Post by Rob813 on Nov 21, 2004 13:19:01 GMT -5
Released on May 1, 1973. "Now & Then" was a huge worldwide hit reaching #2 in the U.S., #2 in the UK and #1 in Japan. "Now & Then" was also a major hit in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada. This was the first album to list Richard and Karen Carpenter as the producers. "Now & Then" was the first album since 1969's "Offering/Ticket To Ride" in which Karen played drums on all the tracks (with the exception of Jambalaya). With "Now & Then" the Carpenters once again displayed a growth and maturity with a adeptness to a variation of different styles of music. Karen shines vocally on "This Masquerade", while the group rock and rolls on their take of the Beach Boys classic "Fun, Fun, Fun". "Now & Then" was the album released just before the classic multimillion selling greatest hits package titled "Singles 1969-1973". At this point, the Carpenters were certainly a permanent fixture in the history of popular music and "Now & Then" only helped to boost their ranking as one of the world's finest music makers of all-time.
SING "Sing" brought the Carpenters back into the U.S. top three after 1972's It's Going To Take Sometime #12 and "Goodbye to Love" #7. "sing" also received GOLD status for selling over a million copies (which by today's standards would have been certified platinum).
Critics panned the song heavily calling trite and lacking in substance. Regardless the music industry loved the song and it received two Grammy award nominations, one for Richard's arrangement and the other for BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE.
Written by Joe Raposo for the popular children's learning program "Sesame Street", Karen and Richard discovered "Sing" while taping a guest appearance on the TV special "Robert Young with The Young".
THIS MASQUERADE Although the Carpenters never released "This Masquerade" as an A-side single, it is widely known as a Carpenters classic. The song has ended up on countless Carpenters compilations including; "Yesterday Once More", "Interpretations", "Treasures", "From The Top", "Love Songs", "Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition" and several others.
Leon Russell wrote and originally recorded this song for his 1972 album "Carney" which also includes his top 10 hit "Tight Rope". Russell also wrote "A Song For You" and "Superstar".
Richard Carpenter took the song and transformed it into an elegant cocktail lounge song of superior quality. Karen Carpenter's vocal is outstanding. Many consider this to be one of her finest performances. At the age of twenty-three Karen sings with a graceful maturity and depth far beyond her youthful age. Displaying her ability as a multi-talented musician, Karen plays the drums to perfection. Showing off her specialty in complex jazz patterns.
Along with being a highlight track from "Now & Then", "This Masquerade" was used as the b-side to the 1974-75 worldwide #1 hit single "Please Mr. Postman".
HEATHER This delicate instrumental was written in 1968 by John Pearson and is a vehicle to showcase Richard's keyboard finesse. "Heather" was used a the b-side of the 1973 #1 hit "Top Of The World".
JAMBALAYA Bluegrass country music legend Hank Williams Sr. wrote and introduced this song in 1952, and reached # 1 on the country music charts as well as # 20 on the U.S. pop charts. That same year Jo Stafford (princess of standards, who had 78 hits from 1944 to 1957) took the song to # 3. Since then several others have recorded and charted with the song including; Fats Domino who reached U.S. # 30 and UK # 41 in 1962. The Blue Ridge Rangers made a hit of the song in 1973 reaching U.S. # 16. The Blue Ridge Rangers was formed by John Fogerty who was previously the singer, songwriter and guitarist of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Despite all the major success this song has achieved the Carpenters have had the biggest hit with it worldwide. In 1974 Carpenters took the song to # 12 in the UK, it was a big hit in Mexico, certified GOLD in Japan, and became their biggest selling hit in Holland. Though it received quite a bit of radio airplay they never released as a single in the U.S. Some speculate it could have been a top 3 U.S. hit.
I CAN'T MAKE MUSIC Songwriter Randy Edelman performed this song while opening for the Carpenters in concert. Richard loved Edelman's song so much and felt it was perfect for Karen so the Carpenters recorded it. "I Can't Make Music" is one of the most moving and mysterious songs in the Carpenters entire library of recorded music. Karen sings it as if she is truly singing about herself. Her dark deep voice digs in to your soul and captures you at your most vulnerable moments.
Although rarely used on compilations this song remains a huge favorites amongst Carpenters fans.
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE Written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, "Yesterday Once More" was released as a single on May 16, 1973 just two weeks after the release of "Now & then". The song became the Carpenters' biggest hit in Japan, Hong Kong, and the UK. It was their 2nd biggest hit worldwide reaching #2 in both the U.S. and UK, while being certified GOLD in the U.S., UK, and Japan.
