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Other music forums => Various Artists, Lyrics, Discographies => Topic started by: Mairi on November 24, 2010, 08:59:39 PM

Title: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on November 24, 2010, 08:59:39 PM

I know that The Carpenters are pretty much reviled by most rock fans, espcially those who grew up in the '70s. They tend to be percieved as indulgent schlock that represents the worst of Nixon's era. However, despite this, I've really been into the Carpenters lately. Not only their music, but a general interest in their lives and Karen Carpenter's story. It's really interesting to me how their real life struggles (Karen's eating disorder, Richard's drug addiction) were at such odds with their wholesome image.

For the most part I think Richard is a p*ss-poor composer and producer. He tended to drown songs in way too much overdubs and unecessary instrumentals, plus he took Karen off drums, which was her real passion as opposed to singing. However, he wrote a few gems here and there, and I really appreciate his decision to add fuzz guitar to "Goodbye to Love" and "Love Me For What I Am".

Karen Carpenter, however, has one of the most beautiful and soothing voices I've ever heard. I grew up listening to the Carpenters' Christmas album, but it wasn't until I really got into singing that I started to appreciate Karen's talents. Her voice is so rich and chocolately, and she has great diction and emotive skills. It's really a shame that she didn't live long enough to pursue a solo career, one with more interesting and dynamic material, because I think her brother really held her back.

Carpenters - Superstar 1971 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWkOryYF6CI#)

Goodbye To Love --The Carpenters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdG-ITxL8ok#)

The Carpenters "Baby It's You" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9o4sw4YaK8#)

Anybody interested in learning about Karen Carpenter's life story should watch this film by Todd Haynes. It's legitimately one of my favourite movies, and sheds a lot of light on the struggles she went through.

Superstar The Karen Carpenter Story (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UobR9pvRJRE#ws)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Joost on November 24, 2010, 11:58:20 PM

I'm not a fan, but it really is soothing music. I think this is one of those rare bands that, no matter what your musical taste is, you can maybe dislike but not hate.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: nyfan(41) on November 25, 2010, 01:27:20 AM

nahhh, everyone used to love them in the 70s !
close to you and rainy days and mondays were megahits
-
-
i didnt kno about her brother holding her back . . hmm
definitely the whole family was talented but she for sure was america's sweetheart from the start
-
i remember once seeing her rock on drums and sing at the same time in an evening gown
as far as the drumming- i figured she did less of it because her voice was so beloved -
but i was sure everyone knew that about her
Karen Carpenter - Drum Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiJ1mhvPLg4#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 01:31:59 AM

And I loved Karen Carpenter too.  She had the purest pitch-perfect voice ever!  It was fun watching brother and sister performing those wonderful songs...

Top Of The World・The Carpenters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaNdOHYLZYk#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 01:37:43 AM

Three different performances of Please Mr. Postman...

The Marvelettes Please Mr. Postman - Original ver. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nuEY6fQgzk#)

Please Mr. Postman - The Beatles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pvt2YK88MI#)

Please Mr Postman- The Carpenters (1975) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHfddvbKb4w#)


;)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 01:42:55 AM

Deliver de letter, the sooner de better!

;D

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 01:53:09 AM

More of Karen on drums...

Karen Carpenter - The Drummer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dJUnh6N8-U#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 01:56:45 AM

And one of the most popular wedding songs ever...

carpenters -We've Only Just Begun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on November 25, 2010, 02:31:54 AM

Really interesting fact about We've Only Just Begun: it's based on a commercial jingle. Richard heard a short version of the song on a televison ad (for life insurance I think?) and thought it would be perfect for Karen's voice, so he contacted the writer (Paul Williams, who's written some other great '70s songs) to flesh it out.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 02:32:36 AM

^

Her drumming in this song was great...

We've Only Just Begun -- Carpenters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX8A0aNiEcA#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 02:35:52 AM

Quote from: Mairi on November 25, 2010, 02:31:54 AM

Really interesting fact about We've Only Just Begun: it's based on a commercial jingle. Richard heard a short version of the song on a televison ad (for life insurance I think?) and thought it would be perfect for Karen's voice, so he contacted the writer (Paul Williams, who's written some other great '70s songs) to flesh it out.

The Crocker Bank-"Wedding Commercial"-1970 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97X9huy7pHQ#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 02:38:16 AM

^

Paul Williams sings the song in the commercial.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on November 25, 2010, 02:39:50 AM

Cool. I'm most familiar with Paul Williams through his role in "The Phantom of the Paradise" which is a Rocky Horror-esque cult fim, so it's weird to me to see him doing stuff like this.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 03:17:58 AM

(http://toughpigs.com/uploaded_images/PaulWilliams-781603.jpg)

Mairi, he also wrote Just An Old Fashioned Love Song, performed by Three Dog Night...

