Chris! I have a question. Richard recorded You’ll never know, and actually you can find it (with awful quality…) I think he sounds AMAZING THERE, could you suggest him to releasing it! I think he really sounds great! ❤️
Excellent explanation and demonstration of Rich and Karen's recording techniques, as well as some of the 'hidden' songs that may or may not make it to the fans one day. As a fan from 1970, I have ingested pretty much everything Carpenters that has ever been out there in one format or another. You, however, are getting into the aspect of their lives that has always fascinated me the most: Their recording experiences and the nuances of their sound broken down in detail. THANK YOU for that Chris! I love the book that you three men released in December and I have it on my office desk for guests to borrow ( I run a small RV park) so I can continue to spread the Carpenters legacy as long as I can. Keep up these Q and A's, it's deeply appreciated!
Hi Chris, I'm a Carpenters fan from Amsterdam, The Netherlands and came across your channel. So great to see you talk about Richard, Karen and their work with such passion and joy. I am a pianist myself as well and can really find myself in the way you analyse their music, it's really inspiring. I didn't grow up with their music but discovered it only in recent years and have been pretty obsessed ever since. I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel to learn more, it makes their history and legacy even more vivid and interesting. Unfortunately the book is pretty hard to get my hands on here in The Netherlands but hoping to find it somewhere soon.
I love how you analyzed the harmony stacks on “We’ve Only Just Begun”! The summer of 1970 I was a 13 year old contralto and heard Karen Carpenter’s music…I immediately began singing with all the Carpenter’s music and at 66 years old I still sing their music!
Very interesting demonstration of how they built up the harmonies. I would love to hear a Carpenters `unplugged` album. Just Richard on piano and harmonies and Karen on lead vocal. Sounds like the raw tracks are still available to pull it off. It would be big hit.
Hi, I heard the original master tapes of the CARPENTERS were destroyed in the UNIVERSAL VAULT FIRE. I HOPE SOMEONE comments on that situation. Thank You!
Good idea, but far better would be the elimination of the double-tracking by Karen on her LEAD vocals on every song where this unnecessary & unjustifiable recording technique was used - this did absolutely nothing to enhance her beautiful, natural voice and only served to artificially distort her amazing vocal tone...still a big mystery why anyone ever thought this was a good idea, and a bigger mystery why she didn't strongly object to its use...
@@TheLarryBrown she should have, and could have, easily - she had the million dollar voice & the adoration of all their fans & she was the money maker - in other words, she held all the power and could have had it any way she wanted it - she didn't have the sense or the courage to stand up for herself...
Karen would've liked Chris very much & the new book believe me. As many of you know, Chris's interviews are flawless & he has done his homework. Just a real great likable guy.
Hello Chris! When will the big format Carpenters photo album be released? As a fan I need this so much. And one more question. Why is so little mention of all the musicians when talking about the history of the Carpenters group? Greetings from Poland!
**NOTE: One inaccuracy I discovered when listening back to this, is my reference to "What are You Doing for Love." I meant to say that it was recorded for the "A Song for You" album and not the "Tan" album. The rest of what was stated related to the song is correct-in that, given the "Tan" album tracks were rather short in all, Richard didn't want to continue that trend moving forward, so the recording was never completed.
I'd love to see an episode about Horizon, my favorite Carpenters record, to me it is just immaculate... I was surprised to discover that Richard hates the synths on Happy (and synths in general). To me it's a perfect record, so sophisticated... Thanks for keeping the legacy of the Carpenters alive!
Even though I'm a synth guy, I have to agree with him on that point. I've never heard him say he "hated" it, but I have heard him say that he "regretted" synth on most any track where he used it. That analog synth sound has not aged well and was overused at the time, and just can't hold a candle to the glorious sound of musical instruments like oboe, flute, sax, and string orchestra.
Chris, were the individual vocal takes recorded with discreet reverb or was the entire stack treated as a single track with effects added in mixing? When Michael Jackson recorded overdubs he would use added distance with the mic to create a spatial effect with each dub. It created a terrific dimensional sound. I realize plug in effects were not around then so these were recorded dry vs wet in the room.
