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Post by beaner on Jun 26, 2007 8:20:24 GMT -5
Hi there,
Actually, I have been checking my mail while away on vacation but you were right to pass it on to someone else as I wouldn't have time to give my input, etc. I hope to be chosen again after Thursday if this thread continues.
I'm up in the white mountains of New Hampshire and enjoying every minute of it. However, it is supposed to be a hot one today....95 degrees. We'll be climbing steps to see beautiful waterfalls but it will be worth it, I'm sure.
Take care all and talk to ya again, soon!
Beaner
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Jun 26, 2007 9:32:34 GMT -5
Ordinary Fool Ordinary fool is an extraordinary song, and one of "those" ballads that Karen is known to sing so exquisitely. This evocative reading by her is one of my many favorites. As she begins in that famous basement voice, one knows they are in for another treat by this gifted artist. I am especially fond of her use of the "vocal fry" throughout her vocals of this captivating song, and I'm also quite taken with the use of the Fender Rhodes piano, and the artfuly executed and smokey sounding sax solo. It just sizzles. An excellent choice, Wj7! You're The One My very first "hear" of You're the One was actually over a mall speaker system. I heard this voice that I knew was Karen Carpenter's voice, yet I had never heard this song before. Of course, I immediately hoped that there was a new recording out of things Karen may have done that I had not yet heard, and upon investigation, I found the Lovelines LP. It had, apparently, been out for some time, yet I didn't know about it. You're the One is one of my ultimate favorites that Karen sings. I love the feel of the song altogether - again, this song is so beautifully done in her basement voice, and the arrangement begins with voice, piano, and a bit of strings here and there to add color. I think the lyrics are quite clever when it says "my heart has overtaken me - with feelings you awake in me." Nice. I never hear this, now, without thinking of the Karen Carpenter Story, that featured this song in it. It was written by Steve Ferguson, and was recorded and mixed at A&M Studios. The song was recorded during the Passage sessions and it was truly a "flip of the coin" to see whether it or "I Just Fall in Love Again" made it onto the album. Richard has been quoted to say "I feel this is one of Karen's finest performances." I will have to agree with that sentiment, Richard. I, too, believe it to be so. I forward the baton on to Ming!
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 28, 2007 7:29:49 GMT -5
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Post by Ming on Jun 28, 2007 11:34:36 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay. Here they come. You're The One I like this song very much. Karen's voice is so rich. I always think this song is the best song on 'Lovelines'. Every time I listen to it, I think Karen is singing this for me. I think this is the best song for every couples. My choice is 'One more time'. This song is a slow song. I think it was boring when I listened to it for the first time. However, after listening to it for a few times, I found that this song is actually very good and a powerful song. Karen put much emotion on it. 'One more time for the good times', When love was all, When love was all, When love was all we had, One more time.' These lines are very beautifully said. And yes, this is your turn now, Dave. Ming
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 28, 2007 21:56:07 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay. Here they come. You're The One I like this song very much. Karen's voice is so rich. I always think this song is the best song on 'Lovelines'. Every time I listen to it, I think Karen is singing this for me. I think this is the best song for every couples. My choice is 'One more time'. This song is a slow song. I think it was boring when I listened to it for the first time. However, after listening to it for a few times, I found that this song is actually very good and a powerful song. Karen put much emotion on it. 'One more time for the good times', When love was all, When love was all, When love was all we had, One more time.' These lines are very beautifully said. And yes, this is your turn now, Dave. Ming
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Dave
Ultra Emissary
"sleeping in the arms of the cosmos..."
Posts: 1,515
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Post by Dave on Jun 30, 2007 6:18:34 GMT -5
Actually...I haven't heard it yet! I'll have to take a "bye" this round...
