"Veronica Mars Original Television Soundtrack" (Nettwerk)
By Kimberly Rosenbauer
Friday. Oct 14, 11:42 AM
Personifies the show and full of well-knowns and obscure goodies.

The Laws of Soundtracks, Part I. Creating a soundtrack is indeed an exact science – primarily because it is the ultimate mix – an anthology of songs aiming to capture the personality, genre, and comings and goings of a particular television show or movie. However, soundtracks are sometimes judged critically by listeners who prejudicially assume that they can create just as good of a “mix” by themselves and not have to buy the album. But if the soundtrack is interesting enough with just the right balance of popular and unknown songs, smooth transitions, and also can be listened to both independently and alongside the intended media, it just might be incapable of being imitated. Yes, this is the exact scientific formula, and Veronica Mars Original Television Soundtrack carries it out perfectly.

First, a 20-second synopsis of the show. Veronica Mars is a UPN drama set in SoCal, in which the 18-year old title character acts as a normal high-schooler by day and as a P.I. by night in her father’s detective firm. Just like your teenage years, right? Now that that’s been established, you might be able to better imagine the waxing and waning of the show’s emotions and dramas via the songs that lie ahead.

The album cleverly begins with a familiar song to music listeners who fall just outside of the Top 40 contingent: “We Used to Be Friends” by The Dandy Warhols. This song is the show’s theme, and is cool but not too cool to be standard mainstream and banal.

Mike Doughty makes an appearance on track two with “I Hear the Bells,” and already letting us know that the show has a sensitive side. The song is signature Doughty: quirky sound effects and a chorus that’s moving in its lyrics without being too sappy: “I can hear the bells / ringing joyful and triumphant.” And of course, Doughty-style scat is included.

Tegan And Sara drop by next with “I Know I Know I Know,” followed by Spoon’s “I Turn My Camera On,” and then the all-girl UK band The Faders are introduced. So far, the soundtrack has managed to create a roster of musicians that are completely unfamiliar to most of the parents of the show’s viewers (the kiddies like that). At this point in the album, you can also envision – if you’ve never seen the show – what it is at least vaguely about based on the song choices. Exactly what a good soundtrack is supposed to do.

Stereophonics continue to add dazzle to the track listing. Their song “Dakota” gives the album a little more of a rock edge and is a strong entry. The Perishers’ “Sway” in the middle of the album allows you to stop paying active attention to the seamlessness of the songs for a bit. The track is a little slow and was likely used as background music for a make-out scene or some reflective rainy night moment at the end of an episode. “Long Time Coming” by Delays is another weaker moment, but still does the album justice by continuing to add alt-pop flair while being a fresh band for many listeners.

Track number nine made my whole week. The fact that The Format were even considered for the line-up is amazing: their inclusion was a very smart final decision for the Soundtrack Gods to make. This band is going to be big and you heard it from me. Their songs move you to the point of infatuation through both their mesmeric melodies and lyrics. The track chosen in this case is “On Your Porch,” and allows more compassion and deepness to enter listeners’ perceptions of the television show. The song is sung more or less like a narrative through its poignant lyrics: “Cuz come the morning I'll be gone / and as our eyes start to close / I turn to you and I let you know / that I love you.”

The band Ivy are another impressive addition the soundtrack with their song, “Ocean City Girl.” This trio consists of a French female lead, her husband, and Fountains Of Wayne band member Adam Schlesinger. Although the track choice isn’t the most captivating of Ivy’s songs, again, novice listeners have the opportunity to be introduced to this great band and will hopefully check out more of their material.

Cotton Mather’s “Tilly Dreams On” ends the soundtrack with certainty. The song has a modern folk/pop-sounding feel that suggests resolve and satisfaction, especially through its lyrics. “Close your eyes, baby I’ll dry mine… far from this, Lilly dreams on.”

This soundtrack truly personifies the Veronica Mars show and provides the perfect ratio of new to old songs and groups along with different musical sounds. The best part is that you need not have ever even heard of the show to appreciate and enjoy this album. Bring it along on your next road trip: you won’t be sorry.
www.nettwerk.com
www.veronicamarsmusic.com

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Kimberly Rosenbauer

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