First, how I do it. Then I will jump all over you for things you spake in error.

I use mpd, mmpc, mpc, sh, netcat, flite, powerlaunch, and dbus-scripts...

• mpd is a music playing daemon. It sits in the background and plays music, or twiddles its thumbs, as you command.
  • Use ao output.
  • Configure libao to use esd; this permits HSP or analog playback, and is the only way I've found to accomplish that.
  • You probably want software volume control.
  • If you have A2DP cans, you can probably make this work by using the ALSA output driver; I don't have any, so I haven't tried.
• mmpc is a graphical front-end for mpd. It is useful for building playlists and so on, or even using as a general purpose music playing interface.
  
• mpc is a scriptable front-end. It's useful for controlling playback either from the hardware buttons, or from the headset's call button.
  
• I have some scripts that do things mpc won't do, and also integrate flite (text2speech). These use netcat to directly interface to mpd.
  
• powerlaunch is a mce replacement that gives you control over what happens when you punch the power button. I can use it to lock the screen, but not the keys, and use the keys to control playback...
  
• I also use dbus-scripts to make my headset button work. Trivial, but a nice touch.

Hardware-wise, MP3s live on a 16GB Patriot SDHC, to wit: /media/mmc2/music, and /media/mmc2/audiobooks. Both of these are symlinked into ~/MyDocs/.sounds, so they show up in any media player. I have mpd looking only at ~/MyDocs/.sounds and below.
Playback-side, a pair of cheap noise-cancelling cans sometimes at my desk (1/8" jack), built-in speakers (at my desk when the office is empty), BT HSP headset (when not at my desk, and sometimes when I am), and a cassette adapter for my car stereo (1/8" jack) when driving.


Now, for the jumping:

Hogwash!!!! There's two things that can be done. You should be able to use kciconsbox to get it back (I haven't tried). But I know you can use this command to bring it back. Put that in osso-statusbar-cpu, personal menu, or whatever... use it for launch and for resurrection.

Fully agreed. Of course, no one will be surprised that I think it's a good mp3 player, when I'm willing to tolerate HSP, but it's not that I can't hear the difference (duh!), it's that I'm willing to put up with it for convenience...