the official KAREN CARPENTER thread :)

[bike10]

It goes to show we do not always know the personal life celebrities. Was fan of Karen first time her sing. Got see the Carpetners in concert years ago at the Missouri State Fair.

[belamy]

I guess so; most find these two songs to be among the best pop songs of the 20th century.

I know. That's why I posted them.
They say beauty covered with filth is no less disugsting, for all the beauty... I wish I could hear Karen's rendition, even under the same tunes, but with different lyrics. As I said, what I don't like is not Karen's performances, but the decadent, "shitty" songs she had to sing: and the lyrics may not be ALL the song, but they ARE the song.
What healthy, discriminating person could stand My favorite things without Julie Andrews singing it?

[Triple G]

I hear she ate gay babies for breakfast.

Wrong! She suffered from anorexia nervosa, so wouldn't be eating anything.

[Ekim23]

i just luv the fact madonna became THE personality on JUb... u know its like in tv shows and stuff, there is always the one either u love or u hate.

I guess thats whats happening

[TygreBryte]

What healthy, discriminating person could stand My favorite things without Julie Andrews singing it?

So, I'm guessing you have never heard any of the live recordings of John Coltrane and his ensembles doing this number.

[scrapple]

Just love the great Karen Carpenter. Although probably best known for the optimistic hits like "We've Only Just Begun", "Top Of The World" and "Close To You", it's the melancholy tracks that always got to me, especially "Superstar" and "Goodbye To Love".

[giorgiobaby]

love the carpenters, classic 70's

[frankfrank]

I'm so jealous I wish I coulda met her!!!!! You lucky bastard.. thanks you made me feel better... My username should be her.. not Madonna.. but most people don't like Carpenters.. plus I resemble Madonna more cuz I'm misunderstood and I like to be unique and totally out there....

A true fan you are - you even mentioned them properly!

NOBODY says Carpenters, everybody says "The Carpenters" - they NEVER used "The" to my knowledge on any of their records.

I seldom hear Carpenters on the radio, tho' they were QUITE successful for years. "Oldies" radio stations, though, insist on rewriting history by never playing anything that doesn't "rock"...

[KrisHawkXXX]

Just love the great Karen Carpenter. Although probably best known for the optimistic hits like "We've Only Just Begun", "Top Of The World" and "Close To You", it's the melancholy tracks that always got to me, especially "Superstar" and "Goodbye To Love".

I love her later classics, Now, Make believe It's your First time, Those good old dreams, sweet sweet smile, Happy, You, Want you back in my life again, Etc.

[belamy]

So, I'm guessing you have never heard any of the live recordings of John Coltrane and his ensembles doing this number.

John Coltrane made variations on the theme
You can as well take any hit of Britney, Lady Gaga or Rihanna and make of it jazzy high art.
I don't like jazz much myself, but I'd never have the nerve to call it "shit"

[Jayden]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2ae2vJ-GA8[/ame]

[Drewsuf]

I love her later classics, Now, Make believe It's your First time, Those good old dreams, sweet sweet smile, Happy, You, Want you back in my life again, Etc.

You ARE a fan, aren't you? Those Good Old Dreams, Now and Happy are three of my favorites.

[LoveIsNow]

I can admire... in fact I DO admire Karen's talent, like Julie Andrews' or , but the fact that they were grrreat singers doesn't make the songs they sang any less shitty.

Julie Andrews wasn't given shitty songs. The songs from My Fair Lady, and Camelot were absolutely excellent, and those in Mary Poppins were adorable if hardly highbrow. I must say, I prefer Mary Martin's recording of The Sound of Music to Julie's, though.

[belamy]

Julie Andrews wasn't given shitty songs. The songs from My Fair Lady, and Camelot were absolutely excellent

................

[LoveIsNow]

^ Just because you don't understand American musical theatre doesn't mean it isn't good. The music is simple and memorable, which is a desirable quality, and the lyrics convey character in a direct and very American poetic style. It's not Don Giovanni, but it needn't be, because it's judged by different standards.

[JohannBessler]

This is an interesting thread.

There was a time, not too long ago, when it was an embarrassment to be a Carpenters fan. Time has done wonders for their image, and I'm pleasantly surprised to see that they have become quite respected in recent years for their artistry.

I still have a couple of vinyl albums, bought in the 70s.

I don't know whether or not Karen was homophobic, but personally I doubt it.

Nice to hear from you again, Madonna; you never fail to interest.

[belamy]

^ Just because you don't understand American musical theatre doesn't mean it isn't good. The music is simple and memorable, which is a desirable quality, and the lyrics convey character in a direct and very American poetic style. It's not Don Giovanni, but it needn't be, because it's judged by different standards.

