Blog By James

It has been a while since my original post regarding iPhone apps. I’ve got a few others now that are worth mentioning…

Setlist Metronome | $7.99 | http://apptism.com/

This is an incredibly useful application for gigging musicians. It’s important as a drummer to be able to count off a song in the right tempo. There have been numerous times over the years where I’ll be on stage, look at the setlist for the next tune and completely blank on how it goes. If I can’t remember how the song goes, I’m not going to count it off correctly. I’ve had nightmares about this! This app allows me to program in a setlist with each song having its own tempo and time signature. In between tunes I simply tap the the next (>>|) button and I’ve got a visual representation of the next song’s tempo.

Checkbook | $1.99 | http://checkbookiphoneapp.com/

I don’t think I’ve ever been as on top of my checking account as I am now with this app. If your bank is like ours and goes out of their way to sneak in fees when you’re not paying attention, this is the application for you. You’ve always got your phone with you so just take the 30 seconds to add purchases to your phone and you’re done. I find it incredibly helpful.

WinAdmin | $7.99 | http://iphonewinadmin.com/

Access your Windows machines from your phone via RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)! Yeah, it actually works.

Lux DLX | $7.99 | http://sillysoft.net/

Risk for your phone. Unbelievably entertaining.

After a good two weeks of listening to the new Porcupine Tree album and going to see them twice, it’s definitely time to move on. Living Colour’s new recording, “The Chair in the Doorway”, has been sitting on my desk since release, waiting patiently for my attention. I’ve had it playing in the car to and from work all this week and I really, really like it. Two of the tracks I’d heard and enjoyed already; “Decadance” and “Bless Those (Little Annie’s Prayer)”, which were previously performed live. And the rest of it is wonderfully solid. If you are at all a Living Colour fan and have been reluctant to pick this one up, don’t be.