The Carpenters - Topic

With a trademark sound highlighted by brother Richard’s multi-layered production and sister Karen’s timeless voice, the Carpenters set a new standard for melodic pop and became the top selling American artists of the 1970s.  With their 1970 chart breakthroughs of "(They Long To Be) Close to You" and "We've Only Just Begun," Richard and Karen Carpenter set a new standard for melodic pop that has never been surpassed. With over 100 million in sales, the Carpenters are among the all-time most successful artists in recording history. The long hit list also includes "Rainy Days And Mondays," "Top of the World," "Yesterday Once More" and "Superstar."  On the heels of RPO successes with Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison and The Beach Boys, Carpenters With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra marks the first time the series has the actual artist playing key roles in the recording process. Richard Carpenter served as the album's producer, arranger and conductor.  "I think that's what makes it very special: the fact that it's his music and he knows it and that he was there from the start," says Royal Philharmonic orchestral manager Ian Maclay. "It's not somebody else interpreting, which is what normally happens."  The fusion of Richard's production genius, the duo's harmonies and Karen's immortal vocals make Carpenters both endearing and enduring.