Jimmy M takes on "Karen Carpenter"

[cinscorp]

Not sure if this is old news on here or not. While searching on the internet tonight, I came across a webpage from an obviously devoted Karen fan. He went to great effort to re-eq and remix a portion of the solo tracks. Not sure if you've all heard them but, if not, wanted to share his creative efforts:

community.livejournal.com/clubmusic/8197526.html

[Rick Henry]

Hey Cinscie... thanks for posting this. I don't know about the others here, but this is new to me.

I downloaded the songs and Jimmy M's mixes are pretty good for basic mixes. I don't think his mixdowns are better than Phil Ramone's, but it is great to hear a bit of a different perspecitve on the songs and I am happy to have some slightly cleaner mixes of part of the unreleased songs. It would have been great had he mixed all nine of the unreleased tunes.

Anyhow, I really like what he had to say about the solo album.

The following is quoted from Jimmy M's website:


In mid to late 1979 Karen Carpenter went to New York to record a solo album that was to be quite different from the typical "happy" pop of The Carpenters. This album was to be a combo of Disco, R&B, Jazz and Soul. Working with Billy Joel's then producer Phil Ramone, some of the hottest disco and soul session players in New York (including members of The Brothers Johnson) and jazz legend Bob James. After the LP was completed, so the story has it..it was set for release in January 1980, but the upper people at hand were not for the release of this LP and it was shelved in the A&M vaults. In 1996 (over a decade after Karen's death), a good handful of the tracks surfaced on an "as is" basis and got released on a special CD compilation. Several of these tracks however never made it to release in any format, as some of the tracks were never even completed nor mixed down.

Now, for the first time, you will get to hear most of the unfinished tracks (forced finished and remixed) and some of the "as is" tracks that had high disco potential that made release on that 1996 disc, most are completely remixed and reshaped for a 1979/1980 dancefloor (aka 12'' disco remix format), and some just remixed leaving the original length but with a much better mixdown, more complete and ready for the discos! This 10 track compilation features 2 bonus tracks (the 1989 Richard Carpenter mix of "Lovelines" and the 1979 original mix that surfaced on the 1996 disc) and will show and bring out what coulda been a good success and turn for Karen's musical talents..and I honestly feel that if this album woulda happened as presented here in early 1980, Karen coulda blown Donna Summer off the scene and became the new disco queen of the end of the disco era.

Jimmy M - June 19, 2005

[cinscorp]

I agree that the results are somewhat of a mixed bag, but applaud his dedication and effort...and ideas. I also like some of the different level mix changes he made.

[Rick Henry]

Jun 14, 2009 22:15:26 GMT -5 cinscorp said:

I agree that the results are somewhat of a mixed bag, but applaud his dedication and effort...and ideas. I also like some of the different level mix changes he made.

Yes, Jimmy M's dedication and effort s to be applauded.

I'll be taking a closer listen to his mixes this weekend and will have a better assessment. I've only listened once to his mixes on my computer. I plan on burning these songs to disc and listen to them on a better player so I can hear all the nuances.

It's really something how popular Karen's solo album remains to this very day. To me that says that A&M, Richard Carpenter and the powers that be misjudged Karen's album and made a mistake in deciding to shelve it.

[cinscorp]

That's a good idea. I did the same thing. I'll have to give them a better listen on my stereo vs. computer and then comment as well.

[Rick Henry]

Jun 15, 2009 11:25:45 GMT -5 cinscorp said:

That's a good idea. I did the same thing. I'll have to give them a better listen on my stereo vs. computer and then comment as well.

I look forward to hearing your updated comments...

Hopefully others will download these tracks.

If you have tried and are having problems please let me know and I will give you pointers on how to unzip the files.

[Rick Henry]

I just burned Jimmy M's remixes of Karen's solo songs on to disc. So far I've listened to the first three tracks closely with headphones on. My initial response is very good. But, I am going to wait until I've listened to all the remixed songs to give a more detailed account.

In the meantime I made a remix of the album cover to use as the cover for Jimmy M's remix of the songs.

[Rick Henry]

I've been meaning to get back to this for a few days to give my thoughts on Jimmy M's mixes of Karen's solo songs.

I have ended up 50-50 on his mixes. Some of them are outstanding, while others are poorly done.

Lovelines - Very good. Jimmy's perfect mix would have certainly garnered dance club airplay in late 1979 early 1980.

