Scrubs
The medically mindedScrubsis an eccentric affair, populated by a zany cast of residents saving lives while learning life's little lessons in the process. Though lacking the show's oddball humor, its soundtrack is undeniably earnest, with a rich understanding of the pleasures and hardships faced by the hospital workers. The show's theme song, Lazlo Bane's quirky banjo twanger, sighs "I'm no Superman," as an uncharacteristically subduedGuided by Voicestrack cautions to "Hold on Hope." Ex-Men at Workfrontman Colin Hay lends his sage advice with acoustic renditions of "Beautiful World" and the chestnut "Overkill," whileEels' "Fresh Feeling" begins with a tuning orchestra and turns into a tripping beatfest. The highlights, though, belong toFrancis Dunnery, sounding uncannily likePeter Gabrielon the high-tea string elegance of "Good Life," and theShins, with "New Slang," a humble campfire song. Puttering along pleasantly,Scrubs, while a little bland, is nevertheless a life-affirming collection that's as hopeful as the aspiring young doctors on the show.--Annie Zaleski