Stop...breathe...continue

[ps11932]

This is based on 2 posts I have read here; one fairly recently that spoke of the great effect of listening with earphones; especially if it is in a quiet setting, you can pick up things you will otherwise miss. The other post I recall is from months ago and related to the production of The Carpenters music, that it was so well designed that even the breathing spots were planned.

Within the past week, while listening to "Horizon" with earphones in a totally quiet setting, I really for the first time was impressed with the breathing sounds. The song in which it seemed most pronounced was "I Can Dream Can't I", and it became a very important part of the music. I was curious about observations regarding other songs in which the breathing has stood out to people, or general thoughts on the subject.

[Rick Henry]

Both comments were mentioned by me.

I've mentioned the "headphones" thing a few times. The most recent was in conjunction with Karen's solo album. In listening to Karen's album with headphones you are better able to hear the depth and layers of the music. Most interesting in her solo album is the slight use of electronics on her voice. this was very groundbreaking for the time period 1979/1980.

Take a listen to "Only Yesterday" with headphones. This is one utterly amazing tune. The musical arrangement is full with all sorts of sounds weaved together... drums, guitars, chimes, keyboards. The vocal arrangement is also outstanding, the way the lead vocal and harmony vocals are seamlessly blended together. "Only Yesterday" is one of Carpenters' most amazing songs.

As for the breathing technique, Karen Carpenter was a master at proper breath control and Richard was expert at crafting a great vocal arrangements with all reference points as to when the vocalist should inhale and exhale. Proper breath support is one of the most important factors in a great singing voice.

"Desperado" and "Solitaire" both showcase the importance of breath support and you can hear Karen taking her relaxed breaths between verses and choruses.

Richard has gone on record with saying that "Goodbye To Love" was an especially difficult song to sing due to the extended breath cycles of the song... but that Karen was able to take the song and sing it without any difficulty.

[YesterdayOnceMore]

Yes, I have read your headphones and breathing comments before, Rick - and you're so spot-on about it all.

I really enjoy listening to the Carpenters music in headphones. I like your description, Rick - that you can hear so many of the layers of the music - so true, and such a fun thing to do.

A long time ago, O.E., I first noticed that "sometimes", not always, we were able to hear Karen take a breath in between some of her phrasing of lyrics as she sings those wonderful ballads. She was indeed a master at breath control, but I found it interesting to actually be able to hear her take a deep breath. Without realizing I was hearing this, and noticed a new depth to whatever song it was. I first recognized that this depth was due to the capturing of the breath in between vocal phrases and I was struck by that.

According to Richard, he often left these breath's in when he could because of the intimacy it provided the listener - like being right in the vocal booth with Karen as she sings the song. There were some songs I've read that Richard wanted to leave the breath sounds in, but some other sound might have been evident during the breaths, and he wasn't able to do it. So, those breaths of Karen were certainly all executed with planning. Now, really....who thinks and plans for how to most appropriately record a vocalists breaths, for heavens sake? I know there must be more artists out there who do this, but the only one I know of who made this plan deliberate, was Carpenters.

[Rick Henry]

Tim... I agree... being able to hear Karen take her deep breaths before singing a verse really adds to the intimacy of the music. It really gives it the feeling that you're right there with her.