The making of "Only Yesterday"

[Rick Henry]

I am always so astonished at the beauty and perfection I hear everytime I listen to "Only Yesterday". I guess there is strong reason for being a big favorite of a majority of Carpenters fans.

Everytime I hear the song I hear anew little sound I hadn't heard before (I've also experienced this with "B'wana She No Home"). When I listen to a song I try to listen to different aspects of the song each time I listen to it, therefore I am able to soak in all the nuances. On one listen I may focus on the lyric, the next time I'll focus on Karen's lead vocal, then I'll focus on the harmony and background vocals, then the guitar work, the drums and percussion, saxophone, the keyboards, and any other instrument listed on the song's credits. I try to get the full scope of the song by focusing on different parts. Once, I have all the nuances identified and know where each is, I will listen to the song as a whole and that's when I am totally blown away with all the ins and outs and twists and turns. "Only Yesterday" is one of those songs that blows me away.

Right from the very first deep and rich note that Karen sings, I am completely captivated and enchanted with the song. At this point in time I seem to be most captured by the fantastically intricate and very well constructed vocal arrangement. I must say Richard Carpenter certainly put an immense amount of work into creating the placement of the vocals on this song. The interweaving of the harmony and backing vocals and totally out of this world. The vocals are seamlessly pieced together. Each voice interweaves and intersects with the other vocals creating an ethereal wall of vocals. The vocals are blended so well that at points it's hard to tell where one vocal ends and the next one begins. This vocal arrangement rivals (or is comparable in quality and craftsmanship to) Rod Temperton's arrangement of Karen Carpenter's solo "If I Had You".

With the song "Only Yesterday" (and the entire album "Horizon") Carpenters took the patience to spend a good amount of time and many long hours experimenting with different sounds, techniques and effects. One of the most astonishing techniques used on the album is the multitude of seperate mikings. Every single instrument and voice has it's own microphone.This helped to create a broad, full sound. The drums were recorded on four separate tracks, one for the kick, one for the snare and one each for the left and right tom-toms. On the song "Only Yesterday" a tape delay is used on the saxophone, this effect accents the instrument and lifts it above the canvas and gives it an extra dimension.

"Only Yesterday" was written by Richard Carpenter and lyricist John Bettis, the song was a huge hit worldwide. Believing the song would not be a hit Carpenter and Bettis lost a one-thousand dollar bet to their recording engineer Roger Young. Since the melody was upbeat, Richard asked Bettis to make sure the lyric was not completely sad, so the outlook of the song changes midstream. It goes from dark and deep to bright and propulsive. Bettis described "Only Yesterday" as, "a manipulated positive song". The song is an impressive "wall of sound" with each instrument clearly recognizable. It has the feel of the 60's with castanets and chimes and the technology of the 70's with electric guitar chords and soulful saxophone progressions. With all this outstanding technology it's Karen's voice that remains the focal point. She opens with a haunting Low E Flat and moves gracefully through the range of the song and her voice with ease. "Only Yesterday" is two songs in one with a lush ballad verse which effectively gives way to an uptempo progressive pop chorus.

[wisejester7]

Nice piece, Rick.

I didn't know about the bet with Young, though. It's kind of funny when you think about Carpenter and Bettis doubting the strength of their song, but Young knew all along. I guess Roger had the advantage of being slightly removed from the inner circle, which then gave him a slightly different perspective.

[Rick Henry]

Tony Peluso's slick and smooth guitar work is another factor of this song that pulls this song right off the canvas and brings it to life.

There are so many dimensions to "Only Yesterday" that listening to it, is almost like watching a 3-D movie.

There is a life and vibrancy in this song which brings a sort of unity to the album "Horizon".

Onto "Horizon"... this was such a sophisticated and well produced album. It's their gem of gems. It's their album which will go down in history as being their finest moment. Again, I noticed on my last visit to Virgin Megastore both copies of "Horizon" have sold, they usually carry two copies of that one at all times - and it seems to sell out every month... maybe they should start carrying four copies of the disc. Also sold in the last week were one copy of "Love Songs", two of "Gold" and one of "A Song For You" and one of "Millenium Edition"... the copies of "Close To You" and "Carpenters" have sat in the bin for over 2 months now.

[YesterdayOnceMore]

;D

Nice review of this one, Rick. You're right that many different things are going on all at the same time - and they're all done expertly. Nicely put.

;D

[Rick Henry]

May 22, 2008 15:31:59 GMT -5 YesterdayOnceMore said:

;D

Nice review of this one, Rick. You're right that many different things are going on all at the same time - and they're all done expertly. Nicely put.

;D

Yes, there is quite a bit to listen to in "Only Yesterday". the song is best captured by taking the time to focus on different parts each time you listen to it.

What I love about the song is the fact that there is a lot going on, but it is not muddled or overdone. It's the perfect balance of clarity and variety in sounds, vocals and instruments.