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 30, 2007 11:31:36 GMT -5
Since Dave hasn't heard "One More Time" (you just don't know what you're missing Dave - "A Kind Of Hush" - isn't one of Carpenters' best albums but definitely has some tasty album tracks such as "One More Time" and "Boat To Sail" - you've got to buy "A Kind Of Hush" and also "Horizon"). Anyway since Dave hasn't heard "One More Time" I will take the honor... I guess I'll be the default in order to keep this game moving along... "One More Time"... this is along with "Boat To Sail" my favorite song from "A Kind Of Hush". It's grand in an understated manner. The tones are tender and mild yet hold a big impact on the listener. Like all Carpenters songs this one has all the elements in place - outstanding musicianship (in it's simplicity), great vocal performance by Karen and moving lyrics. I feel the strongest point of this song is in the lyrics. The lyrics feed the listener's imagination in a way that you can almost visualize the events of the song. "I'm going way down south to Loiusiana tonight well I'll just close the door and turn out all the lights"Karen's vocal on this song is as always hauntingly beautiful, she really puts all her emotion into it without ever becoming overbearing. Karen remains right within her perfect range of comfort - which creates the most tantalizing vocal performance. Overall I'd say this song is mysterious, light and breezy. "One More Time" is amongst my all-time favorite tunes. Now to spice things up a bit... My song choice is: "Help" "Help" was written by Paul mcCartney and Johnn Lennon and of course we all know this was a huge hit for The Beatles. Carpenters included their rendition of the song on their 1970 album "Close To You". Just as with "Ticket To Ride" Carpenters took "Help" and carved out an entirely new song. This time they kept this tune upbeat as it originally was. Though, I feel they made it rock a little more than the Beatles did. I really enjoy Karen's youthful and slightly more aggressive vocal performance on this song. She really comes out singing this song with a presence of boldness and although the lyric is somewhat dry - Karen puts a lilt and excitement into her performance. The best part of this song is the harpsichord which Richard plays so vivaciously. His solo in the middle of the song (or is it near the end of the song) is out of this world and really sends the song rocking. Who'd've (I know it's not a real word) ever thought the harpsichord could rock - but in Richard's most capable hands he does get the harpsichord smoking. "Help" was actually slated to be the Carpenters' follow up single to "Ticket To Ride" and it would have made a nice single - but before they could release the song "Close To You" came along. I'm glad "Close To You" came along as releasing "Help" as a single would have pigeon-holed Carpenters as being a Beatles cover band. Regardless I love "Help" and it is one of my favorites from the "Close To You" album. I pass the wand onto Wisejester7...
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Post by wisejester7 on Jun 30, 2007 12:50:22 GMT -5
The Beatles were a generation defining type of band. Everyone listened to them and knew their music. Most people (the younger generation anyway) liked the Beatles, their image and their music. It would take a band with a lot of confidence to pull off Beatles covers. "Help" was the second time the Carpenters dipped into the Beatles bag of tricks, the first being "Ticket To Ride". Their cover of "Ticket..." got them on the charts and some starting recognition. Could lightning strike twice? "Help" was slated to be the Carpenters next single release. ( It wasn't, though ..."(They Long To Be) Close To You" took that honor.) They recorded "Help" and included it in their early tours. I find the Carpenters' rendition of "Help" to be a most enjoyable cover! Richard and Karen took a simple but direct approach in how they performed it. Karen's lead is strong. The harmonies in the chorus and the filler section (bridge) ... the "AHHH's" ... are tightly constructed. Good stuff. Richards background vocals are strongly supportive of Karen in both intonation and lyrical content. ****** For my song choice, I'm staying with early Carpenters and their recording of "We've Only Just Begun". "We've Only Just Begun" followed right on the heels of the chart smashing "(They Long To Be) Close To You". As "Close..." was beginning it's slide down the charts "Begun" was bulleting up. This firmly cemented Carpenters as an act to contend with. They were no longer one hit wonders, but had proven themselves to the public. Their sound and style was now tightly identified with them. The history of the song is the stuff that only providence provides. It's a bit magical. Richard hears a bank ad, he recognizes the voice, finds out the authors are also working within the A&M family, contacts them, and Karen and Rich go to the studio and create a masterpiece! WOW! I guess you could say "We've Only Just Begun" has gone from commercial to HUGE commercial success. WOJB became the signature song for the Carpenters. They closed their concerts with it, they closed their TV specials with it ... and why? Because it offers the hope that there will be more good things to come from the Carpenters. After all, they've only just begun! The soft, simple beginning of piano and woodwind supports a gentle vocal by Karen. Then the drums are added along with Richards background vocals as the song crescendos in both strength and volume (musically, vocally, and lyrically). The message of WOJB starts off tentatively and grows in confidence and surety. The lyrics match perfectly - " ... we start out walking and learn to run". Karen and Richard's vocals bring a "physical embodiment" to the piece that matches the lyrical content so well. The switch off in lead between female and male works great, too. They are LIVING the song ... " together ... TOGETHER"! As the songs wraps to its conclusion we hear "... And when the evening comes , we smile ...". Like the couple in the song, you wish for nothing but good things for Karen and Richard! They have crossed the bridge between song and living the song. ****** Beaner , are you ready to give this game a go??
