Fall music guide

Where the Wild Things Are
Soundtrack

Well the moment has finally arrived. Nope, Jon and Kate haven't gotten back together, it's the world wide release of Where The Wild Thing Are, the highly anticipated Spike Jonze adaptation of the classic book. Whether or not you're a fan of the film and/or book (and if you're not, seriously get it together) there's not doubt that you'll run wild for the soundtrack. It's simple in its concept; Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeah's) and some of her friends get together, watch an advance screening of the movie and make music that suits it. The result? A whimsical compilation aptly complementing a timeless story. The album is credited to Karen O and The Kids, the “kids” being members of Deerhunter, Liars and the Dead Weather and various members of The Yeah Yeah Yeah's.

Knowing this information makes listening to the album almost like you're eavesdropping in on a group of friends jamming. Whether they intended to or not, the entire album has a warmth and familiarity that works perfectly with the material at hand. Spike and Co. could have really dropped the ball on this soundtrack but he did right by calling up ex-girlfriend Karen O. and getting her to swing, chant, harmonize and clap her way through this magical album. Perhaps I'm being a bit airy using words like “magical” and “whimsical”, but that's the essense of the film and the soundtrack follows suit. It's Karen O being Karen O with her distinctive voice and energy: it’s sweet, full of emotion and simply a blast to listen to. Hearing little snippets of the film interspersed amidst the songs helps to create a visual picture associated with each track. My favourites are the first single, “All is Love”, “Rumpus” and “Cliffs” but I can’t really say why. Everyone who is familiar with the story will have their own connections to the film and the soundtrack so I leave filling in the “Best Song on The Album” column up to you. Hooray for a good soundtrack! Let the wild rumpus start!

AIR
Love 2
Astralwerks

A gorgeous male duo out of France, AIR consists of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel. I can assure you, you’re going to fall in love with this band. Whether it’s because of their slinky sex appeal, their coy French accents peeking through smooth vocals or most importantly, the fact that they make super cool music, AIR should be on heavy rotation this autumn. Here’s the skinny, (btw, I think it’s time to bring back that saying; let’s do it together people) AIR’s been around for over a decade and Love 2 is their sixth studio album. One part electronica, one part pop and however many parts you want to dictate into creativity, Love 2 may end up being the album that gets them some serious recognition. I’ve not seen them live yet, but I suspect it might be a pretty entertaining show with a stage peppered with Moog synthesizers, the Vocoder, a xylophone as well as all of the usual suspects.

“Tropical Disease” and “NightHunter” present a lengthy instrumental trip down Quaalude alley, albeit full of good intentions and interesting 70’s throwbacks. In fact, bringing up the 70’s makes me realize just how reminiscent of the decade that brought us key parties and butterfly collars this album really is; maybe that’s why I like it so much? Other must listens include “Heaven’s Light” a Beach Boys-esque ode to the great beyond and “Love”, simply a nice song and “Sing Sang Sung” a wispy tune worthy of cracking out the hookah.

This isn’t an album for the weak willed; you must be willing to give it a chance or two but when you do, you won’t be sorry. Check it out and let me know what you think at larissa@ellecanada.com.

Find out why Dead Man's Bones should be on your playlist on the next page ...