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Pitch perfect, perfect pitch. There are great singers and legendary singers and then there is Karen Carpenter. Untouchable. We miss you so much Karen. RIP Angel.
Karen Carpenter's voice is the epitome of a true alto. Unlike many singers who strain to hit the lower register, Karen's voice was naturally rich and resonant, effortlessly gliding through those deeper tones without a hint of struggle. Her technique was flawless, and she was wise to stay within her natural range, avoiding anything that might compromise her signature sound. Her voice wasn’t just technically perfect-it was soulful, warm, and incredibly emotive. Karen Carpenter truly set the standard for what an alto voice should be. 💖🎶
She was one of the the first to exploit the proximity effect made possible by the newly developped dynamic response microphone which selectively reinforced lower frequencies. Her longest-lasting effect on music was "every woman a contralto" by showing what could be done with the new technology. If you want to hear some singers who traverse the alto repertoire naturally (there are no alto singers only alto parts), you could consider the English mezzo Janet Baker (Elgar's "Sea Pictures" is a fine choice) or the GOAT assoluta (sorry Callas) Christa Ludwig who left reference-level performances everywhere she went, but perhaps her greatest plunge into the depths of the human soul was her "Der Abscheid" from "Das Lied von der Erde", most notably the Klemperer performance. Those two could reach "the basement" without technological assistance.
She did the scratch track in one take, but rarely was that used for the release. Normally, after the session players went home and Richard had a chance to listen things over she would do one or two more takes and the release would be a splice of them.
The fact that so many people over the years have been moved by Karen's gift shows the impact the sonority of her voice has in our respective psyche. It's exquisite and genuine - almost religious - in that regard. With all the threat and turmoil in the world, her voice offers solace and refuge to those willing to seek it, like a warm consoling hug that dries your eyes and loves you unconditionally.
Karen had great tonal quality, amazing breath control and a haunting quality to her voice but I’ve always thought her greatest attribute as a singer was that she sang “to you” and not “at you” ….she draws you in as a listener, as if she’s singing just to you! Amazing Voice! ❤
When I was a kid, my parents took me to see The Carpenters at our local theater - the show was flawless. They had so many hits that the entire show was a "best of" exercise. I remember seeing a TH-cam video where they were looking at Karen's voice on an oscilloscope and found that she was, quite literally, pitch perfect. She hit the notes with such precision that the presenter was quite shocked that a singer could be that spot-on. The last part of the legacy was her passing much too soon, and bringing light to an illness that, until then, was hardly ever acknowledged. If only we had known more in those days, she could have been making music much, much longer...
This is my favorite Carpenter's song. You're right her breathing technique results in her ability to phrase for emotional impact. Notice the absence of breathing sounds. She seems make best use of the time available to inhale slow enough to not create the gasping sound of others. More study, maybe by you, could determine if she comes to a stopped set position before restarting, so as to be able to start in various ways, glottal, fry and just sound resuming. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Karen is the only singer that has moved me deep in my soul. I enjoy other singers, but not like I do Karen's voice. No one has ever sounded like her or will again. She definitely was a one-of-a-kind.
The ‘superstar’ in this song is Karen, herself. Actually, superstar doesn’t do her justice - she was in a flawless universe of her own. We were, and still are, blessed that she shared the subtlety of heart, the nuance of her soul, and the breadth of her beauty and talent with us mere mortals here on earth.
Beautiful account of Karen’s magic. Carpenters were about the 5th to cover the song. Richard saw Bette Midler sing Groupie on The Tonight Show is what started the ball rolling. This video was a mime to the album track. The album track was the start of the legend of “One Take Karen” as she sang what she thought was a practice vocal. The booth came back with “we got it” instead of let’s do it again. Also Richard writhe the one word change on a napkin for a help to Karen. He didn’t write all the lyrics on a napkin. As for the breath. Most famous is the album track of Goodbye To Love. She sang 26 syllables with chromatics on one breath. Most singers covering the song slow it to breathe. Even Karen live in concert breathed. The album track is the gold. There is one who took the challenge and made it happen. A very rare occurrence. Wonderful analysis, there’s so much more to see, if you look. Karen was once in a century. Joe
Karen had minimal training, one year of vocal lessons at Cal State Long Beach, before her instructor declared there nothing more he could teach her. Her voice was perfect.
