This review was one of the first ones I wrote for Ciao, I have now re-vamped it to hopefully reach Ciao standard.
THE BACKGROUND
One Tree Hill Season 2 has just finished. It was shown on E4 every Thursday at 9pm, and then again on E4+1 straight after. One Tree Hill is an American teen drama. Set in Tree Hill this show follows the story of Lucas and Nathan. They are half brothers who initially don't get on, but basketball brings them together. I won't go into detail about the programme as this is a CD review (see my review of the box set) however it is important for you to know the type of programme as this will give you some idea about he music. There are the 'cool' kids you always get in American shows, the 'geeks' and those who try to fit in. It is a brilliant programme which uses the kind of music you would expect to see in this genre, however they have used the music to tell the story just as much as the visuals.
You can buy this CD from HMV online for £10.99, saving you £5.00 on the RRP. Amazon are selling it from £8.11 new. I have just checked on ebay and it is available for £5.50, so if you look around you can get a good price on it.
THE CD COVER
I love this show, I think it is one of the best programmes on TV. The actors/actresses are all really good and play their characters well. They are all 'beautiful' people and this is what they use to promote this cd. The five main cast members are lying down, seemingly entwined. If you watch the programme you will know who the characters are straight away and will know that them touching each other symbolises the complex relationships they all have with each other. They are all wearing simple, black clothes which compliment the complexity of their positions.
THE MUSIC
One Tree Hill is brilliant. I love most things about the programme, including the way they use the music to compliment the show. They very often play a whole song during an episode and somehow show all of the storylines so we know what is going on. Although it is a good show and generally i like the music, I don't particularly like the music CD. This may seem odd but in my opinion they haven't chosen the best music to put onto the cd.
The theme tune to One Tree Hill 'I Don't Want To Be' by Gavin DeGraw is brilliant. It was one of the things that got me watching in the first place. He has featured on the show a few times playing live, and the music really livens up the programme.
When bands/artists such as Michelle Branch and Jimmy Eat World actually appear on the show you don't really have to like the music. It is all in perspective and you have things to watch so you don't have to pay much attention to the actual music/lyrics.
However, the album really wasn't for me. It starts with Gavin DeGraw playing live the song from the opening titles, which isn't his best rendition. There are some good songs on the album such as 'First Cut is the Deepest' by Sheryl Crow, but again the live version isn't that good. I feel maybe they added songs by artists that people will have heard of.
'Glad' by Tyler Hilton is the other acoustic song. This is probably the best song on the album. He plays a lot in the second season, and again this isn't one of his best songs, however it is probably the best song on the album.
I hadn't heard of all the bands that feature, but to me it all sounded pretty similar. You can kick back and chill to all the songs. There won't be any surprises in there for you.
You'll like this album if you are into bands such as Keane and Travis. There are 3 acoustic songs, so this does make it a little bit differerent.
Live music is quite important in the show so I can understand why they have chosen to add these to the album. This may have been better if they had added 'Chariot' by Gavin DeGraw as this has been played on the TV a few times in the last 2 seasons.
Overall I would recommend this album if you like live/acoustic music and not necessarily just because you like the TV show.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Good review! huuge fan of Chad Michael Murray so would buy this cd just for the pic on the front :)
SueMagee 05.02.2006 08:12
Much better!
jesi 04.02.2006 21:05
I've not heard of this show, and I haven't got a TV - but this review is helpful to someone who wants to know what the CD is like, and who knows the show . . . - .................................................................................................... ~ ♥ ~ jes
Anchored by a muscular, yet funky live version of Gavin DeGraw's theme song "I Don't Want ... more
to Be," this collection of music from and inspired by the hit WB series walks the fine line between stock-in-trade teen musical angst and decidedly more AC-friend...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 1 to 3 weeks...
I Don't Want to Be - Gavin DeGraw Kill - Jimmy Eat World Re-Offender - Travis Good Kind - ... more
The Wreckers Overdue - The Get Up Kids Funny Little Feeling Glad [Acoustic] - Tyler Hilton Shoot Your Gun - 22-20s Sidewalks - Story of the Year When the Stars Go...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![One Tree Hill [ECD] - Various Artists](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/normal/318/product-5868318.jpg)
![Overall user rating: One Tree Hill [ECD] - Various Artists](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/stars/2003/stars40.gif)
Dec 31st, 2005
(Feb 4th, 2006)
very helpful by (20%):
helpful by (80%):
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