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I believe the original mix of "Rainy Days and Mondays" has pretty much always had a bit of distortion in it. It's particularly noticeable just before the 2 minute mark, and then at loud vocal peaks thereafter. It's probably one of the reasons that Richard was so quick to remix that one, and so slow to finally issue it as originally recorded.That reminded me to ask if anyone notices the distortion in the lead vocal on that track from ‘The Complete Singles’ set? It sounded perfect on the radio, by the way.
Thanks, Harry! So, I'm glad it's not just my ears. : ) Makes perfect sense. I'm sure that tape has been put through the ringer.I believe the original mix of "Rainy Days and Mondays" has pretty much always had a bit of distortion in it. It's particularly noticeable just before the 2 minute mark, and then at loud vocal peaks thereafter. It's probably one of the reasons that Richard was so quick to remix that one, and so slow to finally issue it as originally recorded.
We can only guess what source MeTV radio is using. Many radio stations have custom-made CDs - or digital files these days - that they get on a subscription basis, and the source material could be from anything from needledrops of original singles to various compilations that the compilers had access to.
The original mix (also known as the single mix) has only been issued a few times on regular-issue CDs.
- The Remastered Classic of CARPENTERS
- The Japanese Single Box
- The Ultimate Collection/NL (and COLLECTED)
- The Nation's Favourite Carpenters Songs (UK)
Comparing those, I think it might sound just slightly better on the Nation's Favourite comp.
Another factor here could be the age of the tape. Richard never put this mix out in a digital form until 1999 or so. The tape was probably used for many, many LP reissues and compilations over the years and may have just worn out. I don't hear much distortion on the mono version of the single.
Karen never had a very pronounced vibrato, but then she didn't need one to enhance the beautifully resonant tonal qualities of her voice - in fact, her vibrato was often subtle and complimented other dominant nuances of her singing technique - a stronger, more dominant vibrato might have had the opposite effect of distracting from the incredible gorgeousness of her singing voice - but if you want to hear her vibrato in it's most compelling form and natural presence then listen to how she belts the lyrics "bough" and "now" both times through on HYAMLC...awesome stuff!...I swear her rendition of HYAMLC is by far the best ever (totally impartial opinion) and rivals MCD for it's beauty and warm holiday appeal...
I absolutely agree.Heard "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Sleigh Ride" on IHeartRadio's Christmas music station the other day while baking "three chip" cookies (chocolate, butterscotch & peanut butter morsels)...I swear her rendition of HYAMLC is by far the best ever (totally impartial opinion) and rivals MCD for it's beauty and warm holiday appeal...
Great choice! I listen to this wonderful recording all year around - the only problem I have is that the recording I have is the "Christmas Collection" CD and all of the songs on there are far too heavily reverbed, and it actually does sound like she's singing in a cave or well, and I need to get a better recording - I read something here about a "West German" version of the CD that's supposed to be top quality - is it still available anywhere?I absolutely agree.
My favorite vocal performance by anyone, ever.