Guess I Just Lost My Head - Not much noticeably different, but the bits of added percussive sounds and extra sheen is done very well. He also smoothed out Karen's vocal just a bit.

My Body Keeps Changing My Mind - This is the only song on Karen's solo album which I do not like, but must say Jimmy's mix on this song is superb. He went all out in his cut and paste methods, perfectly placing extended solos and vocals seamlessly without missing a beat. This is one of Jimmy's better mixes.

If I Had You - Excellent. Again expertly done. This is his best mix of the released tunes. I really like the extra blending of vocals toward the end.

Jimmy Mack - I generally like this upbeat song, but Jimmy's mix makes me dislike it. He did a poor job on this song. He is off all over the place in his mixing and rhythms. Very uneven.

It's Really You" - This is one of the unreleased songs which I generally do not like, but Jimmy's mix makes me like the song. He smoothed out the vocals and some of the grating high pitches are evened out and sound good. He blended added percussive rhythms which gives the song an extra propulsion.

Remember When Lovin' Took All Night - He ruined this song which is generally fantastic. Poor job.

Midnight - This is one of my favorite unreleased song, but Jimmy's mix is very poor. I do not like what he did here. Sounds very amateur.

Don't Try To Win Me Back Again - this is Jimmy's overall best mix. He did a bit of smoothing on the vocals. His blending of textures, patterns and added beats is excellent. His use of cut and paste is perfectly integrated.

Something's Missing - poorly done. Jimmy's added beats and percussion do not flow with the rhythm of the song. His cut and paste methods are out of place and very uneven. I generally like this song quite a bit, but Jimmy's mix makes me dislike the song.


That's my take. I hope to hear your take on the mixes Cinscorp.

Has anybody else downloaded these mixes yet?

[BethMosior]

I'm still waiting for mine, I do love anything even remakes just to support Karen, I miss her soooo very muchand wish to keep her wonderful memory alive, it's just me I guess, I'll buy what I can to keep them on the charts I know some think I'm crazy for doing it but I wish the world to remember such a wonderful person ,singer and drummer what a wonderful person she was

[cinscorp]

Okay, first I give props to Jimmy for his time and efforts and obviously love for Karen. Now, that said, here's my take on these mixes:

"Lovelines" - I like this one. I like the added beats and the flange & synth touches. I like the the layered vocals and that the background vocals are brought more to the front more like harmony vocals. I like the subtle voice at the end that appears to be added in. One of the better mixes, I think this one is a definite success and his ideas add to the original.

"Guess I Just Lost My Head" - Another of the best. The reverb on the voice isn't overdone and instead used to good effect. Again the background vocals brought further to the front adds a lot for me - more Karen = good The mix sounds a little more "full" to me - I've listened to this one a number of times.

"My Body Keeps Changing My Mind" - The fullness of sound is good, the handclaps a good idea to add a little disco punch. The cut-in beats segue is terrible - it awkwardly cuts in and out with a simple cut and paste. It's abrupt and amateurish. I may use soundforge or wavepad to take that back out and then repost new thoughts on the track once that doesn't stand out like a sore thumb.

"If I Had You" - One of the best. I love the relayering of the vocals - the reverb again isn't too overdone on her vocals, just adds a little fullness and softens the edge. It's like a studio of 100-Karens singing all those vocals. Listening in headphones is a true Karen-high experience. I like the handclaps in this one as well.

"Jimmy Mack" - I don't hate this one as much as Rick does. I like the little echoes on the vocals at the end. It's still not that good but then the original isn't a favorite either. Both sound like rough work leads. I'd like to hear Phil Ramone finish this one though.

"It's Really You" - I like the idea of the added percussive instruments but found them to be slightly off and distracting. I do like the equalization and reverb and agree with Rick that it does smooth it somewhat. Like Rick, this one has never been a favorite mainly due to the range of the chorus.

"Remember When Lovin' Took All Night" - First that added little "ooh" or whatever is way too prominent and becomes annoying and almost funny after a while. The sliced in chorus sounds too cut and paste and doesn't flow. Pretty bad.

"Midnight" - I don't like the levels at all. Karen's actually seemingly pushed back further into the mix. The handclaps are a good touch, but they should be in the background, not in front of Karen's voice.

"Don't Try To Win Me Back Again" - I really like this one overall. I like the build he did when he did the looping. But by stretching that out, it really begs for a guitar or sax solo overtop. I like the added fullness the remixing gives it. One of the best.

