The only way I can describe Karen's voice is hauntingly beautiful. Those of us lucky enough to have grown up listening to her, miss her terribly. She left us way too soon. RIP Karen 💚
Karen's voice was like melted butter.I used to play The Carpenters to put my kids to sleep for their naps and at bedtime. They still remember it. My daughter, sadly, suffers from anorexia nervosa, and I understand so much more of what Karen went through. I first heard her music when I was twelve (I am now 66) and for my thirteenth birthday, my present was a tape recorder and a cassette tape of The Carpenters. I still have the cassette tape.
A voice like no other! Let's not forget that Richard knew exactly how to arrange to showcase her voice. A very talented man and good singer in his own right. And the way they would layer all the tracks of the two of them singing the background vocals. So amazing! I can listen to her sing all day!
My mum used to love Karen Carpenter. She listened to the Carpenters so much when I was a kid. I didn't really appreciate the music, but after she died, I started listening and quickly understood why she loved them. Karen was an incredibly talented singer and drummer. Such a shame the world lost her too soon, but she leaves behind an incredible legacy. Shout out to Richard Carpenter too though. A great duo that will go down in music history. Thanks for the reaction dude, much love.
Karen had perfect pitch, and she always considered herself a drummer who could sing, NOT a singer who could drum. She was the drummer in the marching band in school
Richard and Karen went to California State at Long Beach and were in a the music department there. I was lucky enough to hear them sing in our gym there when I was a student in the early 70’s. Today there is a beautiful new music venue on the campus called the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
My first concert was the Carpenters when I was 12 im 1972. When you saw her, you remembered her. She was incredible live. I put Adam Lambert in the Karen Carpenter class of musician. Clear, pure voice that you understand each word, and when you see him live, you are mesmerized by how amazing the performance was. You become a fan because it's amazing. I know I'm one of many that have donated money on your live, hoping you would react to our suggestions. If you can please check out Taj Farrant. I'm not kidding when I say people literally have their jaws drop at his live shows when they go for the first time. These are men and women alike from 70s to teens. He is a blues rock player that released his first album this past fall. He's an independent artist and even without any studio hype he had 6 original #1 singles and the album was #1 worldwide on iTunes blues charts and #2 on Billboard Blues charts. Taj's the nicest, most humble kid you'll meet. When he steps on stage, he snd his guitar become one and you see him feeling every note he's playing as well as taking you on the journey with him. So many of us have tried to put it into words but it's so hard to describe. He is being taken seriously by several of the guitar greats out there. He's played onstage with some amazing talents like Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas, Orianthi, Kiss, Eric Gales, Christone Kingfish Ingram and Buddy Guy to name a few. His video Freight Train was put together by his videographer Mel in Australia from footage she took here and some his family and fans sent in as a surprise for Taj. You would actually be surprised at the average fans age. One person asked after seeing footage of people leaving if there was a senior citizen discount. The answer is we have been waiting for years for really good real music. When Taj sings there's no autotune. His voice is still developing but it's a great voice for the blues gritty. I'm just hoping he comes to Utah this year so I don't have to travel to Phoenix to see him again. Heck I'll probably do both! He's one of the future great guitar players. Like his producer Ken Lewis said, Taj can stand toe to toe with any guitar player out there. Check out his album producer's info. The last thing he wanted to do was work with a 14 yr old blues guitar player. He saw Taj play and wanted him in the studio right away. I suggest you watch him play at the Telluride Blues festival playing Prince's The Ride. It, The Sky is Crying and Parisienne Walkways are fan favorite live covers. Favorite originals are Beautiful Things/Bad Trip, Mumma Raised a Man and Freight Train. He's very addictive.
My husband and I will be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day this year. "Our song" is the Carpenter's Top of the World which was on my record player in my room the first time we kissed when we were 13 years old back in 1973! Im not a typical nusic fan - i didnt stick to a particular genre growing up. I didnt turn away from my "parent's nusic". I knew from a very young age that nusic is for everyone and it's rhe universal language. My records were country, jazz, funk, rock, pop, folk, blues and classical. I love opera. All 3 of my kids were raised to hear the difference between Little Walter and Muddy Waters as well as the difference between Vivaldi and Beethoven.
Such a great Carpenters song…Karen’s so talented and Richard. Their music stands the test of time always! Karen is unforgettable! Richard’s arrangements are gorgeous. Karen’s an award winning jazz drummer…you should check out her drumming solos. 🎶🎵🎼♥️
People often overlook Richard Carpenter's amazing talent with these arrangements. The man was a genius with Karen's amazing voice they were spectacular.
