It probably goes without saying that Karen O & The Kids' soundtrack for Where The Wild Things Are is nothing short of definitional twee. Xylophones, glockenspiels and mal-tuned pianos abound while choruses of children echo the short and simple melodies. The problem with so much music that proudly wears its self-proclaimed "twee" influence is that the aesthetic becomes the main focus and the music itself loses its sincerity in the process. With the whole of Spike Jonze's story and vision to back it up, Karen O's soundtrack avoids that trap. Having seen the film, the mantra-like lyrics take on a dimension apart from their childlike innocence. The repetition of phrases mirrors the way in which the archetypal Wild Things seem to have their anxieties and fears set on repeat, much the way a small child does (and indeed, the way in which we, as adults, might). The bittersweet quality of the film also runs through the soundtrack in the infectious joy of "Rumpus," the angst of "Capsize" and the despair of the Daniel Johnston cover, "Worried Shoes." ("I took my lucky break and I broke it in two...") This music not only captures the tumultuous emotions of childhood, but imbues it with deeper meaning, which, in this reviewers opinion, is the mark of a true twee masterpiece. Chanting "All Is Love" is not only an affirmation, but also a sort of talisman against those pesky "Worried Shoes" and, perhaps, the mystery and fear of that which we can't yet understand.
--Mark Sanderlin [October 18, 2009]
