Search - Carpenters :: As Time Goes By

A WONDERFUL TREASURE TROVE OF LOST SONGS

Music Expert | Los Angeles | 12/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone who loves the beautiful, expressive voice of Karen Carpenter, this collection of previously unreleased songs and medley versions of some of their greatest hits, is a terrific surprise. Hearing her sing the Beatles' "Nowhere Man" from the 1960s is an emotional moment, and "California Dreamin'" is another discovery from the vaults. "And When He Smiles" is a lovely, lilting melody and Karen's duets with veterans Perry Como and Ella Fitzgerald are quite memorable. The other songs from Carpenters televison specials are welcome too, and on two numbers Richard is spotlighted on the piano ("Dizzy Fingers") and with a full orchestra (on the "Star Wars"/"Close Encounters" medley). This CD is stuffed full of great music at a very good price if you buy the regular U.S. release from A&M/Universal Music. There are some wrong-headed, misinformed and misguided reviews/comments posted on Amazon about this album. It is a treat for all of us who miss Karen and want to hear more songs sung by this timeless talent. Richard contributed greatly to her career with the incredible songs they recorded and the artfully crafted arrangements and it is certainly fair that he be featured on a couple of tracks on this album. You will love this album if you love the Carpenters. No doubt about it."

Love it!!

Dack | United States | 09/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD today......and I absolutely love it! I don't understand the previous bad reviews. Any true Carpenters fan will love this album. There is lots of Karen here, and a bit of Richard as well. I have always enjoyed Richard's talent as well as Karen's and this CD has that balance that all of their older original albums have....they were a duo, after all, still are in my opinion and I am thankful for whatever recordings I can get. I enjoy Richard's arrangements and piano virtuosity. The movie score medley on this album will take your breath away; Rich does a splendid job here and will send chills down your spine. I have been buying Carpenters records since the 1970's; have all the single vinyl releases and LP's...(first strikes) and most of the CD's as well. I was honored to see them live in concert twice while I was still in high school. It has always been a tradition for me to wait for the next release and this one is a thrill. I had not heard most of these selections before today; the medley with Karen and Ella is haunting and made me cry. There is a lot of Karen on this album and serves to keep her memory alive and is sort of like she is still singing new songs. I love Carpenters dearly. K&R, you have a special place in my heart and thank you Richard for continuing to bring us exciting new cuts and arrangements. I don't know how this album slipped by me but I'm glad I found it today!"

Wonderful Surprise

eShopper Guy | Norwalk, CA | 05/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just found this CD. Didn't realize it had been released. What a wonderful surprise!. Karen's voice can do no wrong and she always manages to touch my heart. Richard put a lot of hard work and obvious love in putting this CD together. Read the liner notes. It explains where each track originated from. Most are from their TV shows or other un-released demos, etc... Not 'rejects' as an earlier reviewer mentioned. As Richard says if you are new to the Carpenters, buy one of their other 'best of compilations. If you are a Carpenters fan buy this CD! Richard, if you're reading, keep the music coming. Thanks."