It does my heart good to see young folks loving the music I grew up with. Today's music cannot compare to quality and talent like this. One of Richard Carpenter's greatest compositions and arrangements!
I enjoy watching generations of people - born long after Karen passed away - hearing her amazing voice for the first time. They all seem to be just as mesmerized by her as us old folks were when we first heard her.
Nice reaction! You are firmly in the Carpenters rabbit hole. That snow scene at the beginning was actually the end of the previous video, Ticket To Ride (another good one and a VERY early song and a cover of a Lennon/McCartney song in a Richard arrangement). I’m going to actually recommend Rainy Days and Mondays (the official video), as a great example of a “Carpenters” sound. There are tons of great songs each with it’s own strength. Keep up the great work!
It's great to see the young people appreciating Karens beautiful voice..Carpenters we're two talented brother n sister acts ever... from the 1970s...what talent...Rock On!!
Good observation on the song ending fast. It actually doesn't, but that's how they did the video. If you listen to the studio version, the drums at the beginning are even louder and firmer. Somehow they come off a little soft in the video. Don't mind me; I just bought all the records when they came out on LP (12" vinyl discs) and listened to them on my electrostatic earspeakers, so I'm very familiar with how the recordings are supposed to sound. Enjoyed your reaction!
Did folks tell you in the comments on the other video that Karen's real love was drumming? There are videos of her doing drum solos. I love her voice. Beautiful gift.
i am 61 been a carpenters fan since i was 12.... unusual for a 12 yr old boy but i was hooked...... btw try this song, it tends to get missed by many of the reviewers and the video is there on youtube Carpenters - Bless The Beasts and the Children
You are doing great young man. You get it. There are good singers, great singers, legendary singers and then there is the one and only "Karen Drummer Girl Carpenter". No one else is close. "Goodbye To Love", "Yesterday Once More", "Solitaire', "Top Of The World" and their whole catalogue. Wait until Christmas and her singing about Christmas. PTL.
This is the radio cut. The album cut is about 30 secs longer with another repeat of the chorus. This from from their 1975 Horizon album on which EVERY song was amazing! Check out Solitaire, Please Mr Postman, Happy, and I'm Caught Between Goodbye & I Love You and the rest!
You get the feeling you are alone with her by a warm cracklin' fire and she is singing only to you. Just to you. That is the hypnotic effect this woman's voice had.
Chase, it means the world to me that you gave me a heart comment. Even MORE, that you, as an open-minded young person, are discovering some of the majestic voices and music of bygone eras. Of whi c h The Carpenters, and Karen in particular, are at the apex. That is so special to me. I will follow your reaction channel in the future. Stay in touch, with mega hugs, Chuck in the great state of NC.
Her low register is incredible , unmatched for any other female voice … the warmth and pain (In other songs) is heart-rending .. none compared to her , Richard was a genius composer - knew how to make her sound great, altho it was the best clay to be molded,, she was also an amazing drummer , google her playing drums - it was her true love and happy place … she wanted to be behind them , not in front..
Thank you for having the open mindedness to review a song from so many years ago. Karen Carpenter's voice was a gift from God. The richness of her low range on the opening note of the song always amazes me! The instrument doing the solo between the verses is a saxophone. The video you showed was cut short for some reason because there is more to the original video, Suggest you listen and react to her cover of A SONG FOR YOU,
The Carpenters were the #1 group in the 70s and Karen died in 83 so everything is before then. You have not yet touched any of their really big hits so you have a lot to look forward to. I recommend Close to You, Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar, We've Only Just Begun as among their greatest hits.
You know the voice right away, and this song is one of my favorites of Carpenters, upbeat with perfect transitions and feeling of moving forward beyond yesterday’s tough times.
Her Brother Richard was also a genius, all the harmonies and backing vocals are made with layers of both of their voices. No digital recording, all done on reel to reel tapes.
This is my favorite video of watching sing! The way she starts out in her lower alto voice, just melts my heart! She makes it look so effortless, shecwas such a natural singer! It's like she was having an intement conversation just to you in your ear, calmly talking! That's why she is a legend! Alot of people called the carpenters music "sacchrine" melancholy, but that was karen,s gift! that's what made the carpenters great!
Very nice reaction! There are so many Carpenters' hits to listen to. Try "Rainy Days and Mondays" and "Superstar" - both hits from 1971 and among their most widely admired tracks. For non-hits, try "Road Ode" or "This Masquerade."
Really cool to see a teenager into the Carpenters. Karen died in February 1983 with Anorexia and this song was released in 1975. For my 8th grade graduation the graduates sung "We've only just begun" which was popular and shows my age. LOL!
The outdoor footage was filmed at Huntington Library Gardens in San Marino, California, and featured some footage of a red moon bridge, which was roped off to the general public in the Japanese Garden there.
