Charmed

At a time when commercial radio playlists offer little space for anything but the most predictable major-label product, television shows are often the only mass media outlet available to emerging musical acts. Consequently, as one listen to the FELICITY or DAWSON'S CREEK soundtracks will prove, TV series background music is often more innovative and captivating than the shows themselves.
In the same manner that the aforementioned soundtrack albums reflect the programs that inspired them (lots of wistful, folky singer/songwriters and plaintive indie rock), CHARMED is a perfect match for a kitschy, B-movie-inspired show about three young, nubile witches. From the hyperkinetic 1960s AM-radio-style pop of Smash Mouth ("Hot") to the PET SOUNDS-ish left-of-center orchestral wackiness of the Flaming Lips ("Do You Realize"), all the music here is fun and slightly off-kilter. In addition, the tunes share a distinct cinematic flair, which not only provides for varied and entertaining listening, but also successfully evokes a sensation of actually watching the show.