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Friday 10 February 2012

100 LPs Shortlist #18: "Tapestry" - Carole King

Look, i really do not care if you call me a sap, or think I'm less of a man because of this choice of record. I'm going to put it out there once and for all - this is one of the best damn records ever recorded, BY ANYONE ANYWHERE!!!

Peerless songwriting, coupled with subtle arrangements that don't overcrowd the music. Raw emotions, wrapped up in pop songs, expressing real feelings and asking real questions.

By the time this record was released in 1971, many of the songs on it were not new. "Will You Still Love me Tomorrow?" is a daring song to write even by today's standards, let alone in 1960 when it was first recorded by the Shirelles. Aretha Franklin may have recorded the definitive "You Make me Feel Like A Natural Woman", but here, the sparse and naked arrangement makes it clear who owns the song - Carole King.

There are so many great songs on this record that it would be unfair to single out any. "So Far Away", "Home Again" and "Tapestry" have to be my favourites.

Kick back and enjoy it.


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