I feel the need to get this out of my system. The Carpenters are one of the greatest bands I ever listened to, more specifically Karen Carpenter is a LEGEND in my book, PERIOD. The first thing whenever I think of her is how she was an amazing vocalist, and a helluva drummer. During her recording sessions, some of her songs would only go for one take only. That’s just amazing, because just by nailing vocal parts can take several takes. And, I can’t even imagine myself being in that studio, while listening to one of her songs, and just being blown away by her tonality. And to add on top of that her drumming was just incredible. In 1975 Playboy magazine voted her as the WORLD’S BEST DRUMMER, being ahead of John Bonham from Led Zeppelin, Keith Moon from The Who, and the list goes on, and on. It’s funny to think how one could have so much amazing talent, but sadly gone too soon. I find that her music needs to be heard, and not forgotten about. Just like this compilation released back in 2004 titled, “Gold (35th Anniversary Edition), ” where every song is good. Karen Carpenter’s vocals are spot on with the music. I was introduced at a very young age by The Carpenters from my mom. She didn’t carry many records, but a bunch of 45 rpm singles. And I remember hearing her playing their music, and wondered what was that?! My ears caught on without hesitation, and wanted more. It was almost as if something was pushing me for more. Who they were, and why did they sound so good? I mean, you’ve got catchy melodies, vocal harmonies, a great backbeat to nearly every song, hey I’LL TAKE IT!

The record has so many great songs, I mean you’ve got “Top of the World,” that carries this joyful melody, along with an engaging beat, that’s impossible not to tap your foot along to. You’ve also got some great covers that they’ve done, “Please Mr. Postman,” originally by The Ronettes, carries more of an upbeat feel than the original. “Ticket to Ride,” by The Beatles, where the song starts off with just a piano and Karen Carpenter’s vocals, but then slowly builds up into something great by including a symphonic orchestra. But “California Dreamin’ (Demo),” originally written by The Mammas and The Pappa’s, impresses me the most. First of all it shouldn’t even be considered as a demo, this shouldn’t have been originally released. It carries a more engaging beat than the original version. It starts off very quiet, and mysterious, giving you the impression that it’s going to be delicate, but then the beat builds  up into this swinging melody that makes you fall in love with the song after the first listen.