2. Street Musicians:
True, we have street musicians in the States, but not of the same quality or variety you find here. Dublin had an accordionist singing opera, Copenhagen has entire string sections on the corners, and London had a great percussionist playing found objects in a Tube station. I adore being able to walk down the street and hear a variety of music. Unfortunately, if I hear anything back home, it's some sensitive college loser playing an acoustic guitar and singing off-key.

3. Better Muzak:
Muzak is musical torture no matter where you go, but the choice of songs they butcher here is superior. Over breakfast the other day I heard both Prince's "Gold" and Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise". No kidding, this really was clearly Coolio's song and not Stevie Wonder. Strange, but it beats the hell out of having to sit through yet another version of "The Wind Beneath My Wings".

4. MTV Europe:
As hard as it is to believe, European MTV actually plays videos - honest to God, full length videos without morons breaking in screeching about how much they love the band. Furthermore, the selection of videos is vastly superior to what we get in the US. I mean, when was the last time you saw The Orb on American television?

5. Bootlegs:
It used to be the case that you could go into any decent record store in America and find at least a few interesting bootlegs. Unfortunately, the major labels have set their sights on the trading of live music with several raids on both stores and private individuals. Hence, no more bootlegs for the Yanks. But in Europe, you can buy bootlegs to your heart's desire. Not that I would buy any and bring them home mind you. So if you're a Customs officer don't bother searching my bags because I would never do such a dastardly thing.

6. Radio:
Much like MTV, the radio in Europe offers a much more pleasing variety of music. The latest New Order single is everywhere and I haven't heard Limp Bizkit once. In addition, you can actually swear on the radio. This is a particular innovation when listening to hip-hop, which no longer sounds like bass-heavy Swiss cheese.

7. Stereo equipment:
I've driven rental cars across Ireland and Britain so far, and both cars came with a Blaupunkt stereo system. Compare this to the US, where rentals come with stereos dating from around 1792.

8. Musical Theater:
Outside of Andrew Lloyd Webber and a few Disney rip-offs, musical theater is dead in the US. Not so in Europe! I managed to catch two productions while in London. The first, Notre Dame de Paris is a horrid affair that should be avoided at all costs. The other, Closer to Heaven, was scored by the Pet Shop Boys and is entertaining, if not a classic. But either way, it's nice to at least have options that extend beyond singing felines.

9. Pub Music:
I have to admit, I've stopped at a few pubs along my journey and for the most part both the beer and the bands dominate anything I can find at home. Granted, I'm a sucker for an Irish reel, but the combination of fine music and an excellent pint has no equal. If you're ever in Blarney, County Cork, Ireland, by all means track down The Laughing Shamrocks.

10. Music Critics:
Let's face facts: America's political correctness craze has neutered its critics. Overseas critics, however, have retained their sharp tongues. For example, I've heard one critic describe Mariah Carey as "a black Whitney Houston". Yow! A critic in Copenhagen describes a local band as "sucking my mother through its nose". Granted, I don't speak Danish and my dictionary sucks, but this sure seems like a more lively description than you'd get from the US (excepting Splendid, of course).

11. Imports at domestic prices:
Remember that British single you always wanted but couldn't justify paying an extra $10 for just because it was imported? Guess what? If you go to England, it isn't an import any more! Granted, it still costs about $5 more than a US single because of the VAT and a crappy exchange rate, but you've still managed to save some money. In addition, it's a lot easier to find Swedish metal on vinyl if you just go to Sweden. Who would've known?