Carpenters Gold - 35th Anniversary Edition [2 CD]

First off, while I am an "old-school music aficionado," I'll be the first to admit that I'm not much of a pop music fan. While my tastes in music are eclectic, for the last 11-12 years, my absolute favorite music has been Outlaw Country--the type and genre of Country music that is aired on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Channel 60--the Outlaw Country Channel. So, I even surprised myself when I purchased the "Carpenters Gold" 2-CD Set (40 songs total). When I told my kids I purchased a Carpenters 2-Disc CD Set, they thought I "went over the deep end." They just couldn't see their old man (me), a dyed-in-the-wool Outlaw Country music fan, listening to the Carpenters. But, ya know...to me they're still kids, even if they are in their 30s and 40s, respectively--so what the heck would they know? But, little did they know that even back in the 60s and 70s, when I was listening to almost nothing but classic rock-n-roll (Rolling Stones; Bob Seger; The Kinks; Jefferson Airplane; The Lovin' Spoonful; The Rascals; etc.), I had a very soft spot in my heart for the Carpenters--and especially for Karen. I never admitted it to my buddies, but I was totally enthralled and even hypnotized by Karen Carpenter's voice. While in my 20s I absolutely thought Karen Carpenter had the most beautiful singing voice I'd ever heard; and now, in my late 60s, I reaffirmed what I knew back when I was in my twenties--that Karen Carpenter had the most beautiful singing voice ever. I seriously doubt that her singing voice will ever again be matched. Karen had the innate ability to cross every range and octave with perfect pitch and the most melodic sound from a human voice I'd ever heard. I've read some jaded reviews from other purchasers of the "Carpenters Gold" 2-CD-Set in which their biggest complaint was that some of the songs had been remixed by Richard Carpenter, and that the remixing had somehow detracted from these songs' original sound quality. Please, people...quite a few of these songs are over forty (40) years old. Without altering the originality of the songs, I applaud Richard Carpenter for remixing them. I find nothing wrong with taking advantage of technology. Let's face it: we purchase CDs to obtain the clearest, highest quality listening fidelity, and if remixing helps achieve the best listening experience possible (which it does), then I'm all for remixing songs. Musicians and Record Producers remix songs all the darn time. As for Karen Carpenter's singing voice, I can best describe it as alluring, hypnotic, touching, and angelic--all rolled into one absolutely heavenly sound. This 2-CD-Set so touched my heart and soul that I found myself listening to it incessantly. So, I suppose I'm more of a pop music fan than I first thought. But the Carpenters' songs aren't just pop music; they're (at least they were) soft rock, and--at the time they were cut--contemporary crossover music. Singers and musicians like Karen Carpenter come along only once in the proverbial "blue moon." What makes Karen Carpenter even more utterly amazing is that, not only was she singing the songs on the 2-CD-Set, for many of the songs, she was also playing drums--which, in-and-of-itself is almost a feat unparalleled in the annals of music--any genre of music. A little known fact about Karen Carpenter is that not only was she a great drummer, she was a critically acclaimed drummer. Actually, when Karen Carpenter first became a professional singer, she considered herself "a drummer who sang lead." But when the record producers heard her melodic voice, they convinced her that her future lie in singing--and singing only. So, she turned her drumming responsibilities over to another outstanding drummer (I've forgotten his name, but perhaps someone who reads my review will recall it). In the final analysis, listening to the "Carpenters Gold" 2-CD-Set afforded me the opportunity to return to a much simpler time in my life--all the while providing me the opportunity to resurrect memories of my younger days that had been long ago stored in the deepest recesses of my mind. Perhaps that is why I've listened to these two CDs ad nauseum; Karen's inimitable voice touched me so very deeply that it resurrected recessed emotions that I thought were forever lost to age and non-use. And isn't that one of the gifts of music? That great, timeless music allows us to think, dream, and imagine, while forgetting about the crazy world around us for "a while." Thank you so much, Ms. Carpenter. When you passed at the much-too-young-age of 32, the music world--nay, the entire world itself--lost a beautiful, magnificent, glorious gift that may never be replaced. But thank the Good Lord that through the power of the electron--and the discovery of the semiconductor--what you've left behind cannot be erased. Your striking, touching, alluring voice will live on forever. In my mind, you were, are, and always will be the greatest female singer ever--nay, not just the greatest female singer ever, but the GREATEST SINGER ever, female or male, across EVERY genre of music. Thank you, Karen.

