Carpenters Passage Radio Interview

[ullalume]

After the lovely posting of the Carpenters 1970 radio interview earlier this week, I came across this two-parter from late '77.

I'd never heard it before, the sound's pretty poor, but thought you might like it.

 

[MorningOpensQuietly]

Wow, thanks for sharing and posting! What a contrast in this interview with the 1970 one Chris recently posted! In just a mere 7 years or so, what a change in their focus and tone of their conversation. Particularly poignant is the part in which they discuss the disappointment of the lack of popularity or enthusiasm over their musical releases. I'm sure this was a tough nut to crack for them after their extraordinary string of hits. Also worth noting is how they almost fully admit how difficult extended road trips and work have been on them and the damaging effect on their well-being. Once again, you can tell how much Karen loves Christmas by sounding the happiest to me in discussing the upcoming Christmas special.

 

[Rick-An Ordinary Fool]

This was another perfect example of how they needed to change things up after Passage and go off into a new direction, almost like how they started their career it was a new sound, then the overdubbing and it just all worked. Passage released and then just 2 years later and Karen was thinking outside the box and what she could do with her own career to enhance her work, Karen had some great ideas in her head. She told the world that she thought Richard should be scoring a film etc...these are all good ideas....creative ideas....she had the right idea just no one was listening to her.

 

[BarryT60]

Cary Grant, "One big thing of elegance".... I love that line.... Followed closely by, "It's a gift, boy, and they never lose it"....

Love her!

 

[song4u]

Karen was very cute describing how she felt meeting huge talents, wasn't she. I can't even imagine what that would be like.

Is it just me or was Richard having a little trouble getting words out? Not a great time for him.

Thanks for posting that ullalume.!

 

[Mark-T]

This was another perfect example of how they needed to change things up after Passage and go off into a new direction, almost like how they started their career it was a new sound, then the overdubbing and it just all worked. Passage released and then just 2 years later and Karen was thinking outside the box and what she could do with her own career to enhance her work, Karen had some great ideas in her head. She told the world that she thought Richard should be scoring a film etc...these are all good ideas....creative ideas....she had the right idea just no one was listening to her.

When I heard about the solo disc, I thought it would be a great creative follow up to Passage. Christmas Portrait would be a special release in a sense, but the solo disc would signify a strong desire to continue growing as artists.

 

[adam]

Hi
Great interview but in part 2 karen mentions being escorted by cary grant to some event .Does nyone know when and wwhere this event took place?

 

[Jamesj75]

This interview is quite a find! Yet I am struck by certain elements:

• Richard seems to interrupt Karen often, although in Part 2, Karen did a little of that herself.
• I like the revelation that Richard originally picked "Two Sides" as his favorite from Passage (mine, too). Then he changed his mind and appreciated "Calling Occupants..." more.
• The interviewer mistakenly claims that the Carpenters have been popular since 1971---I would say 1970 is more accurate. However, this interviewer seems to be quite the fan, so I forgive him this lapse.
• It's so nice to hear Karen's kind words for John Denver, among others.
• Richard brings up the situation in which a record he/they "believe" in doesn't "hit." Karen states, "it's extremely upsetting." I would have followed up and asked for an example (unless this was edited out). Yet both Karen and Richard seemed deeply affected by this occurrence. And who can blame them...
• They both seemed so excited about the new directions in Passage. No doubt, its lackluster sales proved disappointing.

I find Passage exceptional!

 

[song4u]

K&R always seemed to have the ability to finish each other's sentences when talking about music or the music business. They were truly in sync (pardon the pun) with each other on that.

 

[Chris May]

K&R always seemed to have the ability to finish each other's sentences when talking about music or the music business. They were truly in sync (pardon the pun) with each other on that.

Yes and Richard has a tendency to interrupt occasionally as do I...<ahem>...first hand experience LOL

 

[A&M Retro]

Great interview! The interviewer is Wink Martendale, who interviewed them on several occasions.

 

[ullalume]

Great interview! The interviewer is Wink Martendale, who interviewed them on several occasions.

I like the way in the closing 5 seconds you can hear Richard saying "It's a pleasure. . .you always do your homework, Wink".

 

[Chris Mills]

I've only listened to the first part and really like what I'm hearing, Wink is actually a confrontational interviewer, which for me, is definitely a positive thing. Part 2 tomorrow!