Aural Sensitivity Training: July 25, 2011

No time to waste in this week's Aural Sensitivity Training. Let's get right to the audio!

Barenaked Ladies, "Falling For the First Time"

Sifting through the endless BNL catalog, this is the one song I can listen to at any time. Even though their trademark humor isn't found, it's easily one of their best tunes.

Ben Folds, "Annie Waits"

Oh Ben Folds. There is nothing wrong with you. I remember how worried I was when you left the Five and prepared for a solo release. Then this song kicked off Rockin' the Suburbs and everything felt better.

Chantal Kreviazuk, Ghost Stories

If you haven't heard of Miss Kreviazuk, drop what you're doing and listen to one of her tracks. A descendant of the Tori Amos line of female musicians, her piano-playing and imaginative lyrics speak to all walks. Some of Ghost Stories' best tracks: "Time," "All I Can Do," and "Waiting For the Sun."

The Corrs, "Long Night"

How I ever mentioned how much I love The Corrs? I mean, they're awfully easy on the eyes as well as the ears. Look for evidence no further than the video for "Long Night." Who can honestly tell me Andrea Corr isn't uber-hot? I mean... the girl can sing.

Garbage, "Why Do You Love Me"

Found on the Wisconsin group's last new release Bleed Like Me (in 2005), this song is my clear-cut favorite off the disc. Pounding bass, raucous guitar riffs and killer vocals from Shirley Manson make this a mainstay on my playlist.


Thanks for coming back for another week of AST. You guys are awesome. Be here next week for more!

Movie Night: Captain America: The First Avenger

Saving the Best for Last?

After releasing Thor earlier in the summer, Marvel Studios caps off the Superhero Summer of 2011 with Captain America: The First Avenger. Set in the 1940's during the midst of World War II, the tale serves a dual-purpose as not only a superhero flick, but a period film as well. With its setting separating it from the other titles in the Marvel movie series, Captain America brings a completely different world onto the screen. Full of vibrant characters and retro-futuristic technology, The First Avenger is undeniably fun and entertaining. However, what makes it Marvel's best release is the story. The ascension of Steve Rogers into the legendary Super-Solider is expertly propelled by a polished script which definitely was the recipient of a Joss Whedon once-over.

While Steve Rogers isn't as entertaining a character as Tony Stark or as all-powerful as Thor, his story is the most human and therefore, most relate-able. Chris Evans has enough talent for the role, which takes him from a scrawny, determined kid from Brooklyn into a muscle-bound leader of men. Watching him earn his power as well as the respect of his peers and superiors is an altogether inspiring journey. Evans not only acts the part, but he completely looks the part as well. With a training regimen that must have been hell, Evans bulked up considerably from his already muscular physique into the spitting image of Steve Rogers. It's undeniably impressive. And thanks to Hollywood magic, special effects are able to slim down Evans into his skinny pre-Cap self and avoid the dreaded body-double.

Dude's got muscles.

Equally as effective, Hugo Weaving has little trouble giving the Red Skull a realistically maniacal bent. Cap's arch-nemesis has never looked better. With a backstory that is not only original but makes sense for the villain, the leader of HYDRA's utterly evil ambitions and entirely fitting.

Rounding out the cast are several dynamic personalities. Stanley Tucci is delightful as Dr. Abraham Erskine, the scientist who develops the Super Solider formula. Tommy Lee Jones is well, Tommy Lee Jones. He gets great lines as the Colonel in charge of Cap's training and unit. As the only female in the entire cast, Hayley Atwell is uniquely stunning as Peggy Carter. She doesn't have the typical looks or dialogue of a woman in a superhero flick (a good thing), but definitively belongs in this 1940's environment.

The story is clear but manages to cleanly connect with the other Marvel movies in a build-up to The Avengers mega-movie in 2012, thanks to appearances from the Cosmic Cube and a young Howard Stark. The fight scenes (few as they are) are always fun, especially since Cap gets to beat up on Nazi scum. (Who doesn't enjoy seeing that?) His final costume (as he goes through a couple versions, including a stint in the classic) looks the part of a 1940's soldier, with updated material and armor. And the shield is spot-on and realistically worn. (I mean, it's not as is vibranium is red, white and blue.)

While I will not spoil how the film ends, it is befitting of Captain America's memorable and emotional transition into the modern age. (Look to the Ultimate line of comic books for the source material.) And if you haven't heard, DO NOT leave before the credits are over. It's more than worth it and has left me anxious and supremely impatient for 2012.