I am biased towards this CD! This is my era of music and the Carpenters were among my favorites. If you have similar leanings you should not miss this CD. "Carpenters Gold" includes their greatest hits (the 12 songs on the album "The Singles 1969 - 1973"), the best of their later releases ("Let Me Be the One," "Bless the Beasts and the Children," etc.), a few of their off beat forays ("Sweet, Sweet Smile," "Calling All Occupants of Interplanetary Craft") AND a special treat or two. Everyone knows about the Carpenters' hits. To this day they are staples on easy listening and 70's music stations. I remember many of the later albums ("Horizons," "Passage," "A Kind of Hush") and am thrilled so many of the best from those releases are included on these two discs. Add a couple of stabs at country music like "Jambalaya" and "Sweet, Sweet Smile" and this album has everything a Carpenters fan could want. The best thing this album does is give more than it has to give. Beyond all of the above, it includes a couple of previously unreleased songs (at least in the U.S.). One of those is a joyful, beautiful, charming rendition of "The Rainbow Connection." Another is a "work lead" vocal Karen recorded in 1978. Richad completed production of it in 1999, "Leave Yesterday Behind." The real gold nugget of this CD set is a Barry Manilow hit, "Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again." According to the jacket notes "Tryin' to Get the Feeling Again" was recorded in 1975 for the 'Horizon' album. Dicarded at the time because that album had enough other ballads, Karen's lead vocal was lost until the early 90's. Her "work lead" of this song was orchestrated and mixed, being released in 1994. I had not heard it until I got this CD. Karen's recording is vocally PERFECT. But the recording wasn't perfect. Karen left a ghost of herself after the first chorus. There, in the quiet before the second verse starts you can hear her turn the page, a ruffle of paper. It gives me chills every time I listen to it. The notes also say these are the original words to the song. Barry had some changed for his interpretation. I'd like to add a plug for JACKET NOTES. These are under appreciated inclusions in CD packaging you just don't get when downloading a song or a CD from the a music store. The one included with this CD is excellent. Richard has written a touching tribute to his sister. His memories become insight to fans. As I write this iTunes version 7.5 is available for download. The last several iTunes versions allow a higher quality download IF you go to "Preferences>Advanced>Import," you can select a 256 kbps quality in AAC encoding or 196 kbps for MP3 encoding. These are quite a bit larger files than 96 kbps, taking longer to import and more space to store, but it also follows that they will provide better sound. I assume other music software has similar options available. I recommend the higher quality. Karen Carpenter had a unique voice. It had great depth, resonance and color. But it is her soul that drove that voice to greatness, to the place it occupies in my heart. This CD set captures all of that charm, power and magic. It's well worth the investment. Even if you have never been a fan, you will find the soothing vocals by Karen will move you.

This is the strongest Carpenters collection available. All of the hits, including, FINALLY, the single version of "Solitaire" on a domestic collection! The album cuts are well chosen, with such old favorites as "Let Me Be The One" and "A Song For You" holding their own against the singles. There's also a few previously unreleased efforts, most notably "The Rainbow Connection." At 40 tracks, it easily surpasses their previous double-disker (released at different times under the names CLASSICS and YESTERDAY ONCE MORE) which only contained 27 songs. My only regret is that Richard continues to tinker with the hits, altering classics that were more than fine in the first place. The biggest offenders are "Maybe It's You" which sounds radically different from the gorgeous, stark version found on their CLOSE TO YOU album and "Hurting Each Other," whose additional, lusher background vocals slightly deaden its highly dramatic impact. Fortunately, Richard cannot alter the Carpenters' biggest asset, which is Karen's one of a kind voice. It continues to haunt and tingle the spine 35 years later. Listed below is the lineup with the changes Richard has made to the recordings. You can still get the original versions on their respective albums. DISC 1: 1. Superstar (additional recording in 1985, remixed in 1991) 2. Rainy Days And Mondays (1985 remix) 3. Top Of The World (1991 remix) 4. Maybe It's You (additional recording and remixed in 1990) 5. Let Me Be The One (original) 6. Reason To Believe (1987 remix) 7. Jambalaya (On The Bayou) (1991 Remix) 8. Leave Yesterday Behind (previously unreleased) 9. Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore (original) 10. Bless The Beasts And Children (1991 remix) 11. It's Going To Take Some Time (additonal recording and remix in 1989) 12. Rainbow Connection, The previously unreleased) 13. Only Yesterday (original) 14. Sweet, Sweet Smile (original) 15. There's A Kind Of Hush (1985 with some synth parts removed) 16. California Dreamin' (previously unreleased) 17. Solitaire (original single mix) 18. We've Only Just Begun (1985 remix) 19. This Masquerade (1990 remix) 20. Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft (1989 remix) DISC 2: 1. Yesterday Once More (1985 remix) 2. Please Mr. Postman (1991 remix) 3. Hurting Each Other (1991 remix) 4. I Need To Be In Love (1990 remix) 5. Merry Christmas, Darling (1978 version) 6. Close To You (They Long To Be) (original single version) 7. All You Get From Love Is A Love Song (original) 8. Sing (1994 remix) 9. Make Believe It's Your First Time (original) 10. Ticket To Ride (1973 re-record first released on The Singles 1969-1973 lp) 11. Goodbye To Love (additional recording and remix 1985) 12. I Just Fall In Love Again (original) 13. I Believe You (original) 14. Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again (original) 15. For All We Know (additional recording and remix 1990) 16. Touch Me When We're Dancing (original) 17. I Won't Last A Day Without You (1991 remix) 18. Mr. Guder (1990 remix) 19. Song For You, A (additional recording and remix in 1987) 20. Karen's Theme (original)

