Richard's thoughts on "If I Were A Carpenter"

[Rick Henry]

A forum member asked me what Richard's thoughts were on the tribute album "If I Were A Carpenter" - in which 12 alternative rock groups did their take on Carpenters' music.

This was my response (most of it came from Randy Scmidt's book):

I do know that Richard was clearly pleased with the tribute album. He even contributed keyboard parts to some of the songs. Richard enjoyed the record track for track and appreciated the spirit in which it was done.

Richard has stated that this album showed people that Carpenters music has more appeal to varying tastes than might have been thought.

Richard also said that he enjoyed Dishwalla's recording of "it's Going To Take Sometime" every bit as much as Carpenters' version - maybe even more. He thinks their approach to the song is fresh and inspired.

The question was posed to Richard, "When you think of bands influenced by the Carpenters you don't generally think of Babes In Toyland and Sonic Youth. What's your take on how you might have influenced these artists?

Richard answered: "It could just be they heard the songs on the radio and liked 'em. If you look back at the early 70's, you had Led Zeppelin and the Carpenters and the audience said 'I like both'. That's something that tends to be forgotten today.

When asked how he thought Karen's reaction might be Richard answered: "She'd like it for the same reasons I like it - that the people involved thought enough of our music or her talent to take time out of their schedules to contribute, and that there continues to be, after all these years, so much interest in our music.

Richard was also asked what he thought die hard Carpenters fans would think of the tribute album. His response is: "They probably won't like it. I could be all wrong, but I tend to be, maybe because I'm a musician, open to a lot of different sounds if they're done well and honestly. I hope the die hard fan opens up their mind and appreciates this and the work that went into it.

[enigma]

I am glad to see Richard has an open enough mind to appreciate what was being done on this tribute album. I tend to be in the not like catagory for this record as a whole but there are some great interpretations on it nonetheless. As far as I am concerned if it gets the Carpenters exposure, keeps peoples interest in Carpenters music and wins them a few more fans and long due respect its fine with me.

[Carps1000]

Me own thoughts on the tribute album was...Yuk However I was touched that so many new wave young bands admired the Cs so much that they did their own versions of the songs...Ken Carps1000

[Rick Henry]

I am 50-50 on the album. I actually enjoyed the album for the most part - but than again I am a big fan of alternative rock. I feel I have a pretty good ear for what is good in alternative rock.

Here is my track by track rating of the tribute album.

The ratings are:
Love It
It's Okay
No - Leave It

Goodbye To Love - American Music Club (No - Leave It)

Top Of The World - Shonen Knife (No - Leave It) - this is most likely my least favorite song on the album.

Superstar - Sonic Youth (Love It) - what a wonderfully eerie rendition.

Close To You - Cranberries (No - Leave It) - I just don't care for the Cranberries - especially after the song "Linger".

For All We Know - Bettie Serveert (It's Okay)

It's Going To Take Sometime - Dishwalla (Love It) - Outstanding. This one and "Superstar are my favorites from this album.

Solitaire - Sheryl Crow (It's Okay) - Sheryl Crow just does not have the voice to do this song justice - but she did okay with it.

Hurting Each Other - Johnette Napolitano with Marc Moreland (It's Okay)

Yesterday Once More - Redd Kross (it's Okay) - I have never really been a fan of punk rock - but what is interesting about this song is that it was the first Carpenters remake by an alt-group. This was actually recorded way back in 1983 maybe 1984.

Calling Occupants... - Babes In Toyland (It's Okay)

Rainy Days And Mondays - Cracker (It's Okay)

Let Me Be The One - Matthew Sweet (Love It)

Bless The Beasts And Children - 4 Non Blondes (No - Leave It) - 4 Non Blondes did a big unjustice to this song. They really did an awful version.

We've Only Just Begun - Grant Lee Buffalo (It's Okay) - Nice but not much more than that.

[wisejester7]

admin said:

A forum member asked me what Richard's thoughts were on the tribute album "If I Were A Carpenter" - in which 12 alternative rock groups did their take on Carpenters' music.

... ... ... ...

Richard has stated that this album showed people that Carpenters music has more appeal to varying tastes than might have been thought.

Richard also said that he enjoyed Dishwalla's recording of "it's Going To Take Sometime" every bit as much as Carpenters' version - maybe even more. He thinks their approach to the song is fresh and inspired.

The question was posed to Richard, "When you think of bands influenced by the Carpenters you don't generally think of Babes In Toyland and Sonic Youth. What's your take on how you might have influenced these artists?

Richard answered: "It could just be they heard the songs on the radio and liked 'em. If you look back at the early 70's, you had Led Zeppelin and the Carpenters and the audience said 'I like both'. That's something that tends to be forgotten today.

When asked how he thought Karen's reaction might be Richard answered: "She'd like it for the same reasons I like it - that the people involved thought enough of our music or her talent to take time out of their schedules to contribute, and that there continues to be, after all these years, so much interest in our music.

Richard was also asked what he thought die hard Carpenters fans would think of the tribute album. His response is: "They probably won't like it. I could be all wrong, but I tend to be, maybe because I'm a musician, open to a lot of different sounds if they're done well and honestly. I hope the die hard fan opens up their mind and appreciates this and the work that went into it.

Richard's open mindedness to varied songs and song stylists was bred from his earliest days. I wouldn't expect him to change. That 'new' styles are put to Carpenters classics is a show of respect for the music and maybe even to the artists. Imitation is a form of flattery. So, as long as the songs are not making the Carpenters the butt of some joke and as long as the new artists are just applying a new twist to an old song, I say more power to them.

Exposure to a younger generation is granted to the Carpenters through the efforts of the musicians who played on the album If I Were A Carpenter.