Music from the O.C. Mix 5 (by Various Artists, Soundtrack)

It's still the most interesting TV soundtrack music around, but the latest compilation from The O.C. TV show is way less quirky, and therefore somewhat less interesting, than past offerings. After a strong beginning (The Subways' "Rock & Roll Queen" followed by "Reason is Treason" by Kasabian, leading into the wistful-sounding "Wish I Was Dead Pt. 2" by Shout and Loud, slam-banging into "Daft Punk is Playing at My House" by LCD Soundsystem) things start verging on tedious.

For one thing, most of the groups' lead vocalists are male, and sound almost interchangeable. There's that heartfelt nasal whine in the voice, the emotive catch in the throat, the "sensitive guys get more dates" sensibility on nearly every track. Where are the girls? What happened to the edgy post-punk dance party? Even walks on the beach with your sweetie can get boring if you never do anything else -- and after Track 4 this CD pretty much never does anything else.

The most refreshing change of pace is offered by LCD Soundsystem. "Daft Punk is Playing at My House" sports a funky rhythm section (think "Love Shack" meets David Byrne) and a cool cowbell solo -- and is the only track on the CD with anything like a sense of humor. Most of the other tunes are well-performed and sincere as can be, but unless you are in one of those gooey, sentimental moods the word "drippy" comes to mind. A little more variety and a lot more female energy would do wonders.