So what exactly causes kernel panics?

[deckeda]

The only KP I've ever had was last month. I was beating on iTunes mercilessly, having it import CDs, go look for cover art, play music sometimes, adding artwork manually sometimes. All at once (which isn't easy, since iTunes' ability to multitask is still craptacular after all these years.

The CD-reading aspect might have thrown the drive a weird request since that involves a driver and therefore comes closest to the kernel.