To everyone who told me that it would be worth my while to watch Veronica Mars, I thank you. Being an avowed fan of the “sassy girl” television genre, it definitely hit the spot. So much so that after seeing the first few episodes, I was going to be damned if I was going to wait through CTV’s pokey one-a-week airing schedule and so I downloaded the whole of season one a couple weeks ago and pretty much powered through them in a weekend. Don’t judge me. It was so worth it.

The show combines a season-long plotline about solving the murder of Veronica’s best friend with individual single episode-mysteries, generally set in the local high school, playing like a cross between Nancy Drew and Buffy (The Arizona Republic looks at just how well Veronica Mars is doing at filling the shoes of Buffy). Did I mention that in addition to being a high school student, Ms Mars also works as a private investigator for her dad’s agency? Yeah, there’s the angle. The main storyline wrapped up very very nicely in the season finale – whatever will they do for an encore? Like the aforementioned vampire-slaying show, Veronica Mars combines sharp writing with very solid acting and a cute blonde protagonist, though Veronica Mars is somewhat lighter in the angst and melodrama. Unfortunately, it also follows in Buffy’s footsteps in another way – much critical acclaim, poor ratings.

It has been renewed for a second season, but will no doubt remain on the bubble for its lifespan, however long that is (though I’d prefer the show die than acquiese to the network’s helpful suggestions on how to improve the show – bring in Tara Reid as a sidekick? Oh god no. Having Paris Hilton guest star once was bad enough). It’s a damn shame, but sadly par for the course. As with everything else on television, the first season will be coming out on DVD this Fall. The only question is what sort of extras, if any, there will be.

The show also possesses a sharp, indie-friendly soundtrack that’s looking for fresh talent for season two. Said producer Rob Thomas:

“Here’s how it works. You e-mail me MP3s of unsigned bands. I’ll make sure that at least once every four episodes, we’ll use one of these bands in the show. We’ll pay the band $1000 for the use. Send these MP3s along with band contact information to music@slaverats.com. I’d love to use bands that are actually fans of the show, but it’s no requirement. As most of you know, I’ve used quite a few songs by Austin, TX bands. That’s my home. Those are the bands I know, but y’all have the chance to enlighten me about your particular region now.

Sounds like a pretty good deal.

I think I’m going to try and give every post this week an Elvis Costello-themed title.

Anyone who missed Broken Social Scene’s Feist/Haines/Millan-powered show at Olympic Island this past Sunday (that would be me) would do well to be at Dundas Square on July 8 at 10pm when they perform a free show as part of the Celebrate Toronto street festival. Chances of the full-chanteuse lineup are nil, however, as Feist is in Minnesota, Metric in PEI that day and Stars are is Stockholm the day before, Ottawa the day after. She could theoretically squeeze all that travel and a one-hour nighttime BSS set in, but I’m not holding my breath. They should bill this one Broken Sausage Scene.

Aimee Mann talks to The New Zealand Herald about her latest obsession, pugilism, and how it relates to her career and her latest album, The Forgotten Arm. And not to be outdone by the missus, Michael Penn is releasing a new album of his own – Mr Hollywood Jr, 1947 is out August 2. You can stream it here.

Now that the initial press hoopla around Nellie McKay’s Get Away From Me has faded away, PhillyBurbs finds out what she plans to do for an encore with her sophomore release due out in September. Via Pop (All Love).

Interviews! Pitchfork talks to Doves, Stylus raps with Interpol’s Carlos Dengler and Chart chats with Stephen Malkmus.

Pretty amazing response to the Doves contest. You guys do like the free stuff, dontcha? Obviously I’ve made it too easy. Next time… next time you’re gonna have to EARN it… Oh yes.

np – Engineers / Engineers

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