Been listening to the Carpenters' recordings of "Yesterday Once More" and "Superstar" recently. The Carpenters' attention to detail is well known and I thought I would mention a couple of things that jump out at me when I listen to these recordings. I will admit: these are minute details, but they make the recordings extra special IMHO.
First, in YOM, consider the line "Makes today seem rather sad". When Karen sings the word "sad", you can hear a certain inflection in her voice. If you didn't speak English, you might actually be able to guess the meaning of the word simply by listening to the way that she pronounces it. Now THAT is attention to detail!
Second example - something that passes quickly but really adds to the sombre mood of "Superstar" - is the addition which Richard made in the RPO version of this song at the 2:40-mark of the recording. There's a rather discordant sound coming from the RPO string section which lasts just two to three seconds. I'm not sure what this technique is called, but it sounds like the string players are sliding down from one note to another. Whatever it's called, it effectively propels us back to the chorus. Again, a great example of attention to detail.
First, in YOM, consider the line "Makes today seem rather sad". When Karen sings the word "sad", you can hear a certain inflection in her voice. If you didn't speak English, you might actually be able to guess the meaning of the word simply by listening to the way that she pronounces it. Now THAT is attention to detail!
Second example - something that passes quickly but really adds to the sombre mood of "Superstar" - is the addition which Richard made in the RPO version of this song at the 2:40-mark of the recording. There's a rather discordant sound coming from the RPO string section which lasts just two to three seconds. I'm not sure what this technique is called, but it sounds like the string players are sliding down from one note to another. Whatever it's called, it effectively propels us back to the chorus. Again, a great example of attention to detail.