Shazam

Cost: Free

Probably one of the most satisfying applications out there, Shazam, once launched, will ‘‘listen’’ to a portion of a song and determine the title and artist. It’s perfect for any situation, but particularly gratifying while traveling if cultural absorption is your modus operandi. As a bonus, the app saves your searches and can be linked up with iTunes, allowing you to make that ‘‘Land Down Under 2009’’ mix once you get home.