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While it would be interesting to know up front whether or not the book touches on this somewhat controversial or contentious issue - and I certainly have my own strong opinions on it - a detailed discussion of the pros and cons of multilayered Carpenter tracks vs. separate background singers/choirs probably belongs in another thread...Hi Chris, I'm wondering if the book will touch on Richard's choice to start using choirs and other backup singers for background vocals instead of spending the studio time to record and layer the sibling harmonies which defined CARPENTERS sound?
This has been pushed to November.Chris, is this still scheduled for CBS interview?
Thank you!This has been pushed to November.
An honor to meet you both! If only we’d had more time. Please keep in touch. The pleasure was all mine.Went to Rochester NY yesterday for book signing at the "House of Guitars". What a great experience! Mike was courteous and friendly and took time to show us his new book. The book is fantastic! Order it now! Great job by Mike and Chris!
Funny you should bring this up, @GaryAlan.Gary asks....Is this what passes as a book review these days ?
Here is a prepublication blurb/review (??):
David Luhrssen lectured at UWM and the MIAD.
OCT. 28, 2021
The “with Richard Carpenter” signals that it’s an authorized account.
Carpenters: The Musical Legacy doesn’t dwell on Karen’s early death from anorexia but puts the focus where it should be—on the music.
But who they were (and how they were perceived) is inescapable from their music.
The book’s prologue, “The Image Problem,” blames the siblings’ unhipness for lack of high chart positions in their final years together. In truth they were never deemed as hip. But let’s not forget that in those years Karen’s interest in drums was unusual for a girl. And here’s a revelation: early on, Karen and Richard were in a group that opened for … Steppenwolf?
Musical Legacy is primarily a chronicle of events with recollections by Richard. By the time of their second LP (1970), featuring “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” they had honed their harmonies and perfected a Top-40 sound. “Close to You” had bounced around the music business for several years prior with recordings by Dionne Warwick and Dusty Springfield. The authors describe “Close to You” as “an unapologetically romantic love song coming out less than eight months after the Woodstock music festival.” After the hot spicy meal of the late ‘60s, the Carpenters were the scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Their suburban image reflected who their reality. Richad and Karen’s rebellion was limited to small cases (“Mr. Guder,” a gentle rebuke to a stodgy boss). However, despite their carefree presentation, Karen’s voice caught the feeling that something wasn’t right (“Rainy Days and Mondays,” “Superstar”).
Source:
Carpenters: The Musical Legacy (Princeton Architectural Press)
Carpenters: The Musical Legacy doesn’t dwell on Karen’s early death but puts the focus on the music.shepherdexpress.com
Believe it or not, they’re still working out details. Will update just as soon as we hear. Thanks for your patience, Ken!Is there an update for November 17th in the Los Angeles area? Need to get time off if that’s the correct day. Thank you, and can’t wait for that book.
Also, "Los Angeles area" is a bit vague given the geography in Southern California. Can you at least tell us if it is going to be in Los Angeles proper? Or perhaps one of the burbs? Like GB2LV, I will most likely have to take time off from work, too, but just how much time, since I work about 60 miles out from Downtown, is relevant. It makes a huge difference if this event is in Long Beach vs. West Covina vs. Thousand Oaks vs. Downtown L.A. Even a "hint" would be appreciated!Believe it or not, they’re still working out details. Will update just as soon as we hear. Thanks for your patience, Ken!
This will be in Downey. More soon...Also, "Los Angeles area" is a bit vague given the geography in Southern California. Can you at least tell us if it is going to be in Los Angeles proper? Or perhaps one of the burbs? Like GB2LV, I will most likely have to take time off from work, too, but just how much time, since I work about 60 miles out from Downtown, is relevant. It makes a huge difference if this event is in Long Beach vs. West Covina vs. Thousand Oaks vs. Downtown L.A. Even a "hint" would be appreciated!
Nope... they're already in warehouses!Any reason to believe the book’s release date will be moved out again?
Perfect, thanks! That helps!This will be in Downey. More soon...