CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#15 (THEY LONG TO BE) CLOSE TO YOU

THE CARPENTERS

(1970)

Writers: Burt Bacharach & Hal David

"Close To You" is so strongly associated with The Carpenters, that it would surprise some to discover that the duo's recording was not the 1st version. The original interpretation was a B-side on the single "Blue Guitar" in 1963 by the actor / singer Richard Chamberlain. Dionne Warwick covered the song 2 years later; this time as an A-side, but US DJs gave airplay to the flip side entitled "Here I Am". The story of "Close To You" could easily have concluded there. Fortunately, the beautiful ballad was saved from obscurity. 
Songwriter Burt Bacharach was impressed with The Carpenters and invited the duo to perform at a benefit. The siblings' label A&M boss Herb Alpert suggested the medley they were to perform include the Bacharach / David song "Close To You". Richard Carpenter came up with an arrangement but then decided to leave the song out. Again, this timeless classic might never have eventuated.
Alpert continued suggesting The Carpenters record "Close To You". The siblings did eventually cut their own version of the song. Once issued, the single reached #1 in the USA, where it reigned for a month. It also topped the AC chart there. Richard chose to place the first words of the title in parentheses. "(They Long To Be) Close To You" went on to peak at #6 in Britain and climbed to #1 in Canada and Australia. This was to be the first of several hit singles for the act around the globe.
The Carpenters collected the Best New Artist Grammy and were nominated for Record of the Year. "Close To You" also earned the duo a Grammy for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance (by a Duo, Group or Chorus). Despite many subsequent remakes, the Carpenters' interpretation remains the definitive version.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 2 new songs from the remaining Top 100 are added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here for an update of the 2000.