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Post by Rob813 on Oct 4, 2004 22:29:04 GMT -5
I guess other artists have their share of zealous fans. I can recall Tom Jones' female fans throwing various artists of clothing (ie. underwear) at him on stage. And Elvis fans who visit Graceland repeatedly.
I wonder how Carpenter fans are different from other artist's fans. I know I'm totally devoted to Karen and Richard and don't like to hear criticism of them in my presence. But, how do other fans feel about the duo?
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Post by enigma on Oct 5, 2004 6:53:18 GMT -5
The general concensis of other fans depends on the music they are into. Rock fans generally dispise the Carpenters and dismiss them as sickly sweet dribble or just do not take them seriously at least that has been my experience with them. I grew up among fans of rock and roll and while it was always cool to like the Beatles I would risk getting beaten up for daring to admit I like the Carpenters that is why I have been a closet fan for so long and am glad to have a forum like this to discuss them especially Karen. Rob I do not like it when people bash the Carpenters but I was in the extreme minority where I grew up and was used to Carpenter bashing everyone around me took great pleasure in ridiculing both Richard and Karen and this especially hurt when they targeted Karen. It did not change my opinion of the Carpenters one bit and might have endeared them to me more when they were the underdog. That is my take on other fans feelings towards the Carpenters based on my experiences usually it is distain and 99% of the time it has been negative.
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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 5, 2004 11:06:14 GMT -5
Despite the fact that Carpenters are musically one of the superior groups of all-time. Another reason that has endeared me to them is the same as Enigma stated, people put them down so much that it made me love them even more. Maybe I'm biased, but I really feel that the Carpenters did not deserve being put down as they were. Especially from critics, who are supposed to know about music. Anybody who understands music theory, production, arrangement, vocal ability and such should recognize the unquestionable talents and abilities of the Carpenters. The Carpenters actually were more than talented they were gifted - especially Karen. Karen Carpenter is truly a gem amongst the best of the best.
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Post by beaner on Oct 5, 2004 12:37:46 GMT -5
For the most part, the people and friends that I hang around either like the Carpenters or know I like them so they refrain from saying anything negative if they have anything negative to say at all.
However, I do know that when I have heard people make fun of them, especially Karen or have not liked a song they heard, I would get upset and walk away generally.
On the other hand, I ask myself. Why would anyone NOT like the Carpenters? They are fantastic. Good music, good voices, good people. It doesn't get any better than them in my opinion.
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Post by Mariah Andrews on Oct 5, 2004 14:03:18 GMT -5
Yes, we are crazy fans, to some extent. I know I am at times. I'd love to go back in time and see a concert of them. But the next best thing would be, if here in Las Vegas I could see a Carpenters Tribute act, or if they were amongst the tributes at one of these casinos known for impersonation acts, like Imperial Palace or Statosphere.
I did read that the panty-tossing started during the period of the Rat Pack. Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett have all had panties thrown at them. I even wonder if Richard Carpenter has had some thrown at him. (No, I wouldn't throw mine at anyone.)
But I'd love to at least hear a live recording of the Carpenters, like versions of their songs performed live on stage, without studio backdrops.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Dec 16, 2004 17:42:57 GMT -5
*% Just had to add something - most all of my circle of friends during the height of Carpenters loved them - because they were all music majors. So, I didn't have any trouble getting to listen to/talk about/play Carpenters music and fear retribution from anyone. I did have some buddies who preferred I listened more to Oscar Peterson or Herbie Hancock, etc. to get a feel for their type of piano improv - but I listened mostly to Carpenters, and.....I still do. My wife did tell me, after about the 50th time she'd heard the same album (I do some learning by ear, so I listen a lot to the same stuff for that reason, too) that she would prefer while in learning mode I would use headphones.  I can appreciate that! But my cupboards are filled with records, cd's, videos, music books and other stuff, all about Karen and Rich as Carpenters. Go fans, Go!!! ~Best, Tim  |
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Post by Will on Dec 16, 2004 22:22:40 GMT -5
Yes, and wish I'd gone crazy sooner!
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Post by Rick Henry on Dec 16, 2004 22:34:26 GMT -5
I guess other artists have their share of zealous fans. I can recall Tom Jones' female fans throwing various artists of clothing (ie. underwear) at him on stage. And Elvis fans who visit Graceland repeatedly. I wonder how Carpenter fans are different from other artist's fans. I know I'm totally devoted to Karen and Richard and don't like to hear criticism of them in my presence. But, how do other fans feel about the duo? I read over my response to this post and realized I didn't answer Rob's question. So, how do I feel about people about people criticizing the Carpenters? I'm okay with it. I take the stance of everybody has the right to like what they want to like. sometimes it does irk me. The one that made me the most upset was in 1990 (or around that time). A television commercial for KOST (which is a southern California adult contemporary radio station). Dick Clark is the spokeman on the commercial and he states KOST is not boring. KOST won't bore you by playing the Carpenters and Barry Manilow. This really got me because I thought it was so wrong of a music icon like Dick Clark to be putting down one of the finest musical entities ever in the history of music. I was so irked that I almost wrote a letter to KOST, fortunately I never saw the commerical on TV after that. I have a feeling someone in the Carpenters camp must have seen the commercial and pulled their legal strings to get it pulled. For the most part though I really don't care about others criticizing the Carpenters. Although I feel they don't desreve most of the criticism they get.  |
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Post by Ming on Dec 17, 2004 6:51:54 GMT -5
I don't like people criticise the Carpenters. I don't like Rock and Roll music. But I won't criticise Rock and Roll music. Everone has a different taste.
