The Joy of Music

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 around you the room was filled with a deep, rich, melodic sound. My emotions welled up, and tears came to my eyes.

“One of the elements that made the music of the Carpenters distinctive was Karen's use of her low register,” says Richard Carpenter. “Though present in jazz and country music, there were few contralto singers in popular music at the time. However, Karen had a wide vocal range that spanned about three octaves.”

Wow, what an amazing sound!

Sitting quietly just listening my thoughts whirled though time, reliving moments past, and feeling a joy and pure pleasure that transcends the present and puts you in a place looking at yourself from the past. Imagine, all those years wasted, listening to music through headphones that became smaller and smaller. It’s easy to rationalize. We now have the convenience of taking digital music with hundreds of albums with you while driving, shaving, or exercising. It’s expediency we have and peace we lack.

It’s true, technology allows you to get music on-demand through iTunes and the Internet. However, while transferring the complete original recording of Carpenters - The Singles 1969- 1973 to digital files I fell in love once more with the sonorous sound that emanates from a turntable, stereo amplifier, and quality speakers. A sound simply not possible with CD’s or MP3 files. The hectic pace of life had robbed me of my true joy of listening to music.

So, if you have an “old” record collection do yourself a favor. Pull out one of your favorite albums, clean it, place it on your turntable (buy one if necessary), lean back in your easy chair - relax, transcend time, and relish the experience all over again.

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