Posting this may get me flamed by the hipsters and metal purists, but what the Hell!I remember my sister obsessively playing Carpenters records growing up. Then, it seemed like their music was played at every wedding we attended in the 70's. I used to HATE their music (especially the ultra-whiz Christmas album).I've been doing a lot of 70's music listening lately, and I think I have to re-assess my opinion of Richard and Karen. Their music is heavily layered, and much more complex than I realized previously. You can definitely tell Richard Carpenter had a grasp of multi-track recording techniques. He certainly knew how best to frame his sister's voice. If you need any more proof, check out Karen's disco album in the 80's produced by someone else. Oh-My-God it's bad. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000HY5G/sr=8-8/qid=1156794572/ref=pd_bbs_8/102-6499401-4502512?ie=UTF8Admittedly, there are some maudlin lyrics. Having said that, Karen's vocals have a melancholy tone that adds an ironic (and sad) dimension to otherwise saccharin songs. Her deep alto voice reminds me of the sometimes mournful timbre of an oboe.I think the ennui is there, even after you dismiss her tragic and untimely end. Perhaps in a way they were reflective of the times. They came from the bright and idealistic sixties into the ideologically, financially, and politically bankrupt seventies.Or, I'm thinking too much and might as well shut up and enjoy the music!