Putting effects on tracks is strictly avoided. That's because it can't be undone later. Instead, effects are done at mixdown time, but even then it doesn't have to be the mixed "stack" like you are thinking. With later 24 track technology each vocal track is available for individual effects. Early on when they were using 8 track or 16 track they may have had to put effects on stacked vocals.
Chris, I saw a publicity photo of the Carpenters standing next to a 1972 Ford Econoline van with their name painted on the side. What ever happened to it? How would I go about getting a copy of it signed by Richard? I would be very greatful for any info.
Chris, thanks for all your amazing insights. Wow!! See you at 50th. Looking forward to meeting you again at the 55th. Interested about ‘Thank You For Music’. KC loved Abba didnt she? I do too lol. Have you ever heard ABBA’s Dorris Day version of it. Now that arrangement would have been superb for Karen. I prefer that version too. Try look it up. 😁 I sent link here. 👉ua-cam.com/video/B3ukXtO4spw/v-deo.html
Why did Richard allow the clarinet to be so out of tune on We’ve only just begun? It hurts my ears! Much nicer on the Philharmonic re-recording. Thanks.
Wow, Chris...I just found you today. Wonderful explanation and demonstration. Fascinating how they requested the previously recorded vocals be muted as they did the next layer. That means their guide, on every take, was their ears and mind to get the phrasing just right. I'm now addicted to your channel. You have such an intimate knowledge of the subject and are willing to sharing your insights with us. Thank you.
I also was surprised to hear Richard say that, but now analyzing more closely what Richard said it makes sense. He said that both he and Karen found it disconcerting to hear their previous takes playing in their headphones while they were tracking. Assuming he meant that they would be hearing one note while singing another, that makes some sense because it's challenging to sing something while you're hearing something else. Now if they are doubling or tripling a part, meaning they will be singing the exact same thing they sang already, yes it's still surprising. Another part of what Richard said was "If we sing it perfectly, it will blend." What I get from that is they were working from sheet music. They had the parts written out, with notes indicating the rhythm. So if their timing is good, and of course it is, then they can just sing the whole note and stop on time and it will be right.
Hi Chris, I am still enjoying your fabulous book and have it next to me for reference each time I put the Carpenters on. May I ask you a couple of questions, please? I am in the UK and I have just started to add the Remastered Classics to my collection. The thing is, a lot of the CDs I have seen have “Digitally Remastered” on the spine. Do these have the exact same original mixes as the “Remastered Classics” versions that is printed on the 1998 reissues? I have today received the A Song For You and Tan CDs with “Digitally Remastered” printed on the spine and there is quite a lot of distortion, especially on Crystal Lullaby & Rainy Days and Mondays. Also, “Carepenters” is not mis-spelt on the Tan Album CD as it is on the Remastered Classics version. As long as I have the original mixes then I am happy but I cannot see that Richard would allow their release with distortion that wasn’t on the original LP versions. Thank you for your time and help. All the best.
I believe those are the same masters used as on the Remastered Classics, yes. As for the distortion you mention, I'd have to go back to the RM versions of both albums you mention to see if this was an issue there as well. I don't believe so, however. If it's an issue, I'd suggest tracking down the RM versions of both albums. :)
Hi Chris, I have two copies of your amazing Musical Legacy book, one signed, and one that I use all the time when listening to the Carpenters albums. Can you tell me why the 1989 Compact Disc Collection isn’t mentioned? My copy is still in perfect condition in its original 12x12 white box. Thank you.
Hi Jim! We didn't include it because I believe it failed to include solely original album mixes throughout, but instead included a number of remixes on a number of the earlier albums. It still holds a higher value because it is hard to track down, but the 30th, 35th and 40th Anniversary sets were intentionally packaged to recreate the albums in their original form.
