(Frank Pooler and Richard Carpenter) Irving Music, Inc. BMI 3:05

A&M 1236 Single released: 11/20/70
b/w Mr. Guder

1970 single version:
– CARPENTERS-THE COMPLETE SINGLES
– ESSENTIAL COLLECTION
– FROM THE TOP
– JAPANESE SINGLE BOX

1978 album mix:
– CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT LP and W. German CD
– CHRISTMAS PORTRAIT SPECIAL EDITION
– CARPENTERS PERFORM CARPENTER
– CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
– GOLD (US)
– THE SINGLES 1969-1981 SACD on SACD stereo layer and CD Audio layer
– THEIR GREATEST HITS AND FINEST PERFORMANCES (Readers Digest)

1992 remix: re-recorded elements including piano
– CHRISTMAS WITH THE CARPENTERS (Time-Life)

SACD 5.1 surround mix:
– THE SINGLES 1969-1981 SACD on surround layer

2018 RPO Mix: enhanced version recorded at Abbey Road Studios with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
– CARPENTERS WITH THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Chris May says:
1970 Original Mix, original lead vocal / 1978 First Remix, re-recorded lead vocal, 1992 Remix for inclusion on Time Life’s “Christmas With The Carpenters” w/re-recorded stereo piano track, 2004 SACD 5.1 Mix

Regarding the SACD surround mix: This is in my opinion one of the *best* remixes, mainly because the “high-end” has been brought up in the EQ with respect to the drums (mixed center). The song seems to have lost some of its “dated” effect (although timeless). Fantastic fidelity and incredible separation once again. Backing vocal parts are also much more distinguishable. This one employs all of the original instrumentation, and Karen’s lead from ’78.

Original promotional ad for this single: