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Lately I've returned to working extensively on basic rudiments. Rolls, paradiddles, doubles, triples, etc. I have played with a metronome and perhaps I should use it more. But often I choose a tune with the speed I want to be at, and play along. Basically using the song to keep time. Anyone have advice if a metronome has any significant advantage over using a song?

Well... you can do both, what I'm doing too, but you can set the speed with the metronome, that's all. And better than metronome, if you've got a smartphone or a tablet, you can install and use a clave app :

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mammalsoft.theclave&hl=fr is basic, but useful

and the Rolls Royce : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funkydrumtutor.PercussiontutorUnity&hl=fr, which comes with a book.

If you're using iOS, you can find these two apps too.

I suggest metronome first then play along to relevant tracks. Try Pro Metronome app. Loads of features including a timing trainer where it removes clicks at random, you can check your internal clocks when the clicks come back in and out

Thanks Chtimulato, The Cadillac you mention looks really nice. I have the clave app and have used it. I think for me, it just feels better (or its more fun cause I can kind of get into the groove) using a tune. For my purposes, I suspect that any minor time discrepancies are moot. I'll let you know should I decide to drop all of $3.99 for the promo version. Happy slappin'