Have you ever been in the supermarket and after the announcement for “clean up in aisle four” a familiar song comes on over the tannoy that brings a contented smile to your face?

Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

You reach for the artichoke hearts on special.

Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

There is a slight waver in your outstretched arm before you self consciously place the jar in your trolley.

On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true

You look around and are aware of several other grey haired shoppers of your vintage with that same far away stare and slight swagger.

So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue

Subconsciously you find yourself finger tapping the piano arpeggios on the handle of your trolley. * Tiddely pom, tiddely pom *

That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you

………..you find yourself singing into the cucumber.

A bunch of celery makes the ideal trumpet for the change of key solo.

Before you know it you and half the shoppers have broken out in perfect three part harmony

Wa-aah-aa close to you
Wa-aah-aa close to you

The other half of generation Xers scramble for the exits in fear of a geriatric zombie invasion.

Why were The Carpenters so much maligned by our teenage generation in the seventies ?

Because they weren’t cool or hip. They looked too straight and goody two shoes. An image apparently they weren’t too happy with. We were rebellious and into pop, rock, glam, prog, punk. This was easy listening or Adult Orientated Rock. All orchestral arrangements and close vocal harmonies. This was the sort of music our parents would approve of.

We all know about the tragic demise of Karen Carpenter the reluctant singer and one time drummer. If nothing else her untimely death started the conversation of the problems of anorexia.

My wife Pauline had the honour of seeing the duo live in Edinburgh courtesy of her Dad’s employer the South of Scotland Electricity Board (SSEB). It was just the two of them singing to backing tracks which I would have found disappointing. I guess the Wrecking Crew session players couldn’t make it. She also got to see and greet James Last and his orchestra which was a first. But we won’t go there.

So sit down with your children and your grandchildren and really listen to the lush  arrangements and perfectly blended voices on some classic melodies such as ‘(They Long To Be) Close To You’, ‘Rainy Days And Mondays’, ‘Superstar’ and ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’. I’d give ‘Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft’ a miss. God knows what they were on when they recorded that !

Now what aisle are the cannellini beans on?

(Post by John Allan from Bridgetown, Western Australia – June 2025)