«It Was All About Karen»
December 29, 2009
We have had "all about groups in the music business, sometimes causing a split, sometimes transcending into a solo act. Van Halen, the Pretenders, Fleetwood Mac, the E Street Band were all about the one heavyweight who who carried the whole store and in some instances, that and in and of itself occasionally initiated repercussions. Karen Carpenter was not only the Carpenters, as a female vocalist she was all things to all pop music lovers, I was there. I would put Karen in the vocal acuity of Jo Stafford, Doris Day and Peggy Lee, who preceded her by a few generations. Her voice had so much clarity and perfection and tone that if you add that quasi contralto quality that was Karen's, she could put over a number like no one else. Close to you, a signature song is played at every wedding I remember. So is We've only Just Begun and Close To You. Rainy Days and Mondays, written by a savant collaborator and fixture on game shows and sitcoms who was the diminutive genius of a song writer by the name of Paul Williams. Additionally, Richard and Karen were raised in a comfortable Southern California suburb which resulted in their aura of Americana that along with the brilliant songs that were created for them caused the immense adoration of a public that saw them as Apple Pie but magnificent and influential recording artists. Almost 40 years ago I remember seeing a picture of Karen Carpenter at her wedding. She was attired in a non-descript dress and she looked so sad. Besides her unimaginable talent she was harboring within her a demoralizing diagnosis that would eventually take it's course. At the time I was sad for Karen and I wish she were still with us, the music industry today and the listeners in a hypothetical scenario would sincerely enjoy her contributions. Even if you are to young to remember the Carpenters era, I suggest you purchase this collection and be amazed.
Jay Adler, Music Critic
[Monday, December 29, 2008]
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«The Carpenters»
Having given up all my "records" from the 50's and 60's, I was delighted to find that the best of The Carpenters was available on audio CD.
Thank you to the person who is putting oldies but goodies on CD.
[Sunday, November 23, 2008]
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«A lot of remixes, but all the good songs are here.»
I just wish the songs weren't "remixed", Karen's voice sounds like it's in the background, with an almost echo effect. I like the original versions as released on the LPs. Or listen to a cd, before the songs were remastered/remixed by Richard. But it's a good compilation. I just feel the overproduction of some of the remixes takes away from the original, warmer, sound. Does anyone agree with me ?
[Monday, September 22, 2008]
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