The OC’s Mix 5
You can catch the newest wave of Fox’s teen drama, The OC on November 8th when The OC: Mix 5 is released. But yours truly has acquired a copy to give you the scoop right now.
Until recently, television music has been a relatively invisible element. The OC has helped to change that by using the show’s music to add to its depth. An eclectic mix of well knowns and relative newcomers, The OC gives its audience more than drama. The OC: Mix 5 is 12 tracks of OC goodness.
1. “Rock & Roll Queen”- The Subways
The newest installment of the British Invasion has come sooner than expected and The Subways are happily a part of it. “Rock & Roll Queen” is the first single from this British garage punk band. Not a very complex song, probably less than 25 words are even used; it is a rather generic tune that is catchy enough to work. But with each listen you get more into the turned up guitars and vocal energy amidst the musical fireworks that make up “Rock & Roll Queen.”
2. “Reason Is Treason”- Kasabian
Kasabian knows how to mix the sounds of indie rock and dance floor beats. And they do it well. Influenced by the likes of The Stone Roses, Kasabian gives you the heavier edge to indie rock. “Reason is Treason” hardly sounds original, but if you like the sound of indie rock, you will enjoy this track
3. “Wish I was Dead Pt. 2”- Shout Out Louds
The Shout Out Louds bring a sensitive honesty to underground rock n’ roll, enough that some consider them an emo band. “Wish I was Dead Pt. 2” is the Swedish band’s contribution to The OC: Mix 5 with a more acoustic feel to this sweet tune. The accent shines through, and that’s never a bad thing is it?
4. “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House”- LCD Soundsystem
Probably LCD Soundsystem’s least exciting tune, “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House” is a catchy single for sure. I love the facetiousness of a song about Daft Punk. It’s a humorous track that can’t help but make you smile.
5. “Publish My Love”- Rogue Wave
Formed with the help of Craigslist.com, Rogue Wave was welcomed onto the scene pretty easily. Listen to “Publish My Love” and you can figure out why. For a band that started out learning songs on the fly, Rogue Wave has nailed down what a great melody should sound like. Or if you’re sneaky, you can check out a super secret site and hear more.
6. “Forever Young”- Youth Group
Yes, this is a cover of Alphaville’s “Forever Young.” Yes, this can be found on the Napoleon Dynamite soundtrack. And yes, “Forever Young” is indeed Ryan and Marissa’s song. You know you love this sweet tune. Heck, this cover may even be better than the original.
7. “Requiem For O.M.M.”- Of Montreal
The chorus takes center stage in “Requiem for O.M.M.” accompanied by the dashing bass line. It is an irresistibly charming tune and the shortest track on The OC: Mix 5.
8. “Kids With Guns”- Gorillaz
With a seemingly catatonic beginning, “Kids With Guns” builds momentum until it reaches an abrupt end. It is a beat heavy, socially aware song with a completely relaxing feel.
9. “Na Na Na Na Naa”- Kaiser Chiefs
Ah, the entirely too energetic, unselfconsciously britpop Kaiser Chiefs. “Na Na Na Na Naa” is an upbeat tune that makes me want to hop around and be happy.
10. “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead”- Stars
The beautiful use of strings makes “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” more than a pleasure to listen to, especially with the harmony between singers Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell. A quirky beginning leads into this cleverly written song.
11. “California 2005”- Phantom Planet
I admit it, Phantom Planet’s “California” gets old. I fast forward through the opening credits to The OC so I don’t have to listen to it. But there is something about the more subdued, unplugged “California 2005” that makes it decent. But it could be me being jealous of the whistling.
12. “Hide And Seek”- Imogen Heap
Frou Frou’s Imogen Heap brings us this wonderful track to close out The OC: Mix 5. You might recognize this song from Caleb’s funeral or when Marissa shot Trey. An amazing voice is vulnerably presented in electronic a capella. Either way it is a moving song and a perfect note to end the newest soundtrack from The OC.