Richard was such a talented arranger and who would know how to frame his sisters voice better than her brother !! She’s a generational talent !! 🙏🏻✝️❤️
One of the finest voices EVER, (Karen voice along with Richards vocals, writing and arranging capabilities result in true perfection) no special effects required.
Sebs I love your channel. I’ve watched it for about two years now and I love your approach to your audience. The way you talk to us my friends and when Ali is with you, you can feel the love between you. Great channel. About the song I heard that this was written after someone heard an old woman in a cab. Say the words that begin the song (talking to myself and feeling old) it’s a great song and one of Karen Carpenter‘s best! Keep up the good work, brother. You’re doing a great job!
My best friend, Susan, and i snyck out of our dorm in college as freshmen, met some guys and drove across Texas to Lubbock to go to a Carpenters concert. It was 1972 or 1973. I miss my friend! She died when we were 22...
Back in the late 60’s/early 70’s, before music was divided into 1000 genres, the Carpenters were on the radio and in the jukeboxes right beside the Guess Who’s American Woman and Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water! Good music is simply that - good music. Peace
Several songs Karen sang were melancholic. I think singing was a way of dealing with things she was going through. Hopefully it brought her some peace. So talented & gone too soon. Loved her music in the early 70s & still love it today. She's in a class all by herself.
I remember her saying that she rather play the drums then sing. Just think if she just played the drums and not sing. I am so glad she sang. She is awesome on the drums when it comes to a drum solo.
Sadly, even being *wildly talented* hasn't seemed to give much comfort to several celebrities during their life and times. Hats off to those who are able to avoid the pitfalls that fame can bring.
This kind of music seems almost simple and hokey but yet, it’s what I appreciate about it more and more. And… it’s deeper than I thought back when I was young listening to this. I yearn for the simpler times of that era . I should add, her voice is so pure and smooth
Perfect comment. Many critics disparaged the simple sentimentality and didn't respect the talent But this is music that has its own special place in my young past. Hearing again in my senior years I can appreciate it in a new way. And yes - that voice is one of a kind.
The sax solo was so short because in the 70's there was an unwritten rule in the radio industry that the public wouldn't listen to a song longer than around three and a half minutes long. It wasn't true, but... 1972 The Carpenters "A Song For You" album was the only thing I asked Santa for. I was so happy when I saw it under the tree. That album had a song called "Road Ode" that is still one of my favorite songs.
Thank you so much for this reaction. Karen's contralto was like warm velvet hug on a cold day. Check out 'Solitaire.' It really showcases her range. Just perfection.
I grew up in the 70's. Always loved the Carpenters. There are exactly two singers I'm aware of who had almost perfect pitch every time: Karen Carpenter and Freddy Mercury. Thanks for reacting.
The Carpenters are in my all time fav list. As a kid we sang their songs in glee club/ choir. Funny thing though...tooting my own horn, I was told by friends and others I sounded like a cross between Karen Carpenter, Carol King with a small dash of Retha thrown in..😊 Now I didn't really believe it...but then one day 3-4 years ago, I was at a doctors appointment and they had a soft rock station playing and The Carpenters came on..well I let it rip😊...I swear 3 people told me pretty much the same thing...😯 I didn't know anyone could even hear me where I was sitting...It was during covid so I was in a little area by myself...the acoustics we pretty good I guess! 😁 But yeah...top notch lady in my memories!!
Sebs, just recently became a follower of your channel, appreciate your reflections of how your music experiences have impacted you as kid and now as a family man. Something you said rang true to me, are you hanging in AF? Thanks, Mark from Provo
You are one great reactor. Growing up in the 60's in a hyper religious home, "secular" music was frowned upon but Karen Carpenter was able to sneak in. Her voice was so pure and smooth but without the need to belt it out. (Don't get me wrong. I love Whitney, Mariah, Aretha etc.) The background vocals were great and perfectly placed. Love this song and love your appreciation for music outside of your kid preferences. There are some good drummers that can sing. The one that comes to mind is Gerry Polci with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons singing December 1963 (OH What A Night); one of their biggest hits (and my fave of theirs) where the drummer carries the verses of the song.
