The Carpenters Crescent Noon

[icelisdenoguera]

My memory with this song is when my grandfather died, and my dad (his son) and mom traveled to Armenia to assist the funeral, my sisters and brother and me, were alone at home in Bogota. I was december, and at sunset, that beautiful time when the sky is so blue, and the chimney and few lights were on, I played this song, and it was so beautiful, so peacefull, and a weird feeling about what my future would be, ...

[josephmahan]

The lyric in the song is "Crescent Noon". However, the TITLE of the song (according to how it appears on the album) is "Crescent MOON".

[josephmahan]

Crescent MOON

[vixenrevitup]

@josephmahan No, its not. It's 'Crescent NOON.'

-vixenrevitup

[silvanusslaughter]

I n c r e d i b l e !! One of her finest moments! Thank You!

[111bep]

Is is "noon" or "moon"?

[vixenrevitup]

@111bep It is 'Crescent Noon.' Not 'Crescent Moon.'

-vixenrevitup

[kidkosh]

There will never be another!

[bullmoose556]

An angel's voice, I have loved Karen's singing for forty years. 

[r5t6y12]

...and how many 20 year old women sound this haunting (as Karen was when this song was recorded).

That's the part of Karen's vocal stylings that I love the most

[musicmade77]

Wow I finally found this song after sooo many years. I was brought to "memory type" tears almost instantly. I was up on the hill in Cave Jct Oregon, the first house we lived in after moving from Southern Cali. Love this song even still!

[boahlb05]

So beautiful... I have not heard this song in a long time. I used to have the album but no record player in this digital age. Thank you...

[CraigJarrett1985]

Didn't Unkle sample this for the song Rabbit In Your Headlights?

[gr8gildy]

What a voice! Such clarity of words. I believe it was Herb Alpert who said that it sounded like she was singing directly in front of you. This is a singer that does not have to relie on too much background music. Her sound has stood the test of time,almost 40 years. I never tire of listenig to her pure and clean tones. After all these years, we still miss you, Karen. R.I.P.----Gr8gildy

[blabblab1212]

This song makes me want to bust out into some ice cold hip-hop rap gangsta rhymes!

[stonehouze2]

@blabblab1212 Your an idiot !

[blabblab1212]

@stonehouze2 Thank You! I have never been called an idiot before. An imbecile, yes. A moron, yes. Idiot, no. It's refreshing to have a different critical perspective on what I am! I am sure that you probed deeply into your cortices to pull that tid-bit out. Your brain processed all of the available data and crunched out "idiot" Your a deep thinker and I have to commend you on your ability to interpret without bias. You hit the nail on the head. Your stalwart in your convictions

[blabblab1212]

@stonehouze2 I see you like Dan Fogelberg too. His syrupy muzak-ey melodies make me feel like eating pancakes. He's a fine performer.

[birdie2219]

Today, its been 35 years since my fathers passing. he was 52. This song always reminds me of that sad time, he lives in my heart and memory. Rest on Daddy, we miss you xxx.

[karenaperville]

A lesser known Carpenters' song but definitely one of my favorites. Karen's voice is so hauntingly beautiful; perfect for the song's equally haunting lyrics and melody.

I'm glad it was never so popular that someone else dared cover it ...for this song belongs to Karen.

[steveatl40]

I bought the box set with all their CDs packaged exactly as their LPs. All the tracks were remastered but NO remixing or recording (like on the compilations). The original tracks are by far superior to Richard's "fixing" of much of his work. The remixed tracks have way too much reverb and Karen's voice is often lost in the background.

Go with the Carpenters albums from 1969-1975 and discover some amazing stuff.

[greenwich1754]

Good Lord, her voice is so incredibly rich here! If this song doesn't take you to another time & place, nothing will.

[EwolDJ]

Let me add my name to the fan list for this song, one of Karen's non-commercial best. It's been sleeping there on the 'Close to You' album for all these years. A lesson in this: buy the original albums, and you get the artist's real achievements as well as the pop ear-candy. Avoid 'Greatest Hits' compilations. Same goes for the Beatles, Rolling Stones and others of that era. Karen's full range is on display here and we get three Karens in the middle eight. Sublime. Well-crafted lyrics too.

