Karen Carpenter vs. Olivia Newton John

[Munjibunga]

This is cute. If she could lose the accent, some producer may be able to do something with the voice. Listen to the whole thing. The song starts at about 1:10.

 

[Jeff K]

Yeah Munji, she does a good job, and has some charisma to go with it. And for purposes of this debate, she also covers an Olivia Newton-John song.

 

[Tampabass]

music/voice: Karen, by far
Overall hotness: Olivia

I was a huge Carpenters fan as a kid. Funny story: When I was about 12, I wanted to see the Carpenters play the old Lakeland Civic Center, because a)I loved the Carpenters, and b)I had a big crush on a girl who had been picked to be among the local kids to join the group on stage for the chorus of "Sing."

So I took my own $$ (earned mowing lawns) and went to the box office to buy a ticket - probably $8 or $10 or so back then, about '73. I distinctly remember a very short man behind the ticket counter, standing on a stool to reach the window, taking my money. He said, "Just one"? I remember being embarrassed by that, like there was something wrong with going to the show by myself.

And after all that, I never got together with the girl

I was scarred for life, I tell 'ya!

 

[JacoLesFlea]

music/voice: Karen, by far
Overall hotness: Olivia

I was a huge Carpenters fan as a kid. Funny story: When I was about 12, I wanted to see the Carpenters play the old Lakeland Civic Center, because a)I loved the Carpenters, and b)I had a big crush on a girl who had been picked to be among the local kids to join the group on stage for the chorus of "Sing."

So I took my own $$ (earned mowing lawns) and went to the box office to buy a ticket - probably $8 or $10 or so back then, about '73. I distinctly remember a very short man behind the ticket counter, standing on a stool to reach the window, taking my money. He said, "Just one"? I remember being embarrassed by that, like there was something wrong with going to the show by myself.

And after all that, I never got together with the girl

I was scarred for life, I tell 'ya!

Cool story!!! How old where you in '73

 

[Tampabass]

7th grade - I was 12 years old.

 

[mrpackerguy]

Karen all the way. Way more talented vocally IMHO, more vocal range, more versatility and more distinctive.

 

[JacoLesFlea]

Cant forget about this one who unfortunately struggled with anorexia.....

 

[Skitch it!]

Karen Carpenter, no question at all ; )

 

[Iridescentone]

Olivia would win a wet tee-shirt contest, tho.

 

[jerry]

They did a great version of Leon Russell's "Superstar"...for s's & g's, check out Delaney & Bonnie's version.

The Carpenters' version is a bit "cleaner" for AM radio.

I think Rita Coolidge might have been the first one to sing that song, she did it on the Mad Dogs & Englishman tour.
Back on topic, Karen was special!

 

[fishtx]

Olivia...I have met her and there's not a sweeter lady in the world...she was extremely gracious to my wife, who is a huge fan of hers from the Grease days...

Plus i'm friends with her guitar player/musical director...and he's a nice cat too!

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

Pillow Fight!

 

[Tampabass]

let's get physical -

 

[80'sRocker]

what has this got to do with bass guitar??

 

[Tampabass]

bass, I mean base desires? everything and nothing

 

[jerry]

They've both had killer bands and bassist, Karen had Joe Osborne and I remember Olivia having a band with Pops Popwell and guitar great Buzzy Feiten.

 

[fishtx]

They've both had killer bands and bassist, Karen had Joe Osborne and I remember Olivia having a band with Pops Popwell and guitar great Buzzy Feiten.

And Olivia has had Lee Hendricks and Allison Prestwood...and a big surprise coming up...I am sworn to secrecy.

 

[DWBass]

KC had more musical skills but ONJ was way hotter! KC had a very depressing wardrobe! I think she was stuck on 1930's fashion!

 

[aws1963]

Karen Carpenter.

Nothing against Olivia Newton-John, but a more pure voice has yet to be heard! IMHO that is!

 

[BassGirl1122]

I sing songs by both the artists, but I have always liked the Carpenters better