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MguyXXVI 
"X marks the spot"
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 Posted - 02/05/2008 : 02:11:36
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On this date, twenty-five years ago, an anorexia-related cardiac arrest took away a woman with one of the most enchanting and mellifluous voices ever to phrase pop music: Karen Carpenter.
While the hipness, disco, anger and angst of the decades that have passed between her most memorable work with the Carpenters have long obscured the brilliance of her talent, perhaps now is a time when we can look back upon her work and appreciate the sometimes husky tenor whose masterful tremelo always accomplished what was necessary for beauty, and no more.
I challenge you to go back and listen to those ballads -- turn them up so you can hear Richard Carpenter's incredible arrangements as well -- and remember what an amazing songstress she was.
I lament that many remember her more for how she died instead of for the hauntingly beautiful songs to which she gave life. Rest in peace, Karen. |
Edited by - MguyXXVI on 02/05/2008 07:48:42 |
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Ali 
"Those aren't pillows."
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Posted - 02/05/2008 : 07:13:43
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quote:
I challenge you to go back and listen to those ballards
I'm sure you meant ballads. Or bollards. In fact, I really hope you meant bollards.
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MguyXXVI
"X marks the spot"
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Posted - 02/05/2008 : 07:49:23
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Nah, I meant ballards: it's kind of a slow song you listen to while shooting pool.
Still, Karen's voice was beautiful. |
Edited by - MguyXXVI on 02/05/2008 07:50:40 |
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ChocolateLady
"500 Chocolate Delights"
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Posted - 02/05/2008 : 09:20:03
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| Ballads, ballards or bollards, the songs still sound good today. Her death was a loss to the world of music. |
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Cheese_Ed 
"The Provolone Ranger"
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Posted - 02/05/2008 : 12:37:43
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Carpenter makes pine box.
Casket: Closed to you.
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Whippersnapper. 
"A fourword thinking guy."
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Posted - 02/05/2008 : 13:20:27
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Flies suddenly appear...
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RockGolf
"1500+ reviews. 1 joke."
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Posted - 02/05/2008 : 14:14:11
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There was one scene in the Chris Farley film Black Sheep that was redeemable. Farley & David Spade are on a car trip flipping between radio stations, each or both hating the songs as they come on. Finally, they hit a middle-of-the-road station playing "Superstar" by The Carpenters. Both of them are way too cool enjoy that oldie, but each decides he can stand it if the other one can.
Cut to the same two a minute later - both are singing in full volume "Don't you remember you told me you loved me, baby? Said you'd be coming back again this way, baby. Baby-baby-baby-baby oh baaaaaay-beee."
I agree with MguyX, there was a purity and clarity to Karen's voice which has never been matched in pop music since. The sorrow of "Goodbye To Love", the exuberance of "Please Mr. Postman", the bliss of "Close To You", the hope of "We've Only Just Begun", the melancholy of "Rainy Days and Monday", the innocence of "Sing", the optimism of "Top of the World". Whether as a solo voice, or in those gorgeous multi-tracks that were a Carpenter's trademark, Karen's voice was uniquely both the anchor and wings. |
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randall 
"I like to watch."
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Posted - 02/05/2008 : 19:06:31
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There are just moments, too. I love the choral "Waaah" that comes in syncopated, a beat before you expect it, on the last chorus of "Close To You." Whenever I hear that, it makes me smile.
It was never cool to love the Carpenters. Everybody loved them anyway. |
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R.I.P. - Karen Carpenter
