About the Song
On their celebrated 1971 album Carpenters, Karen and Richard Carpenter included a hidden gem that reflected their love for the golden era of pop music: “Beechwood 4-5789.” Originally recorded by The Marvelettes in 1962, this Motown classic found a new home in the Carpenters’ catalog, transformed into a warm, lighthearted tune that showcased their versatility and deep appreciation for 1960s girl group harmonies.
The song’s title refers to an old telephone exchange number, a charming relic of a bygone era when calling someone meant remembering a mix of letters and numbers. By the early ‘70s, that format was already fading, which gave the Carpenters’ version an instant sense of nostalgia. Unlike the original’s upbeat, handclap-driven Motown energy, the Carpenters opted for a more polished pop arrangement, keeping the sweetness of the melody while softening its edges.
Karen Carpenter’s voice is playful here, stepping away from her signature ballad style to embrace a lighter tone. Her vocals float effortlessly over Richard Carpenter’s lush arrangement, complete with layered harmonies, bright horns, and a bouncy rhythm section. This track demonstrates the duo’s skill in reimagining older songs while maintaining their unmistakable signature sound.
While “Beechwood 4-5789” was never released as a single, it has become a fan favorite for its fun, throwback feel and for giving listeners a glimpse of the Carpenters’ versatility. Nestled among heavier ballads like “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Superstar” on the Carpenters album, it offers a welcome burst of lightness — proof that Karen and Richard were just as comfortable with playful, uptempo numbers as they were with deeply emotional ones.
Today, “Beechwood 4-5789” stands as a charming tribute to pop’s early years, reminding listeners of simpler times and showcasing the Carpenters’ deep respect for musical history. It’s a small but delightful chapter in their extraordinary body of work.
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