Roswell (Original Television Soundtrack)

This CD could've been titled Roswell: The Love Songs, what with almost every track's cargo of starry eyes, head-over-heels flips, and vows of eternal understanding. Its appeal to sensitive types is all but guaranteed by the presence of Dido's theme song "Here with Me" (in two versions, one a "Chillin' with the Family" mix that Andrew Lloyd Webber fans will appreciate) and quiet alt-rock faves Coldplay and Travis. Two recent albums underheard in the U.S. are represented, Long Distance from New York popsters Ivy (a remixed "Edge of the Ocean") and Free All Angels from Irish stars Ash ("Shining Light"); those cuts, happily, are the most successful at communicating the thrill of a new romance. Doves check in with an unnecessary Beatles cover, while Stereophonics almost get away with the cheery "Have a Nice Day." A mixed bag, but one that Roswell fans will no doubt embrace. --Rickey Wright