Music from the O.C. Mix 4

Among the gloomier tracks are Pinback's "Fortress," Sufjan Stevens' "To Be Alone with You," and Reindeer Section's "Cartwheels," which sound a little less "indie" and a little more pop than we've come to expect from these compilations. Some of the more exciting tracks include "Decent Days and Nights" by Futureheads and a Modest Mouse contribution: quirky dancepunk fun with "The View." The headliner is a new song from Beck, who seems to channel Jim Morrison on "Scarecrow," co-written and co-produced by the Dust Brothers. Imogen Heap (half of Frou Frou) delivers a lovely "Goodnight and Go."

Just one instance of the "s" word pops up -- otherwise the songs on this collection are either edited or squeaky-clean to begin with. Until the day comes when teenagers stop indulging in self-absorbed introspection (and/or when pigs fly), collections like this one will find an enthusiastic audience.