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TOKYO - Richard Carpenter, one half of the legendary pop music duo The Carpenters, on Wednesday announced a comeback bid, saying he would release two albums in Japan where the band enjoys a large fan base.
Carpenter, celebrating his 62nd birthday, said he would release an album towards the end of next year featuring covers of his songs followed by a solo Christmas album with new material.
He plans to go on tour in 2010 when he hopes to complete another album.
"I am pleased to choose to relaunch The Carpenters in Japan," he told a news conference in Tokyo.
The Carpenters still enjoy a strong following in Japan, where textbooks have used their songs to teach English.
"Japanese people have always been loyal. They're not big on something that's like a flavour of the week sound. Once they like you, they like you."
The Carpenters, featuring Richard and his sister Karen, were one of the best-selling groups of the 1970s, topping the charts with hits such as "Yesterday Once More" and "Top of the World."
Karen Carpenter died in 1983 of complications from anorexia, throwing a spotlight on the eating disorder.
"I will never overcome it, it's impossible," he said of his sister's death.
"But I soldier on."
"Just writing these songs these past couple of years, I think of how happy she would be. Karen was my number one supporter," he said.
Carpenter said that he was hoping to find another singer to take the lead in his new songs.
"I like background work," Carpenter said.
"I am always seeking inspiration which is given to me."
Artists in discussions to perform Carpenters songs on the tribute album include Asian stars along with Simon Le Bon of British pop group Duran Duran and Julian Lennon, the son of Beatle John Lennon and Yoko Ono, promoters said. - AFP/vm
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