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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 13, 2006 9:28:05 GMT -5
 My Album of the Day is "Passage"... I truly love this album and consider it to be one of Carpenters' strongest musically. I also like the fact that the album moved the Carpenters into an exciting new direction - and it had a modern pop sound for it's day. I especially love "Two Sides" and "B'wana She No Home". |
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Post by enigma on Oct 13, 2006 15:00:58 GMT -5
My album of the day is Close To You I like the fusion of the old with the new as far as the Carpenters musical direction is concerned. It has the normal Carpenter variety of musical styles their best artistic statement in Another Song the Hits CTY and WOJB some great covers it has it all. It was also the only Carpenters record in the "Records you must listen to before you die" list of which all Carpenters records should be on. Just a great varied record the continuation of a great legacy begun by Offering.
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Post by wisejester7 on Oct 17, 2006 11:17:38 GMT -5
My album for this fine day is A KIND OF HUSH.  There's a Kind Of Hush  You  Sandy ...I'm almost home again...Something in you puts me at ease...  Goofus   Can't Smile Without You ...Some people say the Happiness Wave is something that's hard to find...  I Need To Be In Love  One More Time ...and all the images dance by of folks and friends...  Boat To Sail ...Ahhh....  I Have You  Breaking Up Is Hard To Do |
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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 17, 2006 21:53:42 GMT -5
My album of the day is "Horizon" - I just can't get enough of this one - I always keep coming back to it. It is starkly beautiful with a bit of an edge on several of the song. The album just moves. I am currently listening to "Happy" - my song of the day.
I also love "Desperado" another one of Carpenters' very best tunes - dark and bold.
"(I'm Caught Between) Goodbye And I Love You" is outstanding in it's understated manner with a blend of country styled guitars.
Than there's "Please Mr. Postman" and "Only Yesterday" both which are good uplifting tunes with a great rhythm and drive.
Outstanding all the way - Carpenters at their finest. |
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Post by ps11932 on Oct 21, 2006 16:32:22 GMT -5
I am really liking the album "Voice Of The Heart." Seven of the ten selections are relatively new to me (the other three I've loved for a while and consider above average even by Carpenter standards.) I commented briefly on "Sailing On The Tide" last week in another thread, but the other song that has made an immediate impact is "Look To Your Dreams", which goes on a lengthy list of C's songs that offers inspiration and hope each time I hear it- by application, quite a religious experience. This song will come to my aid when I am bloodied by the harshness of life and ready to retreat into an existence of shallow survival. Here are words that remind me again that I have a purpose and goals in life- specific talents and gifts given me to accomplish specific callings I have received, to make the world- especially the people therein, better. I can take consolation and strength in the Source, and in the task. Just one of the reasons I love Teh Carpenters, and this album is rapidly becoming a favorite. (Seems like I've used that line a bunch of times.)
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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 21, 2006 21:01:01 GMT -5
My album of the day is "Now And Then"...
This is one of my favorites. I especially love the OLDIES Medley - what an ingenius idea to string these hits together into a medley. The songs range from the dark and painful (The End Of The World) to the upbeat and carefree (One Fine Day). Songs like "Our Day Will Come" and "Johnny Angel" are performed to perfection by Karen. I especially love the opening vocals on "Johnny Angel". In this medley Richard also gives some of his best lead vocals ("The Night Has A Thousand Eyes", "Deadman's Curve" and "Fun, Fun Fun").
But wait... there's more...
Not only does "Now And Then" contain the fabulous OLDIES Medley there's also the light-hearted and upbeat "Jambalaya" - this song never seizes to put me in a good mood. Karen surely sounds like she's having a good time singing this one.
"This Masquerade" is amongst the Carpenters' finest musically and vocally. This is a huge favorite of the fans.
"I Can't Make Music" is my personal favorite - it's a dark and moody tune which features a glowing vocal performance by Karen - truly outstanding.
It's easy to say "Now And Then" is one of the Carpenters' finest albums from beginning to end.
And there's the sublime hit singles "Sing" and "Yesterday Once More".
