initial ideas

CORS.md

@@ -1,89 +0,0 @@
-For DreamHost hosting, the owner of `feed.falsefinish.club` can configure CORS headers using an `.htaccess` file in the root directory of the site (or in the specific directory serving the audio files).
-
-## Setting CORS Headers on DreamHost
-
-Create or edit the `.htaccess` file in the web root (typically `~/falsefinish.club/feed/` or wherever the audio files are served from) and add:
-
-```apache
-# Enable CORS for echo-reality.com
-<IfModule mod_headers.c>
-    Header set Access-Control-Allow-Origin "https://echo-reality.com"
-    Header set Access-Control-Allow-Methods "GET, HEAD, OPTIONS"
-    Header set Access-Control-Expose-Headers "ETag, Last-Modified, Content-Length"
-</IfModule>
-
-# Handle preflight OPTIONS requests
-<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
-    RewriteEngine On
-    RewriteCond %{REQUEST_METHOD} OPTIONS
-    RewriteRule ^(.*)$ $1 [R=200,L]
-</IfModule>
-```
-
-### If targeting specific file types only (recommended)
-
-To apply CORS headers only to audio files:
-
-```apache
-<IfModule mod_headers.c>
-    <FilesMatch "\.(mp3|mp4|wav|ogg|m4a)$">
-        Header set Access-Control-Allow-Origin "https://echo-reality.com"
-        Header set Access-Control-Allow-Methods "GET, HEAD, OPTIONS"
-        Header set Access-Control-Expose-Headers "ETag, Last-Modified, Content-Length"
-    </FilesMatch>
-</IfModule>
-```
-
-### For multiple origins (if needed during development)
-
-If you need to allow both the production domain and a local development server:
-
-```apache
-<IfModule mod_headers.c>
-    SetEnvIf Origin "^https://(echo-reality\.com|localhost:3000)$" CORS_ORIGIN=$0
-    Header set Access-Control-Allow-Origin "%{CORS_ORIGIN}e" env=CORS_ORIGIN
-    Header set Access-Control-Allow-Methods "GET, HEAD, OPTIONS"
-    Header set Access-Control-Expose-Headers "ETag, Last-Modified, Content-Length"
-</IfModule>
-```
-
-### How to add the .htaccess file on DreamHost
-
-1. **Via SFTP/FTP**: Connect to the server using an FTP client (like FileZilla) and upload/edit the `.htaccess` file in the appropriate directory
-
-2. **Via DreamHost Panel File Manager**: Log into the DreamHost panel → Manage Websites → Files → navigate to the directory and create/edit `.htaccess`
-
-3. **Via SSH** (if enabled): SSH into the server and use a text editor like `nano` or `vim`
-
-### Important notes for DreamHost
-
-- DreamHost's shared hosting uses Apache, so `.htaccess` files work out of the box
-- The `mod_headers` module is enabled by default on DreamHost
-- Make sure the `.htaccess` file has proper permissions (644)
-- Changes take effect immediately—no server restart needed
-
-### Testing the configuration
-
-After adding the `.htaccess` file, the owner can verify it's working by checking the response headers:
-
-```bash
-curl -I -X OPTIONS -H "Origin: https://echo-reality.com" \
-  "https://feed.falsefinish.club/Echo%20Reality/PINK%20FLIGHT/MP3%20BOUNCE/01.%20PINK%20FLIGHT%20ATTENDANT.mp3"
-```
-
-The response should include the `Access-Control-Allow-Origin: https://echo-reality.com` header.
-
-### Quick test `.htaccess` for DreamHost
-
-```apache
-# TEMPORARY - Allow all origins for testing
-<IfModule mod_headers.c>
-    <FilesMatch "\.(mp3|mp4|wav|ogg|m4a)$">
-        Header set Access-Control-Allow-Origin "*"
-        Header set Access-Control-Allow-Methods "GET, HEAD, OPTIONS"
-        Header set Access-Control-Expose-Headers "ETag, Last-Modified, Content-Length"
-    </FilesMatch>
-</IfModule>
-```
-
-This limits the wildcard CORS to just media files, which is a reasonable middle ground—your audio files are publicly accessible but you're not opening up everything on the domain.

