Musical Moments That Make Me Miss The OC

To this day it still breaks my heart a little when I think about the fact that The OC is no longer on the air. Though it slowly started to go downhill once season three was underway, the first two seasons are some of the most epic teen drama that you can get your hands on. From the scandalous love affairs to the cocktail parties of California's finest, there was never a dull moment when OC nights came around. About a month ago there was talk of a reunion, but thanks to Mischa Barton's typical bratty ways, it unfortunately doesn't seem likely. Out of all of The OC's feats, I would easily argue that the music popularized by show was its best. Whenever I hear a song from one of The OC's many soundtracks I can picture the exact scene it accompanied in vivid detail. Listening to OC music brings back so many fun memories I have from my teenage years. I know I'm not alone when I say that OC marathons were a huge part of my high school and university weekends. Now, if I'm too busy to watch an episode, listening to one of the tunes below gives me the same, satisfying fix. When I first decided to do a post on The OC and its music, I considered posting it on Thursday, as it's definitely a throwback worth remembering. It then occurred to me that the biggest thing The OC impacted in my life was easily my iTunes library. Today's post will be the first to introduce a new segment of my blog: Music Moment Monday.

 

There were so many awesome songs showcased on The OC, it's hard to narrow them down to a list that isn't overwhelmingly long. For this post, I've compiled my personal favourite top 20. Some of these songs made the list because of the memorable scenes they accompany, and others because they are definite must-haves in your music libraries. Obviously there are spoilers in all of these, but if you haven't watched The OC by now, you can consider these clips both punishments and prizes for missing out on this show for so long.

 

1. "Dice" by Finley Quaye

As New Year's Eve is not too far away, this song should get you in the mood for one of the year's most overrated holidays. Cheesy I know, but I can't go a single New Year's without this song popping into my head. Though it may not be a festive, pump-up, holiday jam, this song is still a New Year's tune to me.

2. "If You Leave" (originally by OMD) covered by Nada Surf

Prior to my OC days, this song used to make me think of Molly Ringwald at the end of Pretty in Pink. Throw in Anna and her teary goodbye to Seth Cohen, and all I have to say is "Molly who?" I later discovered even more Nada Surf in some of my other favourite teen dramas. If you're lucky, I just might share those songs with you in a few weeks time ;).

 

3. "Champagne Supernova" Oasis cover by Matt Pond PA

I can't even describe how much I wish for a Spiderman moment whenever I watch "The Rainy Day Woman" episode. Not only am I a huge Oasis fan, I'm also a huge superhero fan. Combine those two things with Seth and Summer reuniting and it's (almost) too much for me to handle.

 

4. "Paint the Silence" by South

The only words that enter my mind whenever I hear this song: SOMEBODY GET ME TO A FERRIS WHEEL. NOW.

5. "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap

Arguably one of the biggest moments in the show's history. This clip from the season two finale not only made for a memorable season, but also helped launched Imogen Heap's career.

6. "A Lack of Color" by Death Cab For Cutie

Seth Cohen's love for Death Cab was enough to make the band go viral. An OC staple, as well as a key item in "The Seth Cohen Starter Pack" (you'll have to watch the show to get this one). Along with Imogen Heap, Death Cab definitely owes their popularity boom in the early millenium to The OC.

 

7. "Fix You" by Coldplay

I know not everyone loves Coldplay, and that they're a little bit mainstream for OC music, but nothing beats an OC episode like a dramatic ending mixed with a sad song. Yet another reason why the first two seasons of The OC are filled with some of the show's best moments.

8. "Ch-check It Out" by Beastie Boys

Beastie Boy fans may not be aware of the fact that this scene is actually the debut of "Ch-check It Out." By the end of the show's first season, it became evident to both popular and indie musicians that having your music played on The OC was one of the best way's to gain exposure with the youth of the millenium.

 

9. "Love You Till The End" by The Pogues

 

10. "West Coast" by Coconut Records

Along with the track above, these are the only songs I've included from the show's fourth season. As much of an OC fan as I am, there is not much I like about the show past season three. This song is proof though that there was still a couple reasons to continue watching post-Mischa Barton era. Though I know it's about California, thanks to The OC, I feel I have an anthem that reminds me of my own "west coast" roots.

11. "Forever Young" (originally by Alphaville) covered by Youth Group

After I first heard this song I actually went out and bought Youth Group's album right away. If you haven't heard of them, their album "Casino Twilight Dogs" is the one to which I am referring, and is definitely worth checking out. "Daisychains" and "Start Today Tomorrow" were two of my other favourites from the album. This song always makes me think of the scene below where Ryan and Marissa finally pick "their song."

 

12. "Maybe I'm Amazed" covered by Jem

Taking on a Paul McCartney song is always a risky challenge. Only the musical team behind The OC would be able to discover an artist who made his hit just different enough to do it justice. If you enjoy Jem's voice, her song "Just a Ride" was another tune featured on the show.

13. "I'm Shakin'" by Rooney

I believe Rooney was the first band that was featured live on the show. One of Seth Cohen's many obsessions, Rooney was another group that became popularized through his unique taste.

 

14. "For the Widows" by Sufjan Stevens

If you haven't heard of Sufjan Stevens, you should definitely look him up. Worth more than a post himself, he plays over ten instruments and at one point had a goal to make an album for each state across the USA. This song is truly beautiful, and is the perfect combination of grace and melancholy.

