Karen O & The Kids – Where The Wild Things Are

Album Reviews • Friday October 30th, 2009 • 8:38 am

Spike Jonze decided to end his newest film, Where The Wild Things Are, based on Maurice Sendak’s same-titled children’s book, with a quote that has driven Sendak’s art for decades, “Do you always want what you think you want?” These enigmatic words ring true in the case of the film’s soundtrack, scored by Karen O, her hosts of musically talented friends, and an untrained children’s choir. Now Karen O may not spring to mind as the first choice to voice a 1963 book about a disobedient child. Upon further reflection, though, could there be a more succinct description of her outrageous vocalizations? With wild naïveté, Karen O & The Kids have created an honest soundtrack that complements Jonze’s ambitious film adaptation.

As lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen O is best known for her crazy fashion sense and on-stage, concert antics. The similarities between her work with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Where The Wild Things Are soundtrack lie in her simple lyrics and straightforward style. She sings with a raw curiosity that echoes Max, Sendak’s boy hero who is crowned “king of all wild things” for his audacity and unbridled courage. As the story unfolds, Max finds himself dissatisfied with the “wild rumpus” he has created in his mind and yearns for his home and even his overbearing mother. Karen O captures this loneliness in its purest form, delivering the hear-wrenching lyrics of a child confused by the immensity of his feelings. Across Wild Things, she is backed by capable, imaginative artists from the ranks of The Raconteurs to Deerhunter.

Several songs stand out on Where The Wild Things Are for their ability to function outside of Jonze’s film and Sendak’s renowned book. “All Is Love” begins like a children’s lullaby but quickly morphs into a rousing track filled with screams and shouts. Karen O’s voice weaves seamlessly with the children’s choir, building a collective consciousness from which the song is produced. The most poignant track, “Worried Shoes,” conveys the utter despondency Max feels being so far away from his home. Karen O forlornly sings “took me so many miles and they never wore out,” with a furrowed brow and pouted lips as The Kids provide subtle backing instrumentals.

“Animal” exudes the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s typical raucous energy. Beginning with the ominous “wild things” voices, the track drives forward hypnotically, punctuated by mangled, carnal howls. A more classically constructed rock and roll tune, “Heads Up” is a joyful celebration of youthful exuberance. With claps, hoots, hollers, and hums, this track is carefree and utterly charming. “Heads Up” accelerates to a whirlwind conclusion then flops to the floor like a child seeing stars after spinning in circles for hours.

Karen O & The Kids’ musical take on Where The Wild Things Are is as monstrous and enticing as this oft-told tale. Her voice draws you close easily, but inside lies an exotic strangeness that hints of fearful, uncharted waters. An eloquent soundtrack created by a big group of friends, Where The Wild Things Are draws an appreciation for the home we find at the close of life’s turbulent adventures.

Tagged as: soundtrack