I understand it, but I don't believe in it ( I CAN'T identify with it, and consider it preferable -I won't say "better"- over the rest): and I don't like Don Giovanni... I mean the play, not the music: the character is far too great and subtle for any average artist, or even for greater ones, like Mozzy, who made of it a miserable thing, and not just from the usual moral point of view.
Just like in the case we are discussing, the music is far above the words and the theatrical (and the social prejudices of stupid or snobbish considering other people stupid or snobbish for their musical tastes.
In any case, I always mock at people lionizing Mozart or Bach: they are not talking about the music... maybe about music (music in relation to the hearers, to society, to history, and to solfège), but not THE music that was actually written.

[LoveIsNow]

^Enh. I agree about putting Wolfgang and Johann on a golden throne. I was going to pick Cavalleria rusticana, anyway, but I figured it might be too popular, and cheaply emotional.

[belamy]

^Enh. I agree about putting Wolfgang and Johann on a golden throne. I was going to pick Cavalleria rusticana, anyway, but I figured it might be too popular, and cheaply emotional.

Putting composers on a golden throne IS a popular and cheaply emotional practice. That's what I said in my post above.

[menRsexii]

Some say she had the voice of an angel... I believe it. I can't go a day without listening to her music. I don't care what anyone says... I believe she was one of the best female vocalists or her time, no... of all time! Her voice was so unique and smooth and silky... so beautiful.

I'm starting to read a book on her called "Little Girl Blue" by Randy L. Schmidt. According to the reviews, its supposed to be the most accurate and in-depth book on her life, yet. I'm excited to read it!

I think I also feel for her because I can relate to some of her more... personal problems. She obviously had her share of problems and I'm truly sorry she had to go through that. Rest in peace, Karen. Now, you can sing for all of the angels and God up in heaven.

Anyone else here a fan?

[gecko]

I grew up with the Carpenters and have been a fan since they dominated the music charts in the 1970s. I agree that Karen had one of the most beautiful and distinctive voices. It is so true that she is one of the few vocalists you can tell by just a few bars into a song. I had read the book "Little Girl Blue" earlier this year when I overheard someone talking about it. It is a good read and is the definitive written word on her wonderful yet sad life. I am thankful for all of the recordings the Carpenters have given us but I also think about all of the songs she never got to sing.

[menRsexii]

I am thankful for all of the recordings the Carpenters have given us but I also think about all of the songs she never got to sing.

Exactly... :/

[ozguy]

Oh how I loved Karen Carpenter with that amazing and unique voice of hers. I often wonder what she would sound like if she was alive today. I play my Carpenters CDs all the time!

Here's another tribute thread to her that was made a few years ago ...

http://www.justusboys.com/forum/show....php?p=3323588

[menRsexii]

^ thanks and sorry for starting a new thread, when there already was one... I tried searching before I made this thread but it didn't come up with any results... Also glad to hear there's more fans here!

[ozguy]

^ thanks and sorry for starting a new thread

Please don't be sorry .... that was an old thread, anyway. It was time to remind everyone just how wonderful she was!!

[gsdx]

I think one of my favourites is Don't Cry for Me Argentina simply because her voice does things that it doesn't really do. It begins so soft and gentle and mellow and seems to grow and grow and grow. But if you listen really carefully at the end, it sounds as though she has turned up the volume. . . but she hasn't. Her voice control and talent makes you think she's singing a lot more loudly than she really is. That takes a lot of talent and I don't know of another singer who mastered it.

There was never any effort in Karen's singing. She didn't need to try. She just opened her mouth and the perfect music happened.

[EvilTwinTwo]

Maybe the mods can merge them?

[EvilTwinTwo]

http://www.justusboys.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361009

[EvilTwinTwo]

I'm not a voice expert but something about kd lang's always reminds me of Karen Carpenter.

[menRsexii]

One of my favorite and I think most popular songs by the group -- "We've Only Just Begun"

This video is from when they performed at the Grammy Awards. I think she looked absolutely RADIANT here... sooo beautiful.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EvQcbLb1gk[/ame]

[menRsexii]

Another great one! "One Love"

Though her outfit may be horrid here, don't let that distract you. This song is beautiful and she performs it so well, with so much emotion.

I also can't get over how attractive and awesome she was, seriously...

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE7rytFepVE[/ame]

[menRsexii]

Sorry... last one for now. There's just too much to love!

I LOVE this song and the music video

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evETS8_WFGE&ob=av2e[/ame]

[gsdx]

She was even Earth's ambassador:




And, lest we forget Karen's other talent:

[bluedragon4]

why are there 2 threads on her (of all people) all of a sudden?

[menRsexii]

why are there 2 threads on her (of all people) all of a sudden?

What's that supposed to mean?! She was an amazing artist with an incredible voice. I think she deserves two threads, if not more...

