Aural Sensitivity Training: June 20, 2011

Are you scouring the internet looking for new music? Do you need validation for some of your guiltier audio pleasures? Haven't found the right podcast yet? Fear not friend. Each week at The Random Ramblings I'm going to offer up five personal audio selections (ranging from albums, songs, podcasts and whatever else one can listen to) for your perusal. Let's get to your training!

Ellie Goulding, Lights

This album is going keep your ears buzzing with superb hooks and well-plotted lyrics. She feels like a mix of Kylie Minogue and Sarah Bareilles, which is more than alright in my book. I love every song, but "Your Biggest Mistake" and "Starry Eyed" are some of my favorites off this disc.

ESPN, The Michelle Beadle Podcast 

Maybe you can't gawk at Michelle like you do when she hosts ESPN's Sportsnation, but the Beadle is in full force for each installment of this fledgling podcast. She's hilariously awkward, astoundingly blunt and knows more about sports than you do, even if she doesn't talk about it as much as you'd like. Definitely worth a listen for the casual sports fan.

Silversun Pickups, Pikul

If you never picked up the 2005 debut EP from this killer indie group, then you're missing out. The band's mellower side is on display for these seven tracks, but their trademark gritty sound is omnipresent. Snag it if you haven't yet.

Taryn Southern, "Keep It In Your Pants"
Not only is she stunning and funny as hell, she's also pretty talented. Still, don't take my word for it. Just watch.


You're welcome.

A Perfect Circle, "Weak and Powerless"
After the brilliance that was Mer De Noms, Thirteenth Step was awfully disappointing. Still, this track stands out for the awesome-sauce that it is. Makes me reminisce of old-school Tool. (Which would be weird if their lead singer wasn't the same guy. That makes it okay.)

Hope you enjoyed your training! See you next week!