ALBUM and POSTER giveaway details at the end of the post.
Karen O and the Kids
Where The Wild Things Are OST
DSC
out September 29th
74/100
[Rating Scale]
[rating:74/100]
Karen O and The Kids’ Where The Wild Things Are OST is an album that is impossible to consider abstracted from the movie it is destined to accompany. Unlike some soundtracks merely meant to advance the plot, provide suspense, or fill the void left by a lack of dialogue, this soundtrack embodies everything the movie is. The film’s characters make appearances, the themes of the songs match those of the book and movie, and the soundtrack’s parabola parallels that of Where The Wild Things Are’s plot.
So it is ironic, then, that I find myself reviewing this album prior to ever seeing the film. I feel, in many ways, that I’ve heard a sneak preview – that what I’ll see on the screen will simply be the music videos I’ve been imagining accompanying this album all along. And the fact that the film will likely exceed the expectations that this soundtrack creates fits with everything else related to the media blitz that has been WTWTA.
Ever since the first Arcade Fire scored trailer for Where The Wild Things Are hit the internet, it has been clear that this movie would be driven in no small part by the music accompanying it. In reality, I see no other way to successfully adapt a book that has no more than a few paragraphs of plot, maximum. Karen O and the Kids (a group that includes members of Liars, Deerhunter, The Dead Weather, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The Raconteurs) manage to do more than simply fill the space between words, though, creating a fun record that is chock full of unbridled energy and un-tampered with innocence. The triumph of this album is not its ability to capture the emotions of Maurice Sendak’s beloved book, it is in its ability to bring those emotions to a different medium without losing a drop, adding some fright and joy of its own.
See, the funny thing is, despite the fact that the soundtrack is closely tied to the album, the album succeeds in holding up as its own work. Without Sendak’s plot and Spike Jonze’s images the album might lose some narrative, that much is undeniable. But it wouldn’t lose all of its appeal. Where The Wild Things Are finds the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ frontwoman exploring her whimsical side, clapping with her friends, and making music that somehow manages to capture wide-eyed childhood and everything that comes along with it.
I’m glad that I got to hear this soundtrack before seeing the movie. In the coming months, Karen O.’s music may be seen as a supplement to Jonze’s film, a fun follow-up to a potential instant classic of a movie. Where The Wild Things Are OST is more than a companion piece, though. It’s a sunny day romp through your long lost six year old mind, where you wore feety-pajamas and weren’t afraid to scream at the top of your lungs.
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To enter to win a copy of the Where The Wild Things Are Soundtrack AND a movie poster, all you have to is leave a comment. Have you heard the album? If so, rate the album (above) and leave a comment with your thoughts on this review and the album in general. If you haven’t heard the album, comment about your expectations. Or just listen to the album on the player above. Make sure to leave a valid email address in the comment field. Entries will be accepted until October 30th.
Tags: Deerhunter, Karen O, Karen O and the Kids, Liars, The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Loving the soundtrack, can’t wait to see the film
I totally wish I could see this movie tonight, but will opt to see it later as I do not want to die of sickness.
excellent film.
touche, I've just got too much stuff linked to that address.
this is defiantly not the type of music i normally like to listen to, but when i was watching the movie i was just like wow this soundtrack is perfect. The song during the credits (all is love ?) was great.
I totally wish I could see this movie tonight, but will opt to see it later as I do not want to die of sickness.
excellent film.
touche, I've just got too much stuff linked to that address.
this is defiantly not the type of music i normally like to listen to, but when i was watching the movie i was just like wow this soundtrack is perfect. The song during the credits (all is love ?) was great.
great album
Can't wait to see the movie!!
I think it'll make a nice soundtrack to Autumn. mark.neigh@gmail.com
Haven't listened to the album yet, but just thought I'd let JustJacetheDJ know that there is a space in the comment box to put your email…where nobody else can see it. And yes, that is a lame email address. You should maybe look into getting a new one. They are free.
I'm not too into indie these days, but this is cool. (3.87 / 5)
I'm so excited to see this movie though, it looks dopetastic.
(email = KanyeWest051@aim.com lame i know, I made it like 5 years ago)
LOVE IT!!!! Give me the album and poster
I love Karen O… might have to see this just for the music
great movie. great album. hook me up.
I have not heard the soundtrack yet, since I like to listen to the score/soundtrack of a movie upon watching it, since visual cues in the specific film evoke so much of what a soundtrack is trying to convey. It won't be long til I can experience that though since I plan on having my first listen tonight at the midnight screening of WTWTA at the IMAX theatre at King of Prussia
I absolutely adore karen-o and hearing her in this soundtrack makes me happy. Her voice has a very.. fitting position.
As for my final review, putting aside this obvious crush i have on karen, will decide on how well it plays into the movie. its a solid soundtrack on its own, but if it weaves into the movie it'll increase its overall pleasantness even more. so for right now, a 4/5
The soundtrack is great! I can't wait to see the movie!
didn't know what to expect from this album but i really like it. All is love is my favorite track on the disk.
Soundtrack is very solid. Despite Karen O's musical genius, I still like her overall sound better with YYYs. Movie will be sweet!
This is wonderful. Thanks you guys!
I was really excited when I heard “Wake Up” in the trailer and pleased when I saw how involved Karen O was going to be with the soundtrack. I can't wait to see the film and hope both the OST and the movie live up to the hype!
Totally loving “Capsize” and “Hideaway”. Loving this so much. Thanks.