FIRST TIME REACTING to Carpenters - A Song For You (BRITISH REACTION!)

[@elijahcaver2152]

The most beautiful voice in all of music’s history in my opinion! She passed away only a month away from her 33rd birthday on February 4, 1983 from heart failure due to over 10 years of anorexia. If I recall correctly, she was the one who brought eating disorders out into the light. She went in for treatment for it in 1981 and was still doing amazing with her recovery. She had been staying that week with her parents in her childhood home and was getting ready that morning to spend the day with her parents. When her mother thought she was taking too long to get ready, she opened her bedroom door to check in on her and found her on the floor. She was taken to the hospital and the doctors did all they could do, but it wasn’t enough. Her heart had just taken way too much damage over the years. I grew up listening to her with my grandmother who just adored her as did I. So many fond memories with her songs. I just wish she was here today so I could tell her how much her work meant to us. ❤

[@gabrielainda3536]

I agree totally, the most beautiful voice, even when she talked her voice was so pretty.

[@susancrouthamel760]

I met the Carpenters in late 70's n Karen died due to anorexia which started after their manager said she was gaining weight. Richard is 76 now

[@dagmar.6954]

Karen was one of a kind. There will never be another like her. She had such a pure calming voice. And she was a terrific drummer. That was her passion even more than singing. Sadly we lost her so young. Thankfully we have her legacy left in her music. The Carpenters had so many great songs such as "Rainy Days & Mondays", "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "For All We Know", "We've Only Just Begun", "Superstar", "Goodbye To Love", "Top Of The World", "Sing", "Yesterday Once More", "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Please Mr. Postman", "Only Yesterday", "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over the World)" & so many more.

[@joanmonaghan8428]

Karen considered herself a drummer who sang, not a singer who playd drums. Drums were her passion.

[@dixiehuston4869]

@@joanmonaghan8428 yes

[@MilosDaddy]

A brilliant song written by Leon Russell, a criminally underrated musician/songwriter.

[@patrician7445]

True! My favorite to hear him sing is "Lady Blue."

[@pipermccool]

Love Tight Rope!

[@heinkuntzman361]

The day when this beautiful lady with the remarkable voice passed away the world lost one of the most unique voices! There was and will always be just one Karen Carpenter! What an uncredible voice with Richard's masterful musical achievements!

[@timtravasos2742]

If you don't cry hearing this, you're a robot!

[@jackiecrosby9045]

Brother and sister. Karen had the best female voice ever!!! She never made a mistake and her voice was angelic but yet so beautifully haunting

[@rebeccagoodin6931]

oh wow. I was a child when she passed. I'm just now comprehending how great the voices of the past really were

[@ChicagoDB]

Karen was brilliant with that perfect Contralto voice of hers…and Richard has never gotten the credit he so richly deserved - his arrangements were superb. Imagine how good you must be, to be a successful duo/duet partner with someone as rare as Karen!

[@jennifermorris6848]

She is a fun drummer to watch as well.

[@justkaron]

It is so sad to have lost this glorious singer/individual to anexoria at a very young age. She left us a legacy of simply beautiful tracks. Her brother Richard was a mastermind at producing these beauties and a wonderful singer. He might have composed some of their hits. They were a powerful group. Their song 'We've Only Just Begun' was THE wedding song for some time.

[@ChicagoDB]

“Rainy Days And Mondays”, “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Yesterday Once More”, “Close To You”, etc, etc, etc.

