There is only one way to describe this album and its importance in the history of popular music, and that is: groundbreaking. Released in 1971, Tapestry is Carole King's defining moment, and one that would catapult her to the very top of her profession as an out and out songwriter. It is an album that achieved the top spot in the American charts for fifteen weeks, stayed on the charts for over six years, and achieved four Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Record of the Year (It's Too Late), Song of the Year (You've Got A Friend), and Best Pop Vocal Performance. It has gone on to sell millions and millions of copies worldwide, and remains one of the firm favourites in most 'Greatest Album Ever' polls. James Taylor described King's songs as "very accessible, very personal statements, built from the ground up with a simple, elegant architecture," describing perfectly the global appeal of this much loved tune-smith. I fell in love with Tapestry the moment I heard it. Now, let me tell you about it. . . . .
At the time I was playing regular Thursday evening slots at a town-centre Irish bar here in Southport, led by the untouchable Steve McKenna. As far as acoustic musicians were concerned, he was by far, and probably still is, the best around in these parts. He was helping to condition me as a performer, and between a small crowd of musicians/music lovers we were building up a classic night that was eagerly awaited by many. McKenna was heavily into the Americana acoustic scene of the late 60's - early 70's, which over time began to rub off on me. I started listening to the likes of The Eagles, James Taylor, Neil Young, Crosby-Stills-Nash, America, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and, of course, Carole King. It was around this time that I first heard the magnificent It's Too Late - a song that I just couldn't shake throughout every waking minute of my day. It completely overtook my mind. There was something about that killer intro - that fabulous A minor to D major change that was utterly enchanting. To this day I still rate that song as one of the finest ever written, the undoubted greatest song intro in the history of music, and the pinnacle focal point on Tapestry.
Now I don't want to drag this review on forever - there is simply no need at all. Tapestry doesn't need to be sold to anyone - it's achievements and stature in the grand scheme of things speaks for itself. I'd like merely to name some songs. I Feel The Earth Move - yes, that belting, groovy number you're so sure you know. You've Got A Friend - the smash hit single for Carole's long-time comrade James Taylor, who lifted it from Tapestry and sang it to the world. Will You Love Me Tomorrow, that beautiful ballad covered by so many legendary artists over the years. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman - covered most famously by Aretha Franklin, who took King's rousing original and made it all her own. So Far Away is a gorgeous song about longing. Home Again, Beautiful, and Way Over Yonder provide a thrilling centre-section for the album, glorifying King's spotless vocal. That leaves the title track, Tapestry, and Where You Lead - album tracks that could so easily have been hit singles for anyone less prolific than Carole King. Smackwater Jack, the penultimate track on the album, is an impulsive, upbeat jive that rouses the beat within you. An all round classic album showcasing a very, very rare gift for songwriting and performing, and one that provided so much inspiration for other female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Sheryl Crow, Chrissie Hind etc.
It is astonishing to think that Carole King began her musical career purely as a songwriter for others in the traditional American writing houses. What a tragic waste for all concerned that would have been. It is a blessing that, in the same way as Neil Diamond (who wrote initially, but like King realised that to profit from it they must go out and perform their material) Carole King eventually came to the foreground. Tapestry will form part of an unbreakable legacy in popular music, I am certain of it. It has got to be recommended listening for any budding musician or songwriter out there, regardless of genre or preference. I have only one wish left: that when Carole and James Taylor close up their tour this year in the States, they come and visit us over here in the U.K. That ticket, rest assured, will belong to me.
.jpg)
.jpg)
1 comment:
I think you'll find that ticket has my name on it! :-)
Post a Comment