[r5t6y12]

I have one of the collections (as I'm sure many of the rest of you have).

There's one sentence somewhere in the commentary about the life and business of the Carpenters that made me cry the first time I read them. They come from John Bettis I believe. Talking about the passing of Karen the songwriter in question (whoever it was) stated that "his words had lost the best voice they would ever know".

[r5t6y12]

I love the early Carpenters stuff (1969-1973). Not much since then. This is one of my favorites. I especially love the burst of sound that comes in at 2:24. There's also something like this during Maybe It's You. Love them both.

[liezeLangeLie]

so creepy...makes me sad..

[liezeLangeLie]

it sounds so sad....for me...

[mzemek1]

A stunning, mesmerizing song.... and one that I never hear on my local 1960s/1970s AM music station. Only through the wonders of YouTube was I exposed to this hidden gem. What a blessing to hear Karen at her very best, and in a song that eluded me until 2010, roughly 4 decades since the height of The Carpenters' career trajectory.

Amazing stuff.

[4everaCarpenterfan]

Carpenters were the BEST team Ever. Forever Great.

[4everaCarpenterfan]

Carpenters were the BEST team Ever. Forever Great.

[4everaCarpenterfan]

Carpenters were the BEST team Ever. Forever Great.

[entertainer106]

I love their older work. I've been told I sound like her when I sing my low notes. Now I can hear it.

[improvguru]

I believe she is the best female singer, for sure.

[MrJonk1969]

i don't like karen's vocals here. her voice is *too* low and kind of creepy. sorry. and karen is my favorite vocalist.

[MrJonk1969]

@MrJonk1969 actually, i've listened to this song a few more times and i've changed my opinion. i like it now...a lot. i've added it to my playlist.

[jamba461]

I frickin love this song! Everything Karen sings is amazing. In my opinion, she's definitely the best alto and possibly the best female singer period!

[pgteekens]

CARPENTERS ARE COOL!!!!!

[yorubablk3]

One of my FAVORITE tunes from one of my FAVORITE female vocalist.

[FlyingMondongo]

Is Karen your favorite vocalist? If so, please go Google:

LAS 50 MEJORES VOCES FEMENINAS DE TODOS LOS TIEMPOS 20 MINUTOS ES

Cast your vote, mark 5 points.

Karen is nº 6. She deserves Nº 1!!!

[dogkelp]

I love Carpenter's medley and arrangement, with its shades of Debussy.

[divadcrab12]

The melancholy Bbm key, and Karen's smooth voice, beautiful, I love this song!

[pharaoh731]

This has got to be one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded....

[capttheo1]

Nope. Not one of the most. THE most.

[atisaseret]

An absolutely Beautiful and Haunting Song sung by a Pure Angelic Being with a Beautiful and Haunting Voice. She's definitely in the Heavenly Choir...LOVE this song - LOVE the Carpenters!

[yorubablk3]

So true!

[atisaseret]

yourubabik3 -Thank You!!!

[yeahwell1234]

We should not forget Richard's awesome background music and arrangemnts. He was a genius at emphasizing the natural beauty of her voice.

[dennyvibes]

He was/is an incredibly talented arranger.

[RJWojo]

Thanks for posting this beautiful, deep, haunting tapestry. Loved this song from the first time I heard it when I was a kid. It belonged to my mom whom I lost recently. Always thought of her when I heard it...still do. Thanks again.

[florcha34]

You're welcome ;)

you're welcome again! Haha

1Beso !

[olytanis]

My mother (who passed on in 2006) also is the one who bought this album for "Close to You." If she had not, I would probably never have heard this wonderful song. "Maybe It's You" is another of that ilk. Thanks for posting.

[moestein]

@RJWojo --- RJ...Ditto.

