RELEASES :::: Karen O and the Kids – Where The Wild Things Are [Album]

Original motion picture soundtracks are rarely a source of genuine excitement, although this soundtrack for the forthcoming big screen adaption of the popular children’s book ‘Where the wild things are’ appears the break the mould. One of alternative musics most iconic women Karen O was employed to write the majority of songs that would accompany this new Spike Jonze movie, who incidentally is her ex boyfriend. She is accompanied by and army of children and good friends Bradford Cox (Deerhunter), Aaron Hemphill (Liars) and her bandmate Nick Zinner.

Unfortunately I get the impression that this is not what Karen O would really have produced if it were her solo album, the album having alterer motives leaves it with a significant amount of mediocre filler, for example ‘Cliffs’, that probably works well as backing music but as a stand alone track it is fairly uninteresting and goes nowhere. The reprise of ‘Rumpus’ and ‘Building all is love’ offer no new ideas and do not encourage repeated listens of these tracks.

These criticisms do come with the territory, however thats not to say that there are no gems on this release. The understated ‘Hideaway’ with vocals echoing beautifully along in front of a stripped down acoustic guitar, and is in a very similar vein to when the Yeah Yeahs Yeah’s covered Sonic Youths diamond sea in an acoustic session. It also fits in with reports that the film is surprisingly dark for a children’s film, as this song has a particularly melancholy feel to it. ‘All is full of love’ is probably the other standout track where Karen is accompanied by children creating a very excited atmosphere that again probably suits the film well.

The verdict is that if you have enjoyed Karen O’s previous acoustic exploits such as the iTunes sessions then parts of this album are a must, but I wouldn’t rush out and buy the whole shebang, just get the highlights. For me that is ‘All is Love,’ ‘Capsize,’ ‘Worried Shoes,’ and ‘Hideaway’. In principle the soundtrack should work well with the film gauging what early critics opinions have indicated. To be certain you will have you go and watch it when it comes out on December 11th.