Veronica Mars
Say you're a fearless, smart, crime-solving high school student: what's on your iPod?  If you're Veronica Mars, you've got a great playlist.  The songs included on the "Veronica Mars" soundtrack (featured in both seasons one and two) are drawn from a pool of strong indie talent--exactly what you'd expect from a think-for-herself individual like Veronica.  The Dandy Warhols' show-opening "We Used to Be Friends" sets up Veronica's emotional struggles in the deeply divided town of Neptune.  And fans of the show will recall Cotton Mather's sad, Beatles-esque "Lily Dreams On" playing while a relieved Veronica dreams of her murdered best friend-- just after finally exposing her true killer.  With additional tunes like Spoon's funked-up "I Turn My Camera On" and The Perishers smooth "Sway," plus the U.S. introduction of U.K. pop/punk band The Faders ("No Sleep Tonight"), the soundtrack moves through a wide range of musical and lyrical styles, yet somehow it hangs together, due in part to the eclectic nature of the show itself.  Veronica aficionados will enjoy getting to know her even better through the songs chosen for this album, and newbies may soon find themselves converted to rabid fans.--Noelle Williams