[@fescasany]

As of today, December 8, 2023, Richard Carpenter is working on a new studio album. This album will be her first solo recording since 1987's "Time Out of Mind." Carpenter has been working on the album for several years, and has been searching for a vocalist who can fill the void left by her sister Karen, who died in 1983. In an interview with Billboard in 2022, Carpenter said that the album will have a sound similar to that of the Carpenters, but that it will also be an evolution of his sound. "It's still soft rock, but it's a little more modern," Carpenter said. "There's also a bit of experimentation." Carpenter has not yet announced a release date for the album, but has said that he hopes it will be released in 2024. In addition to his work on the new album, Carpenter is also working on a documentary about the life and career of the Carpenters. The documentary, which is being produced by the company "Greenwich Entertainment", will be released in 2024. Carpenter also continues to tour and give concerts. In 2023, he toured the United States with singer-songwriter Michael Feinstein. There is no voice today that compares to Karen Carpenter's. She was a unique musical genius in the world and goes far beyond her time. It without autotune or any other manipulation. Just her voice and her brother Richard's incredible arrangements. No current artist can match this in this era. Karen was also one of the best drummers of her time and she could sing well while she played the drums simultaneously. A true top talent. RIP Karen Carpenter, We will always remember you and love you!!! 💛💛💛 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- La mejor voz femenina de todos los tiempos. Inigualable por su tono, calidez y rango vocal. A fecha de hoy 8 de Diciembre de 2023, Richard Carpenter está trabajando en un nuevo álbum de estudio. Este álbum será su primer trabajo discográfico en solitario desde "Time Out of Mind" de 1987. Carpenter ha estado trabajando en el álbum durante varios años, y ha estado buscando una vocalista que pueda llenar el vacío dejado por su hermana Karen, quien murió en 1983. En una entrevista con el medio "Billboard" en 2022, Carpenter dijo que el álbum tendrá un sonido similar al de los Carpenters, pero que también será una evolución de su sonido. "Todavía es soft rock, pero es un poco más moderno", dijo Carpenter. "También hay un poco de experimentación". Carpenter aún no ha anunciado una fecha de lanzamiento para el álbum, pero ha dicho que espera que salga a la venta en 2024. Además de su trabajo en el nuevo álbum, Carpenter también está trabajando en un documental sobre la vida y la carrera de los Carpenters. El documental, que está siendo producido por la compañía "Greenwich Entertainment", se estrenará en 2024. Carpenter también continúa realizando giras y dando conciertos. En 2023, realizó una gira por los Estados Unidos con el cantante y compositor Michael Feinstein. No hay ninguna voz hoy en día que se compare con la de Karen Carpenter. Fue una genio musical única en el mundo y va mucho más allá de su tiempo. Sin autoajuste ni ninguna otra manipulación. Sólo su voz y los increíbles arreglos de su hermano Richard. Ningún artista actual puede igualar esto en esta era. Karen también era una de las mejores bateristas de su época y podía cantar así mientras tocaba la batería simultáneamente. Un verdadero talento superior. QEPD Karen Carpenter, ¡¡¡ Siempre te recordaremos y te querremos!!! 💛💛💛

[@roseterry2744]

I am 72 years old and she was maybe three years older than me..she had a very special voice and brought me through alot of troubles and was so soothing. She had been through a lot of troubles herself as well as her brother Richard. I remember the shock that reverberated around the world. We found out that she died from heart failure due to chronic Anorexia Nervosa. It was an illness that virtually was diagnostically unheard of at that time. She was only 32 years old. Her brother, Richard is still alive, but still has done tributes to his sister with his daughter, Shae. He still produces music, is happily married and has a family. Karen and Richard Carpenter made alot of lives richer and should never be forgotten. Thank you for playing that song! Karen was a one always looking for that special love but never found it..that song held special meaning for her.That song was from her heart It pretty much summed up Karen Carpenter! 💞🌹 8:48

[@websurfin9575]

LOVELY Karen! She is resting in HEAVEN now with God!

[@patrician7445]

Love hearing her sing "This Masquerade" (also by Leon Russell) and "Solitaire" which really shows her range.

