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Second, while the supplements to the original 1969-1973 disc are nice, too much is still missing. I don't actually own this. Third, Richard's remixes mean these aren't the original versions. This is the case for three reasons. First, I have already taken the plunge on four other Carpenters hits collections, none of which is completely satisfying. He is a skilled remixer but these are simply not the singles as we heard them on the radio. Fourth, Karen's facial expression on the cover is truly eerie and I can't have it in my home.
This album shortens a car drive when plugged in to the CD player - very nice, but makes me sad to realize that we have lost such a talent.John
I don't take issue with this practice. Her voice shined through crystal clear on every track she recorded when thick effects were not used.This compilation is the perfect example of why Karen's vocal work needed little, if any, effects. and this CD clearly attempts to pawn these tracks as the original album mixes when they aren't.That said, remixing to update the sound quality is fine, to a point. While I don't mind hearing remixes, they should not be pawned off as original tracks. Richard Carpenter is the king of re-releases. If you're wanting something as a casual listen or to remind yourself of days gone by, this CD will probably work fine. Her voice was so subtle and controlled that thick effects were unnecessary. Even still, Karen's voice needed a very light touch with these effects.
That doesn't necessarily make the song less enjoyable for a casual listen. The original albums recordings refrained from using heavy reverb, echo and other thick effects on Karen's vocals. Unfortunately, this compilation didn't get by unscathed. Every song on this CD is so thick with effects on her vocals that, unfortunately, the crystal clarity of her voice drastically suffers. What I take issue with is the handling of Karen's vocal tracks. While these effects were available in the 70s, they were more cumbersome to use (and it just wasn't the style at the time). It does make her voice less enjoyable on closer inspection.If you really enjoyed the crystal clarity of Karen's voice, it's better to get the original tracks (which are not on this compilation). Just understand that these are not the original tracks you would have heard on the radio way back when.
It's the Carpenters - Karen and Richard - need I say more.Top selling group of the decade (70's). Great songs, great arrangments and what a voice. Karen Carpenter was one of the most gifted stylist that has ever lived. These songs pay tribute to her timeless talent.
"Sing" has a wonderful message about living your life your own way without hurting anyone--and that's terrific. As a casual fan, I was quite pleased and I never noticed anything terribly wrong with this album as some reviewers have noted. "It's Going To Take Some Time" has excellent backup vocals as Karen Carpenter sings this with panache; she handles the complicated tempo and key changes like the pro she was and still remains. Karen sings this to perfection and the end result is that "Goodbye To Love" is easily a major highlight of this album. "Top Of The World" has a fantastic beat, too."Ticket To Ride" gets a remarkable makeover as Richard and Karen perform their cover of this classic Beatles song; and "Sing" always brings back good memories--this was the first song I ever heard by Karen and Richard Carpenter. I could never forget the lyrics to this song; it's that meaningful to me. The quality of the sound is excellent and the artwork is very nicely done."For All We Know" opens the CD with a melody that stuns me with its beauty.
Karen Carpenter sings with all her heart and soul and she delivers this as if she's singing just to you. Richard does a great job on this number, too. Singles 1969-1981 is an excellent CD of hits by Karen and Richard Carpenter. "We've Only Just Begun" is the sweetest of songs and as Karen and Richard Carpenter perform this song it truly gets such a sensitive, optimistic feeling that it draws you in by the very beauty of its melody. "Superstar" is a most painful ballad that always tugs at my heartstrings and it moves me greatly; I feel such sadness when I hear "Superstar;" this is one of the best torch songs I've heard--ever."Rainy Days And Mondays" also impresses me with its beauty even though the lyrics certainly aren't all that positive; and there's also "Goodbye To Love." "Goodbye To Love" has Richard Carpenter playing with all his might and it shows when you hear this tune. "Top Of The World" is an especially optimistic ballad and the strings are used to great advantage, too. I highly recommend this to Carpenters fans and newcomers especially will love this budget priced compilation CD. Their songs contained important messages about life that will never be considered out of style.
If indeed some of the music has been altered, whatever alterations they made were very good ones indeed. "Please Mr. Richard Carpenter, of course, does his usual superlative performance and that's nothing short of sublime. Great. Postman" is yet another sublime cover of a great love song; and listen for "(They Long To Be) Close To You." This Burt Bacharach tune shines like gold when Karen and Richard perform this with panache.The liner notes include an informative essay, too.Karen and Richard Carpenter turned out hit after hit that still resonate well today because of their truly classic and timeless beauty.
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