Alternative Twist to Carpenters

Rip It Up, Issue 203, 1 July 1994, Page 2

Alternative Twist to Carpenters

For those of us who grew up in the 70s, Karen Carpenter’s heavenly voice will forever be etched on our memory, a sweet but ineffably sad accompaniment to our own growing pains. It’s been 11 year since Karen lost her battle with anorexia nervosa, but the Carpenters will live forever. They’ve sold more than 90 million records world wide, but in the light of Karen’s personal tragedy, the songs are anything but “easy listening’’. To mark the 25th anniversary of their first record contract, A&M America is releasing a tribute album to the dulcet duo by a host of alternative stars. Sonic Youth, Redd Kross, Shonen Knife, Smashing Pumpkins, Babes in Toyland, Sheryl Crow, Bettie Seveert, the Cranberries and American Music Club amongst others will be vying to cover such classics as ‘Superstar’ and ‘Close To You’. The project was conceived by rock journalist David Konjoyan and producer Matt Wallace and there proved to be no shortage of Carpenters fans willing to participate. “She died for our sins,’’ said Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon.