Karen Carpenter Unplugged?

[molee]

Most people recognize that over the years Richard has re-mixed some of the Carpenters hits. I wish Richard would seriously consider doing a re-mix with merely Karen singing and he playing the piano...the things that both are best at. Although I love the Carpenters music, some of the instrumentation after 35+ years sounds...well...dated to me. I think an "UNPLUGGED" album without the distractions of the multi-tracks and heavy instrumentation...just Karen's soulful voice and Richard accompanying her on the piano... would truly be a dream come true for me. In case people are wondering what exactly it is that I am suggesting, I was just listening to the beginning of "A Song for You" on the "Love Songs" album. It is anincredibly beautiful beginning (with Karen singing and Richard playing...that's it). I would love an entire album of Carpenter hits like the beginning of that song. How about it Richard?!

-Mo Lee

p.s., I would still listen to the original recordings because I really like them. I would want the "unplugged" album as a bit of variety.

[Rick Henry]

What a great idea Mo Lee. I would love to hear something like that which would put Karen's fantastic voice to the forefront. Even adding a bit of acoustic guitar into the mix would bring a little spice to the project... but keeping it all very simple and down to earth. I would love to hear an unplugged version of "This masquerade" with Karen's dark voice right at the forefront. Even an unplugged version of "Sweet Sweet Smile" would be interesting... of and "Eve" would be great.

[wisejester7]

Carpenters Unplugged ... what a sweet idea. From your thoughts to Richard's heart ...

[molee]

Listen to the attached video of Richard playing. Without a doubt he is an accomplished pianist. www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtW4paZI1N4. As I listened to this beautiful and haunting piano rendition of Karen's favorite song, I was somehow saddened. Something obvious was missing...Karen's voice! It struck me then, why not a re-mix of their hits with Karen singing and Richard playing...an UNPLUGGED ALBUM! I'm sure many people would love to hear Karen soleful voice again, but this time without the distractions of multi-track background vocals and instrumentals. Karen and Richard together...pure...unadulterated...and simple.

-Mo Lee

[wisejester7]

I can't get the link to work. I keep getting: " The URL contained a malformed video ID" error.

[enigma]

I do have some audio clips as do some of you here I am sure that are isolated channels from the SACD version of the singles collection mostly its only Karen and the drum track but some do have piano accompanyments so its pretty close to unplugged and I think they are wonderful. When you isolate Karens voice it is different and really emphasises how truely gifted she was as a vocalist without the orchestration sax/guitar solos etc you really get a clear idea of Karens voice in its purest form and its even more incredible in this isolated form. It demonstates to me a glimpse into how Karen would sound in a unplugged atmosphere so I feel Karen would sound great in this setting her Richard on piano and minimal participation from the other band members...that would sound just wonderful another for the if only club.

[ps11932]

Indeed, a vocal and piano collection would be great! As outstanding as the instrumental work always is, it is Karen's vocal work and Richards's piano artistry that is the highlight of the work, and a focus on these strongest elements could only be truly out of this world.

[kc1950]

Beach Boys did stack of tracks on their album "Pet Sounds" - you can just hear the vocals - its awes-some

they should do that with KC - i heard KC just sing this Barry Manilow song on an interview with just vocals - and it was amazing - she had perfect pitch and god given talent

[molee]

For those unable to view/hear Richard's piano solo at www.youtube.com/watch?v=X832XyhR3qE, do a YouTube search with the title "Mr. Richard Carpenter Live in Japan 2008." A remix with only Karen's voice and Richard's playing would be a dream come true for me. I'm convinced an UNPLUGGED album is do-able with today's technology. Remember Natalie Cole's duet "Unforgettable" with her late father, the great Nat King Cole? That was years ago. Technologically speaking, all you would be doing is replacing Natalie's voice with Richard's piano sort of speaking.

[kc1950]

Karen's vocals unaccompanied would be hot