Description: [Tongson] packs nostalgic affection and astute critical thinking about Karen Carpenter, her namesake, into this slim volume. ― Los Angeles Times Published On: 2019-08-23Why Karen Carpenter Matters is about the kind of chart-topping suburban pop that lies at the core of white capitalist mythology―sunny and sentimental, meticulously calibrated for Nixon-era FM radio. But the book centers those at the margins of American society, revealing how the Carpenters’ music resonated with immigrants, LGBTQ folks, and people of color who craved the idyllic normalcy that the siblings embodied...In this exploration of her namesake’s legacy, [Tongson] deftly weaves memoir, history, and cultural criticism to highlight the dynamic relationship between artists and listeners―all the while avoiding the militant 'yasss girl' identity politics that have come to define modern fandom. ― Pitchfork, "Best Music Books of 2019" Published On: 2019-12-19Engrossing…An enthusiastic and persuasive Carpenters fan, Tongson is also a stellar critic with extensive knowledge of music and songcraft, here displayed with gusto in enthralling close reads…the music writing is superb—jaunty, eloquent, and illuminating. ― 4Columns Published On: 2019-05-24Stunning…even if you're a fan of the Carpenters…I guarantee that you will explore new angles on the Carpenters with Why Karen Carpenter Matters. -- Dana Stevens ― Slate Culture Gabfest Published On: 2019-05-22Tongson writes the book as part personal memoir part biography, weaving a story that reveals the intent and effects of the late musician's short life. ― Alcalde Published On: 2019-01-02In owning and celebrating her own Carpenters fandom—as a queer Filipino-American woman—Tongson opens up new room for nuance on both the production and reception sides of popular music. ― The Current Published On: 2019-06-05An offbeat, affectionate and provocative meditation about the many 'afterlives' of Karen Carpenter. ― Please Kill Me Published On: 2019-06-20Tongson deftly connects her own stories with larger narratives about the Carpenters and Karen Carpenter, for an excellent part-memoir, part-examination of the singer and her legacy…[a] unique take on Carpenter's importance that illuminates the beautifully transcendent connection that an audience can have with an artist. ― Exclaim! Published On: 2019-07-08Provocative but affectionate. ― The Sunday Republican Published On: 2019-06-23
Price: 22 USD
Location: Los Angeles, California
End Time: 2025-01-20T00:13:21.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.63 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Book Title: Why Karen Carpenter Matters
Number of Pages: 152 Pages
Language: English
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Topic: Composers & Musicians, Genres & Styles / Pop Vocal
Item Height: 0.5 in
Publication Year: 2019
Genre: Music, Biography & Autobiography
Item Weight: 6.1 Oz
Item Length: 7 in
Author: Karen Tongson
Book Series: Music Matters Ser.
Item Width: 5 in
Format: Trade Paperback