[@cbebrad]

The low notes that Karen could do really made her special to me, but she could also sing high. Really incredible. Maybe someday there'll be another voice like it, but never anyone better. Her voice was perfection personified. Plus, Richard's arrangements were almost as good as Karen's vocals. He put in a lot saxophone solo's, which you don't, sadly, see much of today. He used a wide range of instruments in their recordings, like flutes, picalows, ect...Richard was an excellent pianist, also. They also had beautiful backing vocals, too. They had so many great songs, but a big favorite of mine was, 'Solitaire,' because Karen sings really low a number of times in that song. When she passed away, I hunted around for another female singer who had a low range and started listening to a Canadian singer by the name of Anne Murray. She doesn't go quite as low as Karen could, but she was the closest I could find at the time. You should react to her songs, 'You Needed Me' and 'Could I Have This Dance.' I think you'll like her. Miss Karen Carpenter so much.😢😢 She could have had so many more fabulous songs if life had been kinder to her.

[@BritPopsReact]

@cbebrad Hi cbebrad and thank you for all the great information. I do love the saxophone and as you say, not much of it around these days. We will be sure to follow up with more soon. All the best

[@Coowallsky]

His arrangements were as good if not better than her vocals.

[@ChuckHackney]

Your generation is now discovering what many of mybgen knew...greatest alto (contralto) of all time and one of the greatest voices in musical history. EVER.

[@j.goodie522]

Karen was a true alto...love her voice.. beautiful and sensitive soul

[@firefighterchick]

She had an angelic voice, and I loved their songs! She was one of the first female drummers. Unfortunately, she died so very young at 32 years old. She died of heart failure due to anorexia and because she took prescription medication (obtained illegally) to speed up her metabolism and abusing laxatives. She did seek help and was in recovery, but the damage to her heart was too severe.

[@gvalley07]

Man, when she hits those low notes. Amazing range. So beautiful!

[@phulnelson]

Voice of Gold.

[@erinundra]

Back to the days when women didn't need to get their kit off to make a hit record. Just pure talent.

[@terryallen345]

Superstar will be instantly recognisable from the chorus. One of the great voices

[@katiemcteague]

It doesn’t get any better than Karen Carpenter’s voice. She was one of a kind. You likely know The Carpenter’s massive Christmas hit “Merry Christmas Darling”. Karen was known as one and done in the studio. She never hit a bad note and could do most recordings in one take. Loved her for years. Heartbreaking when she died.

[@punkydoodle4774]

Yeah, One Take Karen.

[@ilonafann8348]

There's another longer version of this song with a saxophone solo. You guys need to look into more of their songs. They're pop music was the best during my teenage years.

[@sonnyjames8922]

Their 1972 A Song For You album opens with this song and closes with a 52 second reprise version. The whole album is good. You should hear their 1975 Horizon album.

[@A-whiter-shade-of-pale]

I have been a Carpenters lover since I first saw them in 1968 when they won the battle of the bands at the Hollywood Bowl. You can get a bunch of their songs to react to from their 1971 BBC show.

[@thomastimlin1724]

If you saw them win at the Hollywood Bowl your the luckiest so and so in the world. You were watching and participating in history taking place to what came next in 2 short years.

[@A-whiter-shade-of-pale]

@@thomastimlin1724 I made a mistake! The battle of the band was in 1966, I was still in Vietnam then. Where I saw them was at the bowl in 1968 at the All-American Collage Show. Same group, but Karen did not sing at the battle of the bands.

[@misacastillo282]

This is a short version of the song😢😢😢😢😢😢 please react to complete version of a song for you have amazing saxophone solo.

[@wpollock1]

On the full album version, you get the sax solo.....that is icing on the cake. She has that "once in a generation" type voice that stops you in your tracks.

[@anniegirlbatten]

PLEASE MORE CARPENTERS!!🙂

[@rogerbastien2354]

Shed one of the sweetest souls and she loved and adored her fans and took the time to meet them unlike new stars and singers who don't give a damn about the people that give them the money the fans

[@renavogel7114]

So schön. Ich wünschte, in den Medien würde man solche niveauvolle Musik viel mehr spielen bzw. überhaupt wieder niveauvolle Musik komponiert und getextet werden. Was heutzutage uns angeboten wird, ist oft... Tolles Video wieder von Euch.👍🥰

[@candicelitrenta8890]

She was an accomplished drummer and there is a video of her doing just drumming.

