MIA is probably the most frequently discussed album on the Carp forum.I just want to start by saying(as I've said several times before) that MIA is absolutely one of K&R's most welldone albums-sparkling production,classy arrangements & some fine material.And,(as Must Hear This Album mentioned above) MIA features some of Karen's most sensuous vocals.
I have to point out,also,that MIA is not top-40 material and shouldn't be regarded as such."Touch Me" was a great choice for a single,and managed to become a top-20 hit.But,even still,it's too lushly orchestrated and too classy for top-40 radio.(remember,this was the year of "Physical","Bette Davis Eyes" and "Celebration").
MIA does feature some of K&R's most "avante-garde" material: the R&B arrangement on "Strength Of A Woman",the bouncy,semi-disco "Back In My Life Again",the adult-themed lyrics on "I Believe You" and Touch Me".
The synthesizers on "Back In My Life" and "Beechwood" haven't aged well-they don't sound good today.Of course,everybody knows "Beechwood" is one of K&R's worst recordings.
I absolutely agree that Karen's vocals on MIA are noticeably "Thinner"-the rich heavy cream somehow got watered down to skim milk.
MIA was a massive 6-month recording session(May-November 1980) that produced 27 tracks.There are still about 10 MIA tracks sitting in the vaults,and about half of those are complete-including two standards with a full orchestra.(the orchestra tracks were recorded three days before Karen's wedding).I've never understood why Richard decided to not release these completed tracks.
MIA sold 500,000+ copies.
Lastly,MIA was both Karen & Richard's favorite album.
I have to point out,also,that MIA is not top-40 material and shouldn't be regarded as such."Touch Me" was a great choice for a single,and managed to become a top-20 hit.But,even still,it's too lushly orchestrated and too classy for top-40 radio.(remember,this was the year of "Physical","Bette Davis Eyes" and "Celebration").
MIA does feature some of K&R's most "avante-garde" material: the R&B arrangement on "Strength Of A Woman",the bouncy,semi-disco "Back In My Life Again",the adult-themed lyrics on "I Believe You" and Touch Me".
The synthesizers on "Back In My Life" and "Beechwood" haven't aged well-they don't sound good today.Of course,everybody knows "Beechwood" is one of K&R's worst recordings.
I absolutely agree that Karen's vocals on MIA are noticeably "Thinner"-the rich heavy cream somehow got watered down to skim milk.
MIA was a massive 6-month recording session(May-November 1980) that produced 27 tracks.There are still about 10 MIA tracks sitting in the vaults,and about half of those are complete-including two standards with a full orchestra.(the orchestra tracks were recorded three days before Karen's wedding).I've never understood why Richard decided to not release these completed tracks.
MIA sold 500,000+ copies.
Lastly,MIA was both Karen & Richard's favorite album.