Old Fashioned Love Song (1975) - Three Dog Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AM7zb5FMmLM#noexternalembed)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on November 25, 2010, 03:21:36 AM

Hahaha oh my God that picture is getting saved to my hard drive.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 03:30:59 AM

Mairi, Paul Williams didn't mind being caricaturized by The Muppets...

The Muppets Show/Paul Williams---Old Fashioned Love Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qjtj9lliXU#)


 ;D

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 25, 2010, 03:57:59 AM

Moderating myself now...so as not to stray off topic...

(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060615064140/muppet/images/b/b9/PaulWilliamsTMS.JPG)

(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090717073105/muppet/images/thumb/d/dc/Celeb.karencarpenter.jpg/425px-Celeb.karencarpenter.jpg)


OK, we're back on topic now.

 ;D

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: stevie on November 27, 2010, 08:55:23 AM

Carpneters had some great pop songs. 'We've Only Just Begun' a classic pop hit. They did a good version of Klaatu's Calling Occupants' too.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on December 23, 2010, 04:13:38 AM

Quote from: nyfan(41) on November 25, 2010, 01:27:20 AM

nahhh, everyone used to love them in the 70s !
close to you and rainy days and mondays were megahits

Carpenters Close To You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6inwzOooXRU#)

The Carpenters - Rainy Days And Mondays (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPmbT5XC-q0#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on December 23, 2010, 04:35:13 AM

Beatles - Ticket To Ride (1965) from "HELP!" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FY_6b4-N9Uo#)


The Carpenters - Ticket To Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsgj4xcxXyA#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on December 23, 2010, 04:38:04 AM

I think I should mention that The Carpenters' album Christmas Portrait is excellent and well worth a listen around this time of year. I may be a bit biased since I grew up with the album, but I still think many will find it quite enjoyable. Great arrangements.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on December 23, 2010, 04:49:23 AM

From Christmas Portrait...

Carpenters - Merry Christmas Darling (1978) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXuQ3GA3cCs#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on December 23, 2010, 04:59:13 AM

The Carpenters Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAkN3nRht7Y#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on December 24, 2010, 03:30:58 AM

Carpenters - Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGncMN3AWdo#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on December 24, 2010, 03:32:09 AM

Carpenters - Sleigh Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXuVQEjhABM#)


Playing drums is Cubby O'Brien, an original Mousketeer...


(http://cubbyobrien.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/5_cubby_drums.jpg)



(http://www.allaboutjazz.com/photos/profile/cubby_obrien.jpg)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on December 24, 2010, 03:39:55 AM

Ave Maria by The Carpenters (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2y2dEUoVQU#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Bobber on January 31, 2011, 11:04:48 AM

My son's a fan, thanks to Shrek 4.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Badgirl66 on January 31, 2011, 05:12:14 PM

 in good 3 Days again her Day Of Death 28 Years. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpRtRgHECo4#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mr Mustard on January 31, 2011, 11:43:27 PM

Karen Carpenter must be the best female singer I've ever heard. Her voice was so pure and beautiful. I remember reading once that she bumped into John Lennon (almost literally) at some restaurant or showbiz event in the early/mid 70s, possibly in L.A., and John heaped praise on her and told her what a "fabulous voice" he thought she had. Karen was star struck at receiving such compliments from a Beatle and claimed it was one of her proudest moments. Paul McCartney reportedly claimed that she had "The best female voice in the world - melodic, tuneful and distinctive".

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on February 04, 2011, 07:55:27 PM

RIP Karen

March 2, 1950- February 4, 1983

The Carpenters - Love me for what I am (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0RWiUxIlRE#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Gary910 on March 12, 2011, 08:14:23 PM

I like the Carpenters, I think they have their place in the musical spectrum. I have their greatest hits and listen to it occasionally. I think Karen's voice was angelic, and she wasn't a bad drummer.

Sad that she had her issues that cost her her life. Richard has not been able to accomplish much without her.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: KelMar on March 19, 2011, 12:59:53 AM

The "Close to You" album is one of the first albums I can remember loving. My sister got it for my mom for Christmas 1970, and Mom played it a lot. Fast forward 14 years and my brother sang "We've Only Just Begun" for my wedding. I did not know until later that he was extremely nervous before hand and wasn't sure he could do it but he didn't want to let me down. I'm so glad he did it; it's one of my favorite memories of my late brother. Now if I could just bring myself to listen to the tape of the ceremony.   :'(

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on March 19, 2011, 06:58:16 PM

Thank you foe sharing that story, KelMar. It was very touching. :)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: BeatlesForever on July 31, 2011, 02:02:16 PM

Hi everyone! I hope that the weekend went well for all of you. I am not ashamed to say that I love The Carpenters. In my opinion, Karen Carpenter has the most beautifully crafted angelic voice that I have ever heard. Karen was an angel sent from heaven. Her vocal ranges sound so perfect despite feeling so mysteriously haunting yet beautiful. Despite coming from a good family background, there was a pain in her voice when you heard her sing. When I hear Karen sing, I just close my eyes and get lost into her singing and feel her emotions along with the music. Karen's voice and music were meant to interact and blend beautifully together in perfect harmony. There will NEVER be another Karen Carpenter. Take care.     