I will never forget the day i heard on my car radio that she passed."For all We Know" was being played and the disc jockey announced her passing. I immediately pulled to the side of the road completely overcome with emotion. Such a tragic loss of a beautiful singer that was the same age as me😢
It's always nice to see the young people of today appreciate the beautiful music from days of old. I really enjoyed this young man's reaction to this wonderful song that came out in 1975. A real joy to watch.
I am older than you, maybe your grandparents age and probably they were growing up with the Carpenters on the radio. I am glad to see someone so young who can appreciate a simpler time in music without all the loud music, screaming singing, with beautiful, natural surroundings where you can hear and understand the vocals without the fancy noise, special effects other distractions in the background to get your attention. I hope you will read up on the Carpenters, with Karen known for and joined her brother's band as the drummer, her beautiful angelic voice. Also, her brother Richard who is the mastermind of the group with the arrangements and how he was able to give Karen her distinct sound. It is sad that Karen could not live a long and full life. Maybe you can learn and understand her personal troubles and if you come across a friend or family member in the same condition, you can help them since they can be saved. Unfortunately, it is hard with what Karen had since it is mostly psychological, and I am sure her family supported her and got the best help for her. I believe her brother is still in the music business and at least used to tour, playing the sounds of their earlier days when us baby boomers can remember those songs playing again and have the feel of being young again. One of my favorites is Superstar. Check out her Christmas songs of theirs and from others she sang. Another favorite singer of mine is Dionne Warwick. She and the Carpenters have a common connection to the man who made a lot of beautiful music, Burt Bacharach who passed away this year. Thank you for your time to play the oldies and having positive outlook on them.
I totally feel you when watching you listening to Carpenters for the first time. In 1975 I was 6 years old , alone in our farm when for fun I played a dusted vinyl that had only one song each side and Only Yesterday was one of them. From that day on at 6yo my ears felt like I had found gold. I played that vinyl forever.. You are Carpenters fan, I am already your fan for that. ..cheers.
The Carpenters have so many hits to choose from. One of my favorites has always been For All We Know. It is also not Christmas without Carpenters Christmas music.
Glad you enjoyed. I remember as a 17-year-old I remember waiting for 2 years for a new album. This was i think the first single. Now I am 66 and still love them this song and all their music. Please listen to Goodbye to Love. What you heard in this song was a fuzz guitar solo by the late Tony Peluso. It was introduced here by Tony and it was Richard's idea. It was also the first time it was done. Not only was hers the best voice ever Richard was a musical genius as has now been recognized by millions in and out of the industry. A few generations have now come to know them and their work. Thanks for taking the time to look into the past for something GREAT!
Those were castanets you were hearing behind the drums. Richard was a brilliant instrumentalist and did all of their arrangements which he did to showcase Karen's glorious vocals. Check out: Superstar, Song for You, Goodbye to Love, Rainy Days and Mondays, Touch Me when we're Dancing, Merry Christmas, Darling, Close to You, Just look up any of Carpenters Greatest Hits! BTW - they were "Carpenters", not "The Carpenters." I love that you appreciate the absolute GIFT from GOD that was Karen Carpenter's voice.
I am an OLD Carpenters fan, (80) first saw them in a club in 1966 or 67 Karen was around 16 or 17 but even then, you could tell they were going to be big if they got a chance. Herb Alpert the A in A&M records got one of their demo tapes and signed them without asking his partner. He did not try to tell them what to do outside of make music that will sell. Left all the discissions up to Richard. He chose the covers they would do and wrote many of their records did all of the arranging and he or Karen or the two of them together did all the background singing on their albums. If they had signed with one of the big companies who have to control everything the Carpenters would never have gotten where they did without Herb (a terrific writer and band leader and trumpet player) they were able to grow. Anything of the Carpenters you do will be better than anyone else but here are a few suggestions. "Help" "Ticket To Ride" two of the Beatles covers. "Sweet Sweet Smile" "Goodby To Love" the first power ballade. Tony Peluso plays a mean fuzzy guitar "For All We Know" " Top Of The World" "A Song For You" " groupies Superstar" or "Reason To Believe" This copy was on the 5th Dimensions Traveling Sunshine TV special. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kTWeHeM6mZI.html&ab_channel=awhwong
Can any of you Carpenters lover tell me why if the reactor is in Europe and I leave a comment it looks good, but as soon as I leave RU-vid my comment disappears????
Great Reaction Video, Thank You! Not sure if you know but That was Karen playing the Drums! There are several videos with her playing the drums ! A talent lost way to early!
Chase, so glad you liked this. They were written off in the 70s as 'easy listening' or 'elevator music' but the production, as you said, is always amazing on their records. There will never be another voice like Karen's.
What a legacy that heaven sent voice.I 'm still feeling sad that she never ever recorded a duet with her dear friend Olivia Newton John , the other blonde diamond of the '70s.Karen a contralto and Olivia a feathery soprano.What a beautiful vocal contrast would have been.Was always curious on their vocal blending.
