Carpenters - Christmas Collection

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How could I do a Christmas CD review without including my Carpenters CD, "Christmas Collection". This is a two CD set and is filled with lots of Christmas songs sung in contralto by the incomparable Karen Carpenter accompanied by her brother Richard. Karen sang, while Richard sang, played piano and was responsible for arranging and composing. "Christmas Collection" combines the albums "Christmas Portrait" and "An Old Fashioned Christmas". Please note: In addition to the vocal arrangements, there are also pieces played by the orchestra only. The duo signed with A&M Records in 1969 as the Carpenters and achieved great success with hits such as "We've Only Just Begun". As soon as they signed with A&M the Carpenters knew they wanted to do a Christmas album. DISC ONE 1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel 2. Overture (Deck the Halls, I Saw Three Ships, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Away In a Manger, What Child Is This?, Carol of the Bells, O Come All Ye Faithful) 3. The Christmas Waltz 4. Sleigh Ride 5. It's Christmas Time/Sleep Well, Little Children 6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas 7. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 8. The Christmas Song 9. Silent Night 10. Jingle Bells 11. The First Snowfall/Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow 12. Carol of the Bells 13. Merry Christmas Darling 14. I'll Be Home For Christmas 15. Christ Is Born 16. Winter Wonderland/Silver Bells/White Christmas 17. Ave Maria DISC TWO 1. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 2. Overture (Happy Holiday, The First Noel, March of the Toys, Little Jesus, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, O Little Town of Bethlehem, In Dulce Jubilo, Gesu Bambino, Angels We Have Heard On High) 3. An Old-Fashioned Christmas 4. O Holy Night 5. (There's No Place Like) Home For the Holidays 6. Medley (Here Comes Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Good King Wenceslas) 7. Little Altar Boy 8. Do You Hear What I Hear? 9. My Favorite Things 10. He Came Here For Me 11. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 12. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? 13. Selections From "The Nutcracker" (a. Overture Miniature, b. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, c. Trepak, d. Valse Des Fleurs) 14. I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day Do I recommend this CD? How could I not? It's the Carpenters. If you want a great collection of Christmas songs...most sung; but some played by the orchestra...this CD would be a great addition to your collection. It's in my Top 5 choices for Christmas collections. You can't duplicate Karen's amazing voice; and these songs highlight her range and talent. It was difficult to pick one song to feature; but here is "There's No Place Like Home For the Holidays". Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons