Another rare Brazilian compilation surfaces

Back in the mid-80s, a group of A&M “best-of” albums in a series called “A ARTE DE…” came out in Brazil. Carpenters’ entry in the LP series called A ARTE DE CARPENTERS was contained on two records, and when issued on CD, the set was combined onto one compact disc.

There are some surprising versions here, some original mixes, some 1985 remixes, and many with reversed stereo. There’s even a song not anthologized anywhere else, “You’re Enough”.

The Resource has been updated with the mix information, so since this is so hard to find, check out the listings. We’ll also be talking about it in our forums.

Da-Doo-Ron-Ron 8-track Version Verified

Thanks to Forum member A&M Retro, we’ve finally been able to confirm that “Da-Doo-Ron-Ron” had a slightly longer fade-out on the 8-track version. As can be heard here, the song on the 8-track omits the DJ (Tony Peluso) and then fades just a little longer.

Carpenters Vinyl Collection 2017

 

Universal Music has released a Carpenters Vinyl Collection box. Included are remastered 180 gram versions all of the regular studio albums plus SINGLES 1969-1973. Visit our forum to learn more and see some reviews and reaction.

 

UPDATE: Universal Music has responded to early reports of defective vinyl. 

We have some excellent news to share with those who were disappointed with the quality of the pressings in the recently released Carpenters LPs.

Customers who received defective LPs, either individually or in the box set, may contact UMe directly for a replacement!  Please have your proof of purchase handy.  Send your proof of purchase to [email protected] with your message.  UMe prefers email, but those who prefer phone contact may call Customer Support at 1-800-288-5942.

We are very pleased that UMe is handling this directly, and want to thank them publicly for the feedback.

SWEET MEMORY set gets a re-issue in Japan as BEST SONGS

The massive 6-CD Carpenters set that was first issued as a mail-order set in Japan in the mid-90s has gotten another pressing in Japan. Now titled BEST SONGS, the set features new colorful-but-plain artwork rather than the watercolor images used on SWEET MEMORY. It is currently assumed to be using the same mixes as the older set, and we’ll find out soon enough as members weigh in with their experiences. Follow our discussions on the A&M Corner Forum.

Brazilian compilation added to the Resource

Member Misael Castillo Lopez has tipped us off to an official compilation that was released in Brazil in 1994. It’s a 14-track disc called THE BEST OF CARPENTERS (Brazil) that has proven to be a bit difficult to find, but searches have finally turned on up for evaluation.

The song mixes and track listings in the Resource have all been updated. Check out the album in our discography. And be sure to check out our original discussion that led to the search here.

Carpenters Stereo, Mono, and CSG

Member Rick-An Ordinary Fool has unearthed an article published in Broadcast Programming & Production back in 1976. In the article, Richard Carpenter contacted Don Elliot at KIIS radio Los Angeles in regards to how the Carpenters records sounded on the air, whether it was proper stereo, mono, or the dreaded CSG processing. It’s a fascinating read for those of us with a technical bent or for those who are interested in all-things CARPENTERS.See for yourself in this thread on the A&M Corner Forum.