Her voice is so soothing and warm and clean. I grew up with her music She and her brother I'm so thankful. she was1 of the reasons I wanted to learn to sing. And play music.🎵💜
Nice!! Haven't seen anyone notice her long breath. Her gorgeous tone, scale work and awesome choice of timing. Barbara Streisand also does this. THIS MASQUERADE 💕 is also a Leon Russell cover and very beautifully done. She is of my top 5 favorite female singers with Barbara Streisand,,, Linda Ronstadt,, Carly Simon and Ann Wilson ❤️ I'll keep a eye and ear out for This MASQUERADE! 😍 Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
The first singIe I ever bought was in 1975 and it was Only Yesterday by the Carpenters, followed by the album Horizon. I actually wore out the B-side of Only Yesterday on my vinyl 45 which was called Happy.
I always loved singing along with her because I'm an alto. However ... of course, I never had a voice like hers, lol. But no one else did or has since. She sounded like no one else! I was just talking to my mom about her and said if she came out today she'd probably be ridiculously overlooked because she didn't do runs or huge belts. I love seeing her here at the forefront. Thanks for bringing her back!
A voice with a very high recognition value. A voice like no other. I grew up listening to the Carpenters' music and was amazed by their voice. She was not only unique as a singer, but also a very good drummer. Unfortunately he died far too early.
Her singing evokes emotion in the listener. And, her pitch accuracy is quite amazing. What's not to love. She's just naturally gifted. Although this was done, originally, by Delaney and Bonnie, the Carpenters' version is, for all intents, the definitive version. I just wonder what, stylistically, she would've gotten into, had she lived.
Every once and a while someone comes along who is a musical standout. We all have lists of who they are. Karen Carpenter is on mine. The song? Heartbreaking, emotional, beautiful...just the perfect song for her to sing. 😢❤
Karen's version of Don't Cry for Me Argentina is my favorite. Her sweet voice gives the song a sad emotion, unlike all the other ladies who sing it as a power ballad. it has over 6 million views here on YT.
She just wanted to be the best musician she could be. She was never interested in being the focal point of the group. I feel that conflict with the fame and attention was the biggest contributor to her personal struggles. Thanks for this Beth.
Simply the best, such a sad loss of a beautiful woman and talent, imagining all the wonderful vocals she would have given us if only she could beat that horrible condition 😢
For the millionth time...Richard and Karen said in interviews: "the money is in the basement," meaning Karen's lower range singing is what draws people in. the song was written by Leon Russell and Bonnir Bramlett.Bonnie wa sof the group Bonnie and Delaney. George Harrison of the Beatles once went on tour with them.
Karen was truly a remarkable singer and musician. You know anorexia nervous is a death sentence and why she thought it was better to leave us like this is something no one can answer except one being. It's just overwhelmingly fervent in every note that emirates from her heart. Miss you Karen.
though karen was a good drummer, the backing band on this original studio recording (yeah, they're miming to it for whatever this filmed performance is) is the famous wrecking crew session musicians - drums played by the legendary hal blaine. fun fact: bonnie bramlet (of delaney & bonnie fame), who co-wrote and performed the original version, is later best known as bonnie from the tv show ROSEANNE. the carpenters did also alter a wee portion of the lyrics to make it more suitable for all ages of listeners lol 😏
Beautiful reaction 👍! A little longer than 5+ minutes would have been nice 🤏. Immediately watched it a second time. It's Karen freakin' Carpenter! Maybe that's the goal of a shorter post. Don't care, it worked. Pure, soulful, melancholy, so many emotions in that voice. Living in her natural lower register gets me. So rare for females. Highlighting her breathe control and adding a snippet of the original version were nice touches. Leon Russell, another of the greats 🤏. She left us too soon. Hope to meet her wherever it is we go when we pass. Lovely vid, Beth ✨!
She was special, and that's for sure .. I was always a fan, but I didn't appreciate her brilliance like she deserved 😔. Thanks, Beth, for pointing out her unique talent...
She was the middle of "middle of the road", perfectly anodyne voice that could take the saddest of lyrics and spit things out sugar-coated puppies and rainbows, bound so closely to the piano keys as to be nearly devoid of expressiveness. There are great singers, legendary singers, and there Karen is among the very good.
