Singles 1969-1981 | 
 enlarge | Manufacturer: A&M
Category: Digital Music Album
Buy New: $9.49
Rating:  61 reviews
Sales Rank: 584
Genre: pop-music
Media: MP3 Download
Running Time: 0 Minutes
ASIN: B000W24S2C
Publication Date: May 23, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews: Read 56 more reviews...
 Good, but effects hide Karen's vocals November 23, 2008
B. Wright (SF Bay Area)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Richard Carpenter is the king of re-releases. Unfortunately, this compilation didn't get by unscathed. While I don't mind hearing remixes, they should not be pawned off as original tracks... 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. I don't take issue with this practice. What I take issue with is the handling of Karen's vocal tracks. The original albums recordings refrained from using heavy reverb, echo and other thick effects on Karen's vocals. While these effects were available in the 70s, they were more cumbersome to use (and it just wasn't the style at the time). Even still, Karen's voice needed a very light touch with these effects. Her voice was so subtle and controlled that thick effects were unnecessary. 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. Every song on this CD is so thick with effects on her vocals that, unfortunately, the crystal clarity of her voice drastically suffers. That doesn't necessarily make the song less enjoyable for a casual listen. 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). If you're wanting something as a casual listen or to remind yourself of days gone by, this CD will probably work fine. Just understand that these are not the original tracks you would have heard on the radio way back when.
 The best! May 29, 2008
Buddy Bailey (Selma, NC)
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.
fine CD compilation--even with some remixing... May 25, 2008
Matthew G. Sherwin
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
Singles 1969-1981 is an excellent CD of hits by Karen and Richard Carpenter. As a casual fan, I was quite pleased and I never noticed anything terribly wrong with this album as some reviewers have noted. If indeed some of the music has been altered, whatever alterations they made were very good ones indeed! 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. I could never forget the lyrics to this song; it's that meaningful to me. 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. "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! Richard Carpenter, of course, does his usual superlative performance and that's nothing short of sublime. Great! "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. 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" is an especially optimistic ballad and the strings are used to great advantage, too. "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. "Sing" has a wonderful message about living your life your own way without hurting anyone--and that's terrific.
"Please Mr. 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. Their songs contained important messages about life that will never be considered out of style. I highly recommend this to Carpenters fans and newcomers especially will love this budget priced compilation CD.
So many great songs April 1, 2008
Stuart Floyd (New York, NY)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If only Karen could have hung on I bet her and her brother would still be making new CD's today. This includes all of there big hits and that golden voice.
Karen had a great voice. October 31, 2007
P. J. Nagaro (Chicago IL)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Although the songs are are quiet and considered more "elevator music" than anything, Karen Carpenter really had a beautiful signing voice. Her tone was clear and very emotion packed. Those who enjoy music you can sit and listen to (as well as sing along with) should consider this a must buy. Unless you already have all the individual Carpenter's albums.
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