IDEAS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,94 @@
+Let me take a look at what's currently in the project to understand the existing features and theme better.
+
+[1 tool called]
+
+This is a really well-crafted project with a lot of nice details already. Let me put together some ideas for easter eggs and tweaks that would fit the retro dystopian/broken cassette player theme.
+
+Based on what I see in the code, you already have:
+- CRT scanlines and flicker effects
+- Cracked display overlay
+- Worn/faded button icons
+- Damage texture overlay
+- Tape wind sound effects
+- Bouncing track name marquee
+
+Here are some ideas that would complement the existing aesthetic:
+
+---
+
+## Visual Glitch / Distortion Effects
+
+1. **Random screen glitches** - Occasional RGB channel separation or horizontal displacement that happens randomly or when interacting with controls (like the display is malfunctioning)
+
+2. **Dead pixels** - A few permanently "stuck" green pixels on the CRT display
+
+3. **Screen burn-in** - Faint ghost image of "PLAY" or old track names that lingers on the display
+
+4. **Intermittent display failure** - Rare chance of the display going dark for a split second then flickering back on
+
+5. **VHS tracking lines** - Occasional horizontal noise bars that scroll up the display
+
+---
+
+## Audio Quirks
+
+6. **Tape flutter/wow** - Subtle pitch wobble effect using Web Audio API's `playbackRate` with slight random variations, like a worn tape mechanism
+
+7. **Random audio dropouts** - Very brief moments where audio cuts out or gets muffled (like dirty tape heads)
+
+8. **Static between tracks** - White noise/hiss during track transitions
+
+9. **"Tape eating" event** - Rare chance when pressing play/stop that triggers a tape-eating sound effect and animation where the tape visually tangles
+
+---
+
+## Hidden Interactions
+
+10. **Konami code** - Entering the classic code unlocks a secret mode (different color scheme, hidden track, or "repaired" mode where everything works perfectly)
+
+11. **Thump to fix** - Double-clicking/tapping the cassette housing "thumps" the player, which could temporarily fix glitches or cause new ones
+
+12. **Secret button combo** - Holding certain buttons together reveals hidden content or debug info
+
+13. **Dust accumulation** - Animated dust particles that slowly build up on the display, clickable to "wipe clean"
+
+---
+
+## Dystopian Theme Additions
+
+14. **Redacted track names** - Occasional text that appears with black boxes like "[REDACTED]" or "TRACK ██ - ████████"
+
+15. **Surveillance indicator** - Small red "REC" light in the corner that occasionally blinks, or a subtle camera icon
+
+16. **Propaganda interruptions** - Random brief messages that flash on screen like "COMPLIANCE IS FREEDOM" or "REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY"
+
+17. **Emergency broadcast** - Rare event where audio cuts to an emergency alert tone with scrolling text
+
+18. **Signal interference** - Brief moments where the display shows "NO SIGNAL" or "WEAK SIGNAL"
+
+---
+
+## Time-Based Behaviors
+
+19. **Midnight mode** - Different behavior or color scheme between certain hours (dimmer, more glitchy, or eerier)
+
+20. **Battery drain simulation** - After extended use, everything gradually slows down and gets distorted until "recharged" (refreshing the page)
+
+---
+
+## Fun Visual Additions
+
+21. **Tape label graffiti/stickers** - Small worn stickers or handwritten notes on the cassette
+
+22. **Cigarette burn marks** - Subtle burn marks on the player casing
+
+23. **Fingerprint smudges** - Subtle smudges on the tape window or display
+
+24. **"Property of..." label** - A worn/scratched identification label with mysterious text
+
+---
+
+Would you like me to create a plan to implement some of these? If so, which ones appeal to you most? I can group them into:
+- **Quick wins** (CSS-only or simple JS)
+- **Medium effort** (Web Audio effects, animations)  
+- **Larger features** (Konami code, emergency broadcast system)

