Every time I walk into a record store and ask for the Carpenters, I will be shown their Greatest Hits or other compilation albums. Some of the shop owners even ask if I was looking for Mary Chaplin Carpenter. Well, some people missed the hit wave in the early seventies when Karen Carpenter was considered one of the world's best female singers. Indeed she's the best to me. I never seem to tire of her angelic voice. By now I must have listened to "Close To You" for more than 1000 times but I still like the song. Take some "newer" songs for instance, I have been hooked on the "My Body Keeps Changing My Mind" and I must have given it 200 listening, at least. Since it was first released in 1991 in the "From The Top" CD Box Set, I had been listening to that track over and over again, so much so that My CD has literally worn a hole through.
Some people might call me a fanatic. I must admit I'm one. BUT WHY?????
If you give me some time to explain myself here, you might be converted as well. Of course, you are entitled to your own views but here are mine.
I love music. And nothing sounds more harmonious than the Carpenters. I was first hooked on in 1989. The song was "Yesterday Once More". I really liked it. Those Sha la las. Then I was exposed to "A Song for You", a song which was sparse in harmony. Wait a second. This song sounds fantastic even without the harmonies. Oooh that lovely voice. When she goes solo, it's simply heaven. I discovered that I was enchanted by her unique timbre and superb control over her voice. Then a sad discovery - her lost battle with anorexia nervosa. I treasured her even more. I began collecting all the CDs I could find but I could never really seem to find them.
By chance, I came across Newville Avenue (a internet mailing list for Carpenters fans). I subscribed to the mailing list and within a month, I found out so much about those Carpenters' albums that I do not have. Eventually, I collected all of their studio albums and boy must you believe the awe I was in for. I discovered a whole range of songs that Karen had sung. I can only give a few examples. You can try songs like "You're the One", "I can dream can't I", "Making Love in the Afternoon", "Last One Singin' the Blues", "Looking for Love", "Don't Cry for me Argentina"..... and so-oo many more. Only then will you understand why I'm so fanatical.
No further explanation will be necessary once you've given yourself a chance to listen to the angelic voice of Karen Carpenter. Let's not forget Richard's ingenious arrangements as well. This duo will surely give you a new meaning to harmonious music. Enjoy.