After 1975's number four hit 'Only Yesterday,' the group's popularity began to decline. For the latter half of the '70s, the duo were plagued by personal problems. Richard had become addicted to prescription drugs; in 1978, he entered a recovery clinic, kicking his habit. Karen, meanwhile, became afflicted with anorexia nervosa, a disease she suffered from for the rest of her life. On top of their health problems, the group's singles had stopped reaching the Top Ten and by 1978, they weren't even reaching the Top 40. Consequently, Karen decided to pursue a solo career, recording a solo album in 1979 with Phil Ramone; the record was never completed and she returned to the Carpenters later that year. The reunited duo released their last album of new material, Made in America, in 1981. The album marked a commercial comeback, as 'Touch Me When We're Dancing' made it to number 16 on the charts. However, Karen's health continued to decline, forcing the duo out of the spotlight. On February 4, 1983, Karen was found unconscious at her parents' home in Downey; she died in the hospital that morning from cardiac arrest, caused by her anorexia.
The Bird And The Bee Spotify Sessions Download Album Cover
Download grew out of a series of unstructured jams performed by Cevin Key and Dwayne Goettel with various collaborators. Initially existing as something of a supergroup with many members and guest collaborators, Download's line-up shrank to Key, Phil Western, and Anthony Valcic by 1997's 'III', and then to just Key and Western for all subsequent studio albums.