[@helokopter924]

Karen is the voice. Clearest of all. Im on my late 60s, so remember Carpenters very well on the radio and TV specials. 5'3 KC had a haunting timber in all her songs. Did you know every female harmony in all of her songs was hers as well, sang, then dubbed into the song by Richard ? She began, with her brother Richard, by playing drums. Richard, her brother, was a terrific arranger but KC's voice was discovered by Herb Alpert, A&M Records, in 1969, which began their road to fame. Richard convinced her that her best singing voice was contralto, 'the money is in the basement'. I believe KC's, voice, especially contralto, was the best, beautiful, female voice ever. No auto-tune, stripping, gimmicks, or screaming. Her nickname was 'one take', since she always sang a song once in studio without a single re-take. She sang to you with haunting, mesmerizing emotion, perfect pitch and enunciation. Her voice compelled you to listen. She had no professional voice training. Paul McCartney said she sang Ticket To Ride better than the Beatles, and "she had the most angelic voice I have ever heard". John Lennon told her at an LA restaurant "you have a fabulous voice luv". They were most successful in early/mid1970s when she/they received 4 grammys. She was also recognized by 1975 Playboy poll as rock drummer of the year. Check other songs such as 'Solitaire', 'Only Yesterday', 'Hideaway', 'Rainy Days and Mondays',' 'This Masquerade', 'I Can Dream Cant I'(a big band era song), 'Hurting Each Other', 'Close To You', 'All You Get From Love Is A Love Song'' ,'Superstar', ' I Need To Be In Love', 'We've Only Just Begun',' Goodbye To Love', etc.. She had a few friends including Petula Clark, Olivia Newton John and Dionne Warwick. She had anorexia with a serious onset in 1975 that continued the rest of her life. Married a guy in 1982 that was broke, didn't tell her he had a vasectomy, and mistreated her. Never knew true love. She died Feb 1983 at 32yo due to complications from anorexia. Her solo album was released some years after her death. [Some info contained herein came from documentaries such as, "Only Yesterday"]

[@geschoonover]

So many of their songs emote sorrow for a young woman who can’t find the love she seeks or has been in a troubled relationship. Knowing Karen’s biography, hearing those songs tug doubly at the listener’s heartstrings. She lived a tormented life and everyone who heard and loved her naturally want to cry out “We love you, Karen, and would give up our lives to love and care for you.”

[@johnmcaleer7099]

I,ve been searching for 50 years for an adjective for her voice,the nearest i,ve come to is wholesome,but that don't do her justice.angelic❤

[@tillypattiasina9206]

The Carpenter were good and made beautiful songs. There is also a biographical film made of them, really worth watching.

[@lauraautry6992]

I love the Carpenters and grew up listening to them. Her voice was amazing and no other like her. She was a drummer also. It was so sad she died way to soon ❤️🤗

[@susancrouthamel760]

They are brother n sister Richard was singer n pianist, Karen was singer n drummer, Karen died at 33 of heart failure due to years of anorexia. Richard is still alive at 76. I met them late 70's n you could see her health was failing. "Rainy Days And Mondaysis a favorite of mine. " Close To You" is another favorite

[@chrispavlich9656]

Ah….The Carpenters. The music of my youth❣️Gone too soon from us. Their Christmas music was awesome too. Give a listen to their Bless the Beasts and the Children. Enjoyed your reaction guys❣️

[@BritPopsReact]

@Chris Pavlich Thank you Chris, we enjoyed your comment too. All the best

[@ismailjardine2626]

She is singing for you

[@w9gb]

Not only does see drop so well to the low end of her vocal range, BUT On Pitch ! She was often “One Take Karen” in the A&M studios. Her duets with Ella Fitzgerald in late 1970s need to be watched.

[@juergenstange6844]

Normally this is not my kind of music (I am more on the harder side or more on prog), but I fell in love with the (deep) tone of Karen "the voice" Carpenter. Dio, Russel Mael and Karen are living peaceful together in my record collection. The Carpenters are standing next to Cooper, Alice. No problem ! 😂 It's a Kind of Magic as somebody said (Just forgot who)...

