If I Were a Carpenter

by

Various Artists

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I just don't get the polarized reviews regarding this pleasant little tribute album. The haters are either neurotic Carpenters-worshipers who seem to have insider info on the "cynical" nature of this compilation made by some talented artists of the mid-90s, or they are simply haters of the Carpenters as a concept. Look people, this album has some great music on it. The interpretations are respectful and are not pure rip-off copies of the originals, which would have been foolish. No one sounds like Karen Carpenter. What they are is worthy interpretations that show off the talents of the artists while keeping the melodic pop of the classic songs in question as their backbone. Japanese ladies Shonen Knife do a great indie power pop version of Top of the World, Sonic Youth's under water sounding Superstar is mesmerizing, Sheryl Crow and the Cranberries do sturdy renditions of Solitaire and Close To You, and all the other artists do credible jobs. This is simply a tuneful tribute album and a pleasant musical experience, for both Carpenters and non-Carpenters fans alike, for fans of classic pop melodies or 90s indie music.