Beck and Darth Vader

As more evidence of the future death of radio, Beck will debut five songs on the March 10th episode of The O.C. In actuality, his Beckness will be heard in six songs, the sixth being his cover of Daniel Johntson's "True Love Will Find You in The End," (which will appear on Music From the O.C. Mix IV.) Having a Johnston song appear in a kiddie soap is as crazy as he is, but let's not forget he's already had a song in a Target commercial (also covered, this time by the lovely Mary Lou Lord.) With six songs already in the mix, I guess that means there's no time for another Album Leaf song on this episode (what do they have on Josh Schwartz to be on every other episode of The O.C.?)

Meanwhile, during the very same March 10 episode of The O.C., the trailer for Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Seth (sic) will premiere. Before we go spouting about The O.C. being our ultimate cultural barometer of the moment, Star Wars is being distributed by Fox, and as we all know, The O.C. is a FOX show. Still, it's telling that they chose a kiddie soap to help launch the next installment... as their usual loyal demographic doesn't usually play with the 'kool kids'.

Maybe it's just me, but lately I've been hearing new songs by artists considered 'on the verge' and they all have something in common: they sound tailored to be played on The O.C. Specifically I'm talking about Hot Hot Heat's "Goodnight Goodnight" and The Bravery's "Honest Mistake." Just consider that the cynic in me talking. But while I'm at it, here's a playlist of songs I predict will appear in future O.C. episodes (either by end of this season or beginning of next.) The aforementinoed Beck tracks are no-brainers, obviously....I'd also add a Bloc Party and a Spoon if they were out yet (and in Rhapsody.)

More:
Kiddie Soap music
Kiddie Soaps are this Year's VW Commercials
VH1 on Beck and the O.C.
Star Wars online's official statement