Hi Friends!
It's here! The Carpenters new album Made In America has been released worldwide (just in time for American Independence Day!).
Having spent months and months working relentlessly to achieve perfection, the end result is awesome. When you hear the pure magic of this vintage Carpenters package, you will be astound by the musical growth of these brilliant artists.
The first single Touch Me When We're Dancing has already made it's debut on many radio stations across the country, including every Adult Contemporary outlet, with very positive reaction. It has also surfaced on the International charts. The song was written and previously recorded by a group of studio musicians known as Bama at Muscle Shoals studios in Alabama.
The flip side features the moving song Richard and John Bettis created for Karen's wedding Because We Are In Love. Undoubtedly this is destined to join We've Only Just Begun in the prestigious rank of classics!
Several A & M record Company's affiliates outside the United States have made various choices for their first single release. Brazil chose Back In My Life Again. England stayed with Touch Me When We're Dancing, Europe went with Those Good Old Dreams while Japan opted for Beachwood 4-5789. All are gaining ground rapidly on the charts.
Both Richard and Karen have very positive vibes about their latest "offering" and feel it is their best output yet. Who would have thought it possible for them to improve!
The album delay was due to several factors.
According to Richard the pressings he finally approved are "as good if not better than other popularly priced albums, but not as quiet as albums used to be". Richard continues "many people in the recording are aware of this, problem and are trying to do something to correct it". Seeing an incurable perfectionist and conscientious producer, he will not rest until he achieves the result he is completely satisfied with.
Richard's arrangements overall and Karen's vocals are indescribable. Pure perfection Peter Knight orchestrated the wedding song, and the Burt Bacharach / Carole Barer Sager number Somebody's Been Lyin'.
Many more songs were recorded during these past months, some of which will be applied to the next album. Our duo had difficulty making their choice for this album, but I'm sure you will all approve of their final decision.
Richard feels the follow-up singles will probably be Those Good Old Dreams he and John wrote, Beachwood 4-5789, Back In My Life Again or Strength Of A Woman. However this could be determined by radio and fan reaction.
I'm sure all American fans are delighted with the title Made In America, and may be interested to hear how it was conceived. Richard had the idea in the back of his mind for some time, but he confirmed same the day Karen arrived at the studio wearing a running suit with "Made In America" printed all over the designed fabric. This could prove to be a great omen for our export trade!
The portrait type artwork of the album sleeve is indeed a work of art. It was designed and illustrated respectively by Lynn Robb and David Willardson, under the direction of Chuck Beeson and Jeff Ayeroff in the A & M graphics department. The photo on the inner sleeve was taken by John Engatead. The lyrics also embrace the inner sleeve.
A & M Records in Hollywood are celebrating their top drawer artists eleventh USA album, and twelfth year with the label. A party of two hundred guests will be hosted by Herb Alpert to honor Richard and Karen on 29th. June.
Tom and Karen have just returned from a brief vacation in Mexico with a deep tan they inherited from an exciting fishing trip. Fishing is a favorite pastime of Tom's, but as Karen had no previous experience at the art, you can imagine her excitement when she landed two enormous marlins almost twice her weight!
Richard hopes to have some time to vacation now, prior to work on next album, and the taping of an ABC Special they are committed to fulfill later thin year. Right now they are being deluged with interviews with radio personalities, journalists etc. and have several promotional films to make for overseas, as well as in-store promotional tapes for USA music outlets, which include five tracks from the new album.
This is an appropriate time to advise you we now have the latest Made In America sets of pictures available through the fan club. The usual format - a single and double pose of Richard and Karen in color and black and white. Regretfully, since the last newsletter the USA postal rates have risen sharply, which means the black and white glossies must be increased to XX.XX each to cover cost of mailing. These are delightful poses guaranteed to please collectors of Carpenters memorabilia.
The entire Carpenter outfit extends congratulations to all graduates, and wish you well in your chosen fields.
Our duo have put their hearts and souls into this new album. and their reward will be the pleasure we will surely derive from it, so once again Happy Listening!
Have a very happy summer, and drive safely. Until next time, God Bless, Rosina.
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Last changed: Wed Sep 7 10:38:33 EDT 2005