During this period in time (1973) the U.S. was experiencing a big resurgence of oldies form the 1950's and 60's. Carpenter and Bettis wrote this song in tribute of the songs from this golden era.
OLDIES MEDLEY the classic "Yesterday Once More" fades out with the sounds of a roaring motorcycle which works neatly into the thrilling OLDIES MEDLEY. The medley is set-up like an oldies radio broadcast complete with a groovin' disc jockey enthusiastically performed by Carpenters guitarist extraordinaire Tony Peluso.
The medley starts out with FUN, FUN, FUN the Beach Boy's 1964 top five hit. Richard provides a strong lead vocal while Karen moves right in with her ever sweet and soulful back-up and harmony vocals.
THE END OF THE WORLD Clocking in at two minutes and twenty five seconds this song is long enough to be an individual track. Originally recorded in 1963 by Skeeter Davis. Skeeter broke records with this song reaching not only #1 on the U.S. pop charts, but also #1 on the adult contemporary chart, #2 on the country and western chart, and #4 on the R&B chart. Carpenters fans chose this as one of their favorites from the medley.
DA DOO RON RON In 1973 the Carpenters did their own superb upbeat recording of this 1963 classic including, a great sax solo by Bob Messenger and aggressive guitar works by Tony Peluso. "Da Doo Ron Ron" written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector was first a top 3 hit in 1963 for the female vocal group The Crystals. The Crystals were discovered by Phil Spector and also reached the top ten with "He's A Rebel" and "Then He Kissed Me". Also in 1977 Shaun Cassidy topped the charts with the song, changing the lyric to "Da Doo Ron Ron (When She Walked Me Home)".
DEAD MAN'S CURVE Hot rod racing, street car crash. While the Carpenters recorded this song Richard was wearing a cast due to a motorcycle accident he was in earlier in the year. Richard could really relate to the song. Richard takes the lead here and hits a homerun. The song includes the sounds of screeching wheels and breaking glass. It was so far removed from anything else the Carpenters had recorded up to this point.
"Deadman's Curve" was recorded by surf-rock duo Jan & Dean in 1964 and reached the top 10. Jan & Dean also had hits with "Surf City" and "Little Old Lady From Pasadena".
JOHNNY ANGEL From the shattering glass of "Deadman's Curve" comes the heavenly chiming of "Johnny Angel" which leads to Karen's multi-tracked harmony vocals. What a beautiful sound the Carpenters created with this song. This is certainly a highlight of the entire oldies medley.
"Johnny Angel" was originally a 1962 #1 hit for Shelley Fabares. Shelley's television credits includes regular roles on "One Day At A Time" and "Coach". She also appeared in three Elvis Presley movies. Though, she is best remembered for her role as Mary Stone on television's "Donna Reed Show".
THE NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES Many fans consider this to be one of Richard's best vocals. This quick moving upbeat song really hits it's stride when Karen joins in with harmony vocals on the infectious chorus.
"Thousand Eyes" was a top three hit in 1962-63 for Bobby Vee, who also scored hits with "Devil Or Angel", "Rubber Ball", "Take Good Care Of My Baby" and "Run To Him".
OUR DAY WILL COME Carpenters fans chose this as the favorite of the entire oldies medley. Richard Carpenter comments that this is one of Karen's finest vocals ever. Karen's performance is full-bodied, deep, rich, and sensuous.
In 1963 Ruby And The Romantics (who also recorded "Hurting Each Other" and "Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore) reached #1 with "Our Day Will Come".
In the OLDIES MEDLEY between "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes" and "Our Day Will Come" disc jockey Tony Peluso asks the question; "Mark Rudolf can you give me the identity of our GOLDEN MYSTERY GROUP? Mark Rudolf answers; "Yeah, the Foru Seasons" (which is the wrong answer). In a sense this was almost prophetic of the Carpenters as Frankie Valli ended up recording "Our Day Will Come" in 1975 and reached the top 15 with it.
ONE FINE DAY The Carpenters' rendition of this Carole King/Gerry Goffin penned classic is upbeat and playful and presents a carefree perfect pop vocal by Karen. Originally a top 5 hit in 1963 for the Chiffons, Carole King herself reached U.S. #12 in 1980 with the song.
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE (Reprise) Heavy on echo and sound effects this sixty second reprise of the golden Carpenters classic neatly brings the high spirited OLDIES MEDLEY to a close. And leaves the listener almost breathless and wanting to hear the entire album all over again.