The Carpenters were too soft for us as teenagers and 20 somethings, but I never dismissed the music as I kind of knew it would find a place in my life at some point, just NOT THEN. Now at 70 I can wrap it around like a warm blanket on a cool fall evening.
In my opinion, the greatest female voice of our time! The words to this song are haunting when you realize what Karen went through in her life until the end..
I absolutely love the Carpenter's! Each song is beautiful ❤️ please continue to listen to their treasures! Two legendary male singers I'd love you to listen to are Neil Diamond & John Denver! Try them, you won't be disappointed!! I can't pick just one song of theirs because there's too many good ones!❤
@@stevetournay6103 I really like the live versions of Mr Guder for some reason. Seeing the joy on Karen's face maybe, or how playful they were together on stage. :) Do you have a favorite album of the Carpenters?
The backing vocals are layers of Karen and Richard Carpenter. Boston did the same thing, with layers of Brad Delp. That also makes the vocals blend perfectly.
Grew up with the also. Back then we thought she was just singing a song. Now we know she was sharing her sad life with us. Feel a little guilty as her fans for not knowing and all coming to her aid.
She was 21 when she filmed this video....as a "promo" video for promotional uses....Paul Williams wrote this song as he remembers his mother mumbling about getting older....
The Carpenters and Karen were amazing. They are normally classified as Adult Contemporary music. She has a very soothing sound to her tone--exceptional! If you like this song, you might want to also look at the Mamas and Papas - California Dreamin from the 60's.
the drums were Karen's security blanket, when her brother and the producers forced her to be more front and center I really believe that started her problems eventually leading to her sad early death. A real talent
I agree. When she got out from behind the drums, she was noticed and reporters called her chunky and that was the beginning of her journey fighting her weight
@@christielysdale1815 "...and reporters called her chunky and that was the beginning of her journey fighting her weight" There are at least 6 other stories blaming others for that as well.
It doesn't matter what the genre is, good music is good music. My go-to song for Mondays - "Stormy Monday" by the Allman Brothers (live version on the At Fillmore East album, disc one). I know you have liked the brothers in the past, check this one out.
The thing that most impresses me now that I didn't recognize back then is how well produced the Carpenters' records were. The arrangement, the orchestration, those are the tings, almost as much as Karen's vocals, that make these recordings timeless. Have you heard "Superstar"? That may be my favorite.
Check out Paul William's who wrote a few of the carpenters hits and also sang many of them. ( "Rainy days and Mondays" was one of them.) Paul was a great singer songwriter. As a side note he was " Little Enus" in Smokey and the bandit with Burt Reynolds.
I would listen to their album full Blast on my dad’s telefunken hi fi back in the early 70’s. Sad would come come home from work and yell, why do you listen to them? It’s so depressing! lol. Her voice was so pure and clear. Loved the lower tones. Carpenters were my favorite group. Oddly enough my other favorite was credence Clearwater revival! Have you ever listen to Born on the Bayou?
There was always a sadness in Karen's eyes when she performed live except when she got to play the drums on stage when she sang! She should have stuck with it more IMHO!
If you want an added treat to Karen’s cover, of this song; you might like the original, performed, by the composer of this and many of their hits, Paul Williams. He has a very interesting singing voice.
The drums on the studio recording was of course Hal Blaine. The songs were recorded to a click because Richard could not keep time. This video is the studio version overdubbed on a live performance.
Karen was contralto singer with a three octave vocal range She alway's joked the money was in the basement. It was said that she never missed a note alway's on point I grew up in whittier a few miles from her downey ca home. She was a beautiful amazing woman Rest easy Karen we miss you!!
my dad also had Carpenters playing regularly (on vinyl) and i also didn't appreciate it at the time. I think one of her best drumming examples (besides her solos) is the live cover of the Beatles Help from Japan; maybe the same concert your Japanese man mentioned. Definitely worth a listen and / or reaction
It’s a shame (to me) that kids won’t listen to what a parent or older person tries to tell them about certain things but they will listen or believe what someone else tells them and often times it’s from a stranger.
Oh my ... when you said she was so beautiful ... I think the same. I wish she had known. Thanks for this reaction. It is one of my favourite songs.
The only way I can describe Karen's voice is hauntingly beautiful. Those of us lucky enough to have grown up listening to her, miss her terribly. She left us way too soon. RIP Karen 💚
Again the pressure to conform ruins so many talented people and it still goes on☹️
Karen's voice was like melted butter.I used to play The Carpenters to put my kids to sleep for their naps and at bedtime. They still remember it. My daughter, sadly, suffers from anorexia nervosa, and I understand so much more of what Karen went through. I first heard her music when I was twelve (I am now 66) and for my thirteenth birthday, my present was a tape recorder and a cassette tape of The Carpenters. I still have the cassette tape.