[NYRNGR1]

When I first heard the 'Close To You' album, Crescent Noon was my favorite song on it. Haunting and beautiful...there will never be another voice like Karen's.

[ebdl2009]

about the cycle of life...the seasons...life death rebirth

[Muziclvr07]

I'm breathless. Karen Carpenter had a voice that could shake your soul. I miss her.

[capttheo1]

Just think of what the addition of her voice will do to te Heavenly choir! Wow!

[yukinfahoo]

I think God will tell the choir "Shut up! I cant hear Karen".

[CreatePerform]

@capttheo1 That's a beautiful thing to say :)

[nakluts]

All the mystery...

KAREN SPIRIT

for ever

[karencarpenterfan100]

This. Song. Is. Fabulous. Made me cry.

[steveatl40]

I don't think any has or will sound like this again. A perfect vocal instrument.

[carps1000]

haunting & fantastic.

[deserticus18]

wow!!! ..................left me speechless

[Dac719]

This song has always brought tears to me. It's haunting in a way that no words can ever describe. It's sad that she left us at such an early age. She had an amazing voice and I wil always love her. I miss her after so many years, but I always remember her in my heart.

[pennymusicMAma]

florcha34 - " Dressed in a brand new day, the Sun is on its way to a Falling Crescent Moon..." - penny

[pennymusicMAma]

florcha34, Thank you for a divine gift of music, I truly feel it's meaning through Karen's haunting voice in this - my dear

husband suddenly passed away early on

The 4th of July,'09. - penny

[florcha34]

Hello Penny! I'm glad ! It's so agreeable to hear from you.

You know it's a pleasure for me

to do it .... I say to you: you're welcome !!

Penny: i'm sorry, i'm really really sorry

this what's happened with your husband on July 4. God has him in the glory !

i send kisses and all my love my dear friend !!!!

[pennymusicMAma]

florcha34, Oh, Thank You my dear Friend.

I see that my heartfelt comments to you were voted down by the stalker/abuser RN who lives for hate, not LOVE. I have been blessed to know true love, & he, nor anyone can take that away from me, nor my dear Friends, like you. I loved Karen & sand /played many Carpenter songs over the years. This one is so unique, haunting - & the piano accompaniment is like a Satie Gymnopedie. - penny

[tambienme4]

Wow, the memories of voices that are priceless, with songs like this how can one not appreciate the music of the 70's?

So Sad Karen died. She would have evolved in her vocal talent and took her place among the many others, too many to name.

[grababanjoseventy6]

This is profoundly moving music. I wish more people could appreciate music this powerful.

[Quartermaine4Ever]

I totally agree with you. This is what REAL music is all about.

[sparekitty02]

Poor Karen...such sad choices she made...

I have always wondered what many pleasures she would have brought our lives had hers not been cut short...what a terrible waste...amazing voice, never to grace us again...

[oneyelloweric]

this song shows that the carpenters had great depth in music,not just the fluffy image the record company promoted them as,a beautiful stunning song thats stays with you long after its finished.

[Rainscapes]

The truth is........ there are no words that can describe how beautiful karen's voice really is.

[itemples]

This song has always evoked the most saddest memories of Karen and Richard in the most beautiful way!  This song has always been so special! I love it!

[cbednar74]

Karen & Richard's Talents were so great she sang in 3 different Registers who else did that? plus her drumming was phenomenal! he found song's on commercials, movies on Tv, & at the show plus his ability to know what song's were perfect for her & how to put it all together! The Talent was just Unbelievable if they were around today they would be Huge!

[SDB1958]

This excellent song IS on Itunes - it is on the Close to You album.

[ostinatus]

I never heard this song, WOW!!!

This is Karen' home arena, indeed.

That's what I wanted to hear on her solo album.

Karen was like a deep well, a source of expression,

that we unfortunately only heard just the beginning of.

She didn't got the time in life to really find her self musically.

O yes, I love what she did, but "Crescent Noon" shows us, that we've only heard the tip of the ice berg.

