Looking back on 2007 and forward to 2008...

[Rick Henry]

Each year brings new successes to Carpenters/Karen Carpenter. I emphasize Karen's name as for the most part it's Karen Carpenter that the world has a love affair with.

2007 was a very good year again for Carpenters. Several events helped to generate sales in the multi-millions again.

The main highlight was the inclusion of Carpenters music in two major blockbuster films in 2007.

The song "We've Only Just Begun" recurred throughout the Stephen King thriller "1408".

Here is what somebody had to say about the inclusion of "We've Only Just Begun" in "1408"
"The song is featured prominently in the 2007 Stephen King horror film, 1408. When Mike Enslin (John Cusack) checks into room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in New York City, he encounters an old clock radio that unexpectedly plays 'We've Only Just Begun' giving it quite the spooky effect due to the situation Enslin finds himself in. They mean that the terror that this room has to offer has only just begun."

In the Nicolas Cage film "Ghost Rider" the main character Johnny Blaze (played by Cage) was a huge Karen Carpenter fan. The song "Superstar" was played in the movie several times. The movie soundtrack also included an instrumental titled "A Thing For Karen Carpenter".

Nicolas Cage decided his tormented movie character should share his own fondness for The Carpenters but he initially struggled to convince Richard Carpenter that he wouldn’t be poking fun at the hit making siblings. He reveals, “I made him a KAREN CARPENTER fan. I love Karen Carpenter’s voice, honestly, and Richard Carpenter didn’t want to participate at first, but I explained how much I cared about Karen’s voice and thought it was the most beautiful voice of all time. It was genuine so he was OK with it.



Looking forward to 2008 a new success of sorts is already happening.

The song "Superstar" as recorded by alt-rock, post punk group Sonic Youth is included in the blockbuster movie "Juno". The soundtrack which also includes Sonic Youth's fabulously eerie rendition of "Superstar" is currently the #1 album on the U.S. Billboard chart.

This in turn has created a new found interest in the tribute album "If I Were A carpenter" which was released in 1990 and includes interesting renditions of Carpenters songs by groups such as Dishwalla. Sheryl Crow, Cranberries, Redd Kross and of course Sonic Youth. This has also created an interest in Carpenters' music again.

Will the interest in Carpenters ever end?

[GoodOldDreams]

In addition, "Close to You" was used in "The Simpsons Movie" in 2007. The first full verse and most of the second verse were used in Homer and Marge's wedding video, which Marge partially taped over in an effort to prove that their relationship has come to an end after all his crazy antics and major misdeeds. In many episodes of the TV series, shorter cover versions of the song were used as the recurrent romantic theme music to symbolize young love between Homer and Marge. With even more impact in the movie, a longer clip of the actual performance by the Carpenters was used.

Wow! Along with "We've Only Just begun" and "Superstar," who would have thought that the first several Carpenters classic hits would be used for different major studio movies over three-and-a half decades later, all in the same year? Remarkable!

[Rick Henry]

goodolddreams said:

In addition, "Close to You" was used in "The Simpsons Movie" in 2007. The first full verse and most of the second verse were used in Homer and Marge's wedding video, which Marge partially taped over in an effort to prove that their relationship has come to an end after all his crazy antics and major misdeeds. In many episodes of the TV series, shorter cover versions of the song were used as the recurrent romantic theme music to symbolize young love between Homer and Marge. With even more impact in the movie, a longer clip of the actual performance by the Carpenters was used.

Wow! Along with "We've Only Just begun" and "Superstar," who would have thought that the first several Carpenters classic hits would be used for different major studio movies over three-and-a half decades later, all in the same year? Remarkable!

That is remarkable Dreams... all three movie were huge hits and garnered much media attention. I was unaware of "Close To You" being used in "The Simpson's Movie"... my brother has the DVD... guess I'll be giving it a watch.

Obviously Universal Music Group knows how to promote the music to keep it alive. The movie appearances really give the music major promotion.

I know I've been saying this for over five years now... but I truly feel Carpenters have at least one more Top 5 hit in them. I feel it's "Desperado"... the song is timeless... and just as is, it sounds great next to anything else out on the current music scene. The song could be a big crossover hit on both the pop and country charts. The song is also very relevant to what is hot on the music charts right now. The best promotion for the song would be to put it in a movie and release it to iTunes as a single.

[ps11932]

All this shows what has been known here for a long time, that The Carpenters were- and are extremely talented and hard working and presented a diverse variety of art, that elevates them far beyond the stereotype many often associate them with. I too, have occasionally envisioned a movie with strong Carpenter elements, resulting in a #1 hit.

[Rick Henry]

I just watched The Simpson's Movie... I wasn't planning on watching this one... but after hearing that Carpenters' recording of "Close To You" was featured in the movie... I had to watch it.

This isn't generally my type of movie... but it is interesting how Simpsons cover quite a few controversial topics with both pros and cons.

The scene with "Close To You" came about 55 minutes into the movie. It was easily one of the more memorable scenes in the movie. It sounded like the song was remixed for the clip with percussion instruments enhanced for more rhythm.

I watched the two commentaries provided in the DVD's extras. In both "Close To You" was mentioned... but not much was said.

[Rick Henry]

Now just what really is in store for 2008?

Will 2008 be another banner year for Carpenters?

What do you think may happen?

And what about 2009... the 40th Anniversary of Carpenters' first release...

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Anything could happen, and as you said, Rick - America does have a love affair with Karen. And when I read that on your first post, I thought to myself, that wasn't exactly right. But it absolutely IS, of course. WHY IS THAT? I believe a tiny portion of it is because Karen did well just what everyone wanted her to do....she "fronted" the group, and the audience loved her. Oh sure, they loved her before - no question...that "girl drummer" with the awesome voice. But it struck me as I read what Rick wrote "...for the most part it's Karen Carpenter that the world has a love affair with..." that it's so true, and partly because Karen was right there, out front, singled out, just as she should have been.

I gotta just give Richard kudos though, cause we know that Richard's expertise can't be denied. He is emmensly talented, and I think was the Ying to Karen's Yang.

I'm sure we'll hear Carpenters music in 2008 in more movies, and TV programs - perhaps someone will do a "play" using all Carpenter music, like Abba's "Mama Mia" and Billy Joel's "Movin' Out!" It could happen.

Also, I predict that there will be more and more groups covering/recording Carpenter music. I think Nora Jones will find it irresistable, and there are others like Diana Krall who will undoubtedly do more Carpenter music.

We ought to be in for a lot of fun, don't you think? I love the idea.

[Rick Henry]

Yes, Tim, kudos certainly to Richard... he is by all means extremely talented. He had a great ear for a great song and was able to turn these great songs into true masterpieces.

Why does the world have a love affair with Karen Carpenter. Because we love her... plain and simple. She has this genuinely pure voice which just scorches right through your soul. When she sings an upbeat song you can just feel and live the brilliant joy she has in her voice. Her voice was full of abundant expression.

Then there's the fact that she was a very attractive woman yet in a somewhat unusual and vaguely mysterious way.

Karen Carpenter was just different all the way around... and I think that's what made us love her even more.

The sad look that always seemed to be in her eyes... even when she was smiling... just made us love her more and more...


Karen is the "superstar" of her generation. Her voice was instantly recognizable to millions upon millions in the 70's... and to this day is still instantly recognizable to just as many people worldwide.