index.html

@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@
             background: linear-gradient(145deg, #2a2a2a 0%, #1a1a1a 50%, #0f0f0f 100%);
             border: 8px solid #0a0a0a;
             box-shadow: 
-                inset 0 0 0 2px #3a3a3a,
+                /* inset 0 0 0 2px #3a3a3a, */
-                inset 0 0 50px rgba(0,0,0,0.9),
+                inset 0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1),
                 0 30px 60px rgba(0,0,0,0.8),
                 5px 5px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
             /* Extra top padding to accommodate eject/lightning buttons */
@@ -44,31 +44,15 @@
             left: 0;
             right: 0;
             bottom: 0;
-            background-image: 
+            background-image: url('background.png');
-                linear-gradient(45deg, transparent 48%, rgba(255,255,255,0.03) 49%, rgba(255,255,255,0.03) 51%, transparent 52%),
+            background-size: 100%;
-                linear-gradient(-45deg, transparent 48%, rgba(0,0,0,0.4) 49%, rgba(0,0,0,0.4) 51%, transparent 52%),
+            background-position: center;
-                repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, transparent, transparent 3px, rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 3px, rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 4px),
+            background-repeat: repeat;
-                url('data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="200"><filter id="noise"><feTurbulence type="fractalNoise" baseFrequency="2.5" numOctaves="6" /></filter><rect width="200" height="200" filter="url(%23noise)" opacity="0.4"/></svg>');
             pointer-events: none;
-            opacity: 0.8;
+            opacity: 0.20;
-            mix-blend-mode: overlay;
+            mix-blend-mode: normal;
         }
 
-        /* Rust and corrosion patches */
-        .player::after {
-            content: '';
-            position: absolute;
-            top: 0;
-            left: 0;
-            right: 0;
-            bottom: 0;
-            background-image: 
-                radial-gradient(ellipse at 20% 30%, rgba(139, 69, 19, 0.3) 0%, transparent 40%),
-                radial-gradient(ellipse at 80% 70%, rgba(101, 67, 33, 0.2) 0%, transparent 35%),
-                radial-gradient(ellipse at 60% 10%, rgba(120, 81, 45, 0.25) 0%, transparent 30%),
-                radial-gradient(ellipse at 10% 90%, rgba(139, 90, 43, 0.2) 0%, transparent 40%);
-            pointer-events: none;
-        }
 
         /* Eject button - positioned top-left of player */
         .eject-btn {
@@ -274,19 +258,6 @@
         }
         */
 
-        .cassette::after {
-            content: '';
-            position: absolute;
-            top: 0;
-            left: 0;
-            right: 0;
-            bottom: 0;
-            background-image: 
-                url('data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="100" height="100"><filter id="grime"><feTurbulence type="fractalNoise" baseFrequency="3" numOctaves="4" /></filter><rect width="100" height="100" filter="url(%23grime)" opacity="0.15"/></svg>');
-            pointer-events: none;
-            border-radius: 4px;
-            mix-blend-mode: multiply;
-        }
 
         .cassette-label {
             background: linear-gradient(180deg, #d0d0d0 0%, #a0a0a0 100%);
@@ -365,10 +336,12 @@
 