I couldn't find this song on iTunes, does it exist on any record?

[florcha34]

Does this help to you?

Album: Close to you (1970)

[ostinatus]

Thanks florcha!

Off course, the Close to You album!

I never had this album, and it's not available

from iTunes store. (why?)

But I will receive it from Amazon in few days.

Thanks again!

[florcha34]

Your welcome!

Aaah ok! (You knew it!! ,jejeje)

now i understand you...

I am glad for you ... =)

Carpenters the best creation !!!!

[TBoneinNYC]

This is an enchanting song, and I particularly like the lush harmonies that begin around 2:20. Richard Carpenter obviously borrowed a bit from Erik Satie in this composition. If you search YouTube for "Satie Gymnopedia No. 1" you'll hear what I mean.

[melon7744]

Pure haunting tune!

[mary71257]

I used to have this album, it's great to find songs from it, thanks for sharing.....

[florcha34]

You're welcome =)

[BeulahX14]

So much expression in that voice. Awesome!!

[blabblab1212]

It doesn't get any better than the Carpenter's, folk's!!!! Karen's talent transcends almost all. She and her brother are pure musical geniuses. One feels like they are listening to other worldly music that has crossed over the void and drifted gently into our arena. Of course, I just smoked a killer joint, so my critique might be somewhat influenced. Is it live or is it Memorex? Those were the days!!!!!

[havenoneatall]

what a beautiful piece of poetry set to music. Karen's voice is just the voice it needs to be sung with. She was an artist to be heard and now not. A very sad farewell song.

[awinwood9]

"Thank you" for correcting title. Crescent Noon seems in the same vein as Maybe Its You-- dark and hauntingly beautiful. I do love so, Karen's lower register within her contralto range. Songs like Crescent Noon are wonderfully constructed for Karen's most natural dark & earthy voice. The 20 year old Karen had an incredible maturity and style. You can tell the 30ish Karen, had perfected her approach to singing. However I still like so many of the "magical" early Karen vocals.

[nakamichi680zx]

It is clearly called Crescent Noon, not Crescent Moon and to say otherwise is not to have listened to the song, nor respect the lyricist. Please consider correcting your title and not perpetuate this mistake.

That said, it is one of the most haunting saddest, gorgeous songs Karen has ever sung.

[florcha34]

Pardon for the mistake, since charm before was a doubt that tape-worm, thanks for clarifying it and thousand excuses for the mistake, I it did not correct before for that I was amusing myself doing other things here in Youtube and in addition in these last times for which about a lot of time that was not connecting me...

thanks =)

[thesal308]

poor karen miss you :(

[awinwood9]

You know all this banter comparing musical styles is fine. But I'm more concerned to ask florcha34, why you would knowingly change the title of an artist's song?? Numerous people have pointed this out to you-- to which you politely respond "thanks". What you're doing is like saying The Beatles wrote Yelp-- or Van Gogh painted Sinflowers. Crescent Noon is a creative title. By "correcting" it to be trite & obvious-- you trivialize it, as if Karen & Richard must have made some mistake??

[florcha34]

Pardon for the mistake, since charm before was a doubt that tape-worm, thanks for clarifying it and thousand excuses for the mistake, I it did not correct before for that I was amusing myself doing other things here in Youtube and in addition in these last times for which about a lot of time that was not connecting me...

thanks =)

[awinwood9]

The blankets are out again. I think we're talking about "popular" music, which was The Carpenters' genre. Today, Rap, Hip Hop and R&B dominate the popular charts. I don't have to like it-- but its their time. To me, the styles, sounds & qualities between eras

of music cannot adequately be compared. I love The Carpenters, which is now nostalgia. Try telling a 14 to 24 year old not to love their music. Ah, but wait until they're old. They'll be in the same discussion we are now!!

[awinwood9]

Interesting-- but as former musician w/51 years on earth, my feeling is there are few absolutes in life. There will always be great musicians. Also every generation has "their" music, which older folks can't/won't understand. However voices with the soul and intangible quality of KC-- are rare indeed. She touches something within each of us, but no one can describe why. This is not about periods of musical content or sound. Its about one woman's heart-- able to touch ours.

