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!

I wonder if Emmylou's been secretly practicing Tuvan throat singing. (Where you can harmonize with yourself.)

Love Mama Cass. The extensive use of Mamas and Papas in Beautiful Thing , including incorporation into the storyline is one of the most brilliant marriages of pop and movie ever created (note: I have not seen The Graduate or Magnolia).

(note: I have not seen The Graduate or Magnolia).

I know what Smonster should be doing this weekend!!

Hey Hec, I think you're on to something! A quick Google search did come up with the evidence! Ah ha, mystery solved!

One of the cool things about Cass Elliot is that she was a major nexus point for a huge number of musicians. Since the Mamas and Papas hit it big in the early to mid sixties she had a lot of money and a big house when the mid sixties were happening. She constantly invited people over to stay at her house when she was touring, and went out of her way to introduce musicians that she thought could work together.

She was personally responsible for helping to form both the Lovin' Spoonful and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

I also kind of like how she responded to somebody's inquiry about whether she had trouble finding boyfriends. She said, "Nope. I go by an acting school, find a cute struggling actor, buy him some new clothes and I've got a new boyfriend."

I've had If I Were a Carpenter since the day it came out. I love every bit of it, but especially the Shonen Knife and Matthew Sweet cuts. It's a brilliantly produced set of songs.

Forgive the disrespectful snark, but Richard Carpenter hates everything that does not shine brightly on himself. Yes, his arrangements were awesome but, seriously, his attitude sucked. I think he despised having to be a goody-two-shoes publicly and, especially, being out-shined by Karen's amazing gift.

I have not citations to back up my feelings, just memories of interviews and news stories about his controlling ways.

eta: Hm. Wiki tells me Richard is big into philanthropy, so perhaps I judge him too harshly.

I know what Smonster should be doing this weekend!!

Mmmm, I don't know. Those are both movies that, just from what I've heard, I have mixed feelings about. As my mother used to tell people, "Sarah took a Gender in Communication class and never got over it."