"My iPod that was programmed by Peter Buck. It has 7,000 songs hand-picked for me by him"

This quote by Michael Stipe speaks to the special relationship he has with Peter Buck, the guitar player of the band R.E.M. Stipe is revealing his gratitude for the gift of an iPod that was programmed by Buck, including 7,000 songs carefully picked for him. This suggests that Buck has actually put in the time to thoroughly select tunes that he knows Stipe will take pleasure in, making the present much more meaningful. It likewise implies that the 2 have a close relationship, as Buck would need to know Stipe's musical tastes in order to make such a thoughtful gift. The quote is a testimony to the friendship in between the two musicians, and the effort Buck took into creating an individualized gift for Stipe.