"The O.C." is known for featuring music that is virtually unknown to viewers of the show. The bands are usually on indie labels and most often become the next big thing in music. The latest mix released last week is no different.

However, this new installment is similar to the previous four. The bands chosen are great bands, but the songs used to represent each band are not the best to introduce newcomers to their music.

Artists included on this album are The Subways, Kasabian, Shout Out Louds, LCD Soundsystem, Rogue Wave, Youth Group, Of Montreal, Gorillaz, Kaiser Chiefs, Stars, Phantom Planet and Imogen Heap. The show does deserve some credit for picking bands that deserve attention.

Aside from the music, the liner notes include amusing "notes" from "The O.C." characters to other characters. For example, each of the parents on "The O.C." has a graduation-type message to each of their kids congratulating them and wishing them luck for the future. It reads like a yearbook.

One of the best songs on the album is Rogue Wave's "Publish My Love." It's one of those rare songs with good lyrics, melodies and vocals. Most of the songs on the album are catchy indie pop tunes similar to "Publish My Love."

There are few songs that don't fall under the pop-rock category. The Subways' "Rock & Roll Queen" sounds like a revamped Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Kaiser Chiefs have an enjoyable dance rock song called "Na Na Na Na Naah" on the album. The only song that really stands out from the rest is "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House" by LCD Soundsystem. It's pure electro-punk fun.

The best band on the album is by far Stars. The band contributes "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" to the mix. If you haven't discovered them yet and enjoy this song, make sure you buy the group's third album "Set Yourself On Fire." The song chosen for the album has pretty harmonies, vocals and lyrics, and the rest of the album is just as good.

Phantom Planet includes a remix of "The O.C." theme song "California" called "California 2005." It's extremely unnecessary and is essentially the same as the original, but softer and slower.

This mix is pretty good and might just be one of the best mixes "The O.C." has put out. Every single band on the album is good on its own merits, but if you enjoy the small taste you receive on "The O.C." mix, go out and buy the band's album.