Karen talks....

[Prisoner_Walking]

Hi. Hey - I have a question....PLEASE can someone answer me? For years, I have always wondered what Karen says at the start of the "Last One Singin' The Blues" outake. I assume she is referring to Lib - as in the drummer on that track (?) - but I can't work out what exactly it is she says....! Someone put me out of my misery please!

Whilst we are on the subject...we all know that Karen is famed for her singing voice but the average person would not recognise a recording of her speaking voice, especially after all these years.

When I first heard her talk on the Live at The Palladium album I remember thinking what a distinctive speaking voice she had too, and became fascinated by it. She sounded so friendly and happy compared with her heart-breaking singing voice.

I love that her voice was very expressive - sometimes she talked deep and husky and "tom-boyish" and yet in the same sentence she could sound very young and feminine. And what a great laugh she had too - very genuine.

Being from the UK and not able to tell what type of accent she had, was it local to Newhaven, Downey or was it a kind of generic American accent?

I'd be interested to know everyone's thoughts on this...and what your favorite Karen recorded spoken moments are....

Cheers,
Leo

[Cam]

I always thought she said...Just an inch slower...or Just a zinch/sinch slower.

Cam

[Rick Henry]

Boy, yet another great new topic on the forum.

I believe one of Cam's quotes is correct for "Last One Singin' The Blues". It sounds as if she's saying, "just a zinch slower" - I just love this short speaking part in the song.

I agree Leo, Karen has such a distinctive speaking voice. Just as with her singing she articulates her words with perfect diction. She was an outstanding public speaker. I was always respected her for this ability - gee she could have been a politician with her great public persona.

As for her accent, I believe it's more of a Californian dialect - which is the generic U.S. accent.

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Hi Leo,

I have to agree with Rick and Cam....I've always heard her to say "just a zinch slower."

Karen's voice always amazed me, too. Always so upbeat, and so lively. I hear that Connecticut accent in her voice when she talks - and Rick's probably right - lot of So Cal in her voice, too....she did, after all, spend MORE of her time in So Cal then she did up Northeast, however - I can hear some accent when she both sings and speaks....like "Rainy Days and Mondays - I always wind up - sounds like wiand up here with you....and somebody comes out somebuddy. I used to actually notice it-now I just take it for granted.

Just a zinch slower - and I love the other line just before Make Believe It's Your First Time........"UGH!.... I have to get into a serious mood...."

Interesting, L....weren't we JUST conversing about accents?

Great topic. Thanks.
Tim

[smoothie2]

Some very good thoughts Leo. I haven't heard the song "Last One Singin' the Blues"..so, couldn't help you on that.
I really do agree with you about the way Karen talks. Of course, I love to hear her. Very clear and natural.
More likely to joke around more it seems than Richard.
I really do believe she was an optimistic happy go lucky person, despite inner struggles.
I mostly think her accent or way of talking must be pretty much California-ish.
But, haven't been around Cal. folks enough to know.
...........I have wondered about some ways certain words when
she and Richard sing ...it seems a little "southern-ly" or
a bit even New Yorkish...I say this because
at least when she or he sings, the R's...are not strong like
when I say them.
such as, "tears"...sound like there's no r
...but not important as far as that goes....
they give their best on any song....

[Rick Henry]

You are right Tim, there is certainly some of that Connecticut accent in both her singing and speaking voice. Though, by all mewans the Californian accent was very evident - after all she so convincingly sang, "I'm a California label from the top of my head".

Kathy, you must purchase Karen's solo album "Last One Singin' The Blues" is one of many excellent tracks from the album.

[smoothie2]

admin said:

You are right Tim, there is certainly some of that Connecticut accent in both her singing and speaking voice. Though, by all mewans the Californian accent was very evident - after all she so convincingly sang, "I'm a California label from the top of my head".

Kathy, you must purchase Karen's solo album "Last One Singin' The Blues" is one of many excellent tracks from the album.

Yes, I'm waaaay OverduE on getting
more Carps. music, and my sights are set I think mostly on her solo album.