Garage Sale Vinyl: Carole King
Tapestry / Ode Records / February 1971
by Christopher Long
One of the (many) things that I learned while growing up from my tough-as-nails, Korean War vet father was that tears are for weak-ass sissies. I’ll GIVE you something to cry about! I continue to deal with the emotional fallout from his particular brand of old-fashioned “love.” That said, even after more than 50 years, this Carole King masterpiece still possesses the ability to put me in the fetal position, bawling and sobbing like a frustrated 30-something barista locked out of a Tay-Tay meet-and-greet.
For us middle-class suburban kids, life in 1971 was safe and comfy. Conversely, for less advantaged inner-city youth, life was a challenge, to say the least. And for the brave soldiers still fighting in Vietnam at the time, life was downright horrific. But the cool thing about the magic of music is that it can often provide a beacon of light and hope that shines on everybody, everywhere. Tapestry was one of those uniquely magical records.
Produced by legendary entertainment mogul Lou Adler, the Grammy Award-winning album marked the spot where King stepped out from her acknowledged place of prominence, writing a cavalcade of timeless hits for other artists during the ’60s (with her then-husband, Gerry Goffin), and into the blinding spotlight as one of the brightest, most successful solo artists of the ’70s.
Photographer Jim McCrary’s recognizable front cover shot screamed “1971.” The image of the long curly-haired gal in skin-tight blue jean bell-bottoms (accompanied by her kitty cat), basking in the sun rays poking through the window blinds while hand-sewing a quilt, was as warm and cozy as the songs themselves. A naïve, wide-eyed eight-year-old in 1971, even I “got” the appeal. Jeepers! I wanna go to Carole King’s house!
King’s heart-pounding piano pitted against Danny Kortchmar’s jazz-rock guitar ignited “I Feel the Earth Move,” making it fresh and vital, while King’s vulnerable lyrics, sultry melody, and Curtis Amy’s sexy sax made “It’s Too Late” a transparent, heartbreak classic. Smashed together as a chart-topping double A-side single, the songs were a romance yin and yang.
Going straight for the ol’ heartstrings, Tapestry focused frequently on deeply personal relationships. To that, “So Far Away” was a snapshot of two people whose relationship is being exterminated by geography. Featuring guitar work from “Sweet Baby” James Taylor, the iconic “You’ve Got a Friend” reflected an honest and pure friendship, while the sassified, soulful “Where You Lead” revealed an unconditional romantic commitment. The song’s back cover listing was the first time I’d ever seen an album credit for one of my soon-to-be drum heroes, Russ Kunkel.
Another tall standout, “Beautiful” offered shiny words of truth, wisdom, and encouragement, and “Smackwater Jack” was a funky, saloon-style square peg.
King took us to church several times throughout the record’s 12 tracks. “Way Over Yonder” was genuinely hymnal-worthy, enhanced further by a Southern choir-inspired contribution from celebrated backup singer Merry Clayton, while the Gospel-injected love song, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” held up wonderfully under the enormous weight of King’s gloriously MASSIVE piano work.
Since its initial release, Tapestry has sold in excess of 25 million units worldwide. Seven or eight of them were mine. In fact, I’ve owned this record in various configurations. I snatched up my most recent copy last year from a Florida joint for $12 — WAY more than I’m usually willing to pony up for any single piece of pre-loved vinyl. But it looked super-clean, which it was. Tragically, the darn thing skips, twice. Ugh — one more reason Tapestry makes me cry. Just don’t tell my dad.
5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tapestry Track List (Original 1971 LP Version)
SIDE A
1. I Feel the Earth Move (C. King) – 2:57
2. So Far Away (C. King) – 3:55
3. It’s Too Late (C. King, T. Stern) – 3:51
4. Home Again (C. King) – 2:27
5. Beautiful (C. King) – 3:05
6. Way Over Yonder (C. King) – 4:42
SIDE B
1. You’ve Got a Friend (C. King) – 5:07
2. Where You Lead (C. King, T. Stern) – 3:18
3. Will You Love Me Tomorrow? (C. King, G. Goffin) – 4:10
4. Smackwater Jack (C. King, G. Goffin) – 3:39
5. Tapestry (C. King) – 3:11
6. (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (C. King, G. Goffin, J. Wexler) – 3:47
