The OC - Paste Plays Music Supervisor

Press outlets have emptied many a toner cartridge in praise of The OC’s efforts to launch obscure indie rockers into the mainstream consciousness. But why should the show’s music supervisor, Alexandra Patsavas, have all the fun? In case she wants to take an episode off, we thought we’d offer a few suggestions.

A song for when you’d rather drink alone, which is basically every time you drink. Though The OC contains an endless supply of beautiful, wealthy people to befriend, Jack Daniels and Jose Cuervo seem to be the favored companions of the angry, bored, desperate and/or heartbroken characters who are frequently left to pity themselves … since no one else does. Our pick: Over the Rhine’s “Happy To Be So”

A song for letting your guard down and bonding in the pool house. Perfect spot for lying low and discussing the dating drama of the week. Our pick: Harrod & Funck’s “Brian Wilson's Room”

A song for the times you are kissing someone you really shouldn’t be kissing. Torrid affairs and love triangles keep the OC teens and parents tangled up and bothered. The background for infidelity and otherwise bad judgment? Our pick: Supreme Beings of Leisure’s “Rock and a Hard Place”

A song for a late-night car conversation. The stars are bright, and the battery is juiced. Linger a while in the driveway before parting ways for the night. Shed tears, if you must—just don't leave your tearstains on the leather upholstery. Our pick: Sun Kil Moon’s “Gentle Moon”

A song for fight scenes, preferably in nightclub/bar/party settings. Whenever the OC gang rolls into L.A. they’re bound to make their presence known; throw in any of a number of variables—women, drugs and guns, for starters—and you’ve got yourself quite a scene. Our pick: Drive-By Truckers’ “Lookout Mountain”

A song for laying out by the pool. Grab your iPod and an iced tea (Long Island, if you must, Marissa) and kick back on a deck chair by the pool. White is a sexy color for earbuds, but the human body looks better bronzed. Our pick: HAL’s “Play the Hits”

A song for lamenting old relationships or unrequited love. High school love dies hard. For those bittersweet moments, like rediscovering an old yearbook message, turn this song up and wallow in the agony. Our pick: Griffin House’s “Tell Me a Lie”

A song for scandal and otherwise shady dealing. Where there’s abundant wealth it's certain that blackmail, fraud, extortion, and embezzlement will follow, especially in Newport Beach, where crisp green bills might as well grow on trees. Our pick: Pedro the Lion’s “A Mind of Her Own”

A song for The Bait Shop. It’s the Peach Pit for a new generation. This all-ages nightclub has hosted Death Cab, The Walkmen and The Killers. It’s the after-hours spot the preppy 90210 kids never had. Our pick: The Long Winters’ “Shapes”