I don't think I'm a crazy fan. Carpenters' songs make me happy. That's enough.
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Post by smoothie2 on Dec 18, 2004 2:10:17 GMT -5
???if you mean crazy like really loving the C's music...yes, I'm crazy. As far as being too overboard about them...perhaps...if there is such a thing. As was mentioned, everyone has their own tastes in music...I grew up hearing the C's and so I've always loved them and appreciate their music more and more. I'm sure there were many I knew growing up who also were "in the closet" as far as liking the Carps., but the ones I hung around with at school, liked them. The ones that listened mostly just to country music back in the 70's ( and as I mentioned before, I 'd alternate between stations at home and listen to only country for a while ) those were the ones that got made fun of...called hicks, or kickers, or I don't know what. But it was no big deal. ???I don't recall anyone saying negative stuff about the C's, during those days, but I probably would have just ignored them if they had ...just as would be the case now. Many young people in today's world probably don't like the C's because Richard and Karen as the Carps. have been long gone from the music scene as they see it. Britney Spears, grungey groups, terrible (in my opinion) obscene rappers are the in thing. Now if I had been one of those lucky ones who had first seen the Beatles getting off that plane for their first visit to the U.S., maybe....I would have been screaming with the rest of them... but to have seen r. and K., I would have loved to have scrambled around to get their autograph.. I'm too claustiphobic though to have wanted to get too closed in. I'd have been in total Star Struck Land to have done anything, but watch them and clap and yell some for them. That's how it was when I saw J. Denver and Kenny Rogers. It's like please won't everyone just try to relax and enjoy the show?  |
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Dec 22, 2004 15:52:52 GMT -5
^^ We're not crazy, in the least. We're what is known as "loyal" fans, in my opinion. I've been a Carpenters fan since Karen and Richard first hit the airwaves, and I have never apologized for it. My parents were fans, as well. Amazing. But, it's because The Carpenters were musically amazing. Someone said it well in a post I read recently - they were not only talented, they were gifted (Rick, I think you said that) - and that's very very true. I don't believe one cannot like both Rock N Roll artists and the Carpenters, too. I'm a #1 fan of Billy Joel - a Rock N Roll artist, and I think his music is awesome because he's an incredibly talented individual who has great taste in music - and executed his music very well. Karen and Rich are excellent musicians who executed their music well - my only wish was that Richard had opted to record a few more upbeat sounding tunes, because the criticism I have endured over the years was that Karen seemed to sing too many sad, mournful songs. While it is true that many of the songs chosen to be released or put on albums were indeed mournful in terms of both the music and the lyrics, they were incredibly crafted. That's what lots of the "musicians" seemed to get - especially those harmony lovers like me, but "Joe Public" didn't seem to recognize or care about the wonderful crafting of each tune - those beautiful intricate harmonies that were all done by Richard and Karen. Crazy? I don't think so - just incredibly appreciative and moved by the creations! ~Best Tim |
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Post by Rob813 on Dec 22, 2004 22:29:25 GMT -5
It's true that young people probably don't know about Carpenter music because it's been so long since they were on the scene. It's a shame because their music is so beautiful. The world has become far too ugly and could use some more beauty. Far more could be done by Richard and the recording company to advance Carpenters to a new generation. With all the war, fear and despair, Carpenter music would give people hope.
I too think they recorded too many sad songs, but that's probably because of the nature of Karen's voice. It was so beautiful, but had a sad timber to it. Of course her solo work was an attempt to counter much of that, but it was at the end of Karen's life and has received scant attention. Too much time was spent shelving it instead of releaseing it and letting it find an audience.
