Questions on your thoughts of the C's Christmas

[cam83]

Hi All,
What are your thoughts of the Carpenters 1978 CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT and 1984's AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS? Where were you when you got it? What were your thoughts when you listened to it? Did you watch the 1977 and 1978 Carpenters Christmas specials?

Cam

[cam83]

Hey All,
Will since I asked the question...I might as well answer.
It was Christmas 1988, and I was visiting my relatives in a small town called Swift Current. I had gone to the Library and found the CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT album. I was exstatic and so happy. SO I got my Uncle to sign it out for me. He was a Karen fan too...but not as much as me. I went home and listened to it and fell in love with it. That Christmas Mom surprised me and got me the double tape of CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT and AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS. I was sooooo happy! I had seen that double tape at K-Mart, and had wanted it but didn't say anything. In my family, you didn't beg. But Mom had seen it, and reasoned that I would like it. I remember loving it and listening for hours and hours. I thought I was the happiest boy in the whole world.
Since then, I think their 2 Christmas albums are the best Christmas albums in the whole musical library of Holiday albums. I could never ever go without a Christmas without listening to their music. And it makes me specially happy to hear them playing at supermarkets, malls, stores etc...during the Holiday season...her voice...adds to the warmth of the Season...

Cam

[Moe]

Hello all-

I have always loved Christmas so much and the Carpenters' music just adds to it. I remember when "Christmas Portrait" was released in 1978. I had just enough money to buy it. I bought an 8 track, because they didn't have a cassette, and played it all the time. (later I bought the record and then the CD and then the current double CD) It is still the finest Christmas album out there. I had never heard of "Have yourself a merry little Christmas," "The Christmas song (Chestnuts)," and "Christmas waltz" among others. What a treat! To discover these wonderful songs that so beautifully capture the spirit of Christmas is another bond I have with "Portrait."

I didn't know "An old fashioned Christmas" was released until I was watching Entertainment Tonight one day. They were listing the new Christmas music that year and they mentioned "Old fashioned." Well, I hopped in the car and bought my copy. I remember playing it and waiting and waiting for Karen to start singing. I liked that it opened with an acapella version of a hymn, followed by the orchestrated medley just like "Portrait," but then I was ready for Karen to come in. I waited and waited and finally broke into a smile when she started with "Home for the holidays." I must say that "O Holy night" is a favorite Chrismtas song of mine and was hoping Karen had recorded it. (that is one for the wish list) "Little alter boy" is a beautiful song and another one I wasn't familiar with. A new gem to enjoy! I love Richard's Nutcracker medley but could do without the frosty/here comes santa etc. medley. (It seems like filler to me, since he didn't have enough songs with Karen-my opinion only, of course) "I heard the Bells" is another well done classic that Karen's voice is perfect for, and I love that the 1974 version of "Santa Claus is coming to town" was included. "Old Fashioned Christmas" is a wonderful CD, but I still long to have more of Karen's voice through out it. It is like a little reminder that she is gone and couldn't finish it. Don't get me wrong, I am glad Richard released this record, it is just with a hint of sadness.

I do remember seeing the Carpenters' TV specials, but I don't remember much about them. I wish Richard would release those for the fans, along with the other specials, too!

great memories and making new ones every season...

[Rick Henry]

The funny thing is I can remember buying several of the Carpenters albums when they came out especially "Horizon", but for the life of me I don't remember when or where I bought each Christmas album. Well I take that back I do remeber vaguely purchasing "An Old Fashioned Christmas", i was working at the record store named Licorice Pizza which was located in the city of Orange here in Southern California. I got a my employee discount which was 15% off, so it was a great deal. I remember getting it home and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire album, but my favorite track was "He Came Here For Me", what a beautiful song, it just seemed to shimmer and shine and Karen's voice was just spectacular.

Christmas Portrait is essential christmas listening. I consider it to be the finest christmas album of any christmas album ever released. The music has depth to it and Karen's voice is as always just absolutely crystal clear beautiful.