After seeing four comic books brought to the screen this summer, I can say one thing for certain: Captain America: The First Avenger is the best of the season. (Sorry X-Men. You were awesome.) To me, it's even be the best film under the Marvel Studios banner thus far. However The Avengers is received, one thing is for certain: Marvel has done their job giving these characters their own fully-developed franchises. And finally, The Avengers have their leader.

Aural Sensitivity Training: July 18, 2011

Who needs more training? You do! So start scrubbing the musical poop-deck ya wanker! (Or whatever that insult is supposed to be.)

Alanis Morissette, "Crazy"

With as crazy as I am about Alanis (yes I said it), I'm surprised it took me this long to get her into the curriculum. "Crazy" is the previously-unheard single that rose from her 2005 greatest hits disc, The Collection. It's a tremendous cover of the classic Seal hit. Pick it up as a single if you already have her other albums.

Apocalyptica, 7th Symphony

If you've never heard of them, Apocalytica is a trio of classically trained cellists from Finland... that play metal.  Cameos from Gavin Rossdale (Bush) and Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf) helped put this album at the top of my playlist.

Imogen Heap, "Tidal"

Ellipse is such a solid album with several stand-out tracks, but "Tidal" might just be my favorite. Heap has a distinct vocal quality that effortlessly floats above her light-pop background. Try to not like it. I dare you.

The Naked And Famous, "Punching In A Dream"

These New Zealanders are stomping onto the indie pop scene. Their third single off Passive Me, Aggressive You is still getting decent airplay, and rightfully so. 

Arcade Fire, "We Used To Wait"

Hey... have you heard of this band? They're kinda popular... and kinda good. The vocal mix is excellent and the instrumentals are full and rich. But stop listening to me... just listen to the song.

Be back next week for another edition of AST!

Aural Sensitivity Training: July 11, 2011

Ready for another helping of audio enhancements? Your Aural Sensitivity Training begins continues!

Sarah Jarosz, Songs Up In Her Head

It's a fact: we all need a bit of bluegrass in our lives. Enter Sarah Jarosz. Her 2009 debut Songs Up In Her Head is not short on memorable tracks. (And it honestly reminds of Deadwood, which is ALWAYS a good thing.) Sample "Tell Me True," "I Can't Love You Now" and "Mansinneedof" if you want to get hooked. Then get her 2011 follow-up Follow Me Down.

Chris Hardwick, The Nerdist Podcast: Episode 102 with Alison Haislip

If you haven't downloaded an episode of Chris Hardwick's podcast, you've missed the nerd-wagon. But don't worry, it doesn't move that fast. Get on board with this episode featuring Hardwick's co-worker at G4TV and social media guru of The Voice, the sexily nerdy Alison Haislip. Their banter (along with podcast helpers/co-hosts/guys who talk too much Matt Mira and Jonah Ray) makes this particular episode uber-funsies.

Linkin Park, "Burning in the Skies"

The first single off their newest album A Thousand Suns, "Burning in the Skies" is classic Linkin Park. And I mean that in the best way possible. On an album that really breaks itself apart from their catalog, this track reminds fans of what made this super-group so popular.

Sevendust, Cold Day Memory

I may not be all about the metal, but Sevendust has kept me rocking for years. Their 2010 release keeps that streak going with a fervor. Unlike a lot of metal groups, you can actually understand their lead singer, the bad-ass Lajon Witherspoon. As awesomely hard and as loud as they are, their best work may be the moments when they drop into their subtler side. (A good sign of a multi-faceted metal band.) "Unraveling," "Karma," and "Here and Now" are must-listens.

Sara Bareillies, "The Light"

Perhaps the best song off her latest, Kaleidoscope Heart, I can't help but press play on "The Light." Bareilles may be known for her bright and poppy piano tunes, but this softly spoken ballad with a driving piano track is just as infectious. After listen 247, its emotional undertones haven't been diluted at all.

See you next week music-lovers!

Aural Sensitivity Training: July 4, 2011

There may have been a holiday, but Aural Sensitivity never takes a day off! Your training continues with another group of choice audio selections from yours truly.

Sick of Sarah, "Kiss Me"

Just one of many dynamite songs on a killer album from the all-girl band, "Kiss Me" has it all. Stand-out vocals from Abisha Uhl, smooth bass lines and great punk riffs will keep your toe tapping.