[timo]

Hi all!
I'm a newcomer here and would just like to say that I wish the same that Rick Henry wrote could be said of any of the songs that are being made today! But there's the difference between handcraft and computing...
Karen's vocals on this song and almost any other just make me cry (happy and sad tears - I think there's a perfect blend of both emotions in her voice!). I'm a sentimental old fool, you see

[wisejester7]

Hello timo!
Welcome to the forum.

[Rick Henry]

Jun 9, 2008 23:50:10 GMT -5 timo said:

Hi all!
I'm a newcomer here and would just like to say that I wish the same that Rick Henry wrote could be said of any of the songs that are being made today! But there's the difference between handcraft and computing...
Karen's vocals on this song and almost any other just make me cry (happy and sad tears - I think there's a perfect blend of both emotions in her voice!). I'm a sentimental old fool, you see

Hi Timo... welcome to Richard and Karen Carpenter Avenue!

I hear what you're saying Timo about some of today's music. But, I must be a defender of the music out today. First, I must agree that most of what is out is easily disposable... such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Fergie, Pink, Kylie Minogue and the likes. But there are also artists who are musically outstanding... such as Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, John Mayer, Diana Krall, Corrine Bailey Rae (just to name a few that would appeal to the Carpenters crowd).

Myself, I'm more into the classic rock and modern rock sounds, so I like some of the current groups like Coldplay (awesome vocals and arrangements), U2, The Rapture, MuteMath, Radiohead, Edison Glass and others.

If you dig deep enough there are quite a few excellent groups/musicians on the current scene. Of course many of our old favorites continuosly put out new releases such as Donna Summer, Neil Diamond, Tom Petty, Paul McCartney, Al Green...

[timo]

Thanks for the response!
I must admit that I try to listen to contemporary music also - many of those "better" artists of today you mentioned, Rick - and I can't help it but they put me to sleep rather than make me listen closely to an arrangement or a vocal part. It's silly to be stuck in the oldies but it just seems to be my cup of tea! Like I said I'm a sentimental old fool, a lost cause, you name it! I fully understand your point, Rick, I hope you understand. I keep on trying but won't start with Kid A or How to dismantle an atom bomb again...;-)

[Rick Henry]

Jun 10, 2008 10:24:46 GMT -5 timo said:

Thanks for the response!
I must admit that I try to listen to contemporary music also - many of those "better" artists of today you mentioned, Rick - and I can't help it but they put me to sleep rather than make me listen closely to an arrangement or a vocal part. It's silly to be stuck in the oldies but it just seems to be my cup of tea! Like I said I'm a sentimental old fool, a lost cause, you name it! I fully understand your point, Rick, I hope you understand. I keep on trying but won't start with Kid A or How to dismantle an atom bomb again...;-)

Hi Timo... hey we all like what we like. I've always been a crazy music lover... always looking for the next new favorite.

It's good to see you here at The avenue Timo... we've emailed on Myspace and I've always enjoyed your easy going nature.

[carpentersgermany]

Hey Timo and Rick,

with me it's the other way round. In general I'm not focused on one specific musical genre, but most of the time I listen to contemporary music.
Classic Rock, is one of the few genres I do not feel at all..

Rick, I don't agree with all the artists you named..
Gwen Stefani's debut "Love Angel Music Baby" for example is awesome: "What you're waiting for", "Bubble Pop Electric" and "Cool" for instance are anything but disposable.
She did another outstanding track with Pharrell called "Can I have it like that".

I'm sorry but to me Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, John Mayer and U2 are far away from being "musically outstanding".

Contemporary artists I like are Amy Winehouse, Jamie Cullum, The Prodigy, Pharrell, Justin, Daft Punk..
But actually no one comes close to how I think and feel about the Carpenters..

Just some very personal statements I wanted to add. I know most of you won't share my opinion

[Rick Henry]

I think U2 is an outstanding band... and they are regarded by multi-millions to be one of the very best bands in the history of music.

Norah Jones has more than proven herself with three very solid albums which have touched many people on an emotional level that not many artists are able to do.

Jack Johnson and John Mayer both have a wonderful talent of writing great pop songs with catchy hooks and great guitar licks.

As for classic rock... well that happens to be a style of music I like and it will be a style of music I like for the rest of my life.

I'm sorry if I don't care for Gwen Stefani... I've just never been into female singers that rely their looks and flash their body parts everywhere to make hits.

This topic was started originally to talk about the technical side of the song "Only Yesterday"... it was not started to put down the song or to put down other artists. It was started to talk about the creativity and musicianship of a song that many fans actually happen to like quite a bit. Hopefully we can continue the discussion in that way.

[carpentersgermany]

First of all I'd like to apologize for interrupting the "Only Yesterday"-Discussion.
But please allow me one last post..

I didn't want to put anything or anyone down, I just wanted to express my opinion, like you did with saying "First, I must agree that most of what is out is easily disposable... such as Madonna, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Fergie, Pink, Kylie Minogue and the likes."

On most of them I agree with you, only wanted to say that Gwen Stefani, to my mind, is a good artist (no favourite of mine, but she is good, I think).

