Karen O Will Bless the Hollywood Forever Cemetery September 17-19

Alexander Volz

Karen O will be performing selections from her new album, “Crush Songs,” at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery from Sept.17-19. Best known as the front woman of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen O has also worked on a number of soundtracks for the films of Spike Jonze, including “Where the Wild Things Are” and “Her.” The latter earned O Grammy and Academy Award songwriting-nominations for her collaborations.

Karen O explains on her Web site that “Crush Songs” was written when she was 27-year-old and didn’t think she would ever fall in love again.

O’s performances have been described as raw and naive, with unfinished material played by a full and well-rounded singer. It’s the loud, flamboyant singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeah that fans have come to know. This performance is quiet and reserved. At the New York shows, her Yeah Yeah Yeahs bandmate, Nick Zinner, showed up to play a few songs. They were also joined by former Def Jam C.E.O. Russell Simmons. It’s likely that some of O’s famous friends will also grace these sold-out performances at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Throughout her career, O has displayed her eclectic taste with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, as well as working with artists like Trent Reznor, Swans, The Flaming Lips, and Santigold. O’s vocal range goes from child-like to yelling and screaming. “Crush Songs” is strictly a low-fi, intimate album that thrives on its minimalism.

“Crush Songs” features the track King, which is a tribute to Michael Jackson; and Indian Summer, a cover song of The Doors. Due to the intimacy of this album, it’s only appropriate that instead of playing on the lawn, Karen O will be playing in the Masonic Lodge, which has a capacity of around 100 people.

Karen O will develop a crush on the audience at Hollywood Forever September 17, 18, and 19.  Limited tickets are still available through Stubhub.