And the wonderful instrumental "Heather" |
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Post by enigma on Oct 23, 2006 23:28:29 GMT -5
another coincidence is that probably at the very moment Rick was writing this post I happen to also be listening to the N&T album. Now most people including Rick know the personal significance of this record to me it was the one that started my true love affair with the Carpenters music and especially Karen. So it seems I will be following anothers lead yet again and making this album my AOTD. Everytime I listen to this record I am taken back to my first love at least as far as Carpenters music is concerned. Since I was only 5 I had alot of misconceptions such as thinking it was a childrens record by a husband and wife (hey I was just a kid with alot to learn) but quickly learned exactly who I was listening to and my love and respect for Karen only grew after that. Anyhow its a special record for me I especially love the oldies medly that was the first full exposure I got from this record next to sing and as I listened to side 2 I quickly realised just how great and diverse this record was and is. Considering Richard said it was a rushed record recorded in a short period of time on a tight schedule so was not exactly what hw would have released had he had more time, the record is still top notch which is a testiment to how much a creative role Richard and Karen were on at the time....Wow! |
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Post by wisejester7 on Oct 24, 2006 10:00:16 GMT -5
My AOTD is LOVELINES.
It starts with an upbeat Karen singing the title song Lovelines. What a classy, jazzy sounding piece this is. Karen sounds completely different that we expect with the 'Carpenters' sound. She was definitely growing and expanding her Horizons.
The album grows stronger with new material and Karens sound...Where Do I Go From Here...and beyond.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Oct 24, 2006 10:02:19 GMT -5
  Rick and Enigma, I'm going with Now and Then, myself. What an outstanding album this is. I'll never forget (as I've mentioned in some thread somewhere before  ) getting this album on cassette from a friend, as I was in the hospital having kidney stone surgery. It was what made me recover! I know the entire hospital staff on my floor KNEW THE ALBUM BY HEART before my hospital stay was over! I played it over and over and over! It was during that time when I fell in love with This Masquerade, my favorite of all Carpenters songs. Also, all of the others - Yesterday Once More - such a teriffic song - and the reprise of it - I Can't Make Music - the medley of oldies. It's all wonderful. It was released in May of 1973, and I was on the road at the time, save the interruption of having to have surgery. I went back to the band within a few short weeks. We learned This Masquerade immediately. Also, Yesterday Once More. It was the next September or October when I saw Carpenters in concert here in Springfield, and they incorporated the oldies medley into their act. The medley was much different, and featured two songs that blew me away - Chi Boom and The Book of Love - which they did magnificently. No doubt about it, Now and Then is an album that has a place in my heart, for sure - good memories of my first listen, and to this day, it's a favorite to listen to. In fact, I'm doing that just now.....  Tim 
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Post by wisejester7 on Oct 24, 2006 12:26:09 GMT -5
Rick and Enigma, I'm going with Now and Then, myself. What an outstanding album this is. I'll never forget (as I've mentioned in some thread somewhere before ) getting this album on cassette from a friend, as I was in the hospital having kidney stone surgery. It was what made me recover! I know the entire hospital staff on my floor KNEW THE ALBUM BY HEART before my hospital stay was over! I played it over and over and over! It was during that time when I fell in love with This Masquerade, my favorite of all Carpenters songs. Also, all of the others - Yesterday Once More - such a teriffic song - and the reprise of it - I Can't Make Music - the medley of oldies. It's all wonderful. It was released in May of 1973, and I was on the road at the time, save the interruption of having to have surgery. I went back to the band within a few short weeks. We learned This Masquerade immediately. Also, Yesterday Once More. It was the next March or April when I saw Carpenters in concert here in Springfield, and they incorporated the oldies medley into their act. The medley was much different, and featured two songs that blew me away - Chi Boom and The Book of Love - which they did magnificently. No doubt about it, Now and Then is an album that has a place in my heart, for sure - good memories of my first listen, and to this day, it's a favorite to listen to. In fact, I'm doing that just now..... Tim T, with your repeated playing of Now & Then at the hospital you might have brought new people into the fold of Carpenters fans. You might have helped other patients and their visitors feel better...and maybe you put a smile or 2 on some over worked nurses faces ; ) You never know who is watching and listening ... or how they will be affected. |
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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 24, 2006 22:13:18 GMT -5
Continuing with "Now And Then" as album of the day...
The album is great also in the fact that in has a great mix of upbeat feel good songs like "Sing", "Jambalaya", "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "One Fine Day". Then it has it's dark ballads like "Our Day Will Come", "I Can't Make Music" and the mysterious "This Masquerade".
Another thing I love about this album is the fact that Karen played drums on all the songs except "Jambalaya". I just love Karen's drumwork. |
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Post by wisejester7 on Oct 27, 2006 10:02:13 GMT -5
Interpretations A 25th Anniversary Celebration
Karen's crystal pure voice comes to you with no warning or introduction. The album begins with the a cappella version of Without A Song. Richard and Karen are all you need in a song. Their blended voices are instruments in themselves. How wonderful to be this talented!
The 'Interpretations' album is just what the title says. It is all about the Carpenters take on songs written by other people. Karen and Richard don't fail to impress. It is no wonder other artists would want the Carpenters to record there songs.
