Horizon

I believe I was the one who initially asked this question of Richard on the web-site...

And to this day, I think I stand by my assertion that it was one of the finest.

My only complaint is that although i love the concept, the 1:30 cuts 1 and 10 - to me - weren't full songs. So, I imagine I'd have just felt I was in heaven if Tryin' and Tide had been included.

That said, I don't think I'd have traded anything for having "Tryin'" specifically, as something brand new - from that era - to hear in later life.

For me, Karen's death and the finality of hearing her perfect instrument reading new material is something I'll never quite get over. So, getting to hear Tryin' so late in life was a treat - oddly, worth waiting for.

I hope I am making sense here!

I used to group the albums in 2 classifications, by sound: Early Carpenters, concluding at A Song For You - -then the 1973 music forward... Now and Then, onward - I think Karen's voice was hitting that Horizon depth... And although I agree with the thought that on Hush her voice seemed 'thinner', I may suggest that the lyrics and the songs themselves were comprised of material that called more for a lighter intimate character of her voice... I loved the closeness for instance in "I'm going way down south - to Baton Rouge, tonight...." from One More Time. That intimacy couldn't have been any warmer or truer.... or deeper... but her tone needed to be, and was, more introspective... Same with INTBIL...

Ahhh - - i could go on and on - so I'll close with the fact that Horizon was probably my favorite for the depth of Karen's voice, the power of the song choices and arrangements - and also - because this album was the fist new material we had been able to hear in two years.... Simply put, the soundtrack to the summer of '75.... and well worth the wait! I was thrilled my favorite artists were just getting better and better.... and I was old enough by then - to truly appreciate all of it....

Nothing will compare to the day I bought the thing with grass-cutting money, then raced home to put those headphones on - and listen to the whole thing top to bottom.

Matter of fact, I may do the same thing today.... It was released in April or May, wasn't it?

Sort of an anniversary tribute.....



Have a great day!

Welcome to the forum, Barry and thanks for sharing I enjoyed reading that.

Well said, Barry!
And I agree with you, "Horizon" is the duo's masterpiece.

^^^ In fact, I've been reviewing all the Carps albums on my blog. Here's "Horizon": http://insightsandsounds.blogspot.com/2009/02/horizon-review-carpenters-masterpiece.html

I have not listened to Horizon lately, just listened to this clip and it so reminds me of why I started this thread, there is something so different yet so special about this recording session. Karen voice and the way it's interpreted into the mic through these songs Aurora/Eventide it just transcends into your being, close your eyes and Karen takes you away, it's really so amazing how she can do that.

Harry, it sounds great yet I wonder if it would sound even better if you could merge the second before Richard ends the first with those piano notes at the very very end because when I hear those last few notes it always reminds me of the finale of it, so even though you put them together it still sounds separate, does that make sense? There is a spot right before he plays those last notes that the 2nd song could come in making it appear to float into the 2nd song.

I've always said that HORIZON is probably the most perfectly produced album I ever heard and I defy anyone not to be completely blown away by the sound of Karen's voice. Yes, it's too short and the track listing could have been different but the Carpenters were just too overworked during this period. Oh, and the cover ... RC looks SO hot!

Sounds great, Harry! Thanks. Too bad Richard never thought of this himself and released a combined version as a "B" side to a single.

Cool, I like them both, thanks Harry. I'm going to save these in my iPod.

Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Agree, the combination would have been a great "B" side.

Great LP. I agree with Rich 100%. As for KCs vocals...well the "style" seems to be in keeping with what Karen was trying to project in her own persona as well. During this time she was shedding the high necks and floor length gowns for a more sultry, earthy approach. I can hear that in this album too. ALOT of folks seemed to have "discovered" KCs remarkable talents with the release of this LP, was she there after trying to be more complex and in control? Both personally and professionally??
I know I'm reading more into it than I probably should but her vocals seem to mirror her image after this point, wether accurate or not

The album cover alone was an indication that both Karen & Richard were both more in control of their image, gone were the ultra white toothy smiles, replaced with a downward glance from a gorgeous looking Karen, and a serious pose from Richard, definately my favourite album cover after " As Time Goes By", that photo gives me goosebumps!

The whole production of "Horizon" is stunning, whatever mike they were using, was made for Karen. The only other time I've heard Karen sound that good was when she recorded her vocals for "Music Music Music", there's this kind of richnes to her voice that was somehow lost for the recording of "Made In America", maybe it just down to the way each album is mastered, would that make a difference? Maybe someone out there knows.

Horizon is my 2nd favorite album......would be first, but the song "A Song for You" is so ingrained in my mind that it overtakes everything else.....I agree on the production of "Horizon". There is so much going on with the 24 tracks.. LOVE it. And I agree with what Chris said above, about the mic being made for Karen. OK...I may have to change my favorite album...

In the discussion of Horizon- my favorite Carps album- I must say I am glad "Trying to Get the Feeling" was not included. Technically, it is a great song and recording. However, in my mind, it is not an easily repeatable listen and really drags. I can hear "Sailing on the Tide" on the album, though. I enjoy it much more than "Happy", and it would have made a nice break before the last two album tracks.

Harry, just now listened again to your incredible combining of Aurora and Eventide. Just beautiful- thanks!