[@firefighterchick]

We are pretty insync with music tastes! Lol Yes, I'm usually more on the heavy side of rock. Although I love me some Billy Joel, Elton John, Bob Seger, etc, as well. Alice Cooper, I would love to see him in concert!

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Always liked the Carpenters. This one quite enriching.

[@johnbattles1002]

Great first time reaction to one of the most lovely and most talented female vocalists of all time! This is a deep, deep rabbit hole! Enjoy the trip! By the way, Karen is not only a master-class vocalist, she is a KILLER DRUMMER as well. You should check out her drum skills too! Drumming was her "first love," before being persuaded to be lead vocalist.

[@olivervandebeer7492]

A sad soul with a beautiful voice.... Especially at the end when she sings: When my life is over...Thanks you fellows.

[@hardtackbeans9790]

Karen was one of the great all time pure singers. It was such a shame about her death. I think she was supposed to be very shy & reserved. Richard was supposed to be the headliner since he was much more outgoing. But after a few songs it became apparent who the real talent was. And Richard kind of faded into the background. He still carried a lot of the singing but was almost a backing vocal. Actually 'A Song for You' was a pretty big hit. I can think of maybe think of half a dozen bigger? They had their own TV variety show.

[@BritPopsReact]

@Hardtack & Beans Thanks H&B for all the great information. We enjoyed that one, shame we didn't listen to the full version with the saxophone, I do love to hear a great sax solo

[@roniboyd613]

Karen considered herself a drummer that sings. She's the best.❤ I believe Richard did the arranging on most if not all of their music. Karen has a drum solo that would fun to watch!

[@retromom5421]

To quote Paul Williams that worked with them, people would complain they were vanilla. And his answer was, oooh what a vanilla!

[@tanitatt]

She’s an underrated drummer

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

She had the clearest voice out the there. I grew up to her music. To bad for her food disorder, which took her life way to soon.

[@phantomrockerr]

Karen had a Great Voice! She was also a Great Drummer! Try " Yesterday Once More"

[@susanpeterson9947]

Nice to see you, BP2! Loved your reactions to this great sister/brother combo.

[@BritPopsReact]

@Susan Peterson Hi Susan, thank you for the nice comment, we usually do the reactions together but sometimes BP1 goes rouge and set off on his own. Just kidding, it depends on our schedules and if we have spare time, we occasionally put our reactions with only one of us. All the best and come back soon

[@susanpeterson9947]

@@BritPopsReact , always here for you no matter the subject.

[@joanmonaghan8428]

As well as being a superb singer, Karen was a world class drummer and there a couple of videos on KZbin which highlight her fantastic drumming. She considered herself a drummer who sung, not the other way around.

[@sharoninglima1217]

Paul McCartney and John Lennon says she had the best female voice in the world!

[@missd9785]

Bigger hits by the Carpenters would include... SUPERSTAR, WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN, and FOR ALL WE KNOW. I believe the official video for SUPERSTAR is actually live , and also WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN. Y'all might recognize those hits albeit from quite a long time ago now. I actually hadn't heard Karen singing this one which I know well from other artists including Leon Russell. So... Thanks!!!

[@bradkoski]

Karen was fabulous……..watch Her play the drums❤❤❤❤❤

[@mikerobertson4041]

Karen was the greatest female vocalist that I've ever heard, and Richard's arrangements perfectly accentuated her voice. Karen was also a magnificent drummer, which was her first love! As for those low notes, Karen once said that the money is in the basement.

[@buukkreider544]

Thank you for your reaction. Please also react to their song "Close to You" - thank you. Richard was/is the arranger, and Karen the lead singer. Karen's voice was one-of-a-kind - and she did not make it to her 33rd birthday. Richard is actually still doing music - and he was born in October 15, 1946. Karen was born March 02, 1950. Karen died February 04, 1983. That was a sad day. :(

[@lordlockdown64]

They wrote some fantastic songs, this one is more your late night chilling vibe. They did a great version of Mr Postman and you surely must know Calling Occupants?