I know that those bands and artists you named, like U2 or Norah Jones are highly respected by many people and there must be a reason for that, I'm sure. I'm definitely not dumb or ignorant, it's just not my taste.

Concerning Classic Rock - it's just not my cup of tea, like you don't like Rap for instance. I think that's okay, and wasn't meant as an offense at all.

So, that was my last post here. Please continue with the very knowledgeable and informative "Only Yesterday"-topic.

Just wanted to say my last post wasn't meant to offend anybody..

CG

[Rick Henry]

Hi CG... I also apologize for taking what you said the wrong way. I've been slightly under the weather the last two days and had only about two hours of sleep last night due to coughing and not feeling well... needless to say I've been irritable all day... I even had a minor tiff with my brother... and he and I never argue.

As it's goes, I guess you are right Gwen Stefani does seem to have a bit more solidity to her music as pop music goes. I guess I just haven't really given her a chance as I have been so turned off at the direction music has taken... especially in how female artists are promoted and used as objects instead of being artists... I guess that's why I like vocalists such as Norah Jones... because with Norah it's 100% about the music. I do, however like Amy Winehouse quite a bit... she is certainly going to be around for a while.

You are right, just as I don't have a general attraction to rap music... I guess you don't care much for classic rock... but as you once said you would try and find some rap songs I might like... well I will find some classic rock songs for you... I know of one you do like... "Dreadlock Holiday" by Ten CC.

So much for other artists...

As for "Only Yesterday"... one of the earliest things that I noticed of the song... which was something I listened for in other songs (by other artists) is the castanets. The Carpenters used this little percussion instrument to great effect in this song. Castanets are most commonly used in Latin, Spanish, Mexican, South American and Potuguese music. Carpenters were always very good at adding different cultural influences in their music...however small it may be. This blending of cultures and genres came into full bloom with their albums "Now and Then", "Horizon" and "Passage".

[timo]

Hi!
First: I hope you don't kick me out of the Avenue for causing a fuss with my very first breath here! It was just an admiring sigh in your way, Rick, for the wonderful reviewing of a song that I too like very much.
Btw. Do you think the chorus part is influenced a little bit by "Then He Kissed Me"? And I mean that in a good way. New ideas hardly ever come out of thin air. Me and my brother know that very well, trying to create some music of our own.

[carpentersgermany]

Even though I said, this would be my last post in this thread, I just have to add something, because I'm kind of relieved..

Timo, you didn't "cause a fuss", I think it's cool that you're here and I'm looking forward to hear more from you

Rick, I'm sure you'll find some Classic Rock songs I like. Some of my favourites can be considered as Classic Rock, I guess, like "Nutbush City Limits", "Crosstown Traffic", "Hey Jude", "The Logical Song", "Heroes", "Dancing in the Dark".

Concerning "Only Yesterday", I'm amazed by what all of you know and feel about the song, because I never really cared for this song. Now I listen to it more attentive..

[Rick Henry]

Jun 11, 2008 3:18:24 GMT -5 timo said:

Hi!
First: I hope you don't kick me out of the Avenue for causing a fuss with my very first breath here! It was just an admiring sigh in your way, Rick, for the wonderful reviewing of a song that I too like very much.
Btw. Do you think the chorus part is influenced a little bit by "Then He Kissed Me"? And I mean that in a good way. New ideas hardly ever come out of thin air. Me and my brother know that very well, trying to create some music of our own.

Timo... you didn't cause any fuss here... anyway nothing that hasn't happened before.

Interesting thought about the chorus possibly being influenced by "Then He Kissed Me". I will have to listen to both songs. Do you mean it being influenced lyrically or musically?

You are right new ideas generally do not come out of thin air. Back when I was pursuing a music career I would often look back to older songs for ideas.

I will come back with my thoughts on "Then He Kissed Me".

[Rick Henry]

Jun 11, 2008 5:41:45 GMT -5 carpentersgermany said:

Even though I said, this would be my last post in this thread, I just have to add something, because I'm kind of relieved..

Timo, you didn't "cause a fuss", I think it's cool that you're here and I'm looking forward to hear more from you

Rick, I'm sure you'll find some Classic Rock songs I like. Some of my favourites can be considered as Classic Rock, I guess, like "Nutbush City Limits", "Crosstown Traffic", "Hey Jude", "The Logical Song", "Heroes", "Dancing in the Dark".

Concerning "Only Yesterday", I'm amazed by what all of you know and feel about the song, because I never really cared for this song. Now I listen to it more attentive..

Ah yes, a few classic rock gems mentioned...

As for rap my favorites seem to be from the 80's such as Run DMC's "Walk This Way", "White Lines", "Rapper's Delight" and "Double Dutch Bus".

"Only Yesterday" is truly one of those songs that deserves a closer inspection. I think on the surface the song sounds somewhat shallow... but once you get the headphones on and really listen to every instrument and especially pay attention to the way the vocals are fused together... it is one amazing song.

By the way I am feeling much better today... and I got about nine hours of sleep last night.