Since the incredible frenzy over the Fox television show The O.C. began two years ago, four compilations of songs from the show have been released.
The latest collection of songs, "The O.C. Mix 4," may not seem to reflect the trendy, pop vibe of the show, but fans of "The O.C." will benefit as the soundtrack features indie rock that few of "The O.C." fans (we will call them O.C.-ers) have had the opportunity to hear.
Compilations such as the newest O.C. record can often serve as a springboard for unknown artists to break out and reach a greater amount of people. Because the tracks are also played on the show, artists are getting massive exposure, and viewers of "The O.C." are also being introduced to an entirely different realm of music.
Despite the benefits that artists may gain from this exposure, they are also taking a risk by jumping into the foreign world of popularity. Underground bands often have strong, loyal fan bases, but those fans may feel betrayed if they consider an artist to be a sellout by having songs that are featured on a hit show that, to be blunt, can be shallow and excessively dramatic.
However, this duo of popular television and indie rock might not be such a bad thing, overall. Rock music is intended to evoke emotion through its genuine lyrics and powerful beats. The intention of "The O.C." is similar, but it is merely displayed through a different art: acting. Pop music is not profound and realistic; therefore, it would add another superficial layer to the show if it was used, and it would snatch the emotion that the show is trying to convey.
When O.C.-ers initially discover that Modest Mouse has contributed to the record, they may be surprised when they actually listen to the track. Many of the fans of "The O.C." have presumably heard the more commercial releases such as "Float On" and "Ocean Breathes Salty," but "The View" is more indicative of the true musical identity of Modest Mouse.
The track is a change of pace with random instruments, muffled background commentary and variances in beats and atmosphere throughout the song. Some O.C.-ers may appreciate the use of different instruments and the slightly crazy outbursts in the song, but others might shy away because it is a slightly "weird" song in comparison to their more popular releases.
But, if they make such a decision, then they are missing out on the musical genius of Modest Mouse. "The View" is performed by Modest Mouse in episode seven at the fictitious concert venue of the O.C. residents, the Bait Shop.
Imogen Heap, the lead singer of the British duo Frou Frou, also dishes out a single "Goodnight and Go" that seems to project a more pop feel while still maintaining an inventive, techno sound. It is rather whimsical and contains slightly less meaning in the lyrics than other indie rock songs, but it is nonetheless a creative form of expression.
The final song on "The O.C. Mix 4" is a cover of Oasis' single, "Champagne Supernova." Matt Pond PA was hand-picked to record the song for The O.C., and it was featured in the Feb. 24 episode during a major emotional moment in the show. The cover lacks the psychedelic feel and emotion of the original version, but it captures many of the other defining factors of the Oasis release and is reflective of the show as it has a more commercial sound and less nostalgic overtones. "Champagne Supernova," as recorded on "The O.C. Mix 4," is not by any means disappointing, but like a sequel to a movie: It's just not as great as the original.
The tracks featured on "The O.C. Mix 4" vary in sound and beat throughout the compilation, but remain within the context of indie rock. While some may think of the artists on the soundtrack to be sellouts, in reality they are simply trying to get people interested in real music. In general, the release manages to compile a group of songs that will give people a hint of what indie music is all about.