         .tape-wound {
             position: absolute;
-            /* Center using top/left 50% with transform */
+            /* Center using top/left 50% with negative margins (Safari-safe) */
             top: 50%;
             left: 50%;
-            transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
+            /* Use negative margins for centering instead of transform */
+            margin-left: calc(var(--tape-size, 72px) / -2);
+            margin-top: calc(var(--tape-size, 72px) / -2);
             border-radius: 50%;
             /* Darker tape color */
             background: linear-gradient(135deg, #1a1815 0%, #0f0d0a 50%, #050403 100%);
@@ -379,6 +352,9 @@
             /* Size controlled by JavaScript via CSS custom property */
             width: var(--tape-size, 72px);
             height: var(--tape-size, 72px);
+            /* Safari animation optimizations */
+            transform-origin: center center;
+            will-change: transform;
             /* Prevent text selection during drag */
             -webkit-user-select: none;
             -moz-user-select: none;
@@ -392,8 +368,8 @@
         }
 
         @keyframes spinTape {
-            from { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(0deg); }
+            from { transform: rotate(0deg); }
-            to { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(360deg); }
+            to { transform: rotate(360deg); }
         }
 
         .reel-inner {
@@ -413,11 +389,16 @@
             );
             box-shadow: inset 0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.8);
             z-index: 2;
-            /* Center the spool within the reel container */
+            /* Center the spool within the reel container (Safari-safe) */
             position: absolute;
             top: 50%;
             left: 50%;
-            transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
+            /* Use negative margins for centering instead of transform */
+            margin-left: -30px; /* half of 60px width */
+            margin-top: -30px;  /* half of 60px height */
+            /* Safari animation optimizations */
+            transform-origin: center center;
+            will-change: transform;
         }
 
         .reel-inner.spinning {
@@ -425,8 +406,8 @@
         }
 
         @keyframes spinSpool {
-            from { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(0deg); }
+            from { transform: rotate(0deg); }
-            to { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(360deg); }
+            to { transform: rotate(360deg); }
         }
 
         .reel-inner.spinning {
@@ -706,20 +687,6 @@
             pointer-events: auto;
         }
 
-        /* Noise texture overlay for worn appearance */
-        .alby-panel::before {
-            content: '';
-            position: absolute;
-            top: 0;
-            left: 0;
-            right: 0;
-            bottom: 0;
-            background-image: 
-                url('data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="200"><filter id="noise"><feTurbulence type="fractalNoise" baseFrequency="2.5" numOctaves="6" /></filter><rect width="200" height="200" filter="url(%23noise)" opacity="0.4"/></svg>');
-            pointer-events: none;
-            opacity: 0.5;
-            mix-blend-mode: overlay;
-        }
 
         /* Panel header with amber Lightning accent */
         .alby-panel-header {
@@ -1217,7 +1184,7 @@
     
     <!-- ALBY LIGHTNING PANEL - END -->
 
-    <audio id="audio"></audio>
+    <audio id="audio" preload="metadata"></audio>
 
     <script>
         const playlist = [
@@ -1272,9 +1239,29 @@
             
             for (let i = 0; i < playlist.length; i++) {
                 try {
-                    const duration = await getTrackDuration(playlist[i].url);
+                    // For track 0, use the main audio element since loadTrack(0) already loads it
-                    trackDurations[i] = duration;
+                    if (i === 0 && currentTrack === 0) {
-                    console.log(`Track ${i + 1} duration: ${formatTime(duration)}`);
+                        // Wait for main audio to load metadata if not already
+                        if (audio.duration && !isNaN(audio.duration)) {
+                            trackDurations[i] = audio.duration;
+                        } else {
+                            // Wait for main audio metadata
+                            trackDurations[i] = await new Promise((resolve) => {
+                                if (audio.duration && !isNaN(audio.duration)) {
+                                    resolve(audio.duration);
+                                } else {
+                                    audio.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', function onMeta() {
+                                        audio.removeEventListener('loadedmetadata', onMeta);
+                                        resolve(audio.duration);
+                                    });
+                                }
+                            });
+                        }
+                    } else {
+                        // For other tracks, use temp audio element
+                        trackDurations[i] = await getTrackDuration(playlist[i].url);
+                    }
+                    console.log(`Track ${i + 1} duration: ${formatTime(trackDurations[i])}`);
                 } catch (e) {
                     console.warn(`Failed to get duration for track ${i + 1}, using fallback`);
                     trackDurations[i] = 240; // 4 minute fallback
@@ -1306,33 +1293,40 @@
         function getTrackDuration(url) {
             return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
                 const tempAudio = new Audio();
+                tempAudio.preload = 'metadata'; // Only fetch headers, not entire file
+                
+                // Cleanup function to properly abort any ongoing request
+                function cleanup() {
+                    tempAudio.removeEventListener('loadedmetadata', onMetadata);
+                    tempAudio.removeEventListener('error', onError);
+                    tempAudio.src = '';
+                    tempAudio.load(); // Force abort of any pending request
+                }
                 
