I have no problems expressing my deep and abiding love for the Carpenters. The further we get away from both the cheesy "goody-two-shoes" image they had in the Disco '70s and the tragedy of Karen's illness and death, the more the quality of their songs shines.

The original version of "Superstar" is still my favorite, but I love Bette Midler's take as well. She has a voice that comes the closest to matching Karen's in power and intensity.

If I Were a Carpenter

Heh. I have that as a 7" box set.

I have that as a 7" box set.

What extras does that have?

Karen Carpenter is God.

I think that sums up my feelings.

What extras does that have?

Ummm... a box?

Her range was the closest I ever came to matching a top-40 group's vocals when I was growing up, but I only dreamed of sounding even close to her in terms of quality and sheer talent. In elementary and middle school, I'd sing her songs into my hairbrush and imagine I was as good and pretty as her.

The Carpenters are a huge piece of my childhood. My mom loved them. And I can generally sing along with her, which I love, because of her range.

I remember asking a muso type to explain the qualitative element in Karen Carpenter's voice that made it so distinctive and appealing, and he said she had an exceptionally warm mid-range.

That's always stuck with me. The other singer I sort of associate with Karen Carpenter though she actually predates Karen, is Cass Elliot. Also a super distinctive, warm, rich pop voice.

I can see that. And I love both.

You know what struck me recently? Well, not that recently-it was last summer when I saw her in concert, but. When Emmylou Harris sings, alone, it sounds as if she's actually harmonizing with herself! It was uncanny. I asked my friend Mary, who was there with me, what she thought, and she agreed. It's as though Emmylou has more than one voice, her voice is so layered. Shivers baby, shivers!