Stopping a song or playlist

Does anyone know how to simply stop a song or playlist rather than pausing it.
No, pressing the pause button in the proper way to "stop" playback.

I notice that when I turn the Ipod off and back on it retains where it was.
Right... that's what it's supposed to do.

sometines I just want to stop the play completely. Is ir just a matter of selecting another something to play? I notice the same issue with iTunes.
Yes, if you want to play something else... just click it and start playing.
When it comes to digital music such as that of the iPod and iTunes, Pause & Stop are essentially the same feature.

There is no "Stop" on iPod. Try this, select a song from the "Songs" menu to play, or the first track of any playlist. This will start a new play count. Once it starts playing, hit the "|<<" button and iPod will stop playing and return to the "Main Menu". This may help you if you want to turn iPopd off and then back on with nothing playing.

Also, if you want to "Stop" in iTunes, just select a different playlist in the source menu while a song is playing and hit the "Play" button and iTunes will stop. Then, naturally, just hit play again to resume music.

HTH:)