Disney Freaks and Geeks

Freak or fool? Sometimes I just hate who I am! The words above have been hurled at me for years and not always in the way most admirable. Yes sir, I sure love the Disney theme parks, and I love so many of the animated movies. I brought this upon myself by even being up front about my love for the creativity and innocence of it all. Give me a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World over Las Vegas any day. But I'm not just a Disney freak.

As a big fan of the Carpenters, I take a lot of flack as well. For years! Let's be real, a guy just doesn't like Karen Carpenter (and brother Richard) without opening himself up to some crap from the people around him. No matter- good music never goes out of style, and Karen Carpenter had a once in a century voice. She was an Ordinary Fool (one of her best songs), and I guess I am as well. (And I'm so honored to be a part of Randy L. Schmidt's new book, Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography.)

You see, as much as I am a freak and a geek, I'm also a fool. A fool for Jesus, and I'm in good company! The Apostle Paul put up with much more than I ever will! He writes:

"We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!" (I Corinthians 4:10)

I didn't get it either until I did. Why?

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,  but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.  For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength." (I Corinthians 1:18-25)

In many ways, I'd like to be different than I am. But I am who I am, and God's grace on me is more than sufficient. My life, though strange and out of the ordinary in many ways, is a huge blessing- and I pray it is an ongoing testimony of who Jesus Christ is and the difference He can make through one single life.

#carpentersbook - My Incredible Honor to Be Part of It!

What an honor! Randy L. Schmidt, author of Little Girl Blue the Life of Karen Carpenter, contacted me several months ago. Randy asked if I had any interest in being a guest commentator for his new book, Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography. His plan was to gather folks to discuss the music and career of my favorite duo.

Of course, as a life-long fan, I was happy to be involved with this great project!  

Randy has gathered a very elite group of music industry folks and fans! (I still cannot believe I was included!) They have combined forces to discuss the following albums:

OFFERING

CLOSE TO YOU

CARPENTERS

A SONG FOR YOU

NOW & THEN

THE SINGLES 1969-1973

HORIZON

A KIND OF HUSH

PASSAGE

CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT

MADE IN AMERICA

VOICE OF THE HEART

AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

Richard Carpenter: TIME

LOVELINES

Karen Carpenter: KAREN CARPENTER

Richard Carpenter: PIANIST ARRANGER COMPOSER CONDUCTOR

AS TIME GOES BY

My piece was to contribute in a larger group discussion regarding the duo's 1976 release A Kind of Hush. All about the music, the stage of their career, our memories, etc. Really a special time for me as I first saw them during the tour for Hush and met them backstage afterwards.

I won't really say any more. You'll have to read it for yourself. (And see all the never before seen photos Randy has gathered for each album.)

Let me just say this: Randy's other contributors to our group discussion were very fun for me to interact with! Such insights!

Thank again, Randy, for the once in a lifetime opportunity!

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I have many, many, articles and even rare photos regarding the career of Karen and Richard Carpenter on this blog. There are also my album reviews including those of a "Fresh Look" at the original albums after many years of listening. If you're a fan of Carpenters, I think you'll find much to enjoy here.

New Photos from Karen Carpenter Recording Session

Thanks to the new book by Randy L. Schmidt, we have two previously unseen photos of the wonderful Karen Carpenter recording her famous 1980 solo album. The full book- Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography comes out in April, just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the duo signing to A&M Records at the urging of Herb Alpert.

New Book on the Music of the Carpenters

Can't tell you how much I am looking forward to this new book on the music of Karen and Richard Carpenter! Just in time for the 50th Anniversary of their signing to A&M Records, the author of her bio, Randy L. Schmidt has put together a new book focused on each of their albums. Here's the official news release:

"Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography is an essential album-by-album retrospective of the legendary duo’s recordings.

With more than 100 million records sold worldwide, the Carpenters are among the most beloved and enduring musical acts of the past 50 years. Randy L. Schmidt, author of the acclaimed bestselling biography Little Girl Blue: The Life of Karen Carpenter has assembled a team of commentators—journalists, authors, musicians, and other entertainment industry figures—for a series of in-depth, insightful, and opinionated conversations on every release. Beautifully presented with more than 200 images, many never before seen, the result is a must-have for pop music lovers."

Coming late April / Early May...