Customer Reviews

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: Carpenters

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's such a shame that the 20th Century Masters Millennium Collection label puts out CDs like 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: Carpenters. This cannot ever possibly be considered a true compilation album with only twelve tracks on it. I notice, though, that the label doesn't actually call this installment a "best of" collection; and maybe that redeems them somewhat in this case. The sound quality is great and the artwork is very nicely done.

The album starts with the stunning "Yesterday Once More;" this touching ballad always tugs at my heartstrings every time I hear it. The Carpenters, especially when Karen sang, had a singularly fine ability to impart every subtle nuance of the words they sang and draw in their adoring listeners. Karen sings as clear as a bell on "Yesterday Once More;" and the nostalgic elements of this ballad are beautiful and haunting at once. "Please Mr. Postman is a fantastic cover of this tune; and The Carpenters play and sing this wonderfully! The backup chorus effect works wonders for this ballad and that `70s sound still works well today! I really like "Please Mr. Postman."

"This Masquerade" is yet another major highlight of this album; this tune gets the royal treatment from The Carpenters as they take this to new heights! "This Masquerade" gets a fine treatment and the music that accompanies Karen's singing fits in perfectly. "I Just Fall In Love Again" shines brighter than the sun when Karen Carpenter sings this so sweetly. Karen's voice is beautiful to hear and just listening to it brings back so many memories for me--it's very moving indeed.

"Top Of The World" is a peppy little number that charms me even all these years later; the beat is excellent. The percussion sounds wonderful and the keyboard work also enhances the natural beauty of this ballad. Karen sings this with panache and I love every minute of it.

"Maybe It's You" features Karen Carpenter's vocals front and center as she sings this flawlessly; and listen also for The Carpenters to perform "Only Yesterday." "Only Yesterday" is an upbeat ballad that celebrates the joys of love; and the CD even ends well with The Carpenters performing "Goodbye To Love." "Goodbye To Love" is another touching ballad and when Karen Carpenter sings it my heart is all warm.

The Carpenters were a marvelous brother-sister act; and this CD amply proves it. However, at twelve tracks it is skimpy and lacking several of their biggest hits. The manufacturers of this album could have added at least one more song. I will take off one and ½ stars for this. Diehard fans of The Carpenters would do well to get more substantial albums by The Carpenters.

The idea of Universal's Millennium Collection to highlight various artists catalogs has been going on for a few years now, I thought Richard was going to skip an entry to this series. Um, I was wrong. Instead of looking at this project as a blank canvas, featuring an exclusive remix available only on this collection, or maybe an outtake of some kind, we are treated to another collection of previously remixed singles already available on domestically released collections. It's a good highlight or introduction to the Carpenters body of work but if you're a completist, take comfort in knowing you're not missing a thing.

Any material of the Carpenters, put together and packaged on any CD is well worth the listen. While these songs are found on several previous CD's, if you are missing even ONE then this CD is well worth it. Also worth mentioning is the Carpenter's CD "As Time Goes By". A very original Carpenter's CD. Richard, I know you're out there.....Open the Vault and let us hear Karen sing your stuff!!

Several of these tracks are newly remastered with new arrangements. Most of the drum patterns are stronger and Richard Carpenter has updated quite a few of his keyboard parts. "Love Is Surrender" is most notably updated. Thank you again Richard for your spectacular work as an arranger, producer, musician and songwriter!
"This Masquerade" is my favorite track on this set. The song is dark and mysterious and the musical arrangement is intense. This song should really be promoted for radio airplay. It's a definite hit!

It is great that Richard has helped to keep their music alive. I listen to a Carpenter's cd everyday in my car. It makes rush hour traffic seem easier to take. The Carpenters rule!

This nicely remastered 12 song set can only be considered as a brief overview of the famed brother/sister duo. Howerver, Richard Carpenter has carefully chosen the varied selections as a kind of homage to there sometimes overlooked versatile style. For sure this solidifys them as not just another bubble gum pop group. Just have a listen to Karens' sultry voice and Richards' jazzy arrangement of "This Masquerade". Very, very stylistcally seductive! Richard makes sure that you notice his instrumental arrangements perfectly complimenting Karens' vocals throughout. The song mix ranges from snappy tunes like the cover of "Please Mr. Postman" to the nostalgic hit "Yesterday Once More". Take your pick as this collection is filled with syrupy love songs, concluding with the classic hit "Say Goodbye to Love". There are far more comprehensive hit laden collections out there, but this short set is a satisfying sampling.

The album which receives the impression which every music is known well and considered it as going.
The beautiful singing voice of Karen. A beautiful melody and harmony. The arrangement in which Richard excelled.
One of The highest CARPENTERS can hear it in this CD.

With all the Carpenters hit C.D.s out plus a new four-C.D. boxed set on the way, this album definitely is superfluous. Yet Richard has again chosen a group of recordings so eclectic it's hard to resist. "Maybe It's You," one of the most thrilling Carpenters efforts, and "Love Is Surrender," one of the most catchy, pop up among the well-known hits to great effect. And there's the lesser-known hits such as "Bless the Beasts" to add to the variety. It's all beautifully mastered. Though I have everything they've ever issue, I bit. I bought it. I love it.

Yet another Carpenters compilation. None of these songs are any diiferent than any remastered CD. NOTE: There is a boxed set coming out and it is a RERELASE of "From The Top" with a few bonus tracks.
This CD has nice inserts, but Richard, we know there's more material out there. Stope JUST SELLING IT to Japan.

I'm not happy with tiisc. I with that Richard wouuld stop makiing an album with the same songs on it. DO NOT BUY THIS CD.