|
|
Post by Rick Henry on Apr 15, 2006 19:41:42 GMT -5
 Many interesting comments here.
"If I Had You" (from Karen's solo album) is a great example of edginess. I really love that outstanding vocal mix at the ned of the song. A lot of time and creative effort was put into that mix and it sounds great. That song would have definitely sounded great in 1979-80 if it had been released, as it should have been. It still sounds great to this day - that's a sign of a great song.
Another song with a bit of an edge is "I Can't Make Music". Yes, the song is soft and tender - as is trademark of Carpenters. But what makes it somewhat edgy is the darkness of the songs and Karen's deep rich vocal performance. Somehow she sings this one with a bit of an edge in her smooth silky way. |
|
|
|
Post by enigma on Apr 16, 2006 6:27:56 GMT -5
Kinda brings to mind another song Rainy Days and Mondays an interesting point here never quite thought of edgy in that manner. Another song off the solo record that I feel is edgy is Still in Love With You the harder guitar the slightly edgy lyrics and the uhhuhs ooh and aahs make this selection an edgier offering from Karens arsinal. To me the solo record was more edgy as a whole than the Carpenters ever dared be though alot of what has been said still holds true the Carpenters certainly had their edgy moments. Interesting topic!   |
|
|
|
Post by smoothie2 on May 6, 2006 0:14:04 GMT -5
  Although it's late, I felt I wanted to add a thought in lines of an "edgy" song, which I had not thought of until now I think Beechwood 54789... I love the song, it reminds me of Elton John's "Crocodile Rock"...kinda 1950-ish... Karen really enjoyed this one and it can be heard in her voice, a bit of playfulness...a bit of sexiness It seems a little edgy in such lyrics as "I could get to know you, I could make you mine" and then near the last when she sings "oh baby" and the superb guitar along with it. "don't be shy, just take a little time"... ....what a gem of song!
|
|
|
|
Post by smoothie2 on May 6, 2006 0:21:20 GMT -5
hadn't thought of those darker songs but I see what you mean. I love I Can't M. Music.........her voice smooth, perfect, but honest sets it apart from other songs. she sings it almost as if she's writing in a diary..wow... |
|
|
|
Post by ps11932 on May 6, 2006 15:57:39 GMT -5
Wow, this is a lot of great information and insights. The variety of styles of Carpenters has always been a big appeal to me but I see that there is a great deal more to experience. When I first started getting into the group 2 years ago I was only familiar with the "hits" (and even from them, of course, the genius of both Ricahrd and Karen was evident) but as I have heard a few dozen songs that were new to me, for the first (and first hundred ) times, the range and depth have been astounding. I love "Made in America" and now I'm inspirerd to keep exploring beyond that. And yes, specifically "Beechwood" is a delightful number- one I find great, among other things, to accompany exercise. I guess there'll be more interaction about it on the forum topic dealing with "B songs." Thanks! O.E.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rick Henry on May 6, 2006 23:45:26 GMT -5
Kinda brings to mind another song Rainy Days and Mondays an interesting point here never quite thought of edgy in that manner. Another song off the solo record that I feel is edgy is Still in Love With You the harder guitar the slightly edgy lyrics and the uhhuhs ooh and aahs make this selection an edgier offering from Karens arsinal. To me the solo record was more edgy as a whole than the Carpenters ever dared be though alot of what has been said still holds true the Carpenters certainly had their edgy moments. Interesting topic! Yes, "Rainy Days And Mondays" certainly has an edge to it. What a strong, soulful and powerful song - but at the same point has a darkness to it. I think it's Karen bold vocal style which gives this song an edge - similar to "Superstar".
"Desperado" is another song that has that dark edge to it. This is another song that is just absolutely soulfully powerful. Karen really put her entire heart and soul into this song.
If we were to chose an album with the most edge to it I would have to go with "Horizon". Some may say "Passage" but I feel "Horizon" is quite a bit more powerful of an album. Especially because of the heightened use of Tony Peluso's electric guitar and songs like "Only Yesterday" which contain that glorious "wall of sound". |
|