"Now & Then" was the Carpenters' fourth consecutive million selling plus album (certified double platinum) in the U.S. during an era (1973) when the Carpenters were the biggest selling American act in the world.
SING "Sing" brought the Carpenters back into the U.S. top three after 1972's It's Going To Take Sometime #12 and "Goodbye to Love" #7. "sing" also received GOLD status for selling over a million copies (which by today's standards would have been certified platinum).
Critics panned the song heavily calling trite and lacking in substance. Regardless the music industry loved the song and it received two Grammy award nominations, one for Richard's arrangement and the other for BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE.
Written by Joe Raposo for the popular children's learning program "Sesame Street", Karen and Richard discovered "Sing" while taping a guest appearance on the TV special "Robert Young with The Young".
THIS MASQUERADE Although the Carpenters never released "This Masquerade" as an A-side single, it is widely known as a Carpenters classic. The song has ended up on countless Carpenters compilations including; "Yesterday Once More", "Interpretations", "Treasures", "From The Top", "Love Songs", "Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition" and several others.
Leon Russell wrote and originally recorded this song for his 1972 album "Carney" which also includes his top 10 hit "Tight Rope". Russell also wrote "A Song For You" and "Superstar".
Richard Carpenter took the song and transformed it into an elegant cocktail lounge song of superior quality. Karen Carpenter's vocal is outstanding. Many consider this to be one of her finest performances. At the age of twenty-three Karen sings with a graceful maturity and depth far beyond her youthful age. Displaying her ability as a multi-talented musician, Karen plays the drums to perfection. Showing off her specialty in complex jazz patterns.
Along with being a highlight track from "Now & Then", "This Masquerade" was used as the b-side to the 1974-75 worldwide #1 hit single "Please Mr. Postman".
HEATHER This delicate instrumental was written in 1968 by John Pearson and is a vehicle to showcase Richard's keyboard finesse. "Heather" was used a the b-side of the 1973 #1 hit "Top Of The World".
JAMBALAYA Bluegrass country music legend Hank Williams Sr. wrote and introduced this song in 1952, and reached # 1 on the country music charts as well as # 20 on the U.S. pop charts. That same year Jo Stafford (princess of standards, who had 78 hits from 1944 to 1957) took the song to # 3. Since then several others have recorded and charted with the song including; Fats Domino who reached U.S. # 30 and UK # 41 in 1962. The Blue Ridge Rangers made a hit of the song in 1973 reaching U.S. # 16. The Blue Ridge Rangers was formed by John Fogerty who was previously the singer, songwriter and guitarist of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Despite all the major success this song has achieved the Carpenters have had the biggest hit with it worldwide. In 1974 Carpenters took the song to # 12 in the UK, it was a big hit in Mexico, certified GOLD in Japan, and became their biggest selling hit in Holland. Though it received quite a bit of radio airplay they never released as a single in the U.S. Some speculate it could have been a top 3 U.S. hit.
I CAN'T MAKE MUSIC Songwriter Randy Edelman performed this song while opening for the Carpenters in concert. Richard loved Edelman's song so much and felt it was perfect for Karen so the Carpenters recorded it. "I Can't Make Music" is one of the most moving and mysterious songs in the Carpenters entire library of recorded music. Karen sings it as if she is truly singing about herself. Her dark deep voice digs in to your soul and captures you at your most vulnerable moments.
Although rarely used on compilations this song remains a huge favorites amongst Carpenters fans.
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE Written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, "Yesterday Once More" was released as a single on May 16, 1973 just two weeks after the release of "Now & then". The song became the Carpenters' biggest hit in Japan, Hong Kong, and the UK. It was their 2nd biggest hit worldwide reaching #2 in both the U.S. and UK, while being certified GOLD in the U.S., UK, and Japan.
During this period in time (1973) the U.S. was experiencing a big resurgence of oldies form the 1950's and 60's. Carpenter and Bettis wrote this song in tribute of the songs from this golden era.
OLDIES MEDLEY the classic "Yesterday Once More" fades out with the sounds of a roaring motorcycle which works neatly into the thrilling OLDIES MEDLEY. The medley is set-up like an oldies radio broadcast complete with a groovin' disc jockey enthusiastically performed by Carpenters guitarist extraordinaire Tony Peluso.