Chris! I have a question. Richard recorded You’ll never know, and actually you can find it (with awful quality…) I think he sounds AMAZING THERE, could you suggest him to releasing it! I think he really sounds great! ❤️
Excellent explanation and demonstration of Rich and Karen's recording techniques, as well as some of the 'hidden' songs that may or may not make it to the fans one day. As a fan from 1970, I have ingested pretty much everything Carpenters that has ever been out there in one format or another. You, however, are getting into the aspect of their lives that has always fascinated me the most: Their recording experiences and the nuances of their sound broken down in detail. THANK YOU for that Chris! I love the book that you three men released in December and I have it on my office desk for guests to borrow ( I run a small RV park) so I can continue to spread the Carpenters legacy as long as I can. Keep up these Q and A's, it's deeply appreciated!
Hi Chris, I'm a Carpenters fan from Amsterdam, The Netherlands and came across your channel. So great to see you talk about Richard, Karen and their work with such passion and joy. I am a pianist myself as well and can really find myself in the way you analyse their music, it's really inspiring. I didn't grow up with their music but discovered it only in recent years and have been pretty obsessed ever since. I'm glad I stumbled upon your channel to learn more, it makes their history and legacy even more vivid and interesting. Unfortunately the book is pretty hard to get my hands on here in The Netherlands but hoping to find it somewhere soon.
These Q&A's are fascinating and much appreciated. Many thanks.
Brilliant notes Chris - wet!
I love how you analyzed the harmony stacks on “We’ve Only Just Begun”! The summer of 1970 I was a 13 year old contralto and heard Karen Carpenter’s music…I immediately began singing with all the Carpenter’s music and at 66 years old I still sing their music!
Very interesting demonstration of how they built up the harmonies. I would love to hear a Carpenters `unplugged` album. Just Richard on piano and harmonies and Karen on lead vocal. Sounds like the raw tracks are still available to pull it off. It would be big hit.
Hi, I heard the original master tapes of the CARPENTERS were destroyed in the UNIVERSAL VAULT FIRE. I HOPE SOMEONE comments on that situation.
Thank You!
Good idea, but far better would be the elimination of the double-tracking by Karen on her LEAD vocals on every song where this unnecessary & unjustifiable recording technique was used - this did absolutely nothing to enhance her beautiful, natural voice and only served to artificially distort her amazing vocal tone...still a big mystery why anyone ever thought this was a good idea, and a bigger mystery why she didn't strongly object to its use...
@@johnb.2518Well that part of it is easy to answer. She would never oppose Richard in any of his producing decisions.
@@TheLarryBrown she should have, and could have, easily - she had the million dollar voice & the adoration of all their fans & she was the money maker - in other words, she held all the power and could have had it any way she wanted it - she didn't have the sense or the courage to stand up for herself...
Id love to hear unreleased!!! So excited at least he is considering! ❤️
Oh my I would love to hear their version of Thank You For The Music. 🙏
Karen would've liked Chris very much & the new book believe me. As many of you know, Chris's interviews are flawless & he has done his homework. Just a real great likable guy.
Hello Chris! When will the big format Carpenters photo album be released? As a fan I need this so much. And one more question. Why is so little mention of all the musicians when talking about the history of the Carpenters group? Greetings from Poland!
It's exactly what Michael Jackson did.
**NOTE: One inaccuracy I discovered when listening back to this, is my reference to "What are You Doing for Love." I meant to say that it was recorded for the "A Song for You" album and not the "Tan" album. The rest of what was stated related to the song is correct-in that, given the "Tan" album tracks were rather short in all, Richard didn't want to continue that trend moving forward, so the recording was never completed.
I'd love to see an episode about Horizon, my favorite Carpenters record, to me it is just immaculate... I was surprised to discover that Richard hates the synths on Happy (and synths in general). To me it's a perfect record, so sophisticated... Thanks for keeping the legacy of the Carpenters alive!
Even though I'm a synth guy, I have to agree with him on that point. I've never heard him say he "hated" it, but I have heard him say that he "regretted" synth on most any track where he used it. That analog synth sound has not aged well and was overused at the time, and just can't hold a candle to the glorious sound of musical instruments like oboe, flute, sax, and string orchestra.
Absolutely brilliant again Chris. Just excellent.
Chris, were the individual vocal takes recorded with discreet reverb or was the entire stack treated as a single track with effects added in mixing? When Michael Jackson recorded overdubs he would use added distance with the mic to create a spatial effect with each dub. It created a terrific dimensional sound. I realize plug in effects were not around then so these were recorded dry vs wet in the room.
