Greetings Everyone!

Who is This! Joe Osborn-1966
That Voice! Herb Alpert-1969
These were my reactions also when I rediscovered Karen Carpenter and the Carpenters music in February 2007. I am 42 years old. I remember having heard the Carpenters music on the radio in the early 1970's when I was a youngster. I remembered "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun". I remembered hearing of Karen Carpenter's passing when I was a senior in high school in 1983. Again I remembered "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun" from the radio. I didn't think much of it at the time as everyone was into hard rock, it was the cool thing at that time. Fast forward to February 2007. I was browsing YouTube, and I happened to come across the Carpenters video "Top of the World". My initial reaction was the same as above, "I remember them, the Carpenters, "Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun". I remembered Karen's name, but I forgot the Brother's name. Anyway, after I saw and heard the video initially of "Top of the World", I was stunned. "I don't remember them sounding this good, or singing this song" I thought. So I viewed the video a few more times and thought "Wow, this is really good stuff. She's very pretty, this is a catchy song, and That Voice!"(Karen's Voice). Karen's voice was almost hypnotic, in a good way, of course. So I then went ahead and viewed all of the other Carpenters videos that I could find on YouTube. And my reaction to all of them was the same, "That Voice!". (Richard also deserves credit for having given Karen the perfect songs and musical arrangements to sing to). Since then I've bought all of their regular albums (CD's) and a few of their greatest hits CD's, along with all of the all too few Carpenters DVD's offered for sale. Karen's voice, to me, goes right to the heart, unlike any other singer. And Karen has a very sweet voice as well, regardless of the song she is singing. I listen to other good music besides the Carpenters, but I listen to Karen, the Carpenters, more than the others individually. Not to get too philosophical in this post, but maybe, as some others have posted on Lead Sister, Karen reaches out from the other side to touch us through her voice. Who knows, anything is possible I guess. To conclude this post, someone else in their introductory post said it perfectly, I couldn't say it better myself, that Karen's voice can best be described as "Heart Warming Sweetness". Exactly!

Noah, from New Jersey, USA

Hi, Noah!!!
Wow...very cool that you've re-discovered Karen's voice, her beauty and personality!!! Many people here have gone thru similar experiences. You're very close to my and Dave's(DR Drummer) age..we're both 49 this year.(well...I will be in July. )Dave went thru a similar experience. I alway loved them from the time I first heard them in the early 70's ........period!!! Being on Leadsister has taught me even more from all the sharing and the music I had no idea was available. Videos, photos...you name it. Rodeode.com is another GREAT site for Carpenters videos. Too bad you missed out on seeing them live back then...it was quite an experience to hear Karen's voice live. Hope you find lots around here...there's many helpful folks, as well. Have fun and enjoy youy newly found NOKS(nuts over Karen syndrome) WELCOME!!!!

Cheryl in South Carolina

Hi

I'm mafer, 16, from Ecuador. Glad to know you rediscovered them, and yes Karen's voice touches my heart always, she'a amazing. Have fun and looking forward to read your posts as well

Hiª Im Danieil from spain!

Hi Noah

I'm Jayne from Illinois - welcome!

hi noah! i'm jamie, 22, from idaho. hope you have fun here!

Hi Noah!

I'm Chris. I really enjoyed your story of rediscovering Karen! It makes me smile and reminds me of my similar feelings. When you start to hear all her songs together, the impact of her voice becomes much more evident. She is amazing. There is no one even close to the quality that she has. Her voice relates so many things, sweetness, beauty, warmth, sadness, comfort, perfection... I'm just in awe of her magic. Thank so much for sharing your story.

it sounds as if you, too, will become an "addict".....i am determined to "convert" at least one person in my time, and this is the next best thing....listen carefully to all you can find, and you'll see why we are all here on a regular basis! ENJOY!!!!

hi Noah. I know what you mean. That voice!
I've heard more than one person on a documentary comment on the fact that she is one of the greatest singers of all time because after hearing the first note or two, you KNOW that it's Karen.