I ran into the same problem, and had to resort to the same alternate console approach to close rhythmbox.
I also agree that the LTS release should have a more mature integration for default programs, especially considering the Unity desktop. :~$ apt-cache policy rhythmbox rhythmbox: Installed: 2.96-0ubuntu4 Candidate: 2.96-0ubuntu4 Version table: *** 2.96-0ubuntu4 0 500 http://us.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu/ precise/main amd64 Packages 100 /var/lib/dpkg/status :~$ lsb_release -rd Description: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Release: 12.04 -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Desktop Bugs, which is subscribed to rhythmbox in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/990594 Title: No way to exit part mode in Rhythmbox To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/rhythmbox/+bug/990594/+subscriptions -- desktop-bugs mailing list desktop-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/desktop-bugs