Whether or not you have seen the big screen adaptation of the popular children’s book "Where the Wild Things Are," we have all seen the trailers for the movie, which feature the song “Wake Up” by Arcade Fire.  This song seemed like the driving force to promote such a moving film.  It set the right tone and created the right kind of vibe that helped draw audiences into theatres nationwide.

Wake Up was released in 2005 which surprised many fans of "Wild Things" because the song fit so perfectly with the movie.  Some thought Arcade Fire wrote the song for "Wild Things," they were mistaken.

The song was performed in June of 2007 at the Glastonbury Festival, in the United Kingdom, which brings us to our YouTube Video of the Week.

In this video, the seven piece Canadian band is playing in front of thousands of people.  The crowd is seemingly endless with shouts of excitement as they start the song.

If I had to describe this video in one word, I’d pick intense.  It definitely invokes some kind of emotion that is not usually present in most live videos I have seen. There is some sort of intangible feeling about this song and what it means to the people who are in the crowd, listening to it live.

There is something epic about performing live that can’t be repeated in a recording studio.  The trumpet that acts as an introduction to the song is just amazing.  Mixed with the flashing lights and powerful drumming, it adds a type of quality to the song that you will not find on a CD.

After a chorus of “ohs”, Win Butler, the lead singer then starts his vocals.  His voice matches the energetic music that is being played.  He looks mellow, yet focused as he sings his lyrics.

If I had to break this video apart, I would say my favorite element is the sound of the violins.  Not many songs feature violins and they add a powerful tone to the song.  Not only is the sound exceptional, but the two violinists present themselves with a huge passion for the music they are playing.

After watching this video, I was left with a feeling of awe.  Music is still a incredible driving force in many people's lives and should continue to be so with the help of songs like this. 

By Hillary Vandenberg

Major: Journalism: News Editorial

Minor: English

Hometown: Commerce Twp.

Year of Graduation: 2011

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