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Post by Rick Henry on Dec 22, 2004 22:31:12 GMT -5
 I don't believe one cannot like both Rock N Roll artists and the Carpenters, too. I'm a #1 fan of Billy Joel - a Rock N Roll artist, and I think his music is awesome because he's an incredibly talented individual who has great taste in music - and executed his music very well. I'm with you Tim. I love the Carpenters, but I also love rock (mainly classic rock, prog rock and modern rock). some of my favorites are Led Zeppelin, King Crimson (with Adrian Belew as lead vocalist), The Cars, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, U2, and Coldplay. I also like some 70's and 80's country artists (Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings), some disco (Donna Summer, Lipps Inc), new wave (Blondie, Depeche Mode), R&B (Temptations, Stevie Wonder) and a good amount of current artists like Sarah Brightman, Scissor Sisters, Keane, Diana Krall, Franz Ferdinand, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Snow Patrol, Jason Mraz, Air, the Strokes. Rap is the one genre I just don't have a taste for. my only wish was that Richard had opted to record a few more upbeat sounding tunes, because the criticism I have endured over the years was that Karen seemed to sing too many sad, mournful songs. ~Best Tim Once again Tim, I'm with you on this one. I love those dark mournful songs like "Rainy Days And Mondays" and "Solitaire". And no one can top Karen on a good deep dark song. Her voice is tailor made to the genre. But you are right more upbeat pop tunes would have been wonderful. I truly believe that Karen wanted to break away from being the sad girl singing sad songs. Look at her solo album. It's anything but sad. It's a wonderful happy and fun collection of songs. And I think that's what Karen wanted to be known for as the 80's came around - upbeat, happy, and fun. |
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Dec 23, 2004 14:15:28 GMT -5
[Rick, if I knew how to copy the pieces of your post as you did mine, I would do that - but seeing as how I don't, I will just respond to it.....]  I have to admit that when I was "on the road" and playing in a jazz trio, doing singles, etc., I had sort of a one track mind - and didn't listen to a lot of good music that was out there. I developed an immediate appreciation for Michael Franks as soon as I heard the first tune of his I ran across, which was Popsicle Toes. I missed Pink Floyd altogether during their "time" so to speak, but have become a huge fan of theirs, and listen to them often. You mention some others that I think are awesome like Zeppelin, Donna Summer, Diana Krall, John Mayer, Norah Jones - Again, these musicians are truly talented, and they've done some great crafting of their work - they haven't just laid it out there. Of course, the jazz greats - Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, etc., will always have a place in my choices. I also liked some of the Backstreet stuff and NSYNC - they were talented and together they were good. I would have loved to heard them attempt something done by Carpenters - they may have been able to pull it off. I'm not a country fan, really, but a couple of artists caught my attention during the last few years I had a band - and again, I think these artists are truly talented, not just putting out records that have no substance - they would be Garth Brooks, Shania Twain (her bass player, Andy Cichon left Shania and started touring with Billy - just a bit of trivia for ya). There are lots of others, but I just couldn't get into them. And I have to agree that Rap does nothing for me. Just a lot of noise as far as I'm concerned. Yes, Karen's voice was tailor made for the dark, soulful songs, and she executed them oh, so tastefully. I'm happy for her that she did get the opportunity to lighten it up, if only for one CD, because I do feel as though that's the direction she wanted to take, too. From everything I've ever read about her, she WAS upbeat, happy and fun, so why not reflect that in the songs she sang?? Great topic! ~Best Tim
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Post by Rick Henry on Dec 23, 2004 21:40:39 GMT -5
[Rick, if I knew how to copy the pieces of your post as you did mine, I would do that - but seeing as how I don't, I will just respond to it.....] Great topic! ~Best Tim Tim to quote a message, just go to that particular message and click on the quote icon in the upper right hand corner of the messgae box. the message will appear between |
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Post by Rick Henry on Sept 17, 2007 7:35:29 GMT -5
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Sept 17, 2007 13:47:23 GMT -5
Thanks for bringing this back to the forefront, Rick. Yes, I'd just have to say, I'm "still crazy after all these years" for music by Karen and Richard. It just doesn't get old or dated, to me. I love this new background pic. I don't think I've ever seen this photo before. I certainly don't reacall it, at any rate. Nice pic. Tim |
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Post by smoothie2 on Sept 17, 2007 14:50:11 GMT -5
Very good topic...once again...I got a kick out of reading my old post on the first page here....My thoughts have not changed, I'm still crazy over the C's and always will be.
I'm glad that most folks I grew up with liked the Carps.
In recent yrs., well, thanks to you Rick and the site here...AND I DO THANK YOU AND EVERYONE PARTICIPATING....I am freer in letting folks know about how much I like the C's. I have not really come across anyone who has criticized them ....well, a nephew of mine who loves all types of music Ella fitzgerald, for one,
My family and I were sight-seeing these beautiful homes at Christmas time, with his radio on low in the back. Then Karen came on I think it was
"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"....and things got quiet in the car.
My sister turned up the volume slightly for my benefit especially,
and my nephew made some look or smile slightly when she did that...
My sis said something like "you know Karen is her girl"...
This made him smile even more and he glanced at me in the rear mirror.
He then said, "I like the Carpenters..."
It was almost a smirk though.
But I didn't care. I said " yes, I know, Karen has been dead a long time,
but I'll always love her."
>>>><<<
Thinking back, I could have said..."Hey, Ella's been gone even longer"
oh my,
hindsight....!
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I can appreciate that! But my cupboards are filled with records, cd's, videos, music books and other stuff, all about Karen and Rich as Carpenters.