                 // Set timeout for slow loads
                 const timeout = setTimeout(() => {
-                    tempAudio.src = '';
+                    cleanup();
                     reject(new Error('Timeout loading metadata'));
                 }, 10000); // 10 second timeout
                 
-                tempAudio.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', () => {
+                function onMetadata() {
                     clearTimeout(timeout);
                     const duration = tempAudio.duration;
-                    tempAudio.src = ''; // Clean up
+                    cleanup();
                     resolve(duration);
-                });
+                }
                 
-                tempAudio.addEventListener('error', (e) => {
+                function onError(e) {
                     clearTimeout(timeout);
-                    tempAudio.src = '';
+                    cleanup();
                     reject(e);
-                });
+                }
                 
-                // Try to use cached URL if available, otherwise use direct URL
+                tempAudio.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', onMetadata);
-                TrackCache.getTrack(url).then(blobUrl => {
+                tempAudio.addEventListener('error', onError);
-                    tempAudio.src = blobUrl;
+                
-                }).catch(() => {
+                // Direct URL - browser handles caching via HTTP headers
-                    // Fall back to direct URL
+                tempAudio.src = url;
-                    tempAudio.src = url;
-                });
             });
         }
 
@@ -1608,196 +1602,6 @@
         // SOUND EFFECTS MODULE - END
         // ========================================
 
-        // ========================================
-        // TRACK CACHE MODULE - START
-        // Caches audio files locally using Cache API
-        // Uses HEAD requests to detect content changes
-        // ========================================
-        const TrackCache = {
-            CACHE_NAME: 'cassette-player-audio-v1',
-            META_KEY: 'track-cache-meta',
-            // Fallback cache duration (1 hour) if no ETag/Last-Modified
-            FALLBACK_MAX_AGE: 60 * 60 * 1000,
-            cache: null,
-            
-            /**
-             * Initialize the cache - opens Cache API storage
-             * @returns {Promise<Cache>}
-             */
-            async init() {
-                if (!this.cache) {
-                    this.cache = await caches.open(this.CACHE_NAME);
-                }
-                return this.cache;
-            },
-            
-            /**
-             * Get metadata for all cached tracks from localStorage
-             * @returns {Object} Map of URL -> { etag, lastModified, cachedAt }
-             */
-            getMetadata() {
-                try {
-                    const data = localStorage.getItem(this.META_KEY);
-                    return data ? JSON.parse(data) : {};
-                } catch (e) {
-                    console.warn('TrackCache: Failed to read metadata', e);
-                    return {};
-                }
-            },
-            
-            /**
-             * Save metadata for a track
-             * @param {string} url - Track URL
-             * @param {Object} meta - { etag, lastModified, cachedAt }
-             */
-            saveMetadata(url, meta) {
-                try {
-                    const allMeta = this.getMetadata();
-                    allMeta[url] = meta;
-                    localStorage.setItem(this.META_KEY, JSON.stringify(allMeta));
-                } catch (e) {
-                    console.warn('TrackCache: Failed to save metadata', e);
-                }
-            },
-            
-            /**
-             * Check if cached content is stale using HEAD request
-             * @param {string} url - Track URL
-             * @returns {Promise<boolean>} True if content has changed, false if still valid
-             */
-            async isStale(url) {
-                const meta = this.getMetadata()[url];
-                if (!meta) return true; // No metadata = treat as stale
-                
-                try {
-                    const response = await fetch(url, { method: 'HEAD' });
-                    
-                    if (!response.ok) {
-                        // HEAD failed, assume cached version is still valid
-                        console.log('TrackCache: HEAD request failed, using cached version');
-                        return false;
-                    }
-                    
-                    const newEtag = response.headers.get('ETag');
-                    const newLastModified = response.headers.get('Last-Modified');
-                    
-                    // Check ETag first (most reliable)
-                    if (newEtag && meta.etag) {
-                        const isChanged = newEtag !== meta.etag;
-                        if (isChanged) {
