tomswift2002
Well-Known Member
I think Barry Manilow’s reworked words are very clunky and even more clumsy.
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Two exciting new Carpenters releases are now available. The new book Carpenters: The Musical Legacy can be ordered here. A big thanks to the authors and Richard Carpenter for their tremendous effort in compiling this book! Also, the new solo piano album Richard Carpenter's Piano Songbook is available for ordering here.
⭐ Official Review [Album]: "HORIZON" (SP-4530)
- Thread starter Chris May
- Start date
CraigGA
Well-Known Member
The tune to Trying to get the feeling again is so well crafted that it creates its message without any understanding of its words. It could be la la la with Karens’s vocalization and phrasing and feel complete. I like the words in the chorus more than any others, but I enjoy this song and usually share it with others for it showcases Karen’s voice and Richard’s orchestration and arrangement and delivers a song with poignant contrasts to Barry Manilow’s version that is familiar to others. It shows how the artistry and artists interpret and perform. It is one of my favorites!
GaryAlan
Well-Known Member
Re-reading the Musical Legacy book: there is a comment by Richard "it's all so slow."
He certainly seems displeased with this album, seemingly at variance with the letter from Jerry Moss extolling the virtues of the Horizon album.
I will today re-visit the A& M Compendium interview from late March 1975, but, if my memory serves correctly,
at that time, it seems to me, Richard was content with the song choices.
He certainly seems displeased with this album, seemingly at variance with the letter from Jerry Moss extolling the virtues of the Horizon album.
I will today re-visit the A& M Compendium interview from late March 1975, but, if my memory serves correctly,
at that time, it seems to me, Richard was content with the song choices.
Jarred
Well-Known Member
I think he thought more of them at the time, but I got the impression that he was so worn out after finishing it that he was already thinking he wasn’t doing his best because of the strain. The lethargy and depression from both at the time really comes through here. I think Jerry felt it was safe to compliment this album because it does feel like a matured sound, something not made by the corny-imaged people he was otherwise embarrassed of. Now & Then, for example, was very juvenile in many ways and he probably shuddered at the thought of saying good things about an album like that openly.
Vinylalbumcovers
Ah am so steel een luv weeth yoo
I dunno. "Could you help me rediscover / the way to re-be his lover?" Not an award-winning line, IMHO. I also don't like the cadence of the melody. It works that way if it's sung as David wrote it ("the way to re-be her lover") but when you change the gender, it's awkward and she has to rush to get it out. Barry really gave the tune a lift that Richard didn't. His starts one way and stays there. Barry threw in the kitchen sink (typical of his approach.) Barry's hit. I doubt Carpenters' would have in the state we have it. 'Course, had Richard finished then, it's hard to know if it would have exactly as it does. It also lacks the extra Karen background vocals it like would have gotten were it completed during her lifetime.
That said, I do like some of the others and I love the way she sings "searchin' for a long lost FRIEND." Just a gorgeous choice.
Ed
3Favorites
Member
I listened to this album a couple times in the last few days and it is a fine album indeed. I like Desperado a lot. Love the lyrics and Karen's reading is wonderful. I love "I Can Dream, Can't I?". Doesn't sound too slow to me, I love the way Karen sing "I'm aware...my heart is a sad affair." And even "Solitaire" sounds wonderful. And of course the hits "Please Mr. Postman" and "Only Yesterday".
GaryAlan
Well-Known Member
Richard Carpenter, at one time, wrote:
" I am particularly fond of I Can Dream Can’t I
which features a beautiful arrangement by veteran Billy May, done in authentic ‘40s style.
I must also mention the fine engineering of this album by the late Roger Young."
Source:
" I am particularly fond of I Can Dream Can’t I
which features a beautiful arrangement by veteran Billy May, done in authentic ‘40s style.
I must also mention the fine engineering of this album by the late Roger Young."
Source:
Jarred
Well-Known Member
It’s a line for me that, with another recording and singer, I would say is rather awkwardly strung together. Re-be isn’t a real “proper” phrase but there’s a simmering urgency to the arrangement and vocal that makes it feel real and lived-in. Karen as the protagonist is desperate and there’s a rush of feelings and “re-be” is something that an everyday person could say even as they know it’s not a real phrase, just like slang. Karen’s colorful, emotionally varied performance really puts it over because she sounds so invested in the narrative (why are some of her best post-1974 performances work leads, some far greater vocals than songs on the albums?). Different phrasing and tempo could make these words feel stiff, but for me sound organic in the hands of Karen’s mastery.
Proudofyou
Well-Known Member
Ha! I've always wanted to discuss the words Re-Be in that recording. For fun, I would replace with the words, "Just" or "Now".
I think it’s perfect ‘as is’ and it honestly doesn’t need the choral over-dubbed vocals. Not every song calls for that approach. I think the stripped back sound works to its advantage and updates their sound quite a bit. It’s far and away one of Richard’s best productions. And, of course, Karen’s vocals are incredible.
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