Purest voice in music💖
A voice like no other! Let's not forget that Richard knew exactly how to arrange to showcase her voice. A very talented man and good singer in his own right. And the way they would layer all the tracks of the two of them singing the background vocals. So amazing! I can listen to her sing all day!
Thanks for playing this one. I used to listen to The Carpenters, but after she died, it made me too sad to listen. Just gorgeous.
The most hauntingly beautiful voice ever. You feel every emotion when she sings. So sad she died at only 32.
Superstar is such a beautiful song. Her voice just takes my breath away.
My mum used to love Karen Carpenter. She listened to the Carpenters so much when I was a kid. I didn't really appreciate the music, but after she died, I started listening and quickly understood why she loved them. Karen was an incredibly talented singer and drummer. Such a shame the world lost her too soon, but she leaves behind an incredible legacy. Shout out to Richard Carpenter too though. A great duo that will go down in music history. Thanks for the reaction dude, much love.
Karen had perfect pitch, and she always considered herself a drummer who could sing, NOT a singer who could drum. She was the drummer in the marching band in school
Richard and Karen went to California State at Long Beach and were in a the music department there. I was lucky enough to hear them sing in our gym there when I was a student in the early 70’s. Today there is a beautiful new music venue on the campus called the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
My first concert was the Carpenters when I was 12 im 1972. When you saw her, you remembered her. She was incredible live. I put Adam Lambert in the Karen Carpenter class of musician. Clear, pure voice that you understand each word, and when you see him live, you are mesmerized by how amazing the performance was. You become a fan because it's amazing.
I know I'm one of many that have donated money on your live, hoping you would react to our suggestions. If you can please check out Taj Farrant. I'm not kidding when I say people literally have their jaws drop at his live shows when they go for the first time. These are men and women alike from 70s to teens. He is a blues rock player that released his first album this past fall. He's an independent artist and even without any studio hype he had 6 original #1 singles and the album was #1 worldwide on iTunes blues charts and #2 on Billboard Blues charts. Taj's the nicest, most humble kid you'll meet. When he steps on stage, he snd his guitar become one and you see him feeling every note he's playing as well as taking you on the journey with him. So many of us have tried to put it into words but it's so hard to describe. He is being taken seriously by several of the guitar greats out there. He's played onstage with some amazing talents like Carlos Santana, Rob Thomas, Orianthi, Kiss, Eric Gales, Christone Kingfish Ingram and Buddy Guy to name a few. His video Freight Train was put together by his videographer Mel in Australia from footage she took here and some his family and fans sent in as a surprise for Taj. You would actually be surprised at the average fans age. One person asked after seeing footage of people leaving if there was a senior citizen discount. The answer is we have been waiting for years for really good real music. When Taj sings there's no autotune. His voice is still developing but it's a great voice for the blues gritty. I'm just hoping he comes to Utah this year so I don't have to travel to Phoenix to see him again. Heck I'll probably do both! He's one of the future great guitar players. Like his producer Ken Lewis said, Taj can stand toe to toe with any guitar player out there. Check out his album producer's info. The last thing he wanted to do was work with a 14 yr old blues guitar player. He saw Taj play and wanted him in the studio right away. I suggest you watch him play at the Telluride Blues festival playing Prince's The Ride. It, The Sky is Crying and Parisienne Walkways are fan favorite live covers. Favorite originals are Beautiful Things/Bad Trip, Mumma Raised a Man and Freight Train. He's very addictive.
One of the great female vocalist of my generation. Glad you enjoyed the performance.
Karen Carpenter easily the greatest female vocalist ever ! Her voice was flawless and effortless !
Karen Carpenter was known as one take Karen, so pitch perfect got the recording right on the first take. Legendary beautiful voice
My husband and I will be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day this year. "Our song" is the Carpenter's Top of the World which was on my record player in my room the first time we kissed when we were 13 years old back in 1973!
Im not a typical nusic fan - i didnt stick to a particular genre growing up. I didnt turn away from my "parent's nusic". I knew from a very young age that nusic is for everyone and it's rhe universal language. My records were country, jazz, funk, rock, pop, folk, blues and classical. I love opera. All 3 of my kids were raised to hear the difference between Little Walter and Muddy Waters as well as the difference between Vivaldi and Beethoven.