[Hapenny521]

This is a haunting song. Wish I still had the33 with this on it. Karen gives us a beautiful and soulful rendition of this song and those of us that grew up with it are better for it.I do wish I had seen/heard them perform this but it did not get the play that other songs did.

[modspell]

Buy the LP/CD 'Close To You' and knock yourself out. It is a splendid album. Those two hit home runs virtually from the start, especially with the "Mr Guder," "Love Is Surrender" and "Maybe It's You" numbers.

[Marsbar17]

I have looked for this for years!! Thank you so much for posting it. Perfect.

[florcha34]

You're welcome =)

[MarkBearTN]

that voice! absolute perfection! would you expect anything less from the best female voice in history??

[pamquiggle]

you are absolutely right..no one will ever compare

[modspell]

For all of you pups who are not familiar with this incredible music, take it from an old timer who was only 17 when this was new... it was a revelation to hear this magical sound. The Carpenters had depth and classical soul, something completely non-existent in the crap you all download today. I can say I was there, and got it fresh out of the oven.

[lettievujicic]

Man totally right! I remember these since when I was 6 or 7. They always brought me such comfort...to this day. Nothing beats their sound. I love them.

[moosehead556]

Hey, pard, you sound like you are my age--55-I listen to this song as the seasons pass here in Wallace, Idaho. We have vivid seasons up here. I saw Karen and Richard perform in Vegas, where I grew up, four times in 73 and 74; a real regret is that I never saw them perform this gem, one of their greatest efforts. Of course, I feel that way about at least 20 of their songs; I fell in love with Karen's perfect voice also when just 17, I'm still in awe of it. I've heard none to rival her since.

[toes41852]

Me too----18 when this was released.

Most of what has happened since is trash IMHO

[VernianProcess]

Now now, that isn't fair to dismiss modern musicians because The Carpenters had such a perfect sound. I'm 31, and I've been a fan of them for about three years. I can say without a doubt that Karen has the most amazing voice I've ever heard, but that doesn't mean everyone else is crap and that no other musicians have depth or classical soul. There are hundreds of excellent bands out there. You should try exploring the modern musical landscape before making such a blanket statement.

[modspell]

Look Vern, I have been around a long time now, since 1957. I was told by older people that much of what I listened to in the 70s was crap, but now virtually all of that "crap" is air-played around the world. So, musical value will show up over time. But I can't imagine a single rap tune that anyone will want to hear 29 years from now, but I could be wrong. I still say that most Top 40 tracks today are about as deep as the paper the chart is printed on.

[VernianProcess]

Right, which is why I said before making a blanket statement like that "explore" the modern musical landscape, and Top-40 Hip-Hop/Alternative/Pop is not what I was referring to. Dig a little deeper and you will find some extraordinary new musicians out there.

[modspell]

Long periods of passing time make the pleasures from our youth even more delicious in the current day. To me, the talents of K&R seem greater now than they did in 1970. Karen and Richard were fortunate to be possessed by an angelic talent that they could neither have expected nor forced upon themselves. And with that blessing, God has given us something to take the edge of our often grim realities. I love those two like they were my own siblings, and have since the start of their careers.

[musicluver1958]

That really says it all modspell and expresses so well how I feel/felt about them. No way that I could say it better.

[erginakif]

I agree, the hit songs of today are CRAP!!! Even good songwriters/performers who did great music,say, 10-15 years ago, now produce this craptastic music that can never compare to this one here. Makes me cry every time.

[octave7]

@modspell

It would be interesting to hear you reaction when you did not know of them and all of a sudden you heard that voice on the radio. I think this is a profound and moving piece of music.

[moosehead556]

One of my favorites, its now October here in N.Idaho; I love to take mountain strolls with this song in my ears. It has such a beautiful haunting sound to it; Karen at her best.

