The Music Man

There are a few things you can say about Josh Schwartz, the creator/writer/producer of The O.C., Gossip Girl, and Chuck. He can stir up the teenage drama, make you laugh at nerdy pop culture references, and put great music from up-and-coming artists in his shows. Here's a break down of some of those songs from a slew amazing artists. I have divided it by Schwartz's three shows. So grab a pen or upload your iTunes. You are going to want to download these songs.


The O.C.
Alexandra Patsavas, The O.C. music supervisor, prided herself on including indie bands such as The Walkmen, Interpol, and Modest Mouse in episodes. Even The O.C. character Seth Cohen's fascination with Death Cab For Cutie was common knowledge on the show. He made many references to the Seattle band and their poster hung proudly on his wall. Now the mentioned bands have risen in notoriety over the years, but that doesn't make their O.C. debut any less special. Here's a look at some of these band's musical appearances--and some others, as well.

Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
In the last clip of season one, this song is used as Ryan leaves Orange County to help Theresa raise their baby, prompting Seth to make sail on the Pacific.




Dice by Finley Quaye
The countdown to New Year's Eve is very important to Ryan in this clip. He is trying to reach Marissa before that crazy Oliver is the one doing the kissing. The scene is actually well done and the song will be seen again in one of his future shows. Keep reading...




Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap
When Ryan finds out that Trey tried to rape Marissa, Ryan goes to his hotel. A fight ensues and Marissa shoots Trey. This scene (and song) was also used for comedic affect in an SNL digital short. I have attached it as well.






Title and Registration by Death Cab For Cutie
They came, they saw, they performed. Death Cab made an appearance at fictional club The Bait Shop. Some saw it as a cop out. Others enjoyed their little cameo. You be the judge...




Honey and the Moon By Joseph Arthur
In the pilot, Ryan is kicked out of the Cohen household and Sandy has to take him back to Chino. But not without one final glance of Marissa....




The West Coast by Coconut Records
This song has recently become popular on the radio, even though it hit The O.C. in 2006. This is Jason Schwartzman's solo project, with him lending most of the vocals and musical instruments. And this song appeared on the show's last season.




Gossip Girl
Patsavas is also in charge of music on this teen soap opera. Her choices of song change the air of this show from cheesy filler to moving drama. Per her Vanity Fair interview in May, Patsavas described her method to her choice of music: "It’s really an amalgam of indie, pop, and New York-based bands. The music I send down to the show includes a lot of Top 40 as well as some as well as some unsigned bands from the city. So it’s definitely a wide spectrum, and I think it’s really that musical soup that gives the show its style." And soup ingredients like Bloc Party, Cold War Kida, Elliot Smith, Band of Horses, and more call Gossip Girl home.

Signs by Bloc Party
This song is played in the episode where Chuck is mourning the loss of his father. The montage that includes the song in its entirety is a moving one, but it has also been removed from websites due to copyright infringement. But this clip features a part of it...




Mexican Dogs by Cold War Kids
Only certain songs could capture Blair in her blinding rage of revenge one a teacher who scorned her. This one from the California group is a goodie.




Slow Show by The National
Click on the 55-second mark and you will hear a great song by The National. Serena is finally moving on from Dan while he is trying to get her back. Just another of many great montage clips from the show.




Seasons of Love by Shiny Toy Guns
We have to celebrate the last scene of season two when Blair and Chuck FINALLY say those three little words. It also commemorates the first time Chuck smiles on the show...

Chuck say I love you to Blair
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The Ice is Getting Thinner by Death Cab for Cutie
Another one of Chuck and Blair's banter moments. Chuck's toast directed at Blair plays well against the musical background of this indie band.




Chuck
For Patsavas, third time is a charm with Chuck. "I'm interested in current music and I felt like television was such an interesting way to present new music quickly," Patsavas has said. And here she is, at it again...

Dice by Finley Quaye
I told you this would be back again. See how the show paid homage to The O.C. in this clip. Instead of it being a boyfriend trying to get to his love, it is about a guy trying to get to his best buddy. Here is the Chuck version...



And here is The O.C. one...




Skinny Love by Bon Iver
Justin Vernon's soothing voice and lone guitar provide a great soundtrack for this scene, where Chuck comes to the realization of what he wants: a real life; a real relationship.




Creature Fear by Bon Iver
This band is so good, they put them in twice. Now, I embedded the whole episode, but just watch the opening scene, which features the this Bon Iver song. Sarah and Chuck finally get together and the song adds great tension to the scene.




Keep Yourself Warm by Frightened Rabbit
The way this scene plays out with the song is great. The slow motion realization as Casey and Sarah find out Chuck's girlfriend, Jill, works for the bad guys is a good one. These guys are my new favorite band.




Christmas TV by Snow Club
This is such a beautiful song for the show's season two finale. It is also the scene where Sarah decides to stay with Chuck and live a normal life with him. The montage also includes shots of the craziness that's going on while the wedding takes place.