Charmed: The Book of Shadows
This follow-up collection of "music from and inspired by" the WB network's successful teen witch-with-a-family-twist series offers up a compelling, distaff spin on thefirst volume'scontemporary mix of pop and rock, gathering together 11 all-female tracks, an eclectic mix that spans the diversity of The Donnas' rousing rock opener "Take It Off" and a beat-savvy remix of Broadway-cum-Vegas diva Sarah Brightman's "Free." Its other disparate, yet inviting corners feature signature performances from alt.divas Liz Phair (the gritty "Take A Look" from her eponymousfourth album), Vanessa Carlton and Aussie newcomer Missy Higgins, a shimmering remix of Sarah McLachlan's emotive classic "Fallen," Shivaree's spooky "I Close My Eyes" and the deliciously haunting "House" by Zero 7—though teen-pop lip-sync queen Ashlee Simpson's sugary "Pieces of Me" can't rise above its slinky David Garcia and High Spies remix.--Jerry McCulley