Such a great Carpenters song…Karen’s so talented and Richard. Their music stands the test of time always! Karen is unforgettable! Richard’s arrangements are gorgeous.
Karen’s an award winning jazz drummer…you should check out her drumming solos.
🎶🎵🎼♥️
People often overlook Richard Carpenter's amazing talent with these arrangements. The man was a genius with Karen's amazing voice they were spectacular.
Her voice is something else. Like velvet.
Her voice feels like a warm hug.
warm hug, the freshest summer breeze, seeing a friend you haven't seen for years, the scent of the most intoxicating wood, and so on....
@ indeed.
Music is truly the soundtrack of our lives.. This song brought you right back to a specific time and place in your memories. It’s really special ♥️
The talent and genius of Richard showcasing the velvet voice of Karen is just a gift we should all be thankful for.
One in a million talent!
Richard was such a talented arranger and who would know how to frame his sisters voice better than her brother !! She’s a generational talent !! 🙏🏻✝️❤️
Putting on some Carpenters tracks and kicking back with some hot cocoa and someone who loves you sounds like a very fine way to spend a rainy day.
One of the finest voices EVER, (Karen voice along with Richards vocals, writing and arranging capabilities result in true perfection) no special effects required.
Her brother was such a master composer.
She had the most pure voice. She and Richard were great.
Sebs I love your channel. I’ve watched it for about two years now and I love your approach to your audience. The way you talk to us my friends and when Ali is with you, you can feel the love between you. Great channel. About the song I heard that this was written after someone heard an old woman in a cab. Say the words that begin the song (talking to myself and feeling old) it’s a great song and one of Karen Carpenter‘s best! Keep up the good work, brother. You’re doing a great job!
Melodic voice. Pure! Beautiful.
My best friend, Susan, and i snyck out of our dorm in college as freshmen, met some guys and drove across Texas to Lubbock to go to a Carpenters concert. It was 1972 or 1973. I miss my friend! She died when we were 22...
What a brilliant memory ,sorry she died so young
Back in the late 60’s/early 70’s, before music was divided into 1000 genres, the Carpenters were on the radio and in the jukeboxes right beside the Guess Who’s American Woman and Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water!
Good music is simply that - good music.
Peace
Love when you visit the 60’s and 70’s🔥👏🏻
Can't make it more than 10 seconds into any of their songs before the tears start to well up in my eyes.
Several songs Karen sang were melancholic. I think singing was a way of dealing with things she was going through. Hopefully it brought her some peace. So talented & gone too soon. Loved her music in the early 70s & still love it today. She's in a class all by herself.
I remember her saying that she rather play the drums then sing. Just think if she just played the drums and not sing. I am so glad she sang. She is awesome on the drums when it comes to a drum solo.
Imagine being the premier female pop vocalist of your time...and wishing you weren't. That was KC...
Karens lower register makes the hair stand up on my arms! So effortless and full!
Check out her cover of (most of) End Of The World, in their 1973 oldies medley. She ends on a baritone note. It's glorious...
" I'm back in the car with my dad right now " How cool is that !!!
I get that with Knock Three Times by Tony Orlando. Straight back into our 1970 Chevy on the way to a race...
@stevetournay6103 so wonderful how a single song can bring back memories like that...
Love this song. Special to me. 😊❤ One of my first LP’s. ❤
Sadly, even being *wildly talented* hasn't seemed to give much comfort to several celebrities during their life and times. Hats off to those who are able to avoid the pitfalls that fame can bring.
You should check out please Mr postman live version. Just a few days after that performance she died. So sad.
My favorite song of theirs. Karen was a true treasure. What a beautiful voice…
This kind of music seems almost simple and hokey but yet, it’s what I appreciate about it more and more. And… it’s deeper than I thought back when I was young listening to this. I yearn for the simpler times of that era .
I should add, her voice is so pure and smooth
Perfect comment. Many critics disparaged the simple sentimentality and didn't respect the talent But this is music that has its own special place in my young past. Hearing again in my senior years I can appreciate it in a new way. And yes - that voice is one of a kind.
The sax solo was so short because in the 70's there was an unwritten rule in the radio industry that the public wouldn't listen to a song longer than around three and a half minutes long. It wasn't true, but...