[@BritPopsReact]

@Lord Lockdowns Jukebox Hey LLJ, oh yes "Calling occupants", now I would never have put that song to them, it is quite an out there song, but a blooming good one. Hummm, I will put that on the list

[@corgiluver9718]

Possibly my favorite Carpenter song (although I prefer the longer version on the album of the same name). This was never released as a single because, I believe, the album cut was considered too long for radio at the time. My other favorite Carpenters' songs are Goodbye to Love, Rainy Days & Mondays, and Solitaire.

[@MrRizzo1961]

Carpenter was their family name. A brother and sister group. Brother Richard did most of not all of the music arrangements. Karen a great drummer as well as fantastic voice. She died of an eating disorder 😢💔R.I.P. Karen Carpenter ✌️♥️🙏🙏

[@shanty4590]

Karen sings in the song, and when my life is over & remember when we were together, we were alone & i was Singing this Song for you. What words her Brother must go through Listening to that ❤❤❤ What a Group & What an outstanding Singer Karen was, pure Heart felt Talent ❤❤❤❤

[@andrewlorenz3139]

Richard 's arrangement of the Leon Russell song. Karen delivers her usual immaculate vocal. Bob Messenger sax break. You need to upload the full album version. A fan for many years and saw them live in London in 1976.

[@maxbrazil3712]

I read an interview of a sound engineer that worked with The Carpenters. He said Karen was the only artist he ever worked with that nailed the first take every single time. He said her perfect pitch and timing were a combination of electronic accuracy and pure soul.

[@Hawk-ODA212]

You guys are so good. She's one of the most impressive singers of my lifetime. Thanks for doing this one.- Hawk

[@terrirobertson7821]

How can you not have seen them before? 😳

[@crazycatlady7621]

So sad what happened to Karen. She had complications with her anorexia and her heart failed on her. I watched a documentary about her called The Karen Carpenter Story. It was an awesome but sad movie. She was so amazing but fame was so overwhelming. She couldn't handle it. If you want a good cry...watch her story. This song y'all reacted to is the one Kodi Lee auditioned with for AGT. So...I think y'all have heard it?? There are a ton of songs by them. All of them are really good. Great reaction as usual! Thanks guys!! Sending you love from Texas!! (P.S. No mug yet...)

[@one42chrisp]

I used to listen to them on Radio Luxembourg with my radio under the pillow, Karen’s voice was so beguiling.

[@timcaldwell5241]

Such a tragic story…I had heard of anorexia(sp) before, but this was my 1st exposure to it. I remember being confused at how such a beautiful, talented person could hate her body so much.

[@christinerobinson9372]

This is a Leon Russell song, you really want to hear him do it. Karen sings it beautifully, but Leon pulls on your heartstrings. "Superstar" is Karen's very best song, she'll bring tears to your eyes. The very best version of this song is Leon and Willie Nelson singing it to Ray Charles on his eighty-first birthday. Three of the greatest ever singer/songwriters in one performance.

[@juergenstange6844]

"Please, Mr. Postman" from Beatles sounded better sung by her. Massive hit in the 70s !

[@annamariadelillo2916]

Karen and Richard Carpenter's arrangements are simply HEAVENLY - as is her voice with Richard's backup. We lost such a talent! They have a HUGE catalog of songs!! Her voice is like silk.

[@scottyh8494]

Her voice goes straight to your soul. It is just incredible. Nobody can do that except Karen. Her lower register is incredible.

[@MrRizzo1961]

R.I.P. Karen Carpenter ✌️♥️🙏🇺🇲

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

This song is written by the Late Great Leon Russell. Other songs by the Carpenters are Superstar, We’ve only just begun

[@gustavobussi122]

Lloro cada vez que escucho la hermosa e increíble voz de Karen...Perfección y belleza inigualable ❤

[@leonardshevlin7260]

I like that this is a short version because Leon Russell's lyrics hit harder when they aren't repeated.

