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!