Chase I woll say it again, thanks for your reactions. It is soooo awesome to hear you react to the "songs of my life." But ESPECIALLY, please keep this woman's music and persona alive for your generation and beyond. The world needs angels. The world needs Karen Carpenter today in 2023!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Looks as if they're walking thru a beautiful park in Los Angeles. To this day I still love Karen and Richard's smooth, warm and natural blending and layering of voices. No other girl singer has come close to her rich, low contralto range tone. She passed away far too early tragically and suddenly; very young in age in 1982.
The music video was cut to match the length of the 45 single. The album version is 30 sec longer: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_nq1pHY19VE.html
This song was The Carpenters' last top-ten single on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #4 in 1975. Karen is so beautiful in this video! She didn't think so, but Karen was a very pretty lady...
Saw Karen sing and drum in 1972 --it was Magic .Check out the following songs on you tube-Karen's cover of Help (she sings and drums ) ,A Place to Hideaway ,Rainy Days and Mondays the Burt Bacharach Medley (saw her do it in 1972 ) Check out her very best song Trying to get the Feeling Again .
You should try some of their very best: yesterday once more, hurting each other, rainy days and Mondays, ordinary fool, we’ve only just begun… There are so many to choose from.
Karen's voice is mesmerizing, and well supported by her brother. While nothing like the Carpenters if you'd like to check out astonishing contemporary vocals take a look at the phenomenal a cappella group Home Free. For astounding vocalizations see their rendition of "Man of Constant Sorrow", for something fun and up tempo "Can't Stop the Feeling" and something deep their cover of John Mayer's "In The Blood". You really can't go wrong with anything they've created.
Yes, this is the same length as the 45 single version. The album version is 30 sec longer and has an extra chorus verse: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_nq1pHY19VE.html
The Carpenters are the best. Love, love, love them. ❤ “We’ve Only Just Begun” is a lovely wedding song written in 1970. Reflection of the times before couples lived together before marriage.
Please understand this. It is awesome that you are reacting to Karen. But also understand the da 5:12 y I heard she passed I cried. And cried. Never met her but such was the affect she had on so many of us. Made so heartbreaking by the fact that she was a beautiful woman outside...and inside. And world class talent...voice and drums. Here is the crushing fact.. she never saw herself the way we saw her. Also, In her tragic death, she brouhht world wide attention to anorexia. God's angel called back way to soon for us down here in this earthly realm.
Another excellent reaction Chase. I wish there was more feel good music today with positive messages. I feel like we are worrying and depressing our youth with a constant barrage of negativity through media
Actually they only when to college in Long Beach, and never lived on campus. They were both born in New Haven, Connecticut and ultimately moved to Downey, CA when Karen was 13+ & Richard was 16+, soon to be 17.
Like Mark Whitman I had similar Karen Carpenter reaction while driving. Forget which of her songs, but never had similar effect in my life: pull off road and listen. I always had similar reaction to Karen (Richard also very talented) but "back in my day", this was not considered "cool". I wondered if something wrong with me. Thank goodness, so many years later, this generation seems able to appreciate her. I bet Mark Whitman and I had to be closeted about Karen. The first start of any Karen Carpenter always moves me. One I recommend is "Don't cry for me Argentina". Her version is so beautiful.
Many good suggestions in the comments. Nothing sung by Karen is a bad choice. I see you've already reacted to A Song for You (probably my favorite Carpenter's song). I'd suggest starting the hits with Rainy Days and Mondays, Superstar, We've Only Just Begun, or Goodbye to Love. For non-singles, I also love Ordinary Fool and their version of the Eagle's Desperado (Linda Ronstadt also does a great version).
Nice reaction. You should react to some of their early songs that like all of my life and maybe its you . Some of their best songs are the lesser known ones.
Well done you for finding this extraordinarily talented group and probably the finest female vocalist ever recorded. If you want a happy feeling then it’s 1) Top of the World 2) Jambalaya (on the bayou) 3) Yesterday Once More 4) Sing 5) Please Mr Postman If you want to lay on the couch and chill then it’s 1) Solitaire 2) This Masquerade 3) Superstar 4) Rainy Days & Mondays 5) Close to you and if you want to sob your heart out then it’s 1) Make believe it’s your first time 2) Now 3) Look to your dreams 4) One more time 5) I have you Hope this helps you on your Carpenters journey!
Karen played the drums in all of their early 70s practices and arrangements. However, the band was using the drummer of the Wrecking Crew in most official recordings. Notice there's 2 drum kits on the concert stages. The public wanted to see her up front , center on stage. . . Therefore, she played drums on certain choice songs. She opened the doors to female drummers. Amazing talent and in my opinion, a voice that gives me goosebumps even today, has not been surpassed yet .
She played drums or some type of percussion on about the entire album here though. Hal Blaine was already booked, but K&R were rushed to get this album out. So she's playing on most of the album. Wikipedia has some decently accurate info on this. She played some songs on all of their earlier albums from 1969 through this album in 1975. I do wonder how much her disease began to cause her some problems with not having the endurance and stamina anymore either to do