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Post by Rick Henry on Jun 30, 2007 21:37:39 GMT -5
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Post by wisejester7 on Jun 30, 2007 21:49:09 GMT -5
Perhaps I should add a qualifier to my comments on Carpenters. The Carpenters are/were FANTASTIC musicians first and foremost. 'Simple' , in terms of Carpenters' musicality, is not really simple to the general populace. Karen and Richard, in my mind, start on a higher playing field. So my 'simple' comment in the "Help" thread equals simple for the elevated musicianship the Carpenters were able to achieve.
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Post by wisejester7 on Jul 1, 2007 21:13:01 GMT -5
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Post by beaner on Jul 2, 2007 5:42:34 GMT -5
I made it! Hope I can still do this since I beat Dave to the punch.
We've Only Just Begun has to be my all time favorite hit of the Carpenters. It was one of the very first songs I heard by them and attracted me right away.
As it was said, it WAS their signature song and a song that soooo many people choose for their weddings, even today! I also love the fact that the music to this song would play when I'd watch their tv shows or their specials. Every time they would break away to a commercial, etc. here comes WOJB. Love it!
I really like how Richard discovered it too. He surely had an eye for finding songs or making music.
Great song choice!!!
Now, my choice is "A Place To Hideaway"
As far as the non-hits go, this song is my all-time favorite. I just love the way Karen sings it and it has meant a great deal to me over the years; very close to how I felt back then.
I also loved using it in Carpenterville as my Bed & Breakfast house - truly a great place to hideaway at.
Beaner.
Now, if DAVE wants to give this one a try since I beat him to the punch, please be my guest!!!
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Dave
Ultra Emissary
"sleeping in the arms of the cosmos..."
Posts: 1,515
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Post by Dave on Jul 2, 2007 11:08:15 GMT -5
I'm at work right now, but I promise I'll get on at home tonight...but it's so nice outside!
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Post by GoodOldDreams on Jul 2, 2007 15:51:11 GMT -5
Actually...I haven't heard it yet! I'll have to take a "bye" this round... Hey Dave, You're in luck. Here is a link to a fan-created music video for "One More Time", a song I associate with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and the people left behind... www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-nyi_GL520
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Dave
Ultra Emissary
"sleeping in the arms of the cosmos..."
Posts: 1,515
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Post by Dave on Jul 2, 2007 21:41:30 GMT -5
Believe it or not, I just got home perhaps 30 minutes ago. I had been lamenting the fact that none of the great evening rides my brother-in-law and I had planned to take had materialized, and then he called. We took a ride to West Virginia, and as the sun set the blue sky was traced with white contrails. It was beautiful! Tomorrow he wants to go see the birthplace of General Custer, a small town in Ohio about an hour and a half away. Last summer, he and a work friend rode out to see the Little Big Horn, and now he wants to see the "other end of the rainbow", as it were, a concept I'm quite familiar with. Carry on, it's time for bed! I'll jump in this pool in a bit...sleep well, my friends.
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