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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 13, 2007 10:05:04 GMT -5
Here's a somewhat different exercise. I will start out by reviewing a song. At the finish of my review I will choose another forum member. The chosen forum member will respond to my review giving their viewpoints on the song I reviewed. Be as honest as possible with your assessment. Mention whether the song is a favorite or a lesser favorite, say whether you like it or don't like it. If you have a life story to connect to the song - please share your story. If the song irritates you - well by all means mention it - and let us know why it irritates you. If the song completely thrills you let us know why. After you have reviewed the song then next choose your own song to review. After you've reviewed your song the last thing you will do is choose another forum member who will do the same thing. Here are the steps of this game: 1. Chosen forum member reviews the song of the person who chose them. 2. Chosen forum member then reviews a song of their own choosing. 3. Chosen forum member chooses a new forum member to reveiw their song. 4. If the forum member you've chosen doesn't respond with in 24 hours then chose another forum member to review your song. This first round I am choosing the song: "Please Mr. Postman" I love this song tremendously for several reasons. The song holds special memories for me as I was 15 when it was #1 on the charts. The song was such a huge hit and was played non-stop for several months. I remember when I first heard it in late December 1974. I was in gym class sitting on the bleachers (with the rest of the class) and a kid walked by with his boom box blasting and the song playing was PMP. It sounded great. I knew at that moment the song was destined to be #1. My favorite part of the song is Tony Peluso's already famous guitar work - he really went to town on this rockin' little pop tune. I really enjoy the upbeat fun loving nature of this song. I can really enjoy deep intense songs with a message to them (and we know Carpenters have recorded many of those) but there's nothing like a good time "don;t have to think" fun song - and PMP is the epitome of a fun song. Almost forgot Karen played drums on this number. Karen's drum work is fantastic. She keeps a driving rhythm all the way through. The combination of Karen's drums and Tony's guitar propel the energy level of this song to heights the Carpenters never reached before. Chosen member: Enigma
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Post by enigma on Jun 13, 2007 14:29:25 GMT -5
OK hope I got this right
Please Mr Postman: This song has a wide range of appeal its been covered several times by different artists and always done well. The Carpenters version is one of the best versions of this song the layering of the harmonies really shows on this number its one of my favorite songs just for that reason. I thought it was one of thier best attempts as far as their trademark layered harmonies. Tony's driving guitar in this song really keeps it energetic start to finish and Karen really shows her development as a drummer. Simply put for me this song has a great sustained energy and is needed to couteract the heavier slower numbers on Horizon it keeps the album from being too depressing or slow a perfect balancing song for the record.
Now My Song
Only Yesterday: One word wow! This is in my top two for Carpenters songs it never stays far from the top of my all time favorite Carpenters songs its easy to see why in one word; Power. First off Karens lower register is truely awsome in this song her voice is pure velvety and never sounded better the subtle low key beginning to this song sets up the real meat of it when the drums hit in the first chorus we see the power in the song the "wall of sound " approach to the chorus brings you up and really creates an excitement in the song then it goes back to the chorus so the listener can catch his/her breath for the second dose of power then we have a classic great power solo by Toney Peluso to put an exclamation point on the sond its brilliantly place to make a climax in the song where it soes not get anymore powerful than that we once again catch our breath only to be powerfully taken out of this song. This song is simply great Tony's guitar work is great his solo is among his most powerful and best I love his acustic and electric fills in the song they are subtle yet add so much to the song. Karens vocal performance is among the best I have ever heard the harmonies and arrangement are brilliant from the first time I heard this song I loved it and still do beutiful powerful brillient and a highlight on this masterpice of a record.
Choisen member Tim
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Post by wisejester7 on Jun 14, 2007 9:29:00 GMT -5
Interesting exercise, Rick. This should prove to be not only interesting exercise, but a 'get to know you' learning exercise, too.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Jun 14, 2007 16:29:29 GMT -5
WHEW!!!! Glad I was able to get onto the forum and answer this one before too much time elapsed. I'm behind in checking-in (I know - again), but well....looks like I just made it on the 24 hour thing so, here we go! (Great stuff, Rick)!
Okay, first to respond about Enigma's tune choice, Only Yesterday. I too very much enjoy this song. I have always liked it, but one day while driving home from work, I had it playing in the car, as even though I'd performed it before, I hadn't put any backing vocals to it, and thought I might do so. MAN! I remember I was listening SO intently to the backing vocals because they were so intricate that I almost ran off the road! I have to agree with Enigma in his entire assessment of the tune. It's one of my favorites. I have always enjoyed listening to this uptempo song, and if I'm not mistaken, right behind "I Believe You", it's one of my wife's favorites.
