My GPS routes me around traffic, closed roads and general areas I'd rather not ride. More importantly, it allows me to see the relative severity of the turns coming up and helps me determine my approach speeds.
Music is on 95% of the time, oddly enough background noise helps me focus when attacking twisties or if the ride is less than invigorating it helps pass the time. And yes sometimes riding sucks, crossing I10 for hundreds of miles in a straight line is not an enjoyable ride.