Although some may quibble about the remixes, this is a very nice and complete collection containing their hits and some lesser songs. It's a challenge to add anything unique in reviewing their material, but it's difficult to resist remarking about the lovely voice of Karen Carpenter and the arranging talents of her brother, Richard. One of the endearing attributes of their efforts is the way in which Richard devised the layered background vocals. Not only do we get to hear the natural beauty of Karen's voice, right upfront, but there is the sweet sound of her below the lead vocals that provides much support. Many who were into funk, jazz and blues could ridicule the bubblegum in their approach, but there was never anything fake in their efforts. Karen Carpenter sang from the heart and had a gift, a voice with much natural beauty. An accomplished vocalist does not need to have the greatest range. Such a range might actually be over-used and prove to be a negative. But, it's difficult to argue against a pretty and full voice that's used effectively. I recall the day that Karen Carpenter died, having learned about it while listening at night to Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald's radio show on WOR, New York. It was very sad to hear but it was gratifying to listen to these much older people remark positively about her contribution to the music of the 1970s. Herb Alpert knew what he was doing when he signed them to A & M records. Highly recommended.

A complete grouping of songs. Would probably buy again.

This is an excellent collection of the best and most popular music of Karen and Richard Carpenter, otherwise known as (The) Carpenters. I confess. I'm a closet Carpenters fan and have been since I was an admitted one in the 1970's. There is something about their sound that seems to grab you, almost regardless of what type of music you most prefer. That was true in the 1970's and is still true 30+ years later. The death of Karen was sad and tragic and brought an end to the group. Karen had a phenomenal voice. A sweet soothing alto. I've not heard anything like it before or since. They also had a knack for picking songs from some of the best writers (including but not limited to) Paul Williams, Burt Bacharach and Richard Carpenter himself (who was also an excellent arranger). All of their big hits are here and then some. I have to agree that I'm somewhat disappointed with Richard's remixing on some of the tunes. It's not that they sound worse, it's just that they are somewhat different. And it seems a bit odd for half of the group to mess with the original music, when the other half has no say in it...... However, if you're new to the Carpenters, then you're not going to notice. If you are indeed new to their music, I can't recommend this CD enough. As a dedicated fan I have to say that one of the most glaring flaws is the inclusion of (what I believe is) the single mix of "(They Long to Be) Close to You". The track from the original album is somewhat longer and ends with (for lack of a better term) a fake ending, before "bursting back" into more of the chorus. It doesn't add much time wise to the song, it just makes it even more interesting. True aficionados might want to purchase the "Close To You" CD as well, in order to get the original album track. Not to mention, the CD as a whole (along with their first 4-5 original albums) is comprised of excellent material in it's own right. I will say that the remastering of all the material is superb. The whole CD sounds as if it were recorded yesterday. So despite some flaws, "Gold: 35 Anniversary Edition" is a very good collection of the best of the Carpenters and then some. Were it not for the unnecessary remixes and the exclusion of the best version of "(They Long to Be) Close to You", I'd give it 5 Stars. Alas, I gave it 4.

I am happy to purchase this CD which brought back so many memories. All the hit songs are included which is a plus . The CDs are remixed and remastered so it sounds perfectly. Karen Carpenters is a true artist and legend and her voice is like an angel which touched so many souls. While I can't stand music nowadays, this CD is such a true blessing for me so I high recommend it.

A great and classic set of songs... Karen Carpenter had one of the most perfect and naturally 'in tune' voices on the planet! These songs were recorded without modern vocal digital gadgetry (like 'Auto-Tune', etc.) that is so commonly used today in the studio and in concert. Karen was the 'Real Deal' and left us much too early... but left us and her brother a lasting legacy of modern musical audio majesty! And props to Richard for helping shape all these beautiful, wonderful songs... Thank-You!!!

Wunderbare musik

A Top Quality and Very Useful Product. Great dvd of The Carpenters performing all their hits.

excellent

commande reçu dans les délais bien emballer pour une protection optimum. The Carpenters ont un style musical qui ne laisse pas indifférent, tous en subtilité et douceur par la voix de Karen au destin bien tragique. ce groupe n'est pas pour ma part hase been , un double cd a avoir dans sa collection et écouter pour des heures de plaisir.

Nei primi anni '70, sull'onda di Woodstock e non solo, ascoltavo tutt'altro genere di musica. Dal rock al country, dal blues al prog etc. Forse sarà per l'età che avanza inesorabilmente ma sto scoprendo nuovi/vecchi panorami musicali fino ad ora inesplorati. Questa raccolta dei maggiori successi dei Carpenters mi ha donato momenti di ascolto veramente piacevoli. Grandi musicisti entrambi e ottimi arrangiamenti. Lo consiglio agli amanti dell'easy listening perché davvero di alta qualità.