Yesterday Once More: the Carpenters Reader

(Paperback, Revised and expanded edition)

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Description

With a string of number-one hits showcasing Karen Carpenter's warm and distinctive vocals and Richard Carpenter's sophisticated compositions and arrangements, the Carpenters were responsible for some of the most popular music of the 1970s, and this compendium collects more than 50 articles, interviews, essays, reviews, and reassessments that chronicle the lives and career of this brother-sister musical team. Writings from pop journalists and historians such as Daniel J. Levitin, John Tobler, Digby Diehl, Ray Coleman, Robert Hilburn, and Lester Bangs provide insight into the music and personalities of the duo who produced such timeless pop music. From serious musical analyses of the Carpenters' arrangements to lighter pieces in which Karen and Richard discuss dating, cars, and high school, this new edition has been revised and expanded to include nearly a dozen additional pieces, some of which have never been published.

Reviews

"Unquestionably, the definitive historical recalling of the Carpenters ... Like the Carpenters' music, Schmidt's book about them delivers brilliantly, combining the talents of a gifted editor, the dedication of a devoted fan, and the admirable work of the writers he chose." -- New England Entertainment Digest "This narrative down memory lane proves to be a pleasant trip ... Yesterday Once More is a pastiche of mostly affectionate and warm portrayals of two talented people who, in spite of their human frailties, gave the world a lasting legacy of music." -- Amplifier "There was always something of the night about the Carpenters ... This compendium of interviews, concert reviews, and critical essays spans the duo's career and beyond." -- Mojo "Fascinating ... It's not just the 'behind the music' insights that make this book important... Yesterday Once More will make you want to dust off those old LPs and rediscover the Carpenters' pop magic." -- DISCoveries "What looks on the surface like an uncritical celebration of an American pop institution turns out to be a fascinating exercise in musical archaeology ... Endlessly intriguing." -- Record Collector "It's a good resource for Carpenters fans, allowing you to watch the duo's story unfold and see how the duo's legacy has been re-evaluated since Karen's tragic death." -- Goldmine

Author Bio

Randy L. Schmidt teaches music in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He served as creative consultant for several television documentaries on the Carpenters, including the E! True Hollywood Story, A&E's Biography, and VH1's Behind the Music. He is the author of Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter. He lives in Denton, Texas.