Search - Carpenters :: Ultimate Collection

Hardly the ultimate for fans, but the best so far for new li

Reyman in SD | San Diego, CA | 07/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a die-hard Carpenters fan, I am always happy when another release of their hits comes out, if only to keep their music accessible for new fans. I was particularly pleased with this collection for that group of listeners because of the purity of the content. Ever since A&M and/or Richard Carpenter had been churning out anthologies and hits of collections since Karen's untimely death in 1983, there was always some tinkering done with the original tunes (mostly in re-mixing and re-recorded or newly recorded instrumentals added to the tunes). Soon these "doctored" versions became the only ones you would hear on the radio and on subsequent issues of new hits packages over the years. I believe the only reason this new collection could be made is due to the remastering of all the original Caprenters albums which came out a few years back. The first two discs of this collection plays out (for the most part) as a history of their single releases in chonological order, although these are all the ALBUM versions of those songs. This is not a true all-encompassing "Singles" collection, as there are some actual single releases missing (Merry Christmas Darling, Honolulu City Lights - both of which I assume were not included because a remastered version does not exist for these as yet) and some that are included that to the best of my knowledge were not actual single releases (This Masquerade, Desperado). It is really wonderful, however, to hear the bulk of their early hits in their pristine, original form as I remember them from the old LPs they came from, and more importantly, without the somewhat irritating flourishes Richard added to some of these hits post 1983 (which particularly made We've Only Just Begun and Superstar become heavyhanded and unlistenable IMHO). Why he chose to tinker with the lovely arrangements he orginally committed to vinyl back in 1970-71 is still a mystery to me. I am glad that recent converts to the Carpenters sound can now hear these two tunes in the versions that earned Richard well deserved Grammy nominations as arranger in 1970 and 1971. As I know what a perfectionist Richard is, I was puzzled with why Yesterday Once More was not better edited to omit the motorcycle intro (which on the album led to their oldies medley - on this collection it doesn't make any sense to have left it in). The reason I call this collection as hardly being the ultimate for true Carpenters fans is that if it is really an Ultimate Collection, it should either be a true singles collection, with the original version of Merry Christmas Darling and Karen's Magic Lamp releases, OR it should be an ultimate collection in the sense that it contain more historical recordings such as their RCA sessions, alternate takes of their hits, and the always sought after unreleased material such as the work from their TV shows that have not been released, or appearances on Carol Burnett or the Tonight Show. Now THAT would be an Ultimate Collection!"

A Wonderful Collection!

Greg Anderson | Raleigh, NC USA | 07/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love the songs, packaging and price of this set. I had always wanted a set that included "Goofus". I would have added "Honolulu City Lights" and "Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore", but other than that, it gets high marks from me!"

Coulda Bin Better!

Andrew Heenan | London, UK | 09/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There's really no way you call 34 tracks an 'ultimate collection' - there's so many left out - including, of course Honolulu City Lights, as others have said. Very naughty title, maybe naughty to be releasing yet another permutation. It seems to be an annual event now.



The final disc is an insult to both Carpenters; Many more of Karen's great solo tracks should be here. And to be fair, even Richard's solo stuff is not fairly represented.



But, a great collection of tracks on the first two discs, selling at a reasonable price - with an honest title, a good set - "The Carpenters: A Selection". Now go buy it!"