1972 The Carpenters "A Song For You" album was the only thing I asked Santa for. I was so happy when I saw it under the tree. That album had a song called "Road Ode" that is still one of my favorite songs.
And Road Ode leads into a ghostly reprise of the title track that, in retrospect, brings chills...or tears.
Thank you so much for this reaction. Karen's contralto was like warm velvet hug on a cold day.
Check out 'Solitaire.' It really showcases her range. Just perfection.
Solitaire is often cited by critics as KC's best ever lead vocal. Ironically she did not care for the song!
I grew up in the 70's. Always loved the Carpenters. There are exactly two singers I'm aware of who had almost perfect pitch every time: Karen Carpenter and Freddy Mercury. Thanks for reacting.
The Carpenters are in my all time fav list. As a kid we sang their songs in glee club/ choir. Funny thing though...tooting my own horn, I was told by friends and others I sounded like a cross between Karen Carpenter, Carol King with a small dash of Retha thrown in..😊 Now I didn't really believe it...but then one day 3-4 years ago, I was at a doctors appointment and they had a soft rock station playing and The Carpenters came on..well I let it rip😊...I swear 3 people told me pretty much the same thing...😯 I didn't know anyone could even hear me where I was sitting...It was during covid so I was in a little area by myself...the acoustics we pretty good I guess! 😁 But yeah...top notch lady in my memories!!
Sebs, just recently became a follower of your channel, appreciate your reflections of how your music experiences have impacted you as kid and now as a family man.
Something you said rang true to me, are you hanging in AF? Thanks, Mark from Provo
I'm 60 and this puts me back in my parents' car too.
Karen's voice just makes me wanna cry.
You are one great reactor. Growing up in the 60's in a hyper religious home, "secular" music was frowned upon but Karen Carpenter was able to sneak in. Her voice was so pure and smooth but without the need to belt it out. (Don't get me wrong. I love Whitney, Mariah, Aretha etc.) The background vocals were great and perfectly placed. Love this song and love your appreciation for music outside of your kid preferences. There are some good drummers that can sing. The one that comes to mind is Gerry Polci with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons singing December 1963 (OH What A Night); one of their biggest hits (and my fave of theirs) where the drummer carries the verses of the song.
The Carpenters were too soft for us as teenagers and 20 somethings, but I never dismissed the music as I kind of knew it would find a place in my life at some point, just NOT THEN. Now at 70 I can wrap it around like a warm blanket on a cool fall evening.
In my opinion, the greatest female voice of our time! The words to this song are haunting when you realize what Karen went through in her life until the end..
My favorite female singer! ❤
This was music I grew up on. As an adult, I realize just how good it was.
Beautiful!!!! Wholesome! ❤
Gone from us way too early. There will never be another Karen Carpenter.
She was always pitch perfect. Always!
Karen was like the female version of Phil Collins. "A drummer who also sings."
Such a sad life for someone so special.
She is an amazing drummer!!!
Well...if there really is a Heaven, yes, she is...certainly she was!
I absolutely love the Carpenter's! Each song is beautiful ❤️ please continue to listen to their treasures! Two legendary male singers I'd love you to listen to are Neil Diamond & John Denver! Try them, you won't be disappointed!! I can't pick just one song of theirs because there's too many good ones!❤
One of my favs!! Some other good songs : This Masquerade, Mr Guder live (seeing Karen on drums!) and Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft
Absolutely LOVE This Masquerade.
The studio version of Mr Guder showcases Richard's Les Paul-inspired multitrack harmony technique. The whole Close To You album is awash in that...
@@stevetournay6103 I really like the live versions of Mr Guder for some reason. Seeing the joy on Karen's face maybe, or how playful they were together on stage. :) Do you have a favorite album of the Carpenters?
The backing vocals are layers of Karen and Richard Carpenter. Boston did the same thing, with layers of Brad Delp. That also makes the vocals blend perfectly.
Grew up with the also. Back then we thought she was just singing a song. Now we know she was sharing her sad life with us. Feel a little guilty as her fans for not knowing and all coming to her aid.
She was 21 when she filmed this video....as a "promo" video for promotional uses....Paul Williams wrote this song as he remembers his mother mumbling about getting older....
Her story was sad, but we just want to remember her beautiful voice
The Carpenters and Karen were amazing. They are normally classified as Adult Contemporary music. She has a very soothing sound to her tone--exceptional!