"Something's Missing" - Awful. Is Karen in an echo chamber at the beginning? The reverb here is completely misused and the tape hiss is brought to the front. The drums are too loud during the verses. I could rip this one further but there's no point...it's just bad. The 2nd half is better than the first, but only because Karen increases the power in her delivery.

So, in summary: I would use "Lovelines", "Guess I Just Lost My Head", "If I Had You", and "Don't Try To Win Me Back" in one of my own Karen-collection mixes. The others...I'll probably end up forgetting and deleting later...

[Rick Henry]

Excellent review Cinscorp... for the most part you and I basically agree on these remixes.

I echo your sentiment in possibly using "Lovelines", "Guess I Just Lost My Head", "If I Had You", and "Don't Try To Win Me Back" in future home-made compilations. The others will just remain on the disc I originally burned just for the purpose of listening to the songs a little closer.

I hope Jimmy M will do more work with the rest of the Karen Carpenter solo songs both released and unreleased. There's still 11 songs left that he can play around with.

Jimmy's dedication to Karen and her music is admirable. I am very happy you posted this link Cinscorp.

[carpentersgermany]

Wow, this sounds cool. I'm downloading the songs right now and I'm pretty excited about Jimmy's versions: I will take a closer look at your reviews after listening to the songs, so I won't be prejudiced..

[Rick Henry]

Aug 21, 2009 14:13:58 GMT -5 carpentersgermany said:

Wow, this sounds cool. I'm downloading the songs right now and I'm pretty excited about Jimmy's versions: I will take a closer look at your reviews after listening to the songs, so I won't be prejudiced..

Hi CG... it is so wonderful to hear from you. When this topic first came up I thought about you as I know how much you enjoy remixes. I look forward to hearing your viewpoints on Jimmy's mixes of Karen's songs.

[carpentersgermany]

Aug 22, 2009 13:24:06 GMT -5 Rick Henry said:

Aug 21, 2009 14:13:58 GMT -5 carpentersgermany said:

Wow, this sounds cool. I'm downloading the songs right now and I'm pretty excited about Jimmy's versions: I will take a closer look at your reviews after listening to the songs, so I won't be prejudiced..

Hi CG... it is so wonderful to hear from you. When this topic first came up I thought about you as I know how much you enjoy remixes. I look forward to hearing your viewpoints on Jimmy's mixes of Karen's songs.

Hey Rick.. Feels good to be back here on the Avenue

Yes, I do enjoy Remixes and I love Karen's solo album - so I was very excited about the Remixes.
First, thank you cinscorp for finding this Remix-album and for sharing it with us!!
Like you two already mentioned: to Jimmy for his effort and the result!!
I'm positively surprised by those songs. I just shuffled through the CD, so I'll come back with more details later.. For now I can say, that I like most of the Remixes, except RWLTAN (even though I like the extended instrumental) and Something's Missing in my Life.. I'm looking forward to take a closer look on those songs!

[carpentersgermany]

Now, I read your comments on the Remixes and I agree with most of it - but I'm no expert, so please don't except a detailed review ; )
All I can say is that I can't stop listening to Jimmy's Remix of "Lovelines". That song has never been a favourite of mine, but Jimmy's version makes me love this song. Besides the little details I love that he uses the part where Karen sings "So give me loving.." twice. I love this part!!

[Rick Henry]

Aug 26, 2009 12:54:40 GMT -5 carpentersgermany said:

Now, I read your comments on the Remixes and I agree with most of it - but I'm no expert, so please don't except a detailed review ; )
All I can say is that I can't stop listening to Jimmy's Remix of "Lovelines". That song has never been a favourite of mine, but Jimmy's version makes me love this song. Besides the little details I love that he uses the part where Karen sings "So give me loving.." twice. I love this part!!

Hey CG... just wondering what you think of the rest of Jimmy's remixes...

[Boat2Sail]

I just came across this. Don't know how I missed it before. I usually stop by here everyday. I really like the remix of Don't Try To Win Me Back Again.

[Rick Henry]

Aug 26, 2009 12:54:40 GMT -5 carpentersgermany said:

Now, I read your comments on the Remixes and I agree with most of it - but I'm no expert, so please don't except a detailed review ; )
All I can say is that I can't stop listening to Jimmy's Remix of "Lovelines". That song has never been a favourite of mine, but Jimmy's version makes me love this song. Besides the little details I love that he uses the part where Karen sings "So give me loving.." twice. I love this part!!

Hi CG... still hoping to hear your views on these remixes...