The Carpenters made a slight lyrical change which changes the complexion of the story. Karen sings "I can hardly wait to be with you again", where the original lyric was "I can hardly wait to sleep with you again." The song was originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)" for a reason. ;-)
** KAREN CARPENTER STORY is a TV movie for US television in 1989 that was advised by Karen's brother Richard in the writing and scenes for the movie. It's on TH-cam -- The Karen Carpenter Story 1989 Carpenters - Grand Gala Du Disque - Amsterdam 15 February 1974 th-cam.com/video/Fdv61JMV7-c/w-d-xo.html The Carpenters - (They Long To Be) Close To You • TopPop th-cam.com/video/iNXtoTc6BYA/w-d-xo.html The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More • TopPop th-cam.com/video/_CXU6Q4gMeo/w-d-xo.html (THANKS - Dave Strong)
Being old enough to see her entire career, it was shocking to see her physical condition just prior to her death, I had never heard of anorexia or eating disorders then , She clearly was as great of a talent ever to take the stage, Such a great performer and such a sad story
Karen is a memory I will never lose, but there is a new voice very reminiscent of Karen's she a Brit who goes by Harriet and like Karen she is also tall and slim check her out
Wow - Richard Chamberlain (McArthur Park) recorded They Long To Be (Close To You) before the Carpenters. I thought it was an original. If you're checking out Karen's music then look out for Bless The Beasts And The Children as well - gorgeous song. th-cam.com/video/AhR36gV6vW4/w-d-xo.html
You don't have to like the Carpenters' music to appreciate the remarkable purity of Karen's voice. Most of the songs are cheesy but I could listen to her voice all day long. There are a lot of powerhouse vocalists around but none can match Karen, really.
I didn't know how to get a message to you so I put it here. I heard you say in another video that music sometimes took you to different places. To me Ode to Billie Joe by Bobby gentry takes me back to my childhood. It's what the mississippi delta looks like, sounds like, feels like, and smells like. Even if you don't do a video on it , you should hear it.
Please check out her reincarnation, Sally Olson and Ned Mills of The Carpenter Legacy. Uncanny replicas of Karen and Richard in every way: vocally, stage presence, production quality, instrumentally, showmanship! I was floored when I first encountered them and their absolute recreation of the performances by Karen and Richard. And Sally is very personable too and responds to emails! Please search for Sally Olson and listen to their videos. She even sang an incredible rendition of Superstar in Spanish! A real vocal talent of her own! I would like to hear your professional opinion.
Not only do Sally and Ned sound like the Carpenters, but they actually look like them too! However to my amateur ear, they are not "reincarnations" although they are excellent at capturing the Carpenter's spirit, and I look foreward to maybe seeing one of their live shows one day. I do have another candidate for "reincarnation". I believe that Sally and Ned performed at the 55th Anniversary of the Carpenters at AM records in California recently. Another performer at that show was Tori Holub. I would like the followers of this site to give her collaborations with Jim Wilkas, aka Jim Midi Doctor a shot. She is even closer to Karen than Sally, although we will always have a special place in our hearts for Karen.
Beth you know that I am a supporter and happy that you tackled Karen Carpenter. I wanted to say that I am not a fan of your new reaction style where you do not pause the songs to discuss the vocals but postpone all the analysis until the end. I much preferred the way you were doing it before. To me, it’s really the pauses that make up the reaction. I’m sure you wanted to try out something new, but to me it’s not as good. Just some friendly feedback from a fan!
Back in the day, a lot of the young people who listened to the Carpenters were careful not to let anyone know. Teenagers are always desperate to look cool. My cousin, the want to be biker, was almost comically ashamed of their recordings he kept hidden separate from his metal collection.
I love your reactions! Could you react to Lis Avancini's performance of the song Lamento de Israel or Joquebede? She is a 16-year-old Brazilian singer.🇧🇷
PART II 😁 Scanned your channel and not seeing Barbara Streisand?? Official version of A WOMAN IN LOVE 💕💖 is awesome. Also EVERGREEN w/o Chris Kristofferson and MEMORIES!! Also not seeing Carly Simon?? YOUR SO VAIN,,, NOBODY DOES IT BETTER 💕 and COMING AROUND AGAIN are awesome! Noticed a classical list! Not sure if it qualifies buttt THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY done by The Danish National Symphony Orchestra with singer Tuva Semmingsen and another singer I could not find the name of. I'll be watching 🧐☮️
I went back about 3 years back on your videos looking for a reaction to Cynthia Erivo….. I’m so sad I couldn’t find any. I really would like to hear what you have to say about her.
