By John Q. Sanchez on May 9, 2007 | Share & Save | Link | Print |
The favorite video of Anne “Celestia” Heche?
The world’s going to hell—but maybe if we all wish really hard at the same time for an alien invasion, it’ll be ok! That’s the message of this uncharacteristically broad-minded toe-tapper from the Carpenters. Written and originally recorded by a Canadian band called Klaatu, “Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft” takes its inspiration from 1953’s World Contact Day, an apparently unsuccessful effort to summon an interstellar policeman.
I do like the idea of world peace being instantly attained and with someone else doing all the work, but on the other hand it seems presumptuous and wreckless to fling such a message into the vast unknown. What if they have problems of their own that they were hoping we could rescue them from? Or what if the occupants turned out to be space pirates, or slavers? Then we’d be sorry!
Is it worth the risks? Do you think we should try it again? -John Q Sanchez
Oh, and: Aliens are also on the radio in David Bowie’s “Starman” (performed for an audience of boogying children, after the jump).
Marc Felion says:
May 9, 2007 at 17:51I use to watch the best of Carpenter’s video at work. This my least favorite video.
Karen will always be the sad little girl singing to me about lost love or new beginings.
This video is just weird and I’m a total sci fi geek.
Amanda Steinstein says:
May 9, 2007 at 18:57Ah beautiful.
I have the original Klaatu version of this on a compilation CD called “It Came From Outer Space.”
RcktMan says:
May 9, 2007 at 20:59Once again, you have cosmically connected with me, John Q.! I was JUST listening to this song in my car! And here is the video.
Truth be told, I am a major Carpenters-a-holic. When Karen died I was only 12, and I remember crying all night long.
Thanks for posting this!!!!!
RcktMan says:
May 9, 2007 at 21:05Oh and Amanda… I would love to hear a copy of the original KLAATU version! 
Chazm says:
May 9, 2007 at 22:17Oh. David. Oh, David. Same time period as Karen, god love her. But David is an institution, and this video is fabulous.
Gives just a hint to what his show was all about. But it’s glam. David can you do this kind of stuff again?
bradley says:
May 11, 2007 at 12:01this is my favorite carpenters song ever. anyone ever listen to the “if i were a carpenter” tribute CD?
John Q Sanchez lives in Brooklyn, New York. He went to art school with
Fausto Fernós in the mid-90s in Chicago where he wrote for local
publications including Babble, edited by Jim Pickett. He's worked at
several high-profile magazines in New York and was an editor for the
web-zine Blair. He's fascinated by oddball divas, bombastic child
stars, and the everyday person capturing their unique performances for
an online audience.
View all entries by John Q. Sanchez
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Matty | May 16, 2008
Maybe the “Vegan” sugar is made by vegan people. Or maybe its even made of vegan people? *gasp!* Homemade sugar scrubs are great! another great show you...
Trannylover | May 16, 2008
Love Matthew Buckley! You guys are so good at interviewing people, it’s really great to get to know these youtubelebrities in a better way. Nice work! If I won...
Trannylover | May 16, 2008
Let’s face it, creativity, not their forte.
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I had not idea who this was all I know is that I cued up my FOF on my ipod and Crack attack……… 230;…..Wow…… ………who...
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Zara says:
May 9, 2007 at 14:38Possibly my favourite Carpenters video ever
(well, what could top “Please Mr Postman”???!!!!)
RIP Karen!