What To Do....

I practically feel like I'm cheating on a friend.  I've been managing my to-do list for years with Remember the Milk, but this weekend I started flirting with Orchestra and am intrigued.  RTM is by far the more feature rich app, but in the world of task management, it's a game of clicks and usability. The interface of Orchestra's iPhone app is sublime.  It's sort of like the Android vs. iPhone argument:  both are fine devices, but I like to sum it up as follows: the Android gives me the tools to make my life easier....the iPhone actually MAKES my life easier.

Record Store Day (unofficial)

On Saturday my buddies Steve and Hank and I set out on our own personal Record Store Day.  Had a blast hitting Tunes in Hoboken, Princeton Record Exchange in Princeton, and Vintage Vinyl in Fords.  Gonna make it an annual thing.

Here's the bounty I came away with....in no particular order:

 Elvis Costello - "Punch the Clock" 2-disc 2003 version on Rhino

 The Knack - "Get the Knack" re-issue

Material Issue - "International Pop Overthrow 20th Anniversary Edition"






 Deanna Kirk - "Beauty Way"

Tired Pony (cool cover + interesting people + Steve's recommendation)

 Alex Chilton - "Free Again: The '1970' Sessions"

Pretenders - "Viva El Amor" ($.50!)






 Rush - "Feedback"

The Louvin Brothers - "Satan Is Real" / "Handpicked Songs"






Beastie Boys - "Paul's Boutique 20th Anniversary Edition"

Chicago - "Chicago At Carnegie Hall Volumes I, II, III and IV"






and for the kids....

Big Star Box Set

Like a dream come true for many rock fans.  I just (finally) got my hands on the Big Star box set, Keep An Eye on the Sky.  While I haven't really had a chance to dive into the music yet, the package alone is spectacular.  In addition to four discs there's a 100-page book - not a booklet, a BOOK - loaded with the history of the band.  Kudos to Rhino Handmade on this one!  Photos courtesy of Rhino Handmade.

Dear Java People

I don't know who you are or what you do.  I don't know how (or if) you make my life any better.  I know that your constant update notices are annoying and an intrusion into my day.  There must be a better way to do whatever it is that you need to do.

Signed, The Average Computer User

Race to the Perfect Mix of Usability & Features

 

Path - a great new "smart journal" app (only available on mobile devices) - is incredibly easy to use, but slightly feature-deficient.  Evernote - a note-taking app (all platforms) -  is incredibly feature-packed, but slightly clunky.  Both apps are excellent, but I find myself still needing a cross between the two.  If Path had tagging and some kind of desktop counterpart, or if Evernote had more 1-click, stream-ish ease of use on my phone, I could go either way.  Having been a faithful Evernote for years, they have my loyalty, for now. See you at the finish line fellas...may the best app win!

Goin' a Little Overboard, Are We Shoes.com?

Being a marketing guy I really shouldn't be casting stones, but REALLY?  Don't the good folks over at Shoes.com ever get tired of sending me emails?  They've almost reached that "I'll buy someplace else just out of spite" point.  

Gift Like You Mean It at MusicGifter.com

MusicGifter.com has great music gifts, including exclusive packages from artists like Kelly Clarkson, AC/DC and more.  Cool stuff. *

* disclaimer: I not only work at Sony, but I worked on this project.  So there.