FAMILY ACTS

I think it’s fine that the Carpenters’ songs are being re-evaluated and performed by a new generation of musicians (“Trust Us, This Is for Real,” by Paul Grein, Sept. 11), but I take exception to Grein’s assertion that “for a few years, (Karen Carpenter) did give Barbra Streisand a run for her money.”

In what way? Perhaps for a brief time in the early ‘70s the Carpenters held the advantage in terms of radio airplay and hit singles, but once Streisand decided to take a more aggressive stance in the pop arena, her record sales held their own very nicely against the Carpenters.

And in the area of vocal prowess, as warm and appealing as Karen’s voice was, it never approached the range, emotionalism, power or energy of Streisand’s, whose skill as an actress has always placed her way out in front of the pack as an interpreter of lyrics both simple and complex.

Saying Carpenter gave Streisand a run for her money is tantamount to saying that Patti Page gave Judy Garland a rum for her money.

NICHOLAS GRANGER

Los Angeles

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Thank you for Grein’s article. Let’s hope some well-deserved recognition will come to this talented duo.

I would also like to point out a new record saluting another family act from the ‘70s--the Bee Gees. “Melody Fair” features no fewer than 21 alternative bands paying tribute to one of the most grotesquely underrated acts in pop history.

EDWARD ESTRADA

North Hollywood