Close to You

A&M, under Universal. Birds, stars, and a person. The scale is sincere.

A&M released it. Universal holds A&M. The Carpenters sang as if a well-ordered love were not embarrassing. It isn't.

Play it low, in the house, about a real person.

The eight

Industry
8/10
The arrangement is gentle and exact.
Household
7/10
One person, wondered at. Not a crowd.
Piety
5/10
Wonder, aimed at a face.
Courage
4/10
No test. A thanks.
Republic
3/10
Two people.
Temperance
8/10
Soft, and it does not grab.
Truth
6/10
The hyperbole is a way of saying the plain thing.
Stewardship
7/10
A kitchen song. Keep it.

Live historicallyOnce, at supper, with the person in the room.

Song · Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and YouTube Music · 1964

Motown · Universal Music Group

Dancing in the Street

Motown, under Universal. The invitation is public. The street is the room.

Gordy released it. Universal holds Motown. Martha Reeves calls a country outside. In some years people heard a party. In others they heard a summons. The record can bear both, which is why it lasted.

Dance if the street is safe. Notice that she wanted everyone there.

The eight

Industry
8/10
A shout a block can use. That is craft.
Household
5/10
No kitchen. A city as a household.
Piety
4/10
Joy, offered without a creed.
Courage
6/10
She calls people out of the house and into each other.
Republic
7/10
Every city named. A people, not a clique.
Temperance
6/10
A dance, and it ends.
Truth
6/10
The invitation is plain.
Stewardship
6/10
A picture of a public gladness. Keep it from becoming a riot or a commercial.

Live historicallyOne evening this week, be outside with someone who is not already in your usual four.