Wednesday 13 October 2010

131 Songs - Numbers 60,61 and 62

Number 60 - Legacy by Carole King

It would have been usual to choose a track from Carole King's most famous 1971 album "Tapestry", such as "You've Got a Friend" or "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". But she made a brilliant but fairly unknown album in 1989 called "City Streets". There are so many great tracks but I have gone for "Legacy" co written with her producer, and guitarist, Rudy Guess. There are also some great ballads with King's voice on top form. And the production quality is superb, the clarity of the instruments just perfect. One of my favourite albums.

Number 61 - Hard to Make a Stand by Sheryl Crow

After breaking through with "All I Wanna Do" from her eventual Grammy awarded debut album, "Tuesday Night Music Club", Sheryl Crow recorded a self titled album that was released in 1996. This also gained Grammy awards and propelled her to being another highly successful singer songwriter. Although my chosen track from this album, like many of the others, is co written, it has the distinctive Crow voice and the sharp guitar work that runs through this collection.

Number 62 - Goodbye to Love by The Carpenters

You could not get anything more different to the last track than this one. The dreamily soft easy listening of The Carpenters is not usually my cup of tea, but the voice of Karen Carpenter is unique. And it's true, we do play their greatest hits compilation at home when we need something quiet. They did not write all their own material, but Richard Carpenter did compose quite a few of their biggest hits, with contributions from co-writers. John Bettis added some lyrics to my chosen track, but it is Richard's melody that is captivating.

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