 

15. "We Used to Be Friends" by The Dandy Warhols

If you've been listening to Indie 88 (ie. Toronto's best radio station), you might recognize the riff in this song. For those who are into quirky, hipster jams that make you want to groove, this one is dedicated to you.

16. "Insomnia" by Electric President

There are many nights when I personally consider myself an insomniac, so it's nice to have discovered a song that can accompany that mood. Another slow, broody tune to add to your depressing music playlists, but a good one at that.

17. "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" by U2

A nice change from the collection of indie artists featured on the show at the time, U2 came in at the perfect point in season two. I personally love U2, so hearing this song on the show is always a real treat for me.

18. "Wonderwall" (originally by Oasis) covered by Ryan Adams

I love show's season one Valentine's Day episode. Some may argue that Oasis' Wonderwall is an overplayed love ballad, but Ryan Adams puts the perfect spin on this well-known hit.

 

19. "Hallelujah" covered by Jeff Buckley and Imogen Heap

Covered by many, these are just two renditions of Leonard Cohen's famous ballad. I love that it was used in two of the show's season finales, but by two completely different artists. From Seth and Ryan running away, to Marissa dying in Ryan's arms, this song really is an anthem for goodbye.

20. "California" by Phantom Planet

Obviously this list would not be complete without the song that made the show. Easily the most nostalgic song for OC lovers, and the only way to end this list.

 

Hopefully I've now given you a reason to look forward to Mondays.

With love,

Ciara <3

 

 

 

Taylor Tuesday: I Remember It 'All Too Well'

"When I'm writing songs, I think for me my main goal is to write exactly what I'm feeling at the time that I'm feeling it. And if writing songs happens for me in the middle of the night, say between the hours of two and four a.m., chances are..chances are I'm trying to forget somebody. And when you're trying to forget somebody it's nearly impossible to write how you feel, because if you've every lost somebody you know that you're never just feeling one thing at a time. It's much more complicated than that. And when I was writing this song I decided...I decided maybe instead of writing how I felt maybe it would be better to write the story of what happened from beginning to end, because I remembered it all too well."

-Taylor Swift

It's rare that I can listen to a song for months on end, on repeat, without getting sick of it. I've had songs that have come and gone in my life as favourites, but none have held the same, initial power over my mind for as long as this one has. There are moments in your life that you know you know are going to stay with you forever. When I heard Taylor Swift perform her song "All Too Well" at her concert back in June, I knew that was going to be one of mine.

 

Captivated, I took in every moment I could of that performance. Ever since that night I've spent endless hours watching any live version I can find on YouTube. Houston, New York, Los Angeles - I've seen them all. The one I've posted below is from the night I saw her perform in Toronto. I may be biased, but of all the versions I've seen, this one seems the most genuine and full of real emotion. I remember getting the impression that she was going through something difficult in her personal life when I saw her perform this, and I think that's a key reaction you want from your audience as a performer. Her introduction is worth watching, but if you are in a rush, the song itself starts at 1:35. If you're really pressed for time, my favourite part of this song is the bridge/second half, which starts just after 4:15. I know it's not the best quality, but I still hope you enjoy it as much as I do :).

 

This song tells a story that creates such vivid images and evokes a landslide of emotions flying at you from all angles. Bittersweet, the heartbreaking ballad is intertwined with these picturesque memories that Taylor experienced in a past relationship. Based on its powerful, vulnerable lyrics, this relationship clearly had a huge effect over Taylor's life. Originally a ten minute song, it was the first track recorded for the Red album, and it makes sense that Taylor would have used it as the centrepiece and starting point for the rest of the songs that followed. Although the relationship depicted in this song clearly had its difficulties and downfalls, the way in which it's told is nearly flawless. One of my favourite things in life is being able to view imperfections in a perfect way, and that's one of the many reasons why I've fallen in love with this song.

 

 

 

I'm not trying to convince you that this song is one of the best songs ever written, but I do think that Taylor Swift is a talented song writer, more than some people give her credit for. Many people know her for her upbeat, catchy hits. What people don't always get to hear are her ballads, which are often the hidden jems on her albums. Comparing all of her songs, the story and lyrics in this track are some of the best she's ever written.

In case you were curious, the Taylor Swift fanatic inside of me can confidently inform you that this song is about Jake Gyllenhaal. True, Taylor states that she never reveals who her songs are about; however, there are enough hints in this song to piece the puzzle together...

Photo album on the counter your cheeks were turning red.

You used to be a little kid with glasses in a twin-size bed.

But you keep my old scarf from that very first week,

'Cause it reminds you of innocence and it smells like me.

I've had this post sitting in my drafts for some time now. Originally I was going to post pictures with all the lyrics to this song, but the last half is really the part I love most. Here is a little play by play of my favourite lyrics in the song:

Only Taylor would be able to string together such a unique flow of words to call somebody cold or harsh. I hear this line and it inspires me just thinking about how genius I find it. I'm going to stop myself now because I could literally think about these words forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can't get rid of it. Cause you remember it all too well.

 

There you have it. One of my favourite songs officially out in the open. I almost called it a guilty pleasure, but I don't feel the least bit embarrassed for being in love with it. I hope it has the same influence on some of you as it did on me. The power music can have over all of us is truly amazing. If this song isn't something you can relate to, then go listen to your favourite song, whatever that may be. Everyone has at least song that moves them, taking them back to a special place and time. This song just happens to be one of mine.

With love,

Ciara