Highlyhighlyhighly recommend listening to the Sonic Youth version. The Carpenters version is probably the better song and has a seriously amazing vocal, because Karen, but Sonic Youth's is just... cooler.😎
@gnostic268 Well, hello rude person. If you didn't like my comment, you know what you could have said? Nothing. But seeing as your mother raised you to be a bad person, i guess here we are.
Greetings Beth, Here is a good example of Karen singing, and playing drums, doing a Bert Bacharach Medley of songs in a 1970 outdoors performance. An overflow of wonderful talent, and vitality. Perhaps you can review this sometime, if not, just take some time to watch, and enjoy for yourself. th-cam.com/video/ECEBexCwGwM/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=RonSEVENTIESMUSIC
K.C. was never a favorite of mine. This song is a for instance, because I loved the original. I decided to watch this because of the 2 Linda Rhonstadt vids you've done recently. And others you've done. I'm still not convinced. Just not my style. Nothing to do with her singing ability. Until recently, I didn't know that she was a drummer. I need to find a vid of her drumming. Any K.C. fan reading this, please give me a recommendation. I just suspect I may be missing something.
Hey do you have other music videos, or just the one? I have done a reaction to one of your videos, and would love to do more, but not sure where to find them if any. And I believe i did get permission right?
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❤beautiful voice Beth
The only voice that can soothe your soul and break your heart at the same time!
OMG!
She has the sweetest voice I've ever heard in my entire life!
After all the years since her passing, for me, Karen is still the most expressive and technically proficient vocalist there has ever been.
Concordo com você.
The richest, smoothest, clearest most angelic voice of all time.
Concordo com você.
Pitch perfect, perfect pitch. There are great singers and legendary singers and then there is Karen Carpenter. Untouchable. We miss you so much Karen. RIP Angel.
Karen Carpenter's voice is the epitome of a true alto. Unlike many singers who strain to hit the lower register, Karen's voice was naturally rich and resonant, effortlessly gliding through those deeper tones without a hint of struggle. Her technique was flawless, and she was wise to stay within her natural range, avoiding anything that might compromise her signature sound. Her voice wasn’t just technically perfect-it was soulful, warm, and incredibly emotive. Karen Carpenter truly set the standard for what an alto voice should be. 💖🎶
She was one of the the first to exploit the proximity effect made possible by the newly developped dynamic response microphone which selectively reinforced lower frequencies. Her longest-lasting effect on music was "every woman a contralto" by showing what could be done with the new technology. If you want to hear some singers who traverse the alto repertoire naturally (there are no alto singers only alto parts), you could consider the English mezzo Janet Baker (Elgar's "Sea Pictures" is a fine choice) or the GOAT assoluta (sorry Callas) Christa Ludwig who left reference-level performances everywhere she went, but perhaps her greatest plunge into the depths of the human soul was her "Der Abscheid" from "Das Lied von der Erde", most notably the Klemperer performance. Those two could reach "the basement" without technological assistance.
The most perfect voice of all time. Gone way too soon. RIP Karen 😢💔
Rumor is that she nailed every song in the studio in one take. If that's true, that's incredible!
She did the scratch track in one take, but rarely was that used for the release. Normally, after the session players went home and Richard had a chance to listen things over she would do one or two more takes and the release would be a splice of them.
And what an amazing drummer As well
The fact that so many people over the years have been moved by Karen's gift shows the impact the sonority of her voice has in our respective psyche. It's exquisite and genuine - almost religious - in that regard. With all the threat and turmoil in the world, her voice offers solace and refuge to those willing to seek it, like a warm consoling hug that dries your eyes and loves you unconditionally.
her voice and how she used it is LITERALLY therapy for the soul....
Always brings me to tears...it's the emotion, nothing forced, totally natural. You totally feel what she is singing about.