On the album we are treated to many a classic: Rainy Days & Mondays, Superstar, This Masquerade, We've Only Just Begun, Close To You, and more.
One of my favorite moments (probably because the Carpenters were such perfectionists...and Richard allowed us to have this) is when you can hear Karen turn the lead sheet on Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again. It seems to be so much more intimate that way...almost like you are sitting in on the recording session.
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Post by wisejester7 on Oct 31, 2006 9:52:28 GMT -5
CLOSE TO YOU is my AOTD because of the 'fresh' sounds of a youthful, super talented duo.
Just listening to this album makes me think of all that lay ahead for the Carpenters. They were on a rocket straight to the top...where they remained for years.
We have the advantages of hindsight now to go back and listen and compare their earlier music from the late 60's / early 70's to the productions of the late 70's / early 80's. Time only improved their considerable skills. You can hear the refinement in Karen's voice and technique and Richard keep pushing the envelop to expand and develop his writing and arranging style.
They took chances. They played with their image. But mostly and most importantly they were true to creating the BEST music they were capable of.
A fine example of what they were doing and ABLE to accomplish is ANOTHER SONG. This tune has it all. . . strong vocals and a clever jam session that showed their instrumental talents as well as their jazz influence and vast musical background.
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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 31, 2006 10:14:17 GMT -5
Fine choice for Album of the Day Wisejester7. "Close To You" is an excellent album with a variation of musical sounds from country (Reason To Believe) to somewhat abstract jazz (Another Song) to contemporary pop (We've Only Just Begun) to ballad (Maybe It's You) yo mystrious dark tune (Crescent Noon).
With this album Karen's voice matured with leaps and bounds from 1969's "Offering" - and her voice was already near perfect in '69 - but by '70 she was perfect.
I would also like to touch on the song "Another Song" - this song showed that Carpenters weren't afraid to step out of the norm of pop or easy listening acts and try something completely out of this world. And they succeeded grandly in this foray. |
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Post by wisejester7 on Nov 7, 2006 11:33:29 GMT -5
Christmas is strong on the scene lately, so I'll pick Christmas Portrait for my album of the day. Why wait for the radio to play Carpenters when they are right at my fingertips?!
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Post by Rick Henry on Nov 7, 2006 23:09:51 GMT -5
 My album of the day is "Passage"...
There are three albums I keep coming back to - those would be the sublime "Horizon", the creative "Passage" and the modern "Karen Carpenter" (solo). I just can not get enough of these three albums. I love all Carpenters albums - but these seem to be the ones I go for most.
As for "Passage" I took this along on a short road trip today. I just love "Two Sides" and "Sweet Sweet Smile" - two great country influenced songs. Karen sings "Two Sides" beautifully. I also love "B'wana She No Home" - some say this song shows the Carpenters sense of humor - and I guess that may be so - but I feel this shows a very serious side of Carpenters in a musical sense. The song was recorded live in the studio with some outstanding musicians. I especially love all the jazz inflected chords and progressions throughout the song. Karen's vocal performance is quite outstanding - and what I love most about it is that it show a entirely different side of Karen's voice that we weren't used to hearing at the time. |
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Post by wisejester7 on Nov 7, 2006 23:14:48 GMT -5
Rick - what do you hear that is different in / about Karen's voice? Can you describe it? |
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Post by Rick Henry on Nov 7, 2006 23:26:44 GMT -5
"B'wana She No Home" was a different type song all the way around for Carpenters to record. Karen projected a bit more of a sultry and authoritative vocal presence. Her performance was also a slight bit grittier than usual. Karen's voice was never gritty - but there was a hint of grittiness there. Karen also projected a cool jazz quality in her voice - which wasn't heard on too many of their songs - maybe "This Masquerade", "Last One Singin' The Blues", "Ordinary Fool" and a few others. Yes, Karen did use some of these qualities in other songs - but not all to often. Overall, it was a different sort of attitude for Karen which came across in her voice. |
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) getting this album on cassette from a friend, as I was in the hospital having kidney stone surgery. It was what made me recover! I know the entire hospital staff on my floor KNEW THE ALBUM BY HEART before my hospital stay was over! I played it over and over and over! It was during that time when I fell in love with This Masquerade, my favorite of all Carpenters songs. Also, all of the others - Yesterday Once More - such a teriffic song - and the reprise of it - I Can't Make Music - the medley of oldies. It's all wonderful. It was released in May of 1973, and I was on the road at the time, save the interruption of having to have surgery. I went back to the band within a few short weeks. We learned This Masquerade immediately. Also, Yesterday Once More. 