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Post by cam83 on Dec 4, 2004 19:46:24 GMT -5
This is a pleasant song...not my favorite, but a nice pleasing song. I love the re-recorded version done in 1978. Her vocals sound sublime, a sort of quiet reflection in it. A pining quality, a yearning quality. She just records the heck out of this song though. It's nice to know that it is still a Holiday classic. It deserves it too. I love how she holds that YOU note, going down lower and sustaining it. WOW!
Cameron
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Post by Rick Henry on Dec 5, 2004 1:53:05 GMT -5
This is a pleasant song...not my favorite, but a nice pleasing song. I love the re-recorded version done in 1978. Her vocals sound sublime, a sort of quiet reflection in it. A pining quality, a yearning quality. She just records the heck out of this song though. It's nice to know that it is still a Holiday classic. It deserves it too. I love how she holds that YOU note, going down lower and sustaining it. WOW! Cameron "Merry Christmas Darling" is a most beautiful beautiful song. It just gets better as each year passes. Even after all these years it still sounds fresh and dynamic. I truly love this song and get a thrill every time I hear it on the radio.
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Post by OceanKing on Dec 5, 2004 14:06:21 GMT -5
This song is a true Christmas masterpiece. Sounds as good today as when it was first released.
I prefer Karen's original 1970 vocal. She sings with more feeling than in the remake. Last year, one radio station around here was playing the 1970 version, and it choked me up each time I heard it. For some reason, the remake isn't as touching; her delivery is too smooth and not as emotional.
Last night, I heard someone else's version of MCD on the radio -- a woman named Cherie or Sheree or something. I never heard of her before, but she had some sort of accent I couldn't identify. Could she be one of Karen's fans in Japan?
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Post by Moe on Dec 7, 2004 0:35:37 GMT -5
Every time I hear this song, it takes me back to being a kid in the 70's and waiting to hear it on the radio. I love it when music is not only good, but is part of your life. I, too, prefer the '78 vocals. I think she sings in a more relaxed state and with greater ease. I'm glad both versions are out there to enjoy!
;D
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Post by Moe on Dec 7, 2004 0:40:51 GMT -5
I saw Vanessa Williams on The View last week singing this song. I didn't see an intro to her, so I don't know if they gave credit to Karen or not. Star Jones gushed after the performance like she hadn't heard it before. I assume it is on a seasonal CD of Vanessa's. She gave it a jazz/R&B flavor to it. It was really nice, but not in Karen's league.
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Post by Ming on Dec 10, 2004 19:59:41 GMT -5
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Post by smoothie2 on Dec 12, 2004 0:54:21 GMT -5
:(I didn't know that there was a 1970 version of Merry Christmas D. until I read it here in one of the threads quite some time ago. I do recall Karen singing it on one of their Christmas shows and she has the long coat and furry hat and muff...she is just so gorgeous at that time, and the song is just as pretty and touching, every time I hear it. She does sing it with a yearning just as she does with so many of the songs. It makes me a little sad due to the message of the song, but also because it makes me wish so much that she was still around too of course. But I really am glad that the song is still popular. I know others love the song and naturally would want to sing it, but I kinda wish they wouldn't because Karen sang it like no other!
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carprave
NEW TO THE FAMILY
Thorns among the roses add to what is real
Posts: 32
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Post by carprave on Dec 24, 2004 10:10:38 GMT -5
A Christmas favorite every year. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without this song. I like both recordings 1970 and 1978. But I am slightly partial to the earlier version.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Dec 5, 2005 13:20:39 GMT -5
I have been in the car a lot, lately - listening to a station that plays all Christmas music. Can't tell you how many times they have played Merry Christmas, Darling. It's always wonderful to be driving, and hear that familiar intro, and know I've got a great Carpenters moment or two ahead. They have also played a good many of the other selections from the Christmas collections, but MCD is by far the favorite of this station. I just get the biggest smile on my face every single time it comes on, and of course, I'm singing right along with our wonderful Karen. It occurred to me last night when I heard it when she sings "I wish I were with you" how prophetic that truly is. Merry Christmas, Karen! Tim
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Post by Rick Henry on Dec 12, 2005 23:43:55 GMT -5
Christmas is just a little bit better with "Merry Christmas Darling" playing in the background. I just love this song. It's one of the Carpenters most beautiful performances. Than again all their songs are one of their most beautiful performances.
"Merry Christmas Darling" has been around for thirty five years now. Not only has the song gained longevity but it is also an extremely well crafted and wonderfully written song. It is truly a classic of all Christmas songs ever in the history of popular music. "Merry Christmas Darling" sits in the ranks of "White Christmas", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song". Absolute sheer beauty.
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Post by Rob813 on Dec 16, 2005 23:30:42 GMT -5
Tim, I took listen to an all Christmas radio station in my car and at my job. They play MCD alot. I always am filled with joy whenever I hear Karen's voice. Nobody can sing this song like Karen. I've noticed that they often play Nat King Cole's version of The Christmas Song right after MCD. My take on this is that Karen and Nat Cole are in the same league voice wise. Nobody else even comes close to the stature of Karen and Nat Cole's voices.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Dec 17, 2005 0:28:23 GMT -5
Rob, I couldn't agree with you more. Nice analogy. I think Karen and Nat could have done some nice Christmas tunes together. Each was certainly a class act, and both make my Christmases just a bit more beautiful. Best, Tim
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Post by amelia on Dec 24, 2005 14:10:42 GMT -5
you're not going to believe this, but look what a friend sent to me last night! lbfca.diaryland.com/xmasdarlin.htmlApparently there are a lot of Carpenters fans who are Clay Aiken fans too!
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