It’s yet another wet, gloomy day here on the Wet Coast, and a friend of mine mentioned that the rainy days depress her. This song came immediately to mind…
Growing up I was never much of a pop music fan, particularly the easy listening stuff my parents favoured. As a family we’d spend a lot of time in the car together with the radio tuned to whatever station might be playing Andy Williams or Perry Como, Englebert Humperdink or some other music-lite. Much as I loved going on drives around the countryside (and still do) the music drove me crazy.
The Carpenters fit definitively within this category and yet I’ve always had a soft spot for their music. Richard’s sense of melody is exquisite, his is an extraordinary gift for songwriting. But I think it was Karen’s clear, sparkling, emotive voice which set The Carpenters apart. Even singing about gloomy subjects, she had a way of elevating your spirits. I don’t think there’s ever been anyone quite like her.
Hmmmm…. perhaps Harriet Wheeler of The Sundays, in her own way.
Cloudbusting a rainy day in Vancouver: Kate Bush is in my subconscious- A selection of music from the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games Opening Ceremony
- Deva Premal: the tranquility of Gayatri Mantra
- Roberta Flack & Johnny Cash: The first time ever I heard your voice
- Gabriella Cilmi: Lessons to be learned and feel a little safer