Karen had great tonal quality, amazing breath control and a haunting quality to her voice but I’ve always thought her greatest attribute as a singer was that she sang “to you” and not “at you” ….she draws you in as a listener, as if she’s singing just to you! Amazing Voice! ❤
When I was a kid, my parents took me to see The Carpenters at our local theater - the show was flawless. They had so many hits that the entire show was a "best of" exercise.
I remember seeing a TH-cam video where they were looking at Karen's voice on an oscilloscope and found that she was, quite literally, pitch perfect. She hit the notes with such precision that the presenter was quite shocked that a singer could be that spot-on.
The last part of the legacy was her passing much too soon, and bringing light to an illness that, until then, was hardly ever acknowledged. If only we had known more in those days, she could have been making music much, much longer...
Sounds like something Wings of Pegasus might have done.
Karen was an excellent drummer as well and used to sing while she played them.
This is my favorite Carpenter's song. You're right her breathing technique results in her ability to phrase for emotional impact. Notice the absence of breathing sounds. She seems make best use of the time available to inhale slow enough to not create the gasping sound of others. More study, maybe by you, could determine if she comes to a stopped set position before restarting, so as to be able to start in various ways, glottal, fry and just sound resuming. Thanks and Happy New Year!
Karen is the only singer that has moved me deep in my soul. I enjoy other singers, but not like I do Karen's voice. No one has ever sounded like her or will again. She definitely was a one-of-a-kind.
The clearest female voice I've ever heard
What a voice! Her greatest ability, I think, was her vulnerability. So much pathos!
The ‘superstar’ in this song is Karen, herself. Actually, superstar doesn’t do her justice - she was in a flawless universe of her own. We were, and still are, blessed that she shared the subtlety of heart, the nuance of her soul, and the breadth of her beauty and talent with us mere mortals here on earth.
The versatility, power and perfection of her voice are all the more incredible when you consider how anorexia was affecting her health.
Those drums that are special and spot on? The incredible Hal Blaine, of course.
Beautiful account of Karen’s magic. Carpenters were about the 5th to cover the song. Richard saw Bette Midler sing Groupie on The Tonight Show is what started the ball rolling. This video was a mime to the album track. The album track was the start of the legend of “One Take Karen” as she sang what she thought was a practice vocal. The booth came back with “we got it” instead of let’s do it again. Also Richard writhe the one word change on a napkin for a help to Karen. He didn’t write all the lyrics on a napkin.
As for the breath. Most famous is the album track of Goodbye To Love. She sang 26 syllables with chromatics on one breath. Most singers covering the song slow it to breathe. Even Karen live in concert breathed. The album track is the gold. There is one who took the challenge and made it happen. A very rare occurrence.
Wonderful analysis, there’s so much more to see, if you look. Karen was once in a century.
Joe
Hi Joe.
She had a voice that expressed sadness in addition to the emotion intended in the song. It was beautiful.
Stunning, I've always loved her voice. Thank you for taking some time to talk about it.
She touches the inner part of our souls. I am proud to be the 200th to press the Like buttom to Karen Karpenter.
Karen had minimal training, one year of vocal lessons at Cal State Long Beach, before her instructor declared there nothing more he could teach her. Her voice was perfect.
Ouvir Carpenters, é viajar automaticamente na música. Maravilhosa Karen Carpenter, quando canta, toca diretamente na alma da gente, é muito raro isso.
Sonic Youth version is my all time FAV COVER EVER!!
Her voice is so soothing and warm and clean. I grew up with her music She and her brother I'm so thankful. she was1 of the reasons I wanted to learn to sing. And play music.🎵💜
Simply beautiful
Karens voice is insane!!
Nice!! Haven't seen anyone notice her long breath. Her gorgeous tone, scale work and awesome choice of timing. Barbara Streisand also does this. THIS MASQUERADE 💕 is also a Leon Russell cover and very beautifully done. She is of my top 5 favorite female singers with Barbara Streisand,,, Linda Ronstadt,, Carly Simon and Ann Wilson ❤️ I'll keep a eye and ear out for This MASQUERADE! 😍
Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼
The first singIe I ever bought was in 1975 and it was Only Yesterday by the Carpenters, followed by the album Horizon. I actually wore out the B-side of Only Yesterday on my vinyl 45 which was called Happy.
