This album represents a certain period of change of approach in her career. |
"FOR PERSONAL REASONS,
which have been chronicled in other sources, I needed and decided
to take a leave of absence from our career in 1979. Karen, who was
not interested in remaining idle during my hiatus, elected to record
a solo album. To produce the album, Herb Alpert suggested Phil Ramone,
a highly talented and successful producer who had enjoyed both critical
and commercial success with such artists as Paul Simon, Billy Joel,
et al. Phil signed on and on April 30, 1979, Karen left LA for New
York, with the first session commencing on May 2. Due to some scheduling
conflicts, the album was not delivered until early 1980. Upon completion
of the playback, reaction of A&M executives and others, including
me, was to say the least, amibiguous. The result was that on May
5, 1980, Karen decided to shelve the album.
AS TIME PASSES AND EVENTS UNFOLD, one's perspective on certain matters can change, as has mine regarding this album. Karen was with us precious little time. She was a great artist. This album represents a certain period of change of approach in her career. AS SUCH, IT DESERVES TO BE HEARD, in its entirety, as originally delivered...plus one bonus track."
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We wanted their fans, as well as a new audience, to hear one of the greatest voices in a different surrounding. |
IT WAS CONCEIVABLE to those of us involved
with the project that a rumour might spread regarding the end
of the Carpenters. that truly was beyond the realm of possiblility;
Karen loved Richard and the music they made together. I've always
related to Richard's arrangements and composing with deep admiration
and we remain friends.
THE LOVE OF BILLY JOEL'S BAND - Rod Temperton
and the other players, who had the best time working with her
- gave Karen Carpenter's work in New York a sparkle that can be
heard on this album. Karen and the rest of us who worked on this
project understood the decision to wait on the release.
AS YEARS PASSED, both Richard and I wondered
when it might be released. Together we stand proud as this was
a piece of work that mean so much to Karen, it was truly a labor
of love.
I HAVE NOT REMIXED or done anything to the
tapes. These mixes, the material and the style are the way Karen
approved them. The bonus track is unmixed and was one of several
that might have been finished.
I MISSED HER TERRIBLY - but I know she's watching
with a smile."
I remember the first time I laid more than eyes on you We've been in love for a long time And I'm still in love with you I am so still in love with you Will you always understand I do not know what I would do without you I'm in perpetual motion I am always on the move You must have slipped me a potion babe Cause I'm still in love with you I am so still in love with you Will you always understand I do not know what I would do without you "Still In Love With You" |
A&M Records Inc. 8 October 1996 |
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| Tracks
with * - never release before. "Dedicated to my brother Richard with all my heart" To Richard: "Thank you for letting me borrow your sister to make this album." |
"TO COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND
the love and adventure of Karen's solo project, people should know
that we made a conscious decision to experiment with music and styles
that were not in the Carpenters' albums. We wanted their fans, as
well as a new audience, to hear one of the greatest voices in a
different surrounding. We knew some things were trendy and that
the intimate songs would express her love of all music.