|
|
Post by Rick Henry on Oct 2, 2007 9:12:52 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by beaner on Oct 2, 2007 15:16:42 GMT -5
Hi there everyone!
The first song I thought of was exactly the one Rick chose with "A Song For You". Wherever I am, when I hear this song during the sax solo I just stop and listen.
Next would probably be any Christmas song. In fact, soon I'll be shopping in the malls and wherever and whenever I hear Karen's beautiful voice coming over the airwaves I head towards the closest speaker and just sit and listen or continue to shop and listen.
Beaner
|
|
|
|
Post by ps11932 on Oct 2, 2007 16:34:16 GMT -5
I agree that a good many songs would fit this category. And as I quickly think about it, I think I could generalize on the first comment that Rick gave and say that very often (with some irony, given the fact that it is the vocal solo work that cements us as fans) that moment of climax is in the instrumental parts; that is often what I most eagerly aniticipate. The textbook example is in "Goodbye To Love", I suppose, but others that stand out even more to me are "Where Do I Go From Here?" & "Kiss Me The Way You Did Last Night." Also, "Leave Yesterday Behind"- I love the harmonica part.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rick Henry on Oct 2, 2007 22:41:31 GMT -5
 Thank you Mary Ann and O.E. for participating in conversation on this forum... you guys are what keeps this place alive. A few others which make me stop and listen are: "Happy"... I just love this song and there are many parts which make me take notice. Though, I really like the part where Karen is singing... Please forgive me if I seem
To be walking through a waking dream
Laughter never came so easily
There's a freedom here that's new to meThere seems to be a slight bit of effects added to the vocal which gives the vocal a bit of a different sound and it sounds really good to my ears. I also like the end part with the synthesizer which gives the song a great mid 70's pop-rock sound which was somewhat ahead of it's time and far more advanced than what most other pop groups were doing at the time. "Two Sides" is another which makes me perk up and listen. It's the way Karen holds the note on that last "goodbye"... sheer vocal perfection. I just love it. |
|
|
|
Post by Rick Henry on Oct 2, 2007 22:55:11 GMT -5
I agree that a good many songs would fit this category. And as I quickly think about it, I think I could generalize on the first comment that Rick gave and say that very often (with some irony, given the fact that it is the vocal solo work that cements us as fans) that moment of climax is in the instrumental parts; that is often what I most eagerly aniticipate. Interesting comment O.E. There is a lot of truth in what you said about the vocals cementing us as fans... but think about it if the music was just average I would be willing to say about half the fans Carpenters have would not be such dedicated fans. With Carpenters it's the whole package. The musicianship is every bit as spectacular as the vocals. This is recognized by many musicians the world over. The Carpenters are highly respected because of this. Carpenters are not only outstanding vocalists - but they were also musicians of the highest degree. I guess it does bother me when people speak only of the vocals and completely disregard the musicianship. That's why I promote so many conversations which focus around the musicality of Carpenters. I want to do my part in changing the way the world views Carpenters. They were so much more than just great vocals. And let me add that those vocals are certainly great... about the very best of any vocals ever in the entire history of music. I'm with you O.E. in that I often eagerly await those moments of climax in the instrumental parts... these are some of the most compelling parts of the songs. Everytime I hear "Goodbye To Love" I am always floored at what an outstanding song it is. That guitar solo all the way to the end is awesomely performed. It just turns my head in amazement. |
|
|
|
Post by beaner on Oct 3, 2007 17:11:53 GMT -5
A couple more songs are "Boat To Sail", "Where Do I Go From Here" and "Last One Singing' The Blues".
I always wait and make sure I hear the ending when Karen extends "sail" into an "aaaaaaahhh". At least that's what it sounds like she's doing; really cool.
"Where Do I Go From Here" was the song that attracted me the most when Lovelines came out. I remember I was soooo excited to hear that this was being release. I was beginning to think we'd never hear about the Carpenters again. Anyway, this song is awesome.
Finally, a great wind down song and a bit of jazzy blues with "Last One Singin' the Blues", especially with it being an unedited version with Karen telling them not to forget about the break. I would not want that taken out for anything; to hear Karen's speaking voice is something we all really miss I'm sure!
