Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack (by Karen O and Friends, Children's Music)

Nearly fifty years after it was first published, the classic children’s book Where the Wild Things Are has received a fresh interpretation on film by cutting-edge director Spike Jonze. Accompanying the Where the Wilds Things Are movie is an equally innovative soundtrack by a collection of indie musicians calling themselves Karen O (who also fronts the band, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs) and the Kids. Like the book, the soundtrack keeps the words to a minimum, including mostly instrumental tunes and, where they exist, basic and repetitive lyrics. The record also offers plenty of shouts, claps, whoops, and other fun kid noises made by kids themselves.

The Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack is one of those rare children’s records that both parents and kids will find themselves wanting to hear over and over again. On lyrics-free songs like “Cliffs” and “Food Is Still Hot,” the exceptionally beautiful melodies are enough to hold attention without words. “Worried Shoes,” “Capsize,” and other tunes with lyrics are performed so artfully that the words quickly become burned in your brain. Chalk the wonderful creativity up to the outstanding musicians who collaborated on the CD, including members of The Bird and the Bee, The Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather.