A method for playing a digital audio recording at a speed other than 1X, the method comprises retrieving stored digital audio information represented in a plurality of audio frames. A portion of the plurality of audio frames are ranked according to an energy content in the portion of audio frames. Audio frames having least energy content in accordance with the ranking are deleted from the portion of the plurality of audio frames. Remaining ones of the portion of audio frames following deletion are selected to form an audio trick mode playback signal.