Post by Rick Henry on Aug 20, 2005 0:05:08 GMT -5
"Passage" is a true gem and a diverse work of art. The Carpenters outdid themselves with everything from the artsy album cover to the informative liner notes to the eclectic choice of songs. Released on September 23, 1977 critics and radio DJ's were saying that "Passage" would bring The Carpenters back into the top ten. The album received favorable reviews by the critics. Although it peaked just outside the top 40 in the U.S. Things were different abroad. The album was a solid top 15 hit in England and Japan.
Here is a song by song review:
B'WANA SHE NO HOME: Written by mellow jazz artist Michael Franks (Franks had hits with "Popsicle Toes" (1975), "The Lady Wants To Know" (1977) and "Your Secret's Safe With Me" (1985) - he wrote all his songs.
"B'wana She No Home" marked a great growth in the spectrum of The Carpenters' musical landscape. It is jazz and soft rock fused together to create a wonderfully full sound encapsulated with Karen's smooth yet authoritative vocal.
"B'wana..." was recorded live in the studio which gives the song a certain energy. In 1978 it was used for the B-side of the single "I Believe You." Famed session musician Tom Scott plays tenor sax and alto flute to perfection. It's the mix of wood winds, keyboards and guitar which really bring this song home in the instrumental at the end.
ALL YOU GET FROM LOVE IS A LOVE SONG: Written by Steve Eaton who has also written "Out On The Road" recorded by Anne Murray, "Rag Doll" by Art Garfunkel and "I'll Still Be Loving You" recorded by Lee Greenwood. Tom Scott again provides the high steppin' tenor sax solo which really keeps the sizzle going in this song. Ray Parker Jr. ("Ghostbusters", "You Can't Change That") joins Tony Peluso on electric guitar. When it's all put together "All You Get..." is a flavorful upbeat toe tapping samba-like tune. Released on May 2, 1977, this was the first single released from "Passage." The song just made the top 40 reaching U.S. #35.
I JUST FALL IN LOVE AGAIN: A classic Carpenters power ballad which many fans claim is strong enough to have been released as a single. Orchestrated by Peter Knight. Knight also worked on the album "Days Of The Future Passed" by the Moody Blues. The song is complete with a classic Tony Peluso guitar solo. This is one of Karen's loveliest and most compelling vocals. She sang in a richness and maturity which was soulful and full bodied. Both Anne Murray and Dusty Springfield have recorded this song though not quite with the same energy and intensity as Karen did. No other vocalist at the time even came close to Karen's finesse and originality. A+
ON THE BALCONY OF THE CASA ROSADA / DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA: The recording of this song became a news media event. It was hailed as the largest recording session ever in the history of popular music, with over 160 people present to record the song. With William Feuerstein as Juan Peron and Jonathan Marks as Che the song opens with a cultural operatic reading which leads into what is probably the Carpenters' most compelling recording. Karen sings this classic composition with assuredness and perfection. She pronounces each word with care and clarity. Richard's arrangement and Peter Knight's orchestration lead you to believe you are actually living the moment. The music seems to sweepingly come alive. This certainly is the definitive recording of a song which has been recorded by many.
SWEET SWEET SMILE: The song opens with a funky rhythmic electric guitar played by Tony Peluso. a few seconds into the song Peluso is joined by the band which includes Tomm Hensley on tack piano, Larry McNealy on Banjo (the banjo adds a truly great c&w experience to the song), Bobby Bruce on fiddle, Ron Tutt on drums and Joe Osborn on bass guitar. The arrangement is full and uptempo.
"Sweet Sweet Smile" received a fair amount of radio airplay in early 1978 and several expected it to reach the top ten. And it did reach the top ten, but on the country music charts where it peaked at #6. On the pop chart the song reached U.S. #44 and UK #42. Since 1978 "Sweet Sweet Smile" has remained a popular favorite being used in country and western cowboy clubs for line dances and has also remained a favorite amongst Carpenters fans.
Written by Juice Newton and her husband Otha Young. Newton later went on to have a string of hits including, "Angel Of The Morning", "Queen Of Hearts," "The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)" and "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me."
TWO SIDES: A guitar lover's treat! With a mild country flavor this song showcases an array of very well placed and performed guitars. Included are two acoustic guitars (one played by Lee Ritenour), a magnificent pedal steel guitar and, Tony Peluso's ever captivating electric guitar.
There are several qualities which set The Carpenters in a category above many of their contemporaries. Richard Carpenter's creative use of all types of guitars is one such attribute which adds depth and energy to their music.
Equally as strong as the music is the lyric. "Two Sides" speaks of coming to terms with a relationship which just isn't working out and having the strength to say "Goodbye".The song is pieced together with patience and thought. It touches on all the different emotions one feels in such a situation.
And above all this is Karen's once again triumphant vocal. She sings with soul and complete self confidence. You get the feeling she really means every word she's saying.
MAN SMART WOMAN SMARTER: This song displays an almost tongue in cheek side of The Carpenters, yet maintaining a seriousness in the quality of the musicianship.
This song has an interesting history.
*Harry Belafonte first brought it to fame in the late forties as a calypso tune. Alan Lomax also recorded the song around the same time.
*In the mid 1950's the song was performed on television's "I Love Lucy" by a band comprising of Lucy, Ricky, Little Ricky, Ethel and Fred.
*From almost the time they began touring in the late 60's and throughout their entire career, The Grateful Dead performed this song in concert always with joyous response from their audience.
*In early 1977 Robert Palmer made his debut on the singles chart with "Man Smart...."
*In the late 90's reggae artists Chaka Demus and Pliers cover the song.
The Carpenters took the song and turned it into a rocker with hints of humor. The song has an impressive display of drums, including congas and steel drums. We are again treated to Tony Peluso's energetic electric guitar and Leon Russell ( writer of "Superstar", "A Song For You" and, "This Masquerade") bangs on the piano.
The song jolts along with an extended jam style instrumental solo at the end with crazy sound effects switching back and forth between the left and right channels of the stereo speakers. This is quite an interesting almost alternative music effect. The Carpenters score again with diversity and a heart of experimentation.
CALLING OCCUPANTS OF INTERPLANETARY CRAFT: This trippy sci-fi song was originally written and recorded in 1976 by the Canadian group Klaatu. Klaatu came to fame when rumors led to speculation that they were the Beatles performing under an assumed name.
The Carpenters' recording was an enormous undertaking with 160 people involved. The famed Peter Knight orchestrated and arranged this galactic event. Klaatu relied heavily on electronic sound effects and synthesizers to create their illusion of outer space. Whereas The Carpenters used a full orchestra with swirling violins, haunting pipe organ, Tony Peluso's out of this world guitar solos, Richard's spacey electronic piano and a fabulous marching band. Rounding it all out is Karen's fantastic voice. The vocalist of countless pop-ballads proves she's more than just your average singer with this tune.
"Calling Occupants..." was released as a single on September 9, 1977, and reached UK # 9 and U.S. # 32. The song also became a top 10 hit in Southern California where it enjoyed airplay on FM album rock radio stations which was unheard of for the Carpenters until then. "Calling Occupants..." received a Grammy Award nomination for Richard's galactic musical arrangement. In many ways this song was a huge triumph for the Carpenters.
From beginning to end "Passage" succeeds at entertaining the listener in a way no other Carpenters album ever has. "Passage" is the Carpenters' most diverse album musically while maintaining the same quality musicianship found on all previous Carpenters albums.