[blabblab1212]

Look into those eyes! You can see the goodness of her soul shining out.

[blabblab1212]

She was dealing with relationship karma that spoiled and tempered what would have been an outstanding life! Hopefully next life she can shed the karma, and be the beautiful songbird she truly is!!!! She was beautiful as she was, she just didn't know it.

[blabblab1212]

Unfortunately, psychiatry has come a long way with eating disorders.  I think she would be ok if she was diagnosed with anorexia today. She needed to tell Mom and Dad and especially Richard to fuck off.

[blabblab1212]

It's Crescent Tomb!

[duhjuce]

itz Noon people

[eliashk5]

This is just awesome!! I love her vocal range.

Its one of my favourites songs in the Close To You album. Thank you for posting this video!!

[florcha34]

You're welcome =)

[dirigo43]

great song. title is, in fact, crescent Noon, not Moon. Great post.

[florcha34]

Thanks =)

[genniirocka]

It is cresent noon.

1. It says it on the close to you album

2. Karen sings 'bound to a falling cresent noon' not moon.

Dont reply nasily please!

[florcha34]

Thanks =)

[rebecca0030]

this is very sad but lovely song karen sang it so lovely. becky x

[mistofoles]

Hey, I don't want to piss on anybody's parade or anything, but this song is called Crescent MOON, not noon!

[florcha34]

Hey thank you!! You know tape-worm my doubt brings over of it, on the disc that I have says crescent noon, because of it I have written it this way, now in other places you can find hereby also: crescent moon or crescent noon.

Thank you for clarifying it.

[mistofoles]

No problem! I know it is called Crescent moon cos I borrowed the music from the local library to play on my keyboard!

[florcha34]

ok! =)

cool!!!!

[peggymaresh]

On the original Carpenter's album it is listed as Crescent Noon. If you listen to Karen's singing she is clearly saying "Noon".

[blabblab1212]

Can you believe this woman's voice! Such depth! What a beautiful soul! Unfortunately, she had some karma issues that weren't resolved. I wonder how she'll sound next life! It's hard to improve on perfection. I sure do miss radio from the 1970's before the elite got ahold of it and laid the law down about what can and cannot be played.

[Steveniizz]

cool!

[br1KPO]

gay!

[mcasidis]

br1KPO (who commented "gay!") : That makes no sense. If you don't have an intelligent opinion (and I'm guessing you don't) just stay away from posting comments. And by the way, youth is no excuse for stupidity.

[br1KPO]

old gay guy

[mcasidis]

Pobre pibe... Ni siquiera podés responder con nada más que monosílabos. Das lástima.

[kboyzrock]

Love this song, especially when she goes from key of c to a higher octave, what a voice range, she was one in a million!

[spalkin]

A masterpiece. If she had lived, she would still be a god.

[bbradshaw36]

this song makes me think how far she would have gone in her music career had she lived... I think she would have oassed many of the "artists" that are out there today

[maineman38]

This song is perfect. Karen's voice is on full display, minimal over-dubbing, just an awesome instrument. If you wonder why many people, including myself, consider Karen Carpenter to be the greatest female vocalist of all time, I submit into evidence this song, "Crescent Noon". Case Closed.

[TBoneinNYC]

Richard Carpenter was influenced by a number of classical composers. The haunting melody of this song is clearly an homage to Erik Satie's Gymmopedie No. 1. (There are several versions of this number here on YouTube if you want to compare.) Karen's voice and the backing vocals are appropriately ethereal. Lovely song.

[birdie2219]

It takes me back to when my father was alive...I remeber listening to this when I really knew he was going to die...its so hard..and its was so long ago (1975). I still miss him..

[EverythingElvis]

I put this one of the repeat mode for more than 10 times when I heard my dog had passed away after a life of 11 years, really amazing song

[imsazcake]

Her voice is beautiful.. It is heart breaking.. Everytime i hear this song it makes me cry.. I love her...

[hcciam]

Love the harmony and tune. Her voice with the accompaniment is so captivating.