The Carpenters Collection
Released by Arc Sound Co. Ltd, Toronto in 1978. TV Collection according to the cover. Also this 2-record set was released with two different covers. Both are common here in Canada, although the grey one is slightly more common (it uses a photo that looks like it came from the same photo session as what was later used for the “Christmas Collection” and “Icon” CD’s, although Richard seems to have reversed his coat, so that it’s brown on this LP, but the white-