[@artistbrindle]

You should really watch some of their live concerts, especially Japan and Australia when Karen was still drumming. Really fantastic. Karen never fished around for her notes like people do today…she just hit them spot-on. Some of their biggest songs were Superstar, For All We Know, we’ve only just begun, yesterday once more, hurting each other…the list is endless

[@bonester50]

For those of you who might not know, here are a few musicians that you might not know are big big fans of Karen...Alice Cooper, Leon Russell, Donna Summer, John Lennon, Pat Metheny, Rita Coolidge, Olivia Newton-John, Petula Clark, Paul McCartney, John Fogerty, Bob Seger. Karen Carpenter is also considered in the music world one of the finest drummers ever. They were the #1 selling american group in the 70's. Have sold at least 150 million and counting. They had 15 #1 songs on the adult contemporary charts in 14 years which is incredible. Keep going down the rabbit hole.

[@sandybourdeau9300]

Superstar

[@pamegan8735]

The Carpenters was one of my favorite groups growing up as a teenager in the 70,'s. I love watching you guys !

[@Kari5274]

I didn't know most of their music. I did know she died from anorexia. This must have been an early recording, hair and weight wise. Sounds good.

[@eggy1962]

Karen imo looked fine until about 1975, from then on she looked too thin bit like some recent photo’s of celine dion..from 69 to 73 she looked her best. Her voice NEVER faltered

[@Kari5274]

@@eggy1962 I was 2 in 75. Didn't know anything about them until I watched a documentary about them.

[@gbulmer]

Karen Carpenter's voice is uniquely beautiful. Double cream. Ear-'ole nirvana. My big bro' loved Rock, Prog, Metal, Steely Dan, Folk Rock. He also loved The Carpenters, Carol King, James Taylor, Joan Armatrading, ... classics. *@Dagmar S* has a great list. I'd swap 1 with 2, and swap 3 with 4, ① but no real quibbles. Everything's superb: ridiculously beautiful voice, harmonies, arrangement, top-tier session musicians ②, world class song writers. Richard Carpenter is a very talented arranger. He understood how to complement and enrich Karen's voice. He's a good pianist and OK singer in his own right. However Karen's voice was Top 5, with Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, and I'll shilly-shally over the other two women. 🤔 Unfortunately, the only videos I know of Karen drumming are a bit "bubble gum". She could drum Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein" but instead they did a hackneyed "show tune". Maybe someone else knows a good one? _Karen Carpenter Drum Solo - 1976 First Television Special_ kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZWrqq19jaZ9hsk (5m:41s) or _Carpenters - Karen Carpenter Drum Solo ( 1976 )_ kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5aUiIqNhN2bg9U (6m:21s) very similar 'set pieces' Best Wishes, Chaps. ☮ Rambling: _When I was about 14yo, I stayed home with my big bro' while my parents went on holiday (it suited us all). On a sunny Sunday, he lugged his huge HiFi speakers (140 lb) into the garden, connected up, and played the Carpenters. We sat 15-20 yards from the speakers. It was quite loud. We didn't get any complaints from the neighbours. The fences were just waist high chain-link Lovely time 😄_ ① "(They Long to Be) Close to You", "Rainy Days & Mondays", "We've Only Just Begun", "For All We Know". ② I believe "The Wrecking Crew" session musicians played on most/all of the Carpenter's songs. PS It's worth watching _The Wrecking Crew - Making of "Good Vibrations"_ kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4bUf6mDhMmbfbc (2m:23s) Carol Kaye is probably the most under-appreciated bass player of the 20th century. The Wrecking Crew played on *HUNDREDS* of top 40 hits.

[@user-mb4qp3ex9s]

If this impresses you, try to find her drumming abilities which were even more impressive than some of the best drummers of then and now.

[@chazpres514]

Definitely. Before they hit it big Karen and Richard played as a jazz trio with a bassist. Really good. Check out "Iced Tea" and up tempo version of "Girl from Ipanema" from 1965. They actually won a battle of bands in California strictly as instrumentalists.

