CheekyChicago

Beloved children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are, is finally being brought to the big screen. Thanks to famed director, Spike Jonze, the classic fantasy story is now spreading its literary love to today’s generation. The movie, which hits theaters October 16th, will follow the book’s main character, Max, on a whimsical imaginary journey, which leads him to an island inhabited by seven monsters — the Wild Things — who crown him as their King. We all know the story — we grew up with it. But do you remember the magic you felt as a child when reading this book? It seems nearly everyone has a tender, personal memory of this story, and for due reason — it spoke to us as kids. It addressed the universal emotions of loneliness, fear and wild imagination; however, we now know these feelings aren’t specific to kids; these emotions have followed us all into adulthood. But Where the Wild Things Are approached such emotions in a truly magical way — and those illustrations we dreamed in our heads as kids are being brought to (cinematic) life. We’ll get to experience these magical images on-screen, but who could possibly pen the soundtrack to such an esteemed, enchanting film? That’s easy — Karen O.

The Yeah Yeah Yeah’s frontwoman shaped a new, dreamy folk outfit, christened The Kids, for the Wild Things soundtrack. For those of you scratching your heads, wondering how Karen O’s customary fueled rock will suit a fantastical kids’ flick, don’t expect to hear anything similar to the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s sound, other than Karen O’s token vocals. The Kids contribute dreamy sing-along songs — kids’ songs, essentially. From the soundtrack’s opener and standout single “All Is Love”, the sing-song kids’ vibe can be felt, with it’s winsome feel; lighthearted enough to spark a children’s sing-along, but artistic enough to traverse age-groups and fit comfortably on our indie-rock iPods. From upbeat chant to soothing lullaby, “Igloo” showcases the rare, more delicate side of Karen O — a gentle instrumental with which Karen O hums along, accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Also on the soundtrack is a poignant cover of Daniel Johnston’s “Worried Shoes”, which surprisingly meshes effortlessly with the soundtrack’s original material.

When critiqued as a stand-alone album, the record may not thrive as favorably as when it is viewed in the perspective of the soundtrack to Jonze’s inevitable master cinematography (as there are a handful of instrumentals, etc.). The soundtrack is essentially the spirit of innocence captured through song. The Kids successfully created a soundtrack that matched its film’s storyline flawlessly, capturing the essence of exploration and wonder. Although you’ll have to wait just one more day to experience Wild Things in theaters (can you stand it?), you can throw yourself into the musical experience today, as the soundtrack is now available for purchase. So get lost in Karen O and the Kids’ whimsical music — and embark on your own magical journey.