-                            console.log(`TrackCache: ETag changed for ${url}`);
-                        }
-                        return isChanged;
-                    }
-                    
-                    // Fall back to Last-Modified
-                    if (newLastModified && meta.lastModified) {
-                        const isChanged = newLastModified !== meta.lastModified;
-                        if (isChanged) {
-                            console.log(`TrackCache: Last-Modified changed for ${url}`);
-                        }
-                        return isChanged;
-                    }
-                    
-                    // No ETag or Last-Modified, use time-based fallback
-                    const age = Date.now() - meta.cachedAt;
-                    const isExpired = age > this.FALLBACK_MAX_AGE;
-                    if (isExpired) {
-                        console.log(`TrackCache: Cache expired (age: ${Math.round(age/1000)}s) for ${url}`);
-                    }
-                    return isExpired;
-                    
-                } catch (e) {
-                    // Network error or CORS issue - assume cached version is valid
-                    console.log('TrackCache: HEAD request error, using cached version', e.message);
-                    return false;
-                }
-            },
-            
-            /**
-             * Fetch track from network and store in cache
-             * @param {string} url - Track URL
-             * @returns {Promise<string>} Blob URL for the audio
-             */
-            async fetchAndCache(url) {
-                console.log(`TrackCache: Fetching ${url}`);
-                
-                const response = await fetch(url);
-                
-                if (!response.ok) {
-                    throw new Error(`Failed to fetch track: ${response.status}`);
-                }
-                
-                // Extract cache validation headers
-                const etag = response.headers.get('ETag');
-                const lastModified = response.headers.get('Last-Modified');
-                
-                // Clone response before consuming it
-                const responseToCache = response.clone();
-                
-                // Store in cache
-                await this.init();
-                await this.cache.put(url, responseToCache);
-                
-                // Save metadata
-                this.saveMetadata(url, {
-                    etag: etag,
-                    lastModified: lastModified,
-                    cachedAt: Date.now()
-                });
-                
-                console.log(`TrackCache: Cached ${url} (ETag: ${etag || 'none'}, Last-Modified: ${lastModified || 'none'})`);
-                
-                // Return blob URL for playback
-                const blob = await response.blob();
-                return URL.createObjectURL(blob);
-            },
-            
-            /**
-             * Get track - main entry point
-             * Checks cache, validates with HEAD, returns blob URL
-             * @param {string} url - Track URL
-             * @returns {Promise<string>} Blob URL for the audio
-             */
-            async getTrack(url) {
-                await this.init();
-                
-                // Check if we have it cached
-                const cachedResponse = await this.cache.match(url);
-                
-                if (cachedResponse) {
-                    // Check if content has changed
-                    const stale = await this.isStale(url);
-                    
-                    if (!stale) {
-                        console.log(`TrackCache: Using cached version of ${url}`);
-                        const blob = await cachedResponse.blob();
-                        return URL.createObjectURL(blob);
-                    }
-                    
-                    // Content changed, fetch new version
-                    console.log(`TrackCache: Content changed, re-fetching ${url}`);
-                }
-                
-                // Not cached or stale, fetch from network
-                return await this.fetchAndCache(url);
-            },
-            
-            /**
-             * Clear all cached tracks
-             * Useful for debugging or freeing storage
-             */
-            async clearAll() {
-                await caches.delete(this.CACHE_NAME);
-                localStorage.removeItem(this.META_KEY);
-                this.cache = null;
-                console.log('TrackCache: Cleared all cached tracks');
-            }
-        };
-        // ========================================
-        // TRACK CACHE MODULE - END
-        // ========================================
-
         // ========================================
         // BUTTON CLICK SOUNDS - Add to all buttons
         // Uses mousedown for immediate tactile feedback
@@ -1889,17 +1693,8 @@
             // Reset scroll position for new track
             resetTitleScroll();
             