[bike10]

I saw Karen and Richard in concert back in the 70's and still have memories of Karen and way she could sing a song. Love go on y-tube and listen to her voice.

[gsdx]

why are there 2 threads on her (of all people) all of a sudden?

The other thread is 4 years old. It was resurrected for no apparent reason other than to link to this one a day after it was posted. That's why there are now 2 threads.

[menRsexii]

I saw Karen and Richard in concert back in the 70's and still have memories of Karen and way she could sing a song. Love go on y-tube and listen to her voice.

THAT IS SOOO COOL! I'm so jealous, you don't even know!

[les jones]

I love the Carpenters, I have all their albums on Vinyl, Tape and CD.
I saw them in concert in London in 1976
My favorite song is Goodbye to Love.
and even now I can remember where I was and what I was doing when the news of her untimely death reached us here in the UK.
so from one fan to another

[menRsexii]

I love the Carpenters, I have all their albums on Vinyl, Tape and CD.
I saw them in concert in London in 1976
My favorite song is Goodbye to Love.
and even now I can remember where I was and what I was doing when the news of her untimely death reached us here in the UK.
so from one fan to another

I'm so jealous of you guys that got to go to a concert of theirs! It would've been nealry impossible to go at the time, considering I wasn't even alive yet... but still :/ Oh and Hiiiii!

[menRsexii]

Hey to all the Carpenter's fans out there -- there's a website here that you can sign a petition to add the Carpenters to the rock and roll hall of fame!

I'm trying to submit my signature but the site's being a little weird... But it's be cool if you guys tried as well

http://www.gocarpenters.com/petition...1.php?act=next

[mikeyjon]

2 of my favorites

[menRsexii]

^ Two GREAT songs by them

[les jones]

Hey to all the Carpenter's fans out there -- there's a website here that you can sign a petition to add the Carpenters to the rock and roll hall of fame!

I'm trying to submit my signature but the site's being a little weird... But it's be cool if you guys tried as well

http://www.gocarpenters.com/petition...1.php?act=next

Thanks for the link, I have completed and posted my vote.

[menRsexii]

^ glad to help!

[Travisevian]

[SFLMAN]

The Carpenters are one of the best duo groups of all time! I love listening to their music. It's so sad that she's gone. At least her music lives on. I have the book "Little Girl Blue." haven't read it yet but I plan to. Karen and Richard Carpenter had amazing harmonies. Anyone know what Richard Carpenter is doing these days? I guess he retired. She was the voice and he was the musician. There will never be anyone with a voice like Karen Carpenter!

[JohannBessler]

My, how times have changed.

I remember a time when we had to be ashamed to like the Carpenters. They were so square, so goody-two shoes, and so on, so "not with it", so "unhip".

I loved her anyway, bought their albums, and never told anybody.

And now, thirty years later, she has gotten her just rewards. What a lovely, silky voice...and now the world appreciates her.

I am pleased to read the posts in this thread.

[menRsexii]

The Carpenters are one of the best duo groups of all time! I love listening to their music. It's so sad that she's gone. At least her music lives on. I have the book "Little Girl Blue." haven't read it yet but I plan to. Karen and Richard Carpenter had amazing harmonies. Anyone know what Richard Carpenter is doing these days? I guess he retired. She was the voice and he was the musician. There will never be anyone with a voice like Karen Carpenter!

I believe he is trying to pick up on a career again... writing his own music and such. There was also a time when he would play in concert piano pieces with Karen's voice on vocals (long after she was gone)...

[JohannBessler]

I think one of my favourites is Don't Cry for Me Argentina simply because her voice does things that it doesn't really do. It begins so soft and gentle and mellow and seems to grow and grow and grow. But if you listen really carefully at the end, it sounds as though she has turned up the volume. . . but she hasn't. Her voice control and talent makes you think she's singing a lot more loudly than she really is. That takes a lot of talent and I don't know of another singer who mastered it.

There was never any effort in Karen's singing. She didn't need to try. She just opened her mouth and the perfect music happened.

What an interesting listening experience this has been, GS.

I remember in 1976 when the original came out, I thought Julie Coventry captured the essence of Evita more than anybody else ever could. To some extent, I still think this is true.

But for sheer artistry, Karen wins the contest by far. I must say I was really impressed by it. (Believe it or not, I'd never heard it before.)

In addition to the vocal trick you mentioned, I noticed that Karen's voice seemed to change "tone" in this piece, for the lack of a better term. Whereas most of her other work reflected a certain sweetness of voice, this one eschews the sweetness, and substitutes warmth and gentleness.

Which piece would you say is her "tour de force"? I'd say it's a tie between this one and "Long Ago and Far Away".

Thank you for posting the clip.