Okay, so now for my choice: This Masquerade
Now, don't tell me this surprised ANY of you - everyone knows by now this is my all time FAVORITE Carpenters tune - at least, their interpretation of the wonderful Leon Russell song.
There are so many things I like about this song. I suppose, it's one of the first songs I remember hearing by Carpenters that was sort of a combination of Bossa Nova, lite jazz, pop rock, and that VOICE!!!!!!!!! Karen sings this one with such style and beauty. Wow. Not only is it sung well, but the song is put together (by Richard) so nicely - his piano solo is also one of my favorites - it's not really fussy, but it does show off his classical chops a bit. It also lets us know he has jazz chops, too. One can be classically trained and not be able to do a jazz solo - I've always liked this one.
My personal story associated with this song is that I'd just been on the road about three weeks when I ended up in the hospital in Billings, Montana, with Kidney Stones, of all things. I was devestated, and thought I'd lose my gig, but they waited for me to have surgery back home in Springfield (AFTER the surgery in Billings almost, but didn't happen - that was over 30 years ago now, (June, 1973) and there weren't sophisticated machines like the MRI and the lithotriptor were not available then, so they were going to have to do "exploratory" surgery...and the doc didn't wanna do that to an 19 year old kid without his parents there...so I was scheduled for surgery, and put under the anesthesia, and woke up only to find they HADN'T done it....so I flew back to Springfield, had the stone out the next day or so, and recovered for several days in the hospital.
One of my awesome music friends - she was a drummer - brought me an early birthday present, and it was Now and Then. I recall listening and listening to this song as I recouperated. I was only gone about 4 weeks altogether - figured I could go back and "sit" and play 4 hours a night, even after just 4 weeks, so I met the band back in Jefferson City, MO. We played at the Top Of The Round, there, and I taught the band how to play YESTERDAY ONCE MORE from the Now and Then album. ALSO, we learned how to play This Masquerade - this one my "jazz" buddies loved.
Chosen Member: Wisejester7
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 14, 2007 21:45:08 GMT -5
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Post by wisejester7 on Jun 14, 2007 22:04:27 GMT -5
I'm on it. Expect my input in the morning. ; )
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Post by wisejester7 on Jun 15, 2007 7:56:44 GMT -5
The Carpenters version of "This Masquerade" is one fine piece of art. My first hearing of it (to the best of my rusty recollection) was on the Now And Then album. The song followed "Sing", which was getting a lot of radio play at the time.
It is the contrast between "Sing" and "This Masquerade" that sets firmly in my mind the talent possessed by Karen and Richard. Both songs shine with the gloss and professionalism/perfectionism we've come to know of Karen and Richard.
"Sing" comes in, as it should, with innocence and wonder. "This Masquerade" is pure, smooth, smoky jazz. The percussive syncopation and light piano and flute jazz riffs show a mature sophistication. Ply this 'base' with an over coating of Karen's flawless lower register, the melancholy so natural to her voice, the buzz/burn she empowers to the words she chooses to emphasize ... and WOW! But this is not all Karen does. Note the play of a worded phrase against the rhythm of the music.
So smooth.
************
My song choice is "Another Song" from the Close To You album.
"Another Song" is moody and intense. The lullaby like beginning soon falls away to an intensity that grabs the listener. Wake up, kiddies!
Karen's darker voice fits the lyrics of cold, loneliness, death and sadness perfectly.
* Best of all, "Another Song" is filled with instrumentals that really 'sing' to me. I love the syncopation, the interplay of flute, guitar, and the cymbal play and drum work that ends the piece. These were my halcyon days when I played my drums every day and every chance I got. It goes without saying that Karen was a role model for me. I couldn't have asked for better!
********
And now, Dreams, the ball is in your court, for you are my chosen member.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Jun 15, 2007 8:38:30 GMT -5
Ah...hem!!! Who KNEW you were a "drummer" WJ7? Certainly, not I....do tell us more about your halcyon days, please. Tim
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Post by GoodOldDreams on Jun 15, 2007 11:01:27 GMT -5
WJ7, thanks for passing the baton to me.
With the strength and conviction of your personality that are conveyed in your postings, I am not surprised that you were one of the still-rare breed of female drummers with a commanding presence especially in those halcyon days of yore.
