SMALLVILLE

Besides absolutely loving Smallville, I also love a ton of the music they use in the soundtrack. Check out these mad selections:

"Save Me" by Remy Zero. The opening track that blasts into your brain. Remy Zero sounds like U2 in a tornado, and the lyrics are completely appropriate for Smallville, a show that follows the teenage years of America's most popular superhero.

"Love You Madly" by Cake. I'm a fan of these guys, because they make music that truly sounds like nothing else I've ever heard. This song is a swinging pop confection perfect for summer days.

"We're At the Top of the World" by Juliana Theory. These emo boys' only hit is a song filled with "sha la la las". Cute, but also pretty.

"Bid Day" by Puracane. This song is almost what you'd get if you mixed Dido and Mazzy Star with the Sneaker Pimps. Electronic, but smooth.

"No Such Thing" by John Mayer. My favorite Mayer song, and the major reason I continued listening to his music after the "Your Body Is A Wonderland" fiasco. I love the lyrics, and I love that he delivers them with sincerity. This should go on every high school soundtrack.

"Don't Ask Me" by Ok Go. Before these guys made it big with treadmills, they had this song. Saccharine and snarky, I love every minute of this music. Here's an example of some ridiculously fun lyrics:

"Quit acting so friendly.
Don't nod don't laugh all nicely.
Don't think you'll up-end me.
Don't sigh, don't sip your iced-tea.
And don't say, 'It's been a while...'
And don't flash that stupid smile.
Don't ask me how I've been."

" Here By My Side" by Steve Harris. Harris's voice is worn and sounds real over the jazzy music. I tend to enjoy vocals that sound like they're attached to someone who has lived a long life. This is a pretty song.

"Take Me Away" by Lifehouse. Lifehouse is a staple on Smallville, which makes sense because all of their songs are about connection. It doesn't matter if the lyrics are about their connection to other people or to God, because they can apply to both and mean a hell of a lot in either situation.

"In A Young Man's Mind" by the Mooney Suzuki. I love the Mooney Suzuki's garage rock. This song does double-duty of entertainng you and reminding you that in Smallville, Clark Kent is still just a teenage boy.

"Mad World" by Michael Andrew & Gary Jules. A quiet cover of the Tears for Fears hit from the '80s. I never really noticed the lyrics, until I hear this song which tones down the music and highlights the words. It's really sad and beautiful.

"Don't Dream It's Over" by Sixpence None the Richer. This is absolutely my favorite song by this band, and it's a cover. They do a really nice rendition, perfect for rainy day car-rides.

"The Scientist" by Coldplay. This is really the only song I enjoy by Coldplay. I've never bought into the hype surrounding this band, because I find most of their music boring. This song is the exception to the rule. The empty space around the piano is the nicest part of the song besides the lyrics. The music rings in the space between the piano and vocals.

"Diamonds and Guns" by the Transplants. The absolute best part of the Garnier Fructise (sp?) commercials, and the only song by the Transplants that I enjoy. Tim Armstrong really broke away from his Rancid ties on this track, while achieving something new and interesting.

"Swing, Swing" by the All-American Rejects. This song is the first emo crossover for those rejects. I love the music, despite myself.

"Better Days Will Come" by Tahiti 80. Another pop convection and high school celebration song. Why don't they play this stuff on pop radio? It's the kind of music that makes me happy.

"Meltdown" by Ash. I love this British rock band. Their music is catchy and pure rock fun. "I think my head, my head is gonna explode!"

"Finding Out True Love Is Blind" by Louis XIV. These one hit wonders burned up alternative rock radio in the summer of 2005 with this blistering track. Most of the track had to be bleeped out on the radio and it was STILL a hit. I love it, because it's ridiculous.