[@tundiel]

Wow, you both are really shocking me this week 😮 I thought EVERYBODY knew Karen Carpenter. Such a beautiful voice, and such a tragic life story 😢 And as for contralto, you don't fool me. You HAVE to have picked up a sprinkle of knowledge in the last 2+ years of doing the channel. Bass, baritone, tenor, counter tenor, alto (more commonly used than contralto), soprano, mezzo soprano. I think that's all of them, but I might have missed a couple. I know what all of these are, and I bet you do, too. It's surprising what you pick up watching reactions😉

[@BritPopsReact]

There you go… to be honest I have a memory of a goldfish on that stuff so … yeah in one ear and out the other lol 😂

[@tundiel]

@@BritPopsReact 😂😂😂

[@stevetournay6103]

Carpenters tracks to check out, gents... Eve Goodbye To Love (first power ballad; Richard invented the subgenre) I Can Dream, Can't I (1938 big band ballad standard) Bacharach live medley (which showcases Karen the kickass drummer) Standards medley from 1980 TV special, featuring Karen and Ella Fitzgerald Nowhere Man If I Had You (originally from KC's 1979-80 solo album) This Masquerade (Leon Russell song, like A Song For You) Superstar (also Russell; KC's lead vocal on this is her first-ever singing of the song, not just the first take on the session, and it became a hit single)

[@nemo227]

It's interesting watching Karen's singing work its magic on a couple of "new" listeners. She worked her musical magic on millions of us. We miss her. Her brother Richard's arrangements was an important element in their success.

[@steveneardley7541]

This song was written by Leon Russell, and he does a wonderful version of it.

[@WinstonTjon-A-Meeuw]

Wait to you hear the original with the sax solo

[@daveburns3886]

1st time seeing you guys .. nice take / humor.. Karen sang like an angel.. Linda R only one close to this magic

[@barbaram4487]

There is a longer version with a fabulous sax solo. Listen to it and it will totally flip your thoughts about the song

[@alanmitchell7207]

Let’s listen to the carpenters - Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft

[@jmk84032]

So Said we lost Karen😢 Her singing melt you inside. So beautifull.

[@pensiveowl7791]

She deserved a 10!

[@Coowallsky]

Should have done the LP version with the sax solo.

[@jeffreyjordan4290]

She is my favorite female singer of all time. She has the best lower range of any woman I've ever heard. She has great range. I never heard this song though. "We've only just begun" is great and my high school class song of 1971.

[@jbs256]

Looks like you’ve discovered/rediscovered Carpenters. Welcome to the rabbit hole. Karen had a 3.5 Octave range with that Contralto voice. Karen passed in 1983, 40th anniversary of her passing because of the then little known or understood Anorexia/Bulimia. Her voice stayed with her to the end, though. This song as well as Superstar and This Masquerade were written by Leon Russell (Superstar co-written by Bonnie Bramlett). So those two should be added to your list as well as Close To You, We’ve Only Just Begun, the afore mentioned Rainy Days and Mondays and to put that smile back on Top Of The World. Videos abound to use on KZbin. For Rainy find the “official” video. Also A Song was never a single, sadly, it’s a masterpiece. There’s more to learn about Karen as you go forward. I date back to them being current on the radio and buying their new album Close To You on vinyl to play on my new Sony combo (AM/FM, turntable and cassette) player. Enjoyed your video. Oh also there’s a concert TV show they did for BBC4 that’s on KZbin also with others like from Budokan.

[@rhwinner]

I wish someone, anyone, would react to Gram Parson's song by the same name. ❤

[@BritPopsReact]

You never know!

[@pauldourlet]

Karen was one of the best Drummer/Singers ever .She broke the Glass Ceiling for Women .Following songs on you tube ---Superstar ,Rainy Days and Mondays,Goodbye to Love .The very best songs ? To see her drum and sing Check out her cover of Help at the BBC .Her very best songs --Solitaire and Trying to get the Feeling Again -released in 1994 .Her best duets on you tube ---with Ella Fitzgerald ,John Denver and Perry Como.

[@peterrose5746]

It means she had perfect pitch