Vinyl: Tapestry
- Kris
- Sep 2, 2012
- 3 min read
It's about connections. I want to connect with people; I want to make people think "Yeah that's how I feel." And if I can do that, that's an accomplishment. - Carole King
Tapestry (1971) - Carole King
Side 1: I Feel the Earth Move, So Far Away, It's Too Late, Home Again, Beautiful, Way Over Yonder
Side 2: You've Got A Friend, Where You Lead, Will You Love Me Tomorrow?, Smackwater Jack, Tapestry, (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman
Joined Collection: inherited
The first time I ever heard a Carole King song was at a Girl Scout meeting when I was 12 years old. One of the members wanted to be a singer one day, and she performed "You've Got a Friend" at the meeting. At first, I, like most Disney fans, added the phantom "in me" to the title, thinking that I knew exactly what was going to happen next. But it wasn't the song from Toy Story. It was Carole King.
I can't speak much for the Girl Scout singer; she changed troops shortly after and didn't leave me with much of an impression. But I can say that the song hit me. Everyone needs a decent "feel good" song and this was definitely pre-Josh Groban "You Raise Me Up." Somehow, I ended up with the Carole King's Living Room Tour in my collection of CDs. Her voice is older, grainier, but it was all I knew and I loved it.
I was so excited to find Tapestry in my mom's collection. She tells me that it used to be her favorite album. I don't doubt her - the album cover is so worn that specks of white distort the image. The cover shown here is my copy of the album (yes, we have two), which I bought for myself at a local music store.
I've always been a fan of singer/songwriters, and Carole King is the epitome of the genre. It's really something special listening to her voice, but her true talent is in her songwriting because her lyrics are both poignant and timeless. I like to imagine my mom listening to the album, keeping time with her foot, and singing along with You've got to get up every morning with a smile on your face / and show the world all the love in your heart ("Beautiful," Carole King), as if vocalizing the words will help keep her smile up despite what the day will bring. And if not my mom, there were countless others, I'm sure.
Probably even the girl from my Girl Scout troop. And that is a lovely thought.
Normally, I would make a list of personal favorites, but I find this too difficult. I did ask my mom, though, who immediately started singing "Smackwater Jack" before conceding that there are too many special songs on the album to pick just one.
I do really admire the choice to call the album "Tapestry," as if each song is a thread and, when they come together, they create something bigger. This makes the album very accessible because it is basically just life. I love that about it.
So, do you have a favorite Carole King song - whether or not it's from Tapestry? Do you have any stories or memories to share?
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