Toolman
Simple Man, Simple Dream
Sarah McLachlan had no trouble smoothing things out and she did so very well. Have a listen:
I honestly don't think it's about the clipped delivery of Henson (Kermit); it's about Karen's dislike of the tune and Richard's completely wrong arrangement. Ian Freebairn-Smith got it totally right on the original version and Richard missed completely.
Ed
I definitely prefer that to the C's version, and agree it's mostly about the arrangement. Has to be a tough song to sing comfortably, though, with little opportunity to use vibrato or extend notes. Karen's greatest strength was always those elongated vowels..."Looong agoooooo and oh soo far awaaay...…."
Nice to have a Carpenters version, but I can think of a ton of other songs I'd have rather heard Karen's voice and Richard's arrangement on.