12. The CarpentersThe Singles: 1969-1973

Karen Carpenter, in my book, was and still is the greatest voice that’s ever been. Whenever I hear any of their early 70s singles, her voice reaches into my chest, pulls out my unbeating heart and gently massages it back to life again.

‘We’ve Only Just Begun’, ‘Rainy Days And Mondays’, ‘Superstar’, ‘Goodbye To Love’, etc, are all fucking tremendous records – Richard Carpenter’s orchestration and arrangements are so outrageously lush and classy. I’d rather listen to this than 80% of the Bowie/Roxy Music back catalogue if I’m honest. Which I am.