Carpenters - Superstar (1971) bass cover

The song was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, and originally titled “Groupie Song”. But when it was recorded by Delaney & Bonnie and released as a B-side on their single “Comin’ Home” in December 1969, it was re-titled “Groupie (Superstar)”. The song tells the story of a female groupie’s one-night stand with a rock star, whom she hopes will return to her. It was covered by a number of artists, including Joe Cocker (on his Mad Dogs & Englishmen Live Tour album, with vocals sung by Rita Coolidge), Bette Midler (on her debut album The Divine Miss M), Cher, and Australian rock group McPhee, among others. But it was the Carpenters version that stands head and shoulders above the rest, and became one of their biggest hits, peaking at #2 (Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” had a 5-week run at #1 in the fall of 1971, preventing “Superstar” from reaching the top).
The story goes that Richard Carpenter first became aware of “Superstar” after hearing it sung by a relatively unknown Bette Midler on The Tonight Show in 1971. He loved the song and thought it would be perfect for Karen, and wrote a new arrangement to fit their style. Shockingly, when he played it for her, she wasn’t thrilled with the song. She later recalled “For some reason that tune didn’t hit me in the beginning. It’s the only one. Richard looked at me like I had three heads. He said: ‘Are you out of your mind!‘” But after they recorded the song, she grew to love it too.
“Superstar” was produced by Richard Carpenter with Jack Daugherty, and recorded with members of The Wrecking Crew, the famed collective of Los Angeles area session musicians. As the song’s storyline was originally more risqué than what was typical for the Carpenters, Richard changed a lyric in the second verse “And I can hardly wait to sleep with you again” to the somewhat less suggestive “And I can hardly wait to be with you again.”
The song is breathtakingly beautiful, with rich orchestral instrumentation highlighted by a soaring horn section, gorgeous oboe played by Earle Dumler, a somber, understated bassline by Joe Osborn, drums by the legendary Hal Blaine (even though Karen was herself an accomplished drummer), and lovely keyboards by Richard Carpenter. Karen’s distinctive contralto vocals never sounded better or more resonant, beautifully conveying the fervent longing for someone you love to return and ease your loneliness. “Superstar” is one of my favorite songs of the 1970s, and for all time.
Lyrics:
Long ago, and, oh, so far away
I fell in love with you before the second show
Your guitar, it sounds so sweet and clear
But you're not really here, it's just the radio
Don't you remember, you told me you loved me, baby?
You said you'd be coming back this way again, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby
I love you, I really do
Loneliness is such a sad affair
And I can hardly wait to be with you again
What to say to make you come again? (Baby)
Come back to me again (baby)
And play your sad guitar
Don't you remember, you told me you loved me, baby?
You said you'd be coming back this way again, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby
I love you, I really do
Don't you remember, you told me you loved me, baby?
You said you'd be coming back this way again, baby
Baby, baby, baby, baby, oh baby
I love you, I really do

[@TheDevnul]

Perfect tone for that song.

[@Ebullientdrift]

Good to see you and Sheba hitting the bass again! Nothing than a quiet pensive classic song to be back!

[@justinandsheba]

Thank you! Good to hear from you!!

[@sandraannlongfield6046]

Hope yr feeling alot better music is medicine! Enjoyable cover and Shebas super chilled out 🙂

[@justinandsheba]

Thanks Sandra. I'm feeling much better now. This song put Sheba right to sleep! LOL

[@schepler2]

The Carpenters are a guilty pleasure of mine and this is one of their finest. Excellent cover. Your tone was just spot on. 🤘

[@justinandsheba]

Thanks man. I've always liked them too.

[@frankybass72]

very cool song. And great bassline, you played it great, bro. Another awesome job. Always a pleasure watching your covers, man. Best regards

[@justinandsheba]

Thanks a lot, Franky 🙂

[@bearbear6771]

Another amazing job 🤘
I see you Sheba ❤

[@justinandsheba]

Thanks Bear 🐻

[@RogerDiotte]

LOL lost my whole comment I just posted? Anyways as I was saying....Out comes the lighters again! Another classic which ya know Justin you pull these off cause you and Sheba just have that knack...With all the hits then and now your playing and appearance just makes it all happen....I know also Sheba even though our time is short here keep on Rockin girl! Someday on my romps on my bike I'd fancy a quick pit stop coffee and smoke to see Sheba and you all.....

[@justinandsheba]

This tune put her right to sleep...LOL. I should have known my dancer would zonk out on me when those silky Karen Carpenter vocals hit the air. I'd be honored to hang with you, my friend. If your travels ever find you in the Kalamazoo Michigan area, make sure to hit me up!

[@RogerDiotte]

@justinandsheba Mister Magoo...Kalamazoo it is... lol your dancer 🤣 passes out to Karen hehe.. oh and yep someday we'll have a coffee...

[@themadbassist795]

Great cover bro!!

[@justinandsheba]

Thanks man...cheers bro!!

[@skullknightyt]

Leland's long lost son.

[@justinandsheba]

Yep... don't tell him LOL!!