-            try {
+            // Direct URL - browser handles caching via HTTP headers
-                // Get track from cache or network
+            audio.src = playlist[index].url;
-                const blobUrl = await TrackCache.getTrack(playlist[index].url);
-                audio.src = blobUrl;
-            } catch (e) {
-                // Caching may fail due to CORS if audio is hosted on different origin
-                // without Access-Control-Allow-Origin headers
-                console.warn('TrackCache: Caching unavailable (likely CORS), using direct URL');
-                // Fall back to direct URL - audio element can still play cross-origin
-                audio.src = playlist[index].url;
-            }
         }
 
         // Initial track load (async, no await needed for initial load)
@@ -1987,13 +1782,17 @@
                 currentTrack = 0;
                 trackNameInner.textContent = playlist[0].name;
                 
-                try {
+                // Direct URL - browser handles caching via HTTP headers
-                    const blobUrl = await TrackCache.getTrack(playlist[0].url);
+                audio.src = playlist[0].url;
-                    audio.src = blobUrl;
+                
-                } catch (e) {
+                // Wait for audio to be ready before setting currentTime
-                    audio.src = playlist[0].url;
+                await new Promise(resolve => {
-                }
+                    audio.addEventListener('loadedmetadata', function onMeta() {
-                audio.load();
+                        audio.removeEventListener('loadedmetadata', onMeta);
+                        resolve();
+                    });
+                    audio.load();
+                });
             }
             
             audio.currentTime = 0;
@@ -2003,6 +1802,10 @@
             tapeRight.classList.remove('spinning');
             resetTitleScroll();
             resetTapeSizes(); // Ensure tape visuals are at beginning
+            
+            // Manually update time display since timeupdate doesn't fire when paused
+            const duration = formatTime(audio.duration);
+            timeDisplay.textContent = `00:00 / ${duration}`;
         });
 
         // Previous track (prev button with bar)
@@ -2123,12 +1926,8 @@
             trackNameInner.textContent = playlist[trackIndex].name;
             resetTitleScroll();
             
-            try {
+            // Direct URL - browser handles caching via HTTP headers
-                const blobUrl = await TrackCache.getTrack(playlist[trackIndex].url);
+            audio.src = playlist[trackIndex].url;
-                audio.src = blobUrl;
-            } catch (e) {
-                audio.src = playlist[trackIndex].url;
-            }
             
             return new Promise((resolve) => {
                 audio.onloadedmetadata = () => {
@@ -2256,13 +2055,8 @@
             trackNameInner.textContent = playlist[currentTrack].name;
             resetTitleScroll();
             
-            try {
+            // Direct URL - browser handles caching via HTTP headers
-                const blobUrl = await TrackCache.getTrack(playlist[currentTrack].url);
+            audio.src = playlist[currentTrack].url;
-                audio.src = blobUrl;
-            } catch (e) {
-                console.warn('TrackCache: Caching unavailable, using direct URL');
-                audio.src = playlist[currentTrack].url;
-            }
             
             return new Promise(resolve => {
                 audio.oncanplay = function() {