Hard to believe it was 40 years ago that brother and sister Richard and Karen Carpenter released their debut album. They went on to become the most successful brother-sister duo and one of the best selling artists of all time.
Now you can relive those memories with 40/40, produced by Richard Carpenter. The album includes all of the Carpenters' dozen Top 10 Pop hits, 19 of their 20 Top 40s and 23 of their 28 Top 75 Pop singles, from 1969's cover of the Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" to 1981's "Those Good Old Dreams."
The Carpenters' hit streak started with 1970's "Close To You" and ended in 1981 with their final Top 40 hit, "Touch Me When We're Dancing." Karen Carpenter died in 1983 after suffering for years from anorexia. She was one of music's most influential females; artists from Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani and Shania Twain to Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Madonna have noted Karen Carpenter's influence on their careers. I remember watching her thinking, "Women can play the drums? How cool is that?"
It's official: Season 8 American Idol winner Kris Allen's debut album is set to release November 17.
Even more exciting, he's reportedly been in the studio with Mat Kearney.
Whoa, this album's sounding better and better every day.
Despite the fact that he claimed he couldn't say anything about which genre he's decided on, American Idol contestant Danny Gokey told EW.com's Michael Slezak that "it'll be country", adding that it'll be marketed a new way.
Maybe it's my constantly irritated mood this week, but puh-leeeze. There is nothing new under the sun, whether it's a new genre or a new way to market it - unless, of course, he's going to somehow put his music into eye glass frames ala an iPod. OK, that would be a new way to market music.
But back to the genre. I always pictured Gokey singing R&B or gospel. But country? Not so much. Then again, he does have a flair for singing a story and making us teary eyed, and that's what country music is all about.
Either way, he's got such a huge following that whatever he sings will sell like hot cakes.
My guess is he goes country inspo. But we'll see soon enough!
What do you think? Is country a good genre for Danny Gokey?
RELATED POSTS:
More on Danny Gokey and his wife Sophia
American Idol archives
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In this week's Cooking with Christian Music, we have a nifty treat from MIKESCHAIR bassist Jon Haire: Creme de Menthe balls!
Today, since I'm having a summer "I don't feel like working" day - one of several this week - I thought I'd let you all have your say in a little poll. Share your thoughts with me on these questions:
1) Who do you think is the most underrated Christian music artist, any genre?
2) Who do you think is the most overrated Christian music artist, any genre?
3) What Christian music artist, any genre, do you think deserves to be on the cover of Rolling Stone - or any other national mainstream magazine, music or non music?
Leave your comments in ... well, the comment section!
Click here to subscribe to Gospel Soundcheck by email and have the Gospel Soundcheck headlines delivered daily to your email inbox. And don't forget to follow me on Twitter!
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