*********
"Another Song" sings of dislllusioned love in the aftermath of a relationship that had just ended or perhaps just a "one-night stand." It is really a medley of songs that showcase the musical versatility of the Carpenters right from their early beginnings ---- a soothing lullaby, a rousing rock lament, a soft wistful ballad, a stirring choral chant, and an exotic-sounding instrumental jam that reminds me of the mesmerizing qualities of "snake charming" music.
Although I like the concept behind this ambitious song and many of its passages individually, the deliberately abrupt transitions between the contrasting genres appear very jarring to me. With an unfinished feeling to it and this track being placed at the end, I unfortunately tend to overlook it. (Sorry folks, I don't mean to offend anyone, but as Rick had instructed us, "Be as honest as possible with your assessment. Mention whether the song is a favorite or a lesser favorite, say whether you like it or don't like it.")
*********
My song choice is "Sometimes." Written by Felice Mancini to her parents for Christmas instead of giving them store-bought gifts, this heart-felt poem was transformed into a song by her father Henry Mancini. Instead of the typical lush orchestration and multi-tracked harmonies they were known for, the Carpenters treated this song very effectively and sincerely with simplicity and elegance.
Growing up in a family and culture that were typically not demonstrative of physical or emotional closeness, I have used this song as the soundtrack to a slide show I had put together in high school as an artistic expression to people whom I have great affections for.
I heard Richard singing this song as a special request at his concert just over a decade ago at the Carpenters Performing Arts Center in Cal State Long Beach, and was very moved by it.
*********
O.E., you are chosen!
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 15, 2007 11:02:19 GMT -5
i remember WJ7 mentioning she played drums way back when she was brand new to this board. I think it was mentioned with in her first three posts on the forum. It was in the "new members" board. Anyway WJ7 I really enjoyed reading your post on both "This Masquerade" and "Another Song". Great job. I am enjoying reading everybody's comments. I love both song and am very fond of the extreme musical interlude at the end. I love this "jam" style type recording. The contrasting jazz fusion rhythms and textures add to the song's dramatics and energy and lend themselves to the listeners imagination. It's a musical triumph - a masterpiece - especially for such a young group. "Another Song" is one of the Carpenters' very best songs in the sense of musicianship. The music in this song is like a journey, it takes you through unchartered land and the instruments come alive to tell a story. *** One more added step to our game... Here are the first steps as a reminder: 1. Chosen forum member reviews the song of the person who chose them. 2. Chosen forum member then reviews a song of their own choosing. 3. Chosen forum member chooses a new forum member to reveiw their song. 4. If the forum member you've chosen doesn't respond with in 24 hours then chose another forum member to review your song. The new step is Step 5... 5. Let's keep our posts on each other's song choices in the "positive" - that way we can keep this a completely friendly thread - just thought that might be nice for a change of pace. Dreams... your song choice of "Sometimes" is a great one. I look forward to read what O.E. has to say about the song.
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Post by wisejester7 on Jun 15, 2007 14:11:16 GMT -5
i remember WJ7 mentioning she played drums way back when she was brand new to this board. I think it was mentioned with in her first three posts on the forum. It was in the "new members" board. Anyway WJ& I really enjoyed reading your post on both "This Masquerade" and "Another Song". Great job. I am enjoying reading everybody's comments. I love both song and am very fond of the extreme musical interlude at the end. I love this "jam" style type recording. The contrasting rhythms and textures adds to the song's dramatics and energy. It's a musical triumph - a masterpiece - especially for such a young group. "Another Song" is one of the Carpenters' very best songs in the sense of musicianship. The music in this song is like a journey, it takes you through unchartered land and the instruments come alive to tell a story. *** One more added step to our game... Here are the firast steps as a reminder: 1. Chosen forum member reviews the song of the person who chose them. 2. Chosen forum member then reviews a song of their own choosing. 3. Chosen forum member chooses a new forum member to reveiw their song. 4. If the forum member you've chosen doesn't respond with in 24 hours then chose another forum member to review your song. The new step is Step 5... 5. Let's keep our posts on each other's song choices in the "positive" - that way we can keep this a completely friendly thread - just thought that might be nice for a change of pace. Dreams... your song choice of "Sometimes" is a great one. I look forward to read what O.E. has to say about the song. I don't think step 5 is an issue. I haven't seen any disrespect or negativity about ... just honest reports. I have enjoyed, very much so, the posts to date and I can hardly wait for O.E.'s response and his soon to be chosen. This was a really inspired idea, Rick! Thanks for the fun exercise!!
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 15, 2007 14:28:41 GMT -5
Although I like the concept behind this ambitious song and many of its passages individually, the deliberately abrupt transitions between the contrasting genres appear very jarring to me. With an unfinished feeling to it and this track being placed at the end, I unfortunately tend to overlook it. (Sorry folks, I don't mean to offend anyone, but as Rick had instructed us, "Be as honest as possible with your assessment. Mention whether the song is a favorite or a lesser favorite, say whether you like it or don't like it.") O.E., you are chosen!
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Post by ps11932 on Jun 15, 2007 16:54:00 GMT -5
GoodOldDreams, Thanks for the opportunity. Only within the past 2 weeks have I acquired "Carpenteres" album which includes "Sometimes"- and I haven't opened it yet, so before 1000 tomorrow you will get my very first reaction to the song. Mancini was one great composer, so with the combo. of he & Carpenters, I am expecting yet another musical delicacy.
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Post by GoodOldDreams on Jun 15, 2007 17:00:27 GMT -5
GoodOldDreams, Thanks for the opportunity. Only within the past 2 weeks have I acquired "Carpenteres" album which includes "Sometimes"- and I haven't opened it yet, so before 1000 tomorrow you will get my very first reaction to the song. Mancini was one great composer, so with the combo. of he & Carpenters, I am expecting yet another musical delicacy. O.E., Your timing couldn't be more perfect! The self-titled "Carpenters" album is one of my favorites overall. Enjoy!
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Post by ps11932 on Jun 15, 2007 22:15:17 GMT -5
Well, I've listened to "Sometimes" twice now, and (as expected) it is great and will grow into a favorite, I am sure. Karen's vocals are great (howbeit it rather brief) as always (reminding me just a little of the late 60's hit "People" by Barbara Streisand), yet there are many other supporting supplimentary strengths to the song. Henry Mancini was certainly one of the great popular American composers of the mid-latter 20th century, with such great numbers as "Moon River" (I'd like to Karen sing that) and "Pink Panther." The piano performance/interpretation of the music is great- romantic and reflective; you can catch the general theme of thankfulness, and almost sense the exact point when specific people are coming to mind, for thankfulness. And the words are great and have an important lesson, that it is worthwhile to stop and remember those near and dear to us. (Your soundtrack/slide show was a great idea, GoodOldDreams.) I'm reminded of an article I read years ago; it was a true account entitled "A Letter Sent In Time" and dealt with a relationship between a father and adult daughter that had grown lukewarm, with most of the indifference given from daughter to father. One day she felt a strong urge to write a heartfelt and lovely letter to him. Several days later he died suddenly; as she went through his things she was greatly relieved and thankful to find that he had received and opened her letter, and died knowing that she truly loved him.
A few thoughts now on "For All We Know." This is the song that (though it isn't a top favorite) made me into a Carpenters fan. With all the fine points and intricacies of C's songs of various styles and genres that are taught and discussed here, I think of this song as being a textbook example of what makes the group great: an outstanding piece to start with (though listening to an instrumental vesion, or a vocal by someone else seems weird), superb vocal performance, varied and masterful instrumentation and flawless production. Yet all these factors might still yield a song that could be objectively analyzed; the very specific thing that caught me was this: it is the first song on the "Singles" album I bought about 3 years ago, afte many years of not hearing any Carpenters, except the occasional radio offering. (I thought it would be nice to have one of their collections, and listen two or three times a year.) The first night I had the CD I listened late at night, with no outside disturbances, and there was something about the pronounciation of the fifth word of the song- "two", that indicated that I was in for more than a listening experience; I was grabbed from the living room and (as they do so well) transported "there" with, in effect, a message of-"Welcome- You've been chosen for Carpenterdom, and you're here for good." Almost exactly 2 years ago I started reading kandr(and joined in April 2006); thanks for the great interactions.
Paddy, I've not heard anything from you for a couple months; if you are reading this, how about some thoughts on "For All we Know"?
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 16, 2007 2:00:59 GMT -5
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Post by ps11932 on Jun 16, 2007 2:09:46 GMT -5
Paddy lives in the UK, and joined around March, with the most recent posts being in late April (a total of about 4, I think), with some indication of reading more often than posting. It may be our friend (as happens to most of at one time or another) is in an extended period away but if you are reading this, Paddy, let us know! If not, by Saturday night I'll pass to someone else, as per the plan.
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Post by wisejester7 on Jun 16, 2007 22:30:43 GMT -5
No Paddy ?! : (
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