their device (note the plural)! When this topic comes up narrow-minded individuals point at the On-The-Go playlist in iPod app. By it's very name it's nature implies that it is only supposed to be used 'on the go', while the real playlist management is supposed to be done on the PC/Mac. For some of us (me), we actually spend most of our time 'on the go' with only enough time cook, eat, clean and perhaps catch the news before going to bed each evening.

For fear I'm starting to rant, I'll simply say there is a demographic of us who have been forced to just accept Apple's substandard approach to music playback (you can't even sync individual songs from iTunes!?). There has been a significant need for playlist creation and management on the device; this app has delivered it. While I won't be able to export my playlists created in this app, it won't matter as this device is my primary music player on a daily basis. Songbird, iTunes an other players can created playlists instantly with 'smart-playlists' if I ever needed to.

Regardless of the interface, ads or what not, for filling that niche of being able to create real playlists, this app deserves a 10 out of 10 in my books.

EDIT: actually, you've made some good points here, and I may not have given the app enough time for a proper testing. I intend to update this review with more thorough impressions.
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I did read the tutorial — and I'm not actually saying the app took way too long to scan. You're right: it only happens the one time, and subsequent loads were just like any other app. I specified the amount of time to show that I hadn't used the app for that long. It just didn't jive with me.�

My take on this is definitely subjective: the app does work as advertised, but I think it's far too busy for me to enjoy using instead of the iPod, despite the more beautiful library screen and queueing functionality.�

Finally, it's not free forever, and that's why I commented about the ads. I wouldn't have liked this style of advertisement in any case (I prefer the less obtrusive Fusion ads), but I understand they're necessary to support free apps. However, if you look at the App Store, it does say Free for a Limited Time. Launch Sale. 100% Off. I just don't like seeing ads inside of paid apps.�

Anyway, being able to buy tickets from within the app itself and skins are cool features, queuing alone makes this app SO WORTH the free download. Don’t see the point of complaining if it's free. This app is a GORGEOUS alternate to the stock iPod application…I think I'm going to undock the iPod app and put in amp.