Fans of “The O.C.” who are despondent at the show’s announced demise still have the music to take them back to the sultry land of opulence after this fourth and final season. With a well-known affinity for putting good, popular music on the show, the producers have released six compilations of the show’s tunes. The latest release, “Music from The O.C.: Mix 6. Covering Our Tracks,” has a twist: 12 new versions of past “The O.C.” songs covered by popular bands.
“The O.C.” creator, Josh Schwartz, said “these are the happiest versions of some of the angstiest songs ever written.”
Are the songs full of angst? Yes. Are these versions happy? Not really. Is angstiest a word? No. But while “The O.C.” (and its creator, apparently) have never been known for an adherence to reality, the album is full of excellent cover songs.
Where many compilations offer an array of studs and duds, “Mix 6,” with the exception of the “Pretty Vacant” cover by Lady Sovereign, which could both rupture ear drums and make children cry, stands on its own as a collection of good pop and indie rock.
Highlights include Goldspot’s cover of Modest Mouse’s “Float On” and Ashtar Command’s nine-minute, hypnotic cover of Mazzy Star’s “Into Dust.” Rock Kills Kid’s version of “I Turn My Camera On” is the album’s apex, with Jeff Tucker’s vocals a warm blanket for deprived O.C. fans to wrap themselves in.
While the songs may be happier versions than the originals, and indeed may be the happiest cover songs out there, the album isn’t going to pep up anyone too much. But it’s an ideal listen for both fans of music and fans of the show who want to relax in the proverbial Southern Californian sun.
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