Sound Bites 10/2005: Gratuitous Indie Rock TV Cameos
It's not just The O.C. and Gilmore Girls name-checking the indie rock these days. Dandy Warhols ' front-man Courtney Taylor-Taylor had a cameo in last night's excellent episode of Veronica Mars, performing a karaoke version of Nazareth's "Love Hurts" (!) at Neptune's local hangout Java the Hut. It was better than almost anything on the Dandy's new album, Odditorium or the Warlords of Mars . Of course, the Dandy Warhols' "We Used to Be Friends" is the Veronica Mars theme so it's not that surprising that he would appear on the show, but it did stick out somewhat like a sore thumb. If you're not watching Veronica Mars , you're missing one of the best shows -- probably THE best, alongside Lost -- on television right now. In the first season the titular teen sleuth solved a weekly mystery while having working on the season-long plots of who killed her best friend, who slipped her roofies and took away her virginity, and what happened to her runaway mom -- all while dealing with high school and a love triangle where you actually kind of liked both suitors. And the Season One finale was just brilliant, about as perfect an episode of TV as you could get huh the dramatic fire scene wasn't cheesy? or something?. This year so far is firing on all cylinders, upping the ante plot-wise while breaking out of the first season's small-case-big-case episodic formula. yeah I like how second season the small cases seem less separate more tied in to the overarching mysteries & central characters. right?

Sound Bites 12/2005: A Series of Sneaks:
I'll say it again: Veronica Mars is, currently, the best-written show on television -- a crown formerly held by Gilmore Girls. (It's still #2.) Another title Veronica Mars seems to be aiming for is Coolest Music on a TV show, once also held by Gilmore Girls , then usurped by The O.C . The show isn't there yet but they're trying.
Earlier in the season, Courtney Taylor-Taylor of the Dandy Warhols (whose "We Used to Be Friends" is the VM theme song) had a cameo on the show in a scene at a karaoke bar. Word is Spoon's Britt Daniel will appear in a similar karaoke cameo singing Elvis Costello's "Veronica." I liked it, liked the song v mch.
Seriously. Veronica Mars may look like a dumb teen detective series, but it's the classiest hour on television. Veronica Mars - The Complete First Season is now on DVD. Season Two is even better, with the "mystery of the week" much more integrated ah yup into the bigger, season-long mystery which is getting about as juicy the game hens she roasted last on last night's episode. (In addition to being whip-smart, funny and easy-on-the-eyes, did I mention Veronica can also cook?) If you want to jump in mid-season, fansite Mars Investigations will get you up to speed...


Asking the Wrong Questions: The Girl Detective On Her Second Outing: Scattered Veronica Mars Thoughts: FOOTNOTE [4] Although sometimes the writers take pity on us, and sprinkle helpful hints in the soundtrack. In 'Rashard and Wallace Go to White Castle', Veronica is inspired to help Logan and Weevil by the karaoke singer who serenades her with Elvis Costello's 'Veronica', which includes the lyrics
Well she used to have a carefree mind of her
own and a delicate look in her eye
These days I'm afraid she's not even sure
if her name is Veronica