If you like this song, you might want to also look at the Mamas and Papas - California Dreamin from the 60's.
the drums were Karen's security blanket, when her brother and the producers forced her to be more front and center I really believe that started her problems eventually leading to her sad early death. A real talent
They knew the Carpenters would sell with her out front showcasing her vocals. Not as dastardly as you make it sound.
I agree. When she got out from behind the drums, she was noticed and reporters called her chunky and that was the beginning of her journey fighting her weight
@@christielysdale1815 "...and reporters called her chunky and that was the beginning of her journey fighting her weight"
There are at least 6 other stories blaming others for that as well.
@@Coowallsky didn't say it was intentional, but it is sad
@@Coowallsky I remember watching the movie about her. That is where I heard that story
Superstar is also epic.
What a sound!
It doesn't matter what the genre is, good music is good music.
My go-to song for Mondays - "Stormy Monday" by the Allman Brothers (live version on the At Fillmore East album, disc one). I know you have liked the brothers in the past, check this one out.
The thing that most impresses me now that I didn't recognize back then is how well produced the Carpenters' records were. The arrangement, the orchestration, those are the tings, almost as much as Karen's vocals, that make these recordings timeless. Have you heard "Superstar"? That may be my favorite.
It's a sad song, but her voice is so beautiful.
Carpenters were lovely! Huggicates and love!❤😊❤
Just plainly, the girl could sing ! .............todays warbling searching for notes cannot compare to pure accuracy of voice......
Written by Paul Williams, who you may remember from Phantom of the Paradise and Smokey and the Bandit.
❤❤❤❤
Check out Paul William's who wrote a few of the carpenters hits and also sang many of them. ( "Rainy days and Mondays" was one of them.) Paul was a great singer songwriter.
As a side note he was
" Little Enus" in Smokey and the bandit with Burt Reynolds.
Karen such great singer and drummer !
I would listen to their album full Blast on my dad’s telefunken hi fi back in the early 70’s. Sad would come come home from work and yell, why do you listen to them? It’s so depressing! lol. Her voice was so pure and clear. Loved the lower tones. Carpenters were my favorite group. Oddly enough my other favorite was credence Clearwater revival! Have you ever listen to Born on the Bayou?
Karen Carpenter considered herself a drummer who sings. As they became more popular, she was put out front when singing.
Which added more stress to her. She was both a good drummer and singer. I loved her low tones. I still miss her singing 😢
How to describe Karen's voice........ A Steel Fist in a Velvet Glove. Smooth with one hell of a punch!!!
I had forgotten how great "The Carpenters" were. Thanks
There was always a sadness in Karen's eyes when she performed live except when she got to play the drums on stage when she sang! She should have stuck with it more IMHO!
If you want an added treat to Karen’s cover, of this song; you might like the original, performed, by the composer of this and many of their hits, Paul Williams. He has a very interesting singing voice.
The drums on the studio recording was of course Hal Blaine. The songs were recorded to a click because Richard could not keep time. This video is the studio version overdubbed on a live performance.
Richard did all the arrangements
That’s a live performance. No auto tune.
Karen was contralto singer with a three octave vocal range She alway's joked the money was in the basement. It was said that she never missed a note alway's on point I grew up in whittier a few miles from her downey ca home. She was a beautiful amazing woman Rest easy Karen we miss you!!
This one’s for your wife
Janice Ian At 17
Janis, not Janice. And yes, At Seventeen is a terrific song.
@ sorry talk texting. Plus a bad habit of not proofreading what was generated
A natural voice, she sings from her diaphragm no throat stuff, and she didnt need to be taught how to sing from her diaphragm, hence a natural
Richard arranged the music so that Karen’s vocals would maximize the beautiful sounds of their songs.🎉
A Song for You, Studio version NOT the live one
Absolutely, the Studio/Audio version, the live is on a TV show and was edited for time removing the "soul" of the song.
Here we go!
In my opinion her and Patsy Cline top two most amazing female voices in music Period hands down.. Regardless of generation or genre
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Her version of Solitair is also brilliant.
my dad also had Carpenters playing regularly (on vinyl) and i also didn't appreciate it at the time. I think one of her best drumming examples (besides her solos) is the live cover of the Beatles Help from Japan; maybe the same concert your Japanese man mentioned. Definitely worth a listen and / or reaction
It’s a shame (to me) that kids won’t listen to what a parent or older person tries to tell them about certain things but they will listen or believe what someone else tells them and often times it’s from a stranger.