Lady Gaga, "Marry The Night"

The opening track to Gaga's newest album, "Marry The Night" partners her awesomely off-the-wall lyrics with some poppy electric keyboarding and gritty guitar mixing for a helluva match. This is the first of many guilty pleasure tracks from Born This Way.

KT Tunstall, "Uummannaq Song"

KT's bluesy sound has been catching my ear for years now, and her latest album was no exception. Even if I can't say the title correctly, "Uummannaq Song" is phenomenal.

Freelance Whales, "Kilojoules"

If you've been avoiding good music, then you probably haven't heard anything from indie rockers Freelance Whales. "Kilojoules" could place frontman Judah Dadone squarely on the map with his wonderfully light tones and fuzzy lyrics. Well, I feel warm and fuzzy when I listen to it. Screw you.

ESPN, ESPN: Football Today

I know. There's no football. It sucks. To help get through (and keep up with) the lockout, ESPN's football-only podcast is the source for you. New episodes release most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Ross Tucker gives analysis from an ex-player and ex-pro and collegiate scout Matt Williamson can break it down like no one I've ever heard. M-Dub tackles everything from personnel moves to to game strategies to on-the-field techniques. He's a know-it-all who actually knows it all. Oh, and producer Jay Soderberg brings the fan's perspective. (Even if he is a Patriots fan.)

'Till next week everyone! Keep up your training!

Movie Night: TrollHunter

The best movie about a film crew following an old guy who tracks Norwegian creatures of lore you'll ever see.

Stepping away from the sci-fi/superhero blockbusters that are littering this summer, I was all too anxious to get to a theater for the Norwegian, low-budget fantasy mockumentary TrollHunter. Made for a modest three million, the POV-style film's suspense and wonderfully downplayed special effects will keep you locked to your chair.

TrollHunter (or Trolljegeren in Norwegian) has a fairly basic premise. A collegiate film crew is tracking down the whereabouts of a supposed poacher who has been illegally killing bears. After repeated attempts to interview the man, (expertly played by Norwegian comedian/actor Otto Jespersen) the trio of students follows his movements for several days, leading them out in the middle a dark Norwegian forest one night. After losing sight of him, the crew is shocked when the man runs back into frame and can only muster the cry of "Troll!" It is then that they discover the man's true occupation: he is a government-funded operative charged with hunting and containing the Norwegian trolls of legend. After that the mockumentary chronicles the hunter as he investigates a series of inter-connected incidents that leads him to a confrontation with the most dangerous troll of all.

What isn't to love about that plot? Loose as it is, it leaves plenty of leeway for the film to take you on a tour of Norway's gorgeous landscapes as well as its folklore, which it borrows from liberally. TrollHunter takes the troll and twists into a real life mammal, complete with some of its trademark characteristics. Turning into stone when exposed to sunlight and smelling the blood of a Christian are just a few of the traditional traits they apply to the film versions of these fantastical creatures. They avoid making them hokey or childish at any point, instead focusing on the extreme danger they can pose when in the proper setting.

Obviously, a movie based on a man that hunts trolls is going to have moments of levity. However, they were far fewer than I had expected. While it doesn't take itself too seriously, the film doesn't let you move past the inherent fear of the unknown which could be lurking around any corner. If these characters couldn't relax, neither could I. As characters, none the film crew is given much depth, which sadly may detract from any emotional investment on the viewer's part, as aside from the troll hunter himself there are only a few other named roles.

In regards to the trolls, they're certainly a treat at which to look. Coming in a variety of forms and sizes, the Norwegian creatures are given a decent scientific explanation (relative to other movies of TrollHunter's ilk). While some of the trolls the crew encounters are seen through slightly fuzzy night vision, any clear shot of the trolls is always a good one. Not cartoony in the slightest, the trolls are realized with a gritty, almost prehistoric nature. (Think the trolls from Lord of the Rings trilogy.) At no point in the movie will you find yourself saying "That looks dumb." And in a creature feature, that's a tremendous compliment.

Without a advertising campaign, a bankable American star or flashy effects, TrollHunter illustrates some of the best that foreign films have to offer. Norway's deep, immersive national mythology lends itself to films of this genre, keeping it based in a legitimate (if still make-believe) mythology. If you can find a theater playing TrollHunter, make to sure to buy yourself a ticket. It's an effing fun ride.