The Carpenters Get The RPO Treatment On New Album

Mike Wass | November 13, 2018 1:31 pm
Film Review: 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
The long-awaited Queen biopic is a fitting tribute to Freddie Mercury.

There are few things I love more in life than The Carpenters. The iconic ’70s duo has a song for every mood, and I’m yet to hear a purer voice than Karen’s. As such, I’m always wary of the seemingly endless compilations and tribute albums (literally no one wanted Sonic Youth’s version of “Superstar”). But there’s a key difference with A&M’s latest project. Richard’s fingerprints are all over With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In fact, the 72-year-old served as producer, arranger and conductor.

“That’s what makes it very special… it’s his music and he knows it and that he was there from the start,” Royal Philharmonic’s Ian Maclay says of the project. “It’s not somebody else interpreting, which is what normally happens.” And Richard was keen to revisit his life’s work. “There have been more than a few times when I have thought, ‘I wish I could have a second crack at that,'” he admits. “And there were places where things could be augmented without overdoing it. That’s the trick.”

Carpenters With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra drops on December 7. A couple of songs from the album have already arrived (“Yesterday Once More” is particularly blissful) and another is due on Friday. You can pre-order the ultimate Christmas gift here. Watch an album trailer below and get a taste of the music at the bottom of the post.

Are you excited for the album? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!