Wonderful voice and talent! 👏🏻 Karen Carpenter is one of those memorable voices that we will miss forever 😢
Thanks for the amazing video, Beth! 🇧🇷
I always loved singing along with her because I'm an alto. However ... of course, I never had a voice like hers, lol. But no one else did or has since. She sounded like no one else! I was just talking to my mom about her and said if she came out today she'd probably be ridiculously overlooked because she didn't do runs or huge belts. I love seeing her here at the forefront. Thanks for bringing her back!
A voice with a very high recognition value. A voice like no other. I grew up listening to the Carpenters' music and was amazed by their voice. She was not only unique as a singer, but also a very good drummer. Unfortunately he died far too early.
Her voice is the smoothest glass of whiskey. It goes do so easily then kicks your ass with its emotion.
Grew up listening to her golden voice ❤
Her singing evokes emotion in the listener. And, her pitch accuracy is quite amazing. What's not to love. She's just naturally gifted. Although this was done, originally, by Delaney and Bonnie, the Carpenters' version is, for all intents, the definitive version. I just wonder what, stylistically, she would've gotten into, had she lived.
My favorite singer. I' m a great fan of her.
I saw her before she passed. One of the greatest live moments in my life ..... period.
Love Karen, no one has been able to get that rich honey tone since.
And does anyone else have a mad crush on Beth??? 😊
Every once and a while someone comes along who is a musical standout. We all have lists of who they are. Karen Carpenter is on mine. The song? Heartbreaking, emotional, beautiful...just the perfect song for her to sing. 😢❤
Karen's version of Don't Cry for Me Argentina is my favorite. Her sweet voice gives the song a sad emotion, unlike all the other ladies who sing it as a power ballad. it has over 6 million views here on YT.
Sou um grande fã da Karen , na minha sincera opinião ela ainda é a maior cantora do mundo, ela sempre será a minha cantora predileta .
This is my favorite Carpenter"s song. Second is "Goodbye to Love." Alas, we lost her way too young to the ravages of anorexia. R.I.P. Karen.
Check out Tori Holub especially her collaborations with “Jim the MIDI Doctor”
Two voices that are simply ear candy & that I never tire of hearing - Karen & Judith Durham (from the Aussie 60's folk group - The Seekers)
Nobody does it better than Karen Carpenter that’s for sure, see what I did there lol
She just wanted to be the best musician she could be. She was never interested in being the focal point of the group. I feel that conflict with the fame and attention was the biggest contributor to her personal struggles.
Thanks for this Beth.
Leon Russell is from my hometown Tulsa Oklahoma 😊
You have found excellency of reacting to music videos. Congrats!!
Love this song
Karen Carpenters, la mejor voz femenina dulce y potente que escuche en mí vida!!!
Simply the best, such a sad loss of a beautiful woman and talent, imagining all the wonderful vocals she would have given us if only she could beat that horrible condition 😢
No, Karen Carpenter did not write her own songs, but she did sing lead vocals for the duo The Carpenters, along with her brother Richard.
For the millionth time...Richard and Karen said in interviews: "the money is in the basement," meaning Karen's lower range singing is what draws people in. the song was written by Leon Russell and Bonnir Bramlett.Bonnie wa sof the group Bonnie and Delaney. George Harrison of the Beatles once went on tour with them.
Derek and the Dominos (Eric Clapton's early 1970s band) was made up of Delaney and Bonnie's musicians, iirc.
What a dreamy voice! 😍
Karen was truly a remarkable singer and musician. You know anorexia nervous is a death sentence and why she thought it was better to leave us like this is something no one can answer except one being. It's just overwhelmingly fervent in every note that emirates from her heart. Miss you Karen.
though karen was a good drummer, the backing band on this original studio recording (yeah, they're miming to it for whatever this filmed performance is) is the famous wrecking crew session musicians - drums played by the legendary hal blaine.
fun fact: bonnie bramlet (of delaney & bonnie fame), who co-wrote and performed the original version, is later best known as bonnie from the tv show ROSEANNE.
the carpenters did also alter a wee portion of the lyrics to make it more suitable for all ages of listeners lol 😏
Beautiful reaction 👍! A little longer than 5+ minutes would have been nice 🤏. Immediately watched it a second time. It's Karen freakin' Carpenter! Maybe that's the goal of a shorter post. Don't care, it worked.
