Carpenters - Christmas Collection

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Free Music Notes for Christmas Collection

Free Music Review: Both Of The Carpenters Outstanding Holiday Albums On CD
Hit: 5 Stars

Now nearly three decades after their debut on A&M Records, the Carpenters' name is associated with a truly unforgettable release.

Unforgettable. This word is often overused today, but in this case here's why the word fits: Since the release of their second holiday album, "An Old Fashioned Christmas," only a limited number of songs from both that release and the original masterpiece "Christmas Portrait" could be enjoyed in crisp digital sound.

Even the superb "Christmas With The Carpenters," complied and remixed for a 1992 Time-Life/Polygram campaign has notable omissions. Mainly, "My Favorite Things," "Jingle Bells," and the fantastic "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Now, closing a chapter (and putting an end to I'm sure thousands of letters pleading it's release,) both albums are heard in their entirety.

As usual, Mr. Carpenter lends his golden touch to each track on this complete set. In just a few minutes of listening to either CD you are reminded once again that this sensational team left an indelible mark on the landscape of American Pop music history.

Richard has no more enjoyed the same level of success by recording with another artist since his sister's untimely 1983 death, than would Karen, had Richard's death preceeded hers.

Karen's unmistakable, throaty alto voice has always taken even the trained ear to another place; but not without the framing of her ingenious brother's innovative, thoughful arrangements. Had Karen conquered her demons, there's no doubt she would have continued enjoying much success on the A/C charts, television, movie soundtracks, even Broadway.

Yet had she survived and taken any number of detours from the group, her loyalty to the tight circle which brought her the fame of her formative years in the music business would have remained. I doubt any other producer/arranger could have brought out her magic the way Richard did.

How wonderful it would have been to see another special similar to "Music, Music, Music" perhaps sometime in the early '90's after Miss Carpenter had long won her battle with anorexia. Artists such as Amy Grant, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan, among others would never have gotten away with some of their sugar-coated hit singles had it not been for a singer like Karen Carpenter to prove songs like hers never go out of style.

Over time, critics and fans have continued to compare Karen's style, delivery and subtly with the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Patti Page and Nat King Cole, rather than any of her own contemporaries. One reviewer called her the female Sinatra of the last quarter century due to her ability to take even the most simple lyric and turn it into an enduring classic.

Enter "Christmas Collection." Many who will enjoy this compilation would also most likely have on their Christmas CD tower holiday collections by Perry Como, Anne Murray, Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams, to name a few. The above are all top-notch professionals who have made their mark and instilled in all of us the knowing that their music will long outlive their critics and whatever many of the future's three-hit wonders try to sell us.

As for the actual material, if you are familiar with both of the original vinyl albums, there's nothing new as far as tracks go.

But it doesn't matter. The Carpenters remain one of the most consistantly played (and requested) artists during the holiday season. The classic selections are familiar yet fresh when put up against even today's modern Pop or Country renditions.

Other selections, like the lesser-recorded "He Came Here For Me," "It's Christmas Time," "First Snowfall," and "Christ Is Born" have become more synonymous with the Carpenters than any other artist--and with good reason: These gems are not easy to sing or reinvent.

Over the past decade adult contemporary artists have introduced "new or modern" standards (enter "Christmas Through Your Eyes" by Estefan and "Because It's Christmas" by Barry Manilow.) While these are shining examples of listenable material, they can't hope to endure the way "Merry Christmas Darling" has.

Every year I fool myself into thinking I'll have the pleasure of seeing a third (oh, say 1998,) Christmas special from the Carpenters. Featuring Richard banging out selections from Messiah or playing a jazzed-out "Jingle Bell Rock" on the piano.

And standing in a wintery setting is Karen (in full recovery,) filling out a lovely evening gown singing unmatched interpretations of (the other) "Ave Maria," "There's No Christmas Like A Home Christmas," or "Away In A Manger."

We also needed Karen, when the soundtracks were being put together for "Sleepless In Seattle," "Top Gun," "Hope Floats," and others. When variety shows began leaving our living rooms. When FM became saddled by over-produced, studio-magic imposters who have since become legends only in their own mind.

This collection reminds us that only a select few performers will remain in our hearts and on our music systems for years and years and years to come. Richard and Karen Carpenter had a nack for picking and recording great music.

Due to their durable, timeless sound and continued popularity, the Carpenter name has also become as synonymous with Christmas as Nat King Cole, Elvis and the philharmonic orchestra of your choice.

Their are very few artists whose yuletide CD I can listen to more than once or twice during the festive season. Both these discs stay in the CD changer from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve.

Thank you Richard. And Karen, we wish you hadn't left us so soon, but I'm sure God isn't complaining. Nonetheless, we miss you.

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