Singles 1969-1981

Singles 1969-1981

by Carpenters

Overview

Although the Carpenters were once derided by critics for their tuneful-but- funkless songs, this hit-happy collection of '70s chart-toppers provides ample proof that the duo's work was more pop than corn. Their secret? Richard Carpenter recognized the value of top songwriters and industrial-strength melodies. He also took care to highlight the squeaky-clean vocals of his sister, Karen, using dramatic arrangements to sharpen the hooks on low-key lounge classics, (Bacharach-David's "Close To You,") and to beef up the choruses on more upbeat numbers. Viewed with 20/20 hindsight, some of the late Ms. Carpenter's songs now seem more poignant than when she recorded them -- especially "Superstar," with its tale of spurned love, and "Hurting Each Other." Thanks to arrangements that bounce like a Superball, the sunny "Top of the World" and "Sing" still sound fresh; their charming sing-along melodies boost lyrics that might have sounded trite in the hands of lesser talent.

Product Details

Release Date: 05/23/2000
Label: Interscope Records
UPC: 0606949045623
catalogNumber: 490456
Rank: 11260

Tracks

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Carpenters   Primary Artist
Buddy Emmons   Pedal Steel Guitar
Tom Scott   Recorder,Tenor Saxophone
Richard Carpenter   Keyboards,Background Vocals
Hal Blaine   Drums
Karen Carpenter   Background Vocals
Gary Coleman   Timpani
Carolyn Dennis   Background Vocals
Earl Dumler   English Horn,Oboe,Recorder
Chuck Findley   Trumpet
Jay Dee Maness   Pedal Steel Guitar
Timothy May   Guitar
Bob Messenger   Flute,Tenor Saxophone
Tommy Morgan   Harmonica
Tony Peluso   Guitar,Electric Guitar
Doug Strawn   Baritone Saxophone
Ron Tutt   Drums
Maxine Willard Waters   Background Vocals
Carlena Williams   Background Vocals
O.K. Chorale   Background Vocals
Larrie Londin   Drums
Joe Osborn   Bass
David Duke   French Horn

Technical Credits

James Griffin   Composer
Richard Carpenter   Arranger,Composer,Producer,Vocal Arrangements,Remixing
Marvin Hamlisch   Arranger
Don Addrisi   Composer
Ken Bell   Composer
John Bettis   Composer
Karen Carpenter   Producer
Jack Daugherty   Producer
Ray Gerhardt   Engineer
Brian Holland   Composer
Fred Karlin   Composer
Paul Riser   Arranger
Paul Williams   Composer
Roger Young   Engineer,Remixing
Paul Grein   Liner Notes
Dick Addrisi   Composer
Georgia Dobbins   Composer
Richard Bogert   Engineer
William Garrett   Composer
Robert Bateman   Composer
Roger Nichols   Composer
R. Wilson   Composer
Freddie Gorman   Composer

Customer Reviews

Average Review

Write a Review

Share This Item

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

See All Customer Reviews

Singles 1969-1981 5 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 4 reviews.
Guest More than 1 year ago
I can remember driving to high school in a VW bug (sitting in the back-seat) listening to the Carpenters. We cruised the hills and rivers of northeast Ohio so we could prolong the time before school started. Of course the Carpenters were considered to be AM radio, bubble-gum sort of music in the midst of the other music hitting the airwaves at that time. In spite of this description, nobody could deny that Karen Carpenter's voice was haunting because of its abilty, but also because of its beautiful sadness that in some way (after the fact) foretold the future for Karen. In music, I mourned the deaths of John Lennon, and Karen Carpenter within a few years of each other. Both of these artists meant a lot to me. Anybody interested in exploring the music of this era should listen to at least one Carpenters CD.
CatL More than 1 year ago
Had been wanting to purchase these songs for a long time, and now that I've got them, am really enjoying them. They take me back to when I was in Elementary School and we selected a couple of their songs to sing for our parents. Tunes run the gamut from sad to happy, and are really catchy. Am so glad I was able to get the cd and can now sing along with The Carpenters.
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
Anonymous More than 1 year ago