Pure, soulful, melancholy, so many emotions in that voice. Living in her natural lower register gets me. So rare for females.
Highlighting her breathe control and adding a snippet of the original version were nice touches. Leon Russell, another of the greats 🤏.
She left us too soon. Hope to meet her wherever it is we go when we pass.
Lovely vid, Beth ✨!
She was special, and that's for sure .. I was always a fan, but I didn't appreciate her brilliance like she deserved 😔. Thanks, Beth, for pointing out her unique talent...
I wish you a Happy New Year Miss Beth. Love from İstanbul.
Noto una voz muy suave en la cantante me gusta mucho esta banda su canción es hermosa bien Beth 👏👏🍀🍀 mí B y H Prrj ❤
She was the middle of "middle of the road", perfectly anodyne voice that could take the saddest of lyrics and spit things out sugar-coated puppies and rainbows, bound so closely to the piano keys as to be nearly devoid of expressiveness. There are great singers, legendary singers, and there Karen is among the very good.
The Carpenters made a slight lyrical change which changes the complexion of the story. Karen sings "I can hardly wait to be with you again", where the original lyric was "I can hardly wait to sleep with you again." The song was originally titled "Groupie (Superstar)" for a reason. ;-)
All time best voice in pop music. Her life being cut short is one of the biggest losses of music.
** KAREN CARPENTER STORY is a TV movie for US television in 1989 that was advised by Karen's brother Richard in the writing and scenes for the movie. It's on TH-cam -- The Karen Carpenter Story 1989
Carpenters - Grand Gala Du Disque - Amsterdam 15 February 1974
th-cam.com/video/Fdv61JMV7-c/w-d-xo.html
The Carpenters - (They Long To Be) Close To You • TopPop
th-cam.com/video/iNXtoTc6BYA/w-d-xo.html
The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More • TopPop
th-cam.com/video/_CXU6Q4gMeo/w-d-xo.html
(THANKS - Dave Strong)
I love learnt everiday a few more, thankkkkkkkkkkkkkkk u
There is NO ONE that sings today that can sing like Karen Carpenter and NEVER will.
I'm always lost for words when I hear her sing. I just don't know what to say. It's absurd
Could you react to The Warning live, I think you would like it ❤
Being old enough to see her entire career, it was shocking to see her physical condition just prior to her death,
I had never heard of anorexia or eating disorders then ,
She clearly was as great of a talent ever to take the stage,
Such a great performer and such a sad story
sadly they don’t make singers like Karen anymore R I P⚛❤
Karen is a memory I will never lose, but there is a new voice very reminiscent of Karen's she a Brit who goes by Harriet and like Karen she is also tall and slim check her out
Karen wasnt tall.
Have you taken a dive into Karen's singing reincarnation, Tori Holub ???
Wow - Richard Chamberlain (McArthur Park) recorded They Long To Be (Close To You) before the Carpenters. I thought it was an original.
If you're checking out Karen's music then look out for Bless The Beasts And The Children as well - gorgeous song.
th-cam.com/video/AhR36gV6vW4/w-d-xo.html
You don't have to like the Carpenters' music to appreciate the remarkable purity of Karen's voice. Most of the songs are cheesy but I could listen to her voice all day long. There are a lot of powerhouse vocalists around but none can match Karen, really.
It’s actually a cover they changed the name from Groupie to Superstar and changed one word
I didn't know how to get a message to you so I put it here. I heard you say in another video that music sometimes took you to different places. To me Ode to Billie Joe by Bobby gentry takes me back to my childhood. It's what the mississippi delta looks like, sounds like, feels like, and smells like. Even if you don't do a video on it , you should hear it.
Please check out her reincarnation, Sally Olson and Ned Mills of The Carpenter Legacy.
Uncanny replicas of Karen and Richard in every way: vocally, stage presence, production quality, instrumentally, showmanship!
I was floored when I first encountered them and their absolute recreation of the performances by Karen and Richard. And Sally is very personable too and responds to emails!
Please search for Sally Olson and listen to their videos. She even sang an incredible rendition of Superstar in Spanish! A real vocal talent of her own!
I would like to hear your professional opinion.
