Japanese Singles Box

[abbafanusa]

Hi everyone! I'm new around here, but have been a fan since I was a child. A recently saw a friends copy of the new Box Set and fell in love with it!! I searched and searched and managed to get my own set (arriving tomorrow!!) I would like to know if anyone has had success uploading all the alternate versions into their iTunes. I'm not sure if I will be able to insert the 3" discs in my computer.

thanks!
PEPE

[wisejester7]

Hey, PEPE! Welcome to the forum.

I don't know anyone (other than on the internet ... like here) who is a Carpenters fan, therefore, I haven't 'seen' the Japanese singles box set. It looks fantastic, though. I didn't know there WAS alternate versions to upload. Could you provide more information?

;-)wisejester7

[abbafanusa]

These are the following alternate/edited versions I found listed for the set on another website:

"I Kept On Loving You" - Single version with a clean start.
"Bless the Beasts and Children" - the SOUNDTRACK version.
"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" - ORIGINAL version
"Please Mr. Postman" - SINGLE version with alternate vocals
"Solitaire" - only available before on "Gold" - the SINGLE version
"The Christmas Song" - Clean Start
"Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" - SINGLE EDIT!
"Make Believe It's Your First Time" - without the spoken intro
"When You've Got What It Takes" - clean start!

[wisejester7]

abbafanusa said:

These are the following alternate/edited versions I found listed for the set on another website:

"I Kept On Loving You" - Single version with a clean start.
"Bless the Beasts and Children" - the SOUNDTRACK version.
"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" - ORIGINAL version
"Please Mr. Postman" - SINGLE version with alternate vocals
"Solitaire" - only available before on "Gold" - the SINGLE version
"The Christmas Song" - Clean Start
"Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" - SINGLE EDIT!
"Make Believe It's Your First Time" - without the spoken intro
"When You've Got What It Takes" - clean start!

Thank you.

[enigma]

Most CD ROMs are capable of playing both sizes of CDs (singles and full size CDs. I had no problem putting the singles on itunes so you shouldn't. Hope you like the collection those alternate versions of the songs are cool to listen to.

[Rick Henry]

Hi Pepe... Welcome to The Carpenters Online!

I still have not purchased a copy of The Singles Box Set but still plan on soon.

Enigma... glad to hear you've purchased it. How long have you had it? Is there anything really exciting? Possibly any non so often seen pictures or liner notes?

[enigma]

I have had the collection about two weeks. The sleeves are the same as the original singles that were issued as 45s in japan nothing all that different than what you may have seen (or have on the American 45 sleeves) I don't have very many 45s of Carpenter songs so can't directly compare the sleeves. No linear notes on mine I got it second hand so not sure if any came originally from what I have heard no new pictures, linear notes or booklet came with the collection so I believe mine is in tact, I saved a bit of money so the sleeved singles in the box is fine with me. this link will show you pictures of the individual sleeves for comparison eil.com/shop/moreinfo.asp?catalogid=372264 Hope this helps.

As far as being worth the money for me yes, I am a die hard fan and love any alternate takes or mixes of songs even if I am critical of remixes. The only songs that are different are the ones mentioned the others are basically the same as what is found on countless compilations so it depends on how bad you want to hear the alternate versions of the listed songs. I especially love the Postman and Merry Xmas Darling songs not available since issued on 45 originally these and the other mentioned songs make it worthwhile for me.

[abbafanusa]

Yes, the set does come with a 56 page booklet. There are no photos in it, but it contains all the lyrics in English and Japanese, a handwritten message from Richard and what I presume are liner notes (those are only in Japanese).

I didn't realize these were numbered. I got number 79. Does anyone know how many were made? I'm not really a Carpenters collector, but I could not pass this set up. It's so cute, cool and wonderful. I can only hope Universal Japan will make me an ABBA one as well lol!

[Rick Henry]

I do plan on purchasing this - though, I will get it brand new - as I want all booklets and artwork included - so I know I will be paying at least $250.00 for it. I hope to get it with in the next month.

[abbafanusa]

I would hurry up and get it as soon as you can, Rick! Right now it looks like the Japanese only sites of Tower Records and Amazon still have it at regular retail (approx $250.00). For Amazon go to www.amazon.co.jp

There are currently two of them on eBay going for $400 apiece. This set is amazing!! It won't last long.

What I find incredibly cool about the box is, if the original single came with a lyric sheet, then there is also a tiny little version of one inside the appropriate CD single. Each different version of the A&M label is also represented as well.

I took a couple of pics here:
abbathesingles.com/CarpentersB.jpg
abbathesingles.com/CarpentersC.jpg

I forgot to take a pic of the booklet, but it comes with one

[Rick Henry]

Oh very nice Pepe... thank you for the outstanding pics.

I've seen the Japanese singles box set sold by independent vendors through Amazon.com for around $250.00. At this point in time the ebay price tag of $429.00 is a tad bit too pricey. Right now I'd say this collection should be priced at no higher than $385.00 and should be seen by vendors for as low as $275.00

[wisejester7]

Pepe - thanks for the pictures. The set looks NICE.

[Ming]

Good pics! Thank you for sharing.

Ming