The Carpenters - Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition
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Free Music Notes for Carpenters Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition
Free Music Review: A solid 2-disc compilation from the famous duo.
Hit: 5 Stars
Perhaps the finest 2-disc compilation and career retrospective of Karen and Richard Carpenter, this version of GOLD was released to celebrate the duo's 35th anniverary with the A&M Records label.
Borrowing its packaging theme and name from a prior UK compilation, this edition is expanded to two fully packed CDs containing the best of Carpenters' singles, album tracks, and even a few newly-finished off rarities.
In addition to all of their hits, this set includes three tunes from their rarities album, AS TIME GOES BY, namely "Leave Yesterday Behind," "The Rainbow Connection," and "California Dreaming". Also included here is their big Christmas hit, "Merry Christmas, Darling" and the first ever release on CD of the single mix of "Solitaire".
Those looking for original mixes will be disappointed, and they should seek out all of the Remastered Classic albums, as those have all of the mixes as they appeared on LP all those years ago. These mixes are, for the most part, the latest and greatest remixes by Richard to make the overall sound more modern, and if one can get past the idea of the remixes, they do all sound fantastic.
This is a great disc set to recommend to a new or perhaps casual fan of Carpenters, as it includes just about all of the biggest hits that most could want.
Free Music Review: Such A Wonderful Way To Get Into The Carpenters
Hit: 5 Stars
The most successfl duo of all time , the brother and sister duo of Karen and Richard Carpenter had a huge rise to success only to have a major fall and a tragic ending. However, despite the untimeley death of Karen 22 years ago, their music still lives on thanks this cd, which celebrates their 35th anniversary.
This two disc cd has been compiled and remastered by Richard. The songs aren't in chronological order but for a band as great as the Carpenters, it shouldn't matter.
Disc 1 contains a few of the hits we all know love ("Superstar", "Rainy Day And Mondays", "Top Of The World", "Only Yesterday", "We've Only Just Begun") but is for the most part stocked with a wealth of rarities and album tracks. It's great to see songs like "Sweet, Sweet Smile", "Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft (The Recognized Anthem Of World Contact Day)", "Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore" and "Maybe It's You", to name a few, finally added to a Carpenters collection. Also, there are some unreleased tracks. I absolutely love "Leave Yesterday Behind" even if it is basically a rewrite of "For All We Know" (another favorite). "The Rainbow Connection" beats Kermit's version by a long shot (though that shouldn't be too hard to do), and while the 1967 cover of "California Dreamin'" isn't as good as the Mamas And The Papas or Beach Boys versions, Karen's vocal is amazing on this song.
I have to devote a special paragraph to two songs that I love but hadn't heard for the longest time. They are "It's Going To Take Some Time" and "There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World)". I loved these songs when I first heard them, but I hadn't been able to find them for almost 30 years. Now that I have them, I can sleep a little easier at night.
Disc 2 has the lion's share of hit singles. This is where you'll find "Yesterday Once More", "Please Mr. Postman", "Hurting Each Other", "(They Long To Be) Cloe To You", "Sing", "Goodbye To Love", "For All We Know","Touch Me When We're Dancing" and "I Won't Last A Day Without You" are all featured. But that doesn't mean there isn't some great rare material featured. "Mr. Guder" is a great anti - love song that is a perosnal favorite. Their original version of "Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again" lacks the in your face intensity of Barry Manilow's top ten hit version, but this simplistic version of the song is just as good (I wish they included their original version of Manilow's "Can't Smile Without You"). "Make Believe It's Your First Time" is a beautiful song from Kren's unreleased solo album. Karen's favorite song, "I Need To Be In Love", still has the warmth and emotion it had when it was first released in 1976. There are so many other great songs on here, too many to mention.
The bottom line is, you must get this collection. Trust me, It is one purchase you won't regret.
Free Music Review: Highly recommend
Hit: 5 Stars
I would highly recommend this cd. It is well worth the money. I have read all of these comments from other buyers about original versions and how some songs were remixed and even bashing Richard for it...well, I'm only 24 and not sure of what was changed b/c I obviously didn't hear them on the radio because I wasn't probably wasn't even born then, but what I hear when I listen to this cd is talent, talent and more talent. Karen's voice is absolutely beautiful and Richard's arrangements are awesome. I commend Richard for working on the music and beg him to keep it coming!Free Music Review: A Kind of Hush: Lightweight or Light Emitting?
Hit: 5 Stars
I've heard this performance and the song itself called lightweight and other disparaging things. I disagree. I find it a seductive and joyous song, evokative of the flirting of a young woman in her prime on a bright summers day. Its has the simplicity characteristic of all masterpieces, and is devoid of the pretentiousness and grand illusions that sophisticates admire and celebrate, as reflections of their own inflated self regard.
As for the remarks about Death Metal that someone posted - I know that many of its greatest exponents are also among the greatest fans of Karen Carpenter themselves, which reveals the true ignorance of the individual who posted those remarks as an insult to her memory.
Free Music Review: Beautiful recordings from a talented pair...
Hit: 5 Stars
It simply does not matter that none of these songs go any deeper than sixties/early seventies pop. Karen Carpenter posessed one of the sweetest and most powerful (not to mention beautiful) voices of the twentieth century. She was the female equivalent of Richard Manuel, as she was able to sing low or high and could change with the mood of the music. The songs are outstanding anyway, and they are uplifting and spirited all the same. I had never heard their music before I bought this disc, and now I am a huge fan and feel sorry about what happened to Karen (but then again, we've lost so many, Richard Manuel being a victim himself). So yes, a lot of the songs are cheery and heavenly, and others may be duds upon closer inspection, but Karen's innocent and gorgeous readings are omnipresent. Even if you are a cynic, it would be hard to not appreciate or love the talent and charm that Karen had. By the way, Richard wrote some pretty good music too, and does a decent job singing with his adorable sister.