Not only do Sally and Ned sound like the Carpenters, but they actually look like them too! However to my amateur ear, they are not "reincarnations" although they are excellent at capturing the Carpenter's spirit, and I look foreward to maybe seeing one of their live shows one day. I do have another candidate for "reincarnation". I believe that Sally and Ned performed at the 55th Anniversary of the Carpenters at AM records in California recently. Another performer at that show was Tori Holub. I would like the followers of this site to give her collaborations with Jim Wilkas, aka Jim Midi Doctor a shot. She is even closer to Karen than Sally, although we will always have a special place in our hearts for Karen.
Have you tried the Sonic Youth version of Superstar?
and God said, "I send my child Karen to sing for you . . . . . . . . . "
Beth you know that I am a supporter and happy that you tackled Karen Carpenter. I wanted to say that I am not a fan of your new reaction style where you do not pause the songs to discuss the vocals but postpone all the analysis until the end. I much preferred the way you were doing it before. To me, it’s really the pauses that make up the reaction. I’m sure you wanted to try out something new, but to me it’s not as good. Just some friendly feedback from a fan!
Thanks David. Just trying a few things out to see what works :) The feedback is very helpful.
@@BethRoars cheers! ❤
Agree
Back in the day, a lot of the young people who listened to the Carpenters were careful not to let anyone know. Teenagers are always desperate to look cool. My cousin, the want to be biker, was almost comically ashamed of their recordings he kept hidden separate from his metal collection.
I love your reactions! Could you react to Lis Avancini's performance of the song Lamento de Israel or Joquebede? She is a 16-year-old Brazilian singer.🇧🇷
PART II 😁 Scanned your channel and not seeing Barbara Streisand?? Official version of A WOMAN IN LOVE 💕💖 is awesome. Also EVERGREEN w/o Chris Kristofferson and MEMORIES!! Also not seeing Carly Simon?? YOUR SO VAIN,,, NOBODY DOES IT BETTER 💕 and COMING AROUND AGAIN are awesome! Noticed a classical list! Not sure if it qualifies buttt THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY done by The Danish National Symphony Orchestra with singer Tuva Semmingsen and another singer I could not find the name of. I'll be watching 🧐☮️
I went back about 3 years back on your videos looking for a reaction to Cynthia Erivo….. I’m so sad I couldn’t find any. I really would like to hear what you have to say about her.
Kadi - Cold Race. Reaction ❤❤
“Good things Go” by Linkin Park please!!
Highlyhighlyhighly recommend listening to the Sonic Youth version. The Carpenters version is probably the better song and has a seriously amazing vocal, because Karen, but Sonic Youth's is just... cooler.😎
No
Ugh. Not even comparable. Sonic Youth has never been cool. Omg 🤣
@gnostic268 Well, hello rude person. If you didn't like my comment, you know what you could have said? Nothing. But seeing as your mother raised you to be a bad person, i guess here we are.
@@gnostic268 right. Even mentioning them and comparing them to Karen should be illegal
@@inspectre27 sorry you cant handle the truth lol 😂
And just think .. this was her side gig
Love KC, absolutely, but why play the games with "leave a comment" and "wait 'til the end of the video"?
Beth darling can you react/analyze any song from @Dan-Vasc?
Thank you!
I just recorded something for the new year so keep an eye out!
react to live version of MARILAG by Dionela cozy cove, ill bet this version makes you go crazy! ✌️
Her voice is like silk! Such a talented singer!
Greetings Beth,
Here is a good example of Karen singing, and playing drums, doing a Bert Bacharach Medley of songs in a 1970 outdoors performance.
An overflow of wonderful talent, and vitality.
Perhaps you can review this sometime, if not, just take some time to watch, and enjoy for yourself.
th-cam.com/video/ECEBexCwGwM/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=RonSEVENTIESMUSIC
K.C. was never a favorite of mine. This song is a for instance, because I loved the original. I decided to watch this because of the 2 Linda Rhonstadt vids you've done recently. And others you've done. I'm still not convinced. Just not my style. Nothing to do with her singing ability. Until recently, I didn't know that she was a drummer. I need to find a vid of her drumming. Any K.C. fan reading this, please give me a recommendation. I just suspect I may be missing something.
Hey do you have other music videos, or just the one? I have done a reaction to one of your videos, and would love to do more, but not sure where to find them if any. And I believe i did get permission right?