"Beechwood 4-5789" by Carpenters

Song#:  1004
Date:  04/24/1982
Debut:  83
Peak:  74
Weeks:  4
Genre:  Pop, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  This fourth single from the duo's "Made in America" album made it the first time that they got four chart singles directly from one album. Although only one of the singles, "Touch Me When We're Dancing," had any real impact on the chart (#16), it was still an accomplishment for the group as they battled for relevancy in the new decade. Sadly, it would be their last album before Karen's death in early 1983 and this single would also be their final pop chart entry (#18 AC). As a duo, they would get two more AC chart entries via the posthumous LP "Voices of the Heart" including "Make Believe It's Your First Time" (#7). Despite critical drubbing during their career and their squeaky clean image, the Carpenters were beloved by many including several famous musicians who point specifically to Karen as an influence. Later revisits to their catalog have persuaded some critics to change their minds and their hits discs continue to sell. They truly were icons of the era.

ReduxReview:  This oldies style fit the due quite well and it's one of the few recordings where Karen really sounds like she's having fun. Like a lot of their catalog, it's her voice that really makes the tune. Otherwise, I'm not particularly fond of this song. I actually like it better than the original (see below), which I kind of find a little annoying, specifically with the backing vocals. Not a wonderful single to end on, but no one knew at the time it would be their last.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  This is a remake of a song by The Marvelettes. Their original, co-written by Marvin Gaye, reached #17 pop/#7 R&B in 1962. Gaye also played drums on the recording.

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