Beaner
|
|
makapipi
CERTIFIED GOLD MEMBER
Posts: 172
|
Post by makapipi on Oct 4, 2007 0:09:46 GMT -5
Thank you Mary Ann and O.E. for participating in conversation on this forum... you guys are what keeps this place alive. A few others which make me stop and listen are: "Happy"... I just love this song and there are many parts which make me take notice. Though, I really like the part where Karen is singing... Please forgive me if I seem
To be walking through a waking dream
Laughter never came so easily
There's a freedom here that's new to meThere seems to be a slight bit of effects added to the vocal which gives the vocal a bit of a different sound and it sounds really good to my ears. I also like the end part with the synthesizer which gives the song a great mid 70's pop-rock sound which was somewhat ahead of it's time and far more advanced than what most other pop groups were doing at the time. "Two Sides" is another which makes me perk up and listen. It's the way Karen holds the note on that last "goodbye"... sheer vocal perfection. I just love it. I agree Rick , Richard knows how to add effect without making it too obvious or making it sound like a toy, but making it sound richer. Like on that short song "Yesterday Once More" reprise, that one has lots of effects to create the mood. |
|
|
|
Post by Rick Henry on Oct 4, 2007 20:53:29 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Oct 4, 2007 21:33:21 GMT -5
For me, I had this feeling when I heard You're The One. It is so beautifully sung, as they all are, really - but this one really grabbed me, and I had to stop to listen. Such a great song in every way - beautiful melody, and Karen gave it her all, as she always did....And, a rather understated, simple arrangement by Richard. Another that always caught my attention and made me stop everything was NOW.....because of the same reasons as I mention above. It's a beautiful song, and Karen sings it so achingly beautiful. I had to stop and just listen....sort of out of reverence, if nothing else. And, immediately Sailin On The Tide also comes to mind. Such a great song, with so many little nuances in it - little sounds, bits of instruments, percussion, and of course, those wonderful harmonies. All great stuff. |
|
|
|
Post by Rick Henry on Oct 5, 2007 9:28:02 GMT -5
A couple more songs are "Boat To Sail", I always wait and make sure I hear the ending when Karen extends "sail" into an "aaaaaaahhh". At least that's what it sounds like she's doing; really cool. Beaner Ah yes... "Boat To Sail"... you beat me to the punch Mary Ann... I just love this song and I love Karen's phrasing in this... the way she sings boat to sail...ahhhh... that is really effective and cool sounding. Even further "Boat To Sail" is a gem amongst Carpenters gems... I especially like those stacked vocals... I feel this is one of Carpenters' most creative examples of that multi-layered stacked vocal effect... they took the vocals to a somewhat ethereal level on this song. And the electric vibes in "Boat To Sail" are also outstanding. This is a sound which most people don't even realize they're listening to... but if you put the headphones on (and put Karen's vocals to the back and listen to the music itself) you will hear all sorts of great musical sounds... chimes and light bell type sounds... those sounds are coming from the electric vibes - which Karen and Richard so expertly performed. The electric vibe is related to the synthesizer family. |
|
|
|
Post by cinscorp on May 17, 2009 18:04:48 GMT -5
a couple that do it for me are:
the intensity in the way Karen sings "Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine.
It's hard to tell the night time from the day.
And you're losing all your highs and lows
aint it funny how the feeling goes
away..."
in Desperado. Her voice like notes just flow as she pours emotion into this verse. I can close my eyes and picture her singing it.
another is "you should hear what they say about you...they say you neva neva eva been true, wo ho wo"
"eye'm gonna love you any ol' way, what can I do, when it's true-wu..." from Baby It's You. Of course, I spelled the emphasized words much like I hear the way they were sung. The emphasis, tone, power and passion always grabs my attention.
|
|
|
|
Post by enigma on May 19, 2009 12:52:49 GMT -5
One that always does it for me is Crescent Noon Karens vocal is amoung her best as far as I am concerned the atmosphere of the song the simple toned down arrangement make me stop. Once the song gets past the piano intro and into the vocal it stops me in my tracks its beautiful it has chill factor and it blows me away in such an understated subtle way and the lyrics are so image ridden it emerses you into the song from start to finish. Only Yesterday also does this for me when I hear Karens near perfect lower register i have to stop and listen more carefully the wall of sound approach to the song and the great guitarwork make me stop and pay attention to this powerful brilliant song. Finally no surprise here Superstar does this as well I consider this Karens best vocal and the song is pure pop perfection Karen hits this one out of the park vocally and always makes me stop and listen when I hear it.   |
|
|
|
Post by YesterdayOnceMore on May 19, 2009 13:37:39 GMT -5
 A lot of great conversation in this thread. I'll have to agree with you, Mary Ann - A Song For You gets my attention every time I hear it. I'm a huge fan of Leon Russell's songs, and A Song For You is certainly no exception. For me, this one is bittersweet. I recall hearing it just shortly after I learned that Karen had died, and the thought of those ethereal lyrics in the reprise, and the way in which she comes in - like an angel - still give me chills, just thinking about it, much less hearing it." "... and when my life is over...remember when we were together....we were alone and I was singin' this song for you...." Magic!  |
|
|
|
Post by Rick Henry on May 19, 2009 21:41:40 GMT -5
|
|
molee
NEW TO THE FAMILY
Posts: 39
|
Post by molee on Jun 19, 2009 15:01:38 GMT -5
For me "stop eveything and listen " is the song "Sometimes." Richard's piano playing is exquisite, Karen's voice is angelic and the sentiment is a direct shot to the heart against which I am completely defenseless.
-Mo Lee
|
|
