Death Cab For Newbies: 15 Songs That Would Be On ‘The O.C.’ Soundtrack If The Show Was Still On

Ten years ago today, Ryan Atwood welcomed the world to The O.C., bitch, eventually igniting a riot between the Summers and the Annas (TEAM SUMMER), a brutal war that ended with thousands dead. But as for the show’s humble beginnings: the pilot episode of Josh Schwartz’s The O.C. premiered on August 5, 2003, and the show instantly became a cultural phenomenon, at least partially because of its music. It became a point of pride among indie bands for their songs to be played at the Bait Shop, where the likes of the Walkmen stopped by.

Alexandra Patsavas was in charge of picking the music for The O.C., and as part of the 10-year celebration, she was asked by MySpace (speaking of 2003) to pick 15 current (very atmospheric) songs that would have soundtracked Seth and Summer’s arguments about The Amazing Spider-Man. Here are her selections.


“Atomic Man” by Portugal. the Man

“Give Up” by Half Moon Run

“American Dream” by On an On

“We Found Love” by Palma Violets

“Your Life Your Call” by Junip

“Far Away” by Pacific Air

“Hiding” by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

“Peaches” by In the Valley Below

“Ghost” by Sir Sly

“Do You Know How It Feels” by GRMLN

“In Your Car” by Big Deal

“Timeless” by the Airborne Toxic Event

“No Man” by Crystal Fighters

“Flawless” by the Neighbourhood

“Put Me to Work” by Papa

×