I'm sorry, Doug, I disagree emphatically--she's nowhere near the league of singer that Karen Carpenter was. Karen had a timeless voice which leaves an imprint. Susan Boyle is an OK singer, but I think her story is really influencing listeners. I like a good story like anyone else does, but let's not get carried away.
I always close my eyes when listening to a vocalist--I don't like to be persuaded by the physical appearance.
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I have always been a big fan of Karen Carpenter, but I think Susan is in the same league.
I love Karen Carpenter's voice too, and Doug, I agree with you...IMO, after listening to "Cry Me A River", Susan IS in the same league as Karen. At the same time...it's apples and oranges.
Wow I thought it was only me that appreciated Karen Carpenter's voice. 90% of what the Carpernters recorded was (IMHO) drek, but her voice was really unique and touching in it's timbre and delivery. The Susan Boyle story is heartwarming but I agree, her is a nice voice but doesn't move me as a voice alone - it's the whole backstory and the humbling reminder about not prejudging people.
Last edited by Andy Volk on 18 Apr 2009 7:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby David Doggett »
Opera lovers have long known that the quality of the voice has nothing to do with the singer's appearance. Of course it is a lot easier to live with that when the singers are practically out of eyesight way up on a big stage, with no close-up shots.
I can't help but notice how it's the "beautiful people" judging the "commoners" and one that doesn't have the "stink of Hollywood" on them, gets to shine.
I think Karen Carpenter and Susan Boyle are both excellent, and in the same league... in terms of talent, beautiful vibrato, excellent pitch, etc. Karen's voice was sultry and low, while Susan tends to belt out the tune more in a broadway style. Susan may not have the sexy tones of Karen... but by the same token... I can not imagine Karen belting out that song from Les Misérables in the powerful way that Susan did. That was not her style. Also... we have only heard The Carpenters in their polished Studio recordings. Susan has become a star because of her tremendous Live performance. Doin' it Live "increases the value" in my book. Like I said, both great vocalists, each in their own style.
We'll see what the future brings for the spinster Ms. Boyle. With 26 million youtube views in less than a week, and worldwide media attention, I'm sure there will be a CD and a world tour soon.
I am sure the sentiment has already been expressed, but for once it is nice to see ACTUAL talent rewarded over the cute face and hot bod. And to see those smarmy "arbiters of taste" so obviously shamed in their critic's incompetence. You go girl! Would certainly hope this is the new trend, maybe it will cycle back to people digging Real Music made by Hands and Throats rather than by beatboxes and scratch-dub turntables... Amen!
I am sure the sentiment has already been expressed, but for once it is nice to see ACTUAL talent rewarded over the cute face and hot bod. And to see those smarmy "arbiters of taste" so obviously shamed in their critic's incompetence. You go girl! Would certainly hope this is the new trend, maybe it will cycle back to people digging Real Music made by Hands and Throats rather than by beatboxes and scratch-dub turntables... Amen!
When I heard her sing 'Cry Me A River' it was hard to believe it was the same woman. Completely different sound, very polished and sounded schooled to me. Whatever the circumstances, I loved both performances.
On the other hand, there are few singers that can sing everything. Sammy Davis JR. could. I feel that just as long as Susan sings the songs that suit her, she will do just fine.
Part of her appeal is her voice and part of it is her story, her courage. People are really drawn to that. Over 100 million views on youtube (all postings combined) in the past 9 days!