The problem is resolved in 12.04 - almost. In 12.04, with Spotify running (window open or no), Ubuntu will simply pause for a few seconds (10 to 20?) and then shutdown normally. Only a minor nuisance any way you look at it.
the output of "apt-cache policy spotify-client" is: spotify-client: Installed: 1:0.8.3.278.g21c7566.632-1 Candidate: 1:0.8.3.278.g21c7566.632-1 Version table: *** 1:0.8.3.278.g21c7566.632-1 0 500 http://repository.spotify.com/ stable/non-free amd64 Packages 100 /var/lib/dpkg/status -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Desktop Bugs, which is subscribed to gnome-session in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/943607 Title: Application (Spotify) can prevent shutdown. To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-session/+bug/943607/+subscriptions -- desktop-bugs mailing list desktop-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/desktop-bugs