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on November 19, 2012, 06:31:34 AM

Karen didn't need Auto-Tune...

Carpenters - Top Of The World (Live at the White House) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91PpfWU-rmA#)


She had perfect pitch.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Snoopy66 on November 19, 2012, 07:34:35 AM

I've always loved the Carpenters; beautiful voice and beautiful melodies  :)

Snoopy

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: KelMar on December 08, 2012, 05:38:19 PM

Live in Australia 1972

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6oc2TtmZXA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6oc2TtmZXA)

Title: The Carpenters
Post by: Juppel50 on July 17, 2013, 06:12:05 PM

Quote from: Snoopy66 on November 19, 2012, 07:34:35 AM

I've always loved the Carpenters; beautiful voice and beautiful melodies  :)

Snoopy

That is absolutely right.

Close To You is an Evergreen.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: KelMar on July 07, 2016, 03:40:01 AM

Quote from: Mairi on November 24, 2010, 08:59:39 PM

I really appreciate his (Richard Carpenter's) decision to add fuzz guitar to "Goodbye to Love"

That's just what I came here to say. :) I've been listening to the Carpenters a lot lately and this song is one I keep coming back to. I remember when it was popular but at that time I didn't give much thought to how unexpected a fuzz guitar was in a song like this. I wondered if it was someone from The Wrecking Crew but it was a guitarist and record producer named Tony Peluso, who stayed on with Karen and Richard after this song was recorded.

http://youtu.be/FdG-ITxL8ok (http://youtu.be/FdG-ITxL8ok)

I'm not sure who JY Lee is but he's good so it's okay he put himself in here. ;)

http://youtu.be/59FiQDhmZps (http://youtu.be/59FiQDhmZps)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on July 07, 2016, 04:20:43 AM

http://youtu.be/HeaGeYp8h-Q (http://youtu.be/HeaGeYp8h-Q)

Live at The New London   1976



Great song!  Thanks for reviving this thread, Kelley.

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: KelMar on July 07, 2016, 04:45:32 AM

Well, now that the patient has been revived dig these...

http://youtu.be/BunSHI3wCAs (http://youtu.be/BunSHI3wCAs)

http://youtu.be/XP_WyynSAxw (http://youtu.be/XP_WyynSAxw)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Mairi on July 11, 2016, 10:48:01 PM

Wow! Great videos

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 11, 2016, 04:15:12 AM

http://youtu.be/7DP67lTFFE8 (http://youtu.be/7DP67lTFFE8)
1971



http://youtu.be/BEbJduR6640 (http://youtu.be/BEbJduR6640)
1972



http://youtu.be/1rWMlm4Zm8Q (http://youtu.be/1rWMlm4Zm8Q)
1973

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 11, 2016, 04:26:06 AM

http://youtu.be/oaOyoVS-IAI (http://youtu.be/oaOyoVS-IAI)


http://youtu.be/QPotJTiKS28 (http://youtu.be/QPotJTiKS28)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on September 11, 2016, 05:04:22 AM

http://youtu.be/XX3ANSbH6Lg (http://youtu.be/XX3ANSbH6Lg)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on March 13, 2024, 01:55:57 AM

I never thought anyone could ever sound like Karen Carpenter...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__VQX2Xn7tI#)


...until just now...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95lfJqo9VY# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95lfJqo9VY#)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWn66Yv25nY&t=85s# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWn66Yv25nY&t=85s#)
Fil's analysis




(https://i.postimg.cc/02ZgqZZY/Tori-Holub.jpg)


Tori Holub

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on March 13, 2024, 01:59:16 AM

And she's a Beatles fan too...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K4FH2Oh-AA# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K4FH2Oh-AA#)

 :)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on March 14, 2024, 03:47:24 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDPMmaHWj1I# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDPMmaHWj1I#)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHoV9LkyYX4# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHoV9LkyYX4#)

Title: Re: The Carpenters
Post by: Hello Goodbye on March 18, 2024, 01:29:14 AM

Get out your red and blue 3D glasses for this one...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PpI-W0yLK0# (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PpI-W0yLK0#)


 icon_good