<p>I use the p/invoke method to play <code>wav</code> sounds. There are ways of calling windows media player to play an <code>mp3</code> sound, but its slow &amp; cumbersome. </p>

<p>Is there an easy way to play a short <code>mp3</code> file? </p>

<p>This is primarily for application <strong>prompting</strong> and <strong>audible cues</strong> when you are not looking at the screen and not music.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

CF Framework 3.5 now includes support for playing .WAV files:
Namespace System.Media.SoundPlayer
Short WAV files for cues and sound-effects might even play
faster
than MP3s since they're "ready-to-play"...