Putting effects on tracks is strictly avoided. That's because it can't be undone later. Instead, effects are done at mixdown time, but even then it doesn't have to be the mixed "stack" like you are thinking. With later 24 track technology each vocal track is available for individual effects. Early on when they were using 8 track or 16 track they may have had to put effects on stacked vocals.
Chris, I saw a publicity photo of the Carpenters standing next to a 1972 Ford Econoline van with their name painted on the side. What ever happened to it? How would I go about getting a copy of it signed by Richard? I would be very greatful for any info.
Chris, thanks for all your amazing insights. Wow!! See you at 50th. Looking forward to meeting you again at the 55th. Interested about ‘Thank You For Music’. KC loved Abba didnt she? I do too lol. Have you ever heard ABBA’s Dorris Day version of it. Now that arrangement would have been superb for Karen. I prefer that version too. Try look it up. 😁 I sent link here.
👉ua-cam.com/video/B3ukXtO4spw/v-deo.html
Why did Richard allow the clarinet to be so out of tune on We’ve only just begun? It hurts my ears! Much nicer on the Philharmonic re-recording. Thanks.
Wow, Chris...I just found you today. Wonderful explanation and demonstration. Fascinating how they requested the previously recorded vocals be muted as they did the next layer. That means their guide, on every take, was their ears and mind to get the phrasing just right. I'm now addicted to your channel. You have such an intimate knowledge of the subject and are willing to sharing your insights with us. Thank you.
I also was surprised to hear Richard say that, but now analyzing more closely what Richard said it makes sense. He said that both he and Karen found it disconcerting to hear their previous takes playing in their headphones while they were tracking. Assuming he meant that they would be hearing one note while singing another, that makes some sense because it's challenging to sing something while you're hearing something else. Now if they are doubling or tripling a part, meaning they will be singing the exact same thing they sang already, yes it's still surprising. Another part of what Richard said was "If we sing it perfectly, it will blend." What I get from that is they were working from sheet music. They had the parts written out, with notes indicating the rhythm. So if their timing is good, and of course it is, then they can just sing the whole note and stop on time and it will be right.
Hi Chris, I am still enjoying your fabulous book and have it next to me for reference each time I put the Carpenters on.
May I ask you a couple of questions, please?
I am in the UK and I have just started to add the Remastered Classics to my collection. The thing is, a lot of the CDs I have seen have “Digitally Remastered” on the spine. Do these have the exact same original mixes as the “Remastered Classics” versions that is printed on the 1998 reissues? I have today received the A Song For You and Tan CDs with “Digitally Remastered” printed on the spine and there is quite a lot of distortion, especially on Crystal Lullaby & Rainy Days and Mondays. Also,
“Carepenters” is not mis-spelt on the Tan Album CD as it is on the Remastered Classics version.
As long as I have the original mixes then I am happy but I cannot see that Richard would allow their release with distortion that wasn’t on the original LP versions.
Thank you for your time and help. All the best.
I believe those are the same masters used as on the Remastered Classics, yes. As for the distortion you mention, I'd have to go back to the RM versions of both albums you mention to see if this was an issue there as well. I don't believe so, however. If it's an issue, I'd suggest tracking down the RM versions of both albums. :)
Hi Chris, I have two copies of your amazing Musical Legacy book, one signed, and one that I use all the time when listening to the Carpenters albums. Can you tell me why the 1989 Compact Disc Collection isn’t mentioned? My copy is still in perfect condition in its original 12x12 white box. Thank you.
Hi Jim! We didn't include it because I believe it failed to include solely original album mixes throughout, but instead included a number of remixes on a number of the earlier albums. It still holds a higher value because it is hard to track down, but the 30th, 35th and 40th Anniversary sets were intentionally packaged to recreate the albums in their original form.
And thank you (by the way) for your kind words on the book! It was a labor of love for all three of us, as you can imagine!
@@chrismay7094 Thank you, the book is outstanding. I love the detail you provided.