On The Fly

They were one of the biggest-selling groups of the 1970s. “No fewer than ten of their singles went on to become million-sellers, and by 2005 combined worldwide sales of albums and singles well exceeded 100 million units.” This musical duo was the Carpenters, from 1969-1982 the rich full melodic voice of Karen Carpenter filled the radio airwaves. Recently a post on FaceBook inspired me to dig out my old vinyl LP record collection. Little did I realize that the pure joy of music would reignite a spark in my soul of innocent delight that comes from quietly listening and watching a record spin on a turntable. After purchasing a new turntable with a USB connection, and reconnecting my old Harman Kardon amplifier I played a record for the first time in over 25 years, it was Superstar written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. This Richard Carpenter arrangement became the duo's third No. 2 single on the Billboard Hot 100. Like a warm, gentle rain in the springtime cascading...