The medley starts out with FUN, FUN, FUN the Beach Boy's 1964 top five hit. Richard provides a strong lead vocal while Karen moves right in with her ever sweet and soulful back-up and harmony vocals.
THE END OF THE WORLD Clocking in at two minutes and twenty five seconds this song is long enough to be an individual track. Originally recorded in 1963 by Skeeter Davis. Skeeter broke records with this song reaching not only #1 on the U.S. pop charts, but also #1 on the adult contemporary chart, #2 on the country and western chart, and #4 on the R&B chart. Carpenters fans chose this as one of their favorites from the medley.
DA DOO RON RON In 1973 the Carpenters did their own superb upbeat recording of this 1963 classic including, a great sax solo by Bob Messenger and aggressive guitar works by Tony Peluso. "Da Doo Ron Ron" written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector was first a top 3 hit in 1963 for the female vocal group The Crystals. The Crystals were discovered by Phil Spector and also reached the top ten with "He's A Rebel" and "Then He Kissed Me". Also in 1977 Shaun Cassidy topped the charts with the song, changing the lyric to "Da Doo Ron Ron (When She Walked Me Home)".
DEAD MAN'S CURVE Hot rod racing, street car crash. While the Carpenters recorded this song Richard was wearing a cast due to a motorcycle accident he was in earlier in the year. Richard could really relate to the song. Richard takes the lead here and hits a homerun. The song includes the sounds of screeching wheels and breaking glass. It was so far removed from anything else the Carpenters had recorded up to this point.
"Deadman's Curve" was recorded by surf-rock duo Jan & Dean in 1964 and reached the top 10. Jan & Dean also had hits with "Surf City" and "Little Old Lady From Pasadena".
JOHNNY ANGEL From the shattering glass of "Deadman's Curve" comes the heavenly chiming of "Johnny Angel" which leads to Karen's multi-tracked harmony vocals. What a beautiful sound the Carpenters created with this song. This is certainly a highlight of the entire oldies medley.
"Johnny Angel" was originally a 1962 #1 hit for Shelley Fabares. Shelley's television credits includes regular roles on "One Day At A Time" and "Coach". She also appeared in three Elvis Presley movies. Though, she is best remembered for her role as Mary Stone on television's "Donna Reed Show".
THE NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND EYES Many fans consider this to be one of Richard's best vocals. This quick moving upbeat song really hits it's stride when Karen joins in with harmony vocals on the infectious chorus.
"Thousand Eyes" was a top three hit in 1962-63 for Bobby Vee, who also scored hits with "Devil Or Angel", "Rubber Ball", "Take Good Care Of My Baby" and "Run To Him".
OUR DAY WILL COME Carpenters fans chose this as the favorite of the entire oldies medley. Richard Carpenter comments that this is one of Karen's finest vocals ever. Karen's performance is full-bodied, deep, rich, and sensuous.
In 1963 Ruby And The Romantics (who also recorded "Hurting Each Other" and "Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore) reached #1 with "Our Day Will Come".
In the OLDIES MEDLEY between "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes" and "Our Day Will Come" disc jockey Tony Peluso asks the question; "Mark Rudolf can you give me the identity of our GOLDEN MYSTERY GROUP? Mark Rudolf answers; "Yeah, the Foru Seasons" (which is the wrong answer). In a sense this was almost prophetic of the Carpenters as Frankie Valli ended up recording "Our Day Will Come" in 1975 and reached the top 15 with it.
ONE FINE DAY The Carpenters' rendition of this Carole King/Gerry Goffin penned classic is upbeat and playful and presents a carefree perfect pop vocal by Karen. Originally a top 5 hit in 1963 for the Chiffons, Carole King herself reached U.S. #12 in 1980 with the song.
YESTERDAY ONCE MORE (Reprise) Heavy on echo and sound effects this sixty second reprise of the golden Carpenters classic neatly brings the high spirited OLDIES MEDLEY to a close. And leaves the listener almost breathless and wanting to hear the entire album all over again.
"Now & Then" was the Carpenters' fourth consecutive million selling plus album (certified double platinum) in the U.S. during an era (1973) when the Carpenters were the biggest selling American act in the world.
:(thank you Rob and Rick for doing all the research and etc. for these albums. I love the Now and Then album. I listen to it when I need some spice added to the day..some energy. 
;DI was browsing the net on sites specifically to do with just Richard...and I don't know what site or who Richard had the interview with....but one of the topics discussed was his thoughts about the cover of the Now and Then album. I have the cd, but sounds like it would be a great album Lp cover.
