Repeating the feat that accompanied his directorial debut, Garden State, Zach Braff has again put together a tastefully assembled compilation of music. The track listing reads like a cherry-picked bouquet of refined American singer-songwriters (Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann, Rufus Wainwright, Ray Lamontagne), sprinkled with literate-yet-popular UK combos (Snow Patrol, Athlete, Turin Brakes) and the lone international megaband (Coldplay, already on Garden State). Based on the selection, Braff is the kind of guy who isn't afraid to show his sensitive side (that'd be the American songs, especially Apple's "Paper Bag" and Aimee Mann's "Today's the Day"), but who also likes to hang out at soft-rock clubs with his cool mates (that'd be the British songs, especially Snow Patrol's "Chocolate" and Turin Brakes' Simon & Garfunkel-like "Pain Killer"). Really, it's a win-win combination--except for those who prefer their rock more rocking, since the mood is, overall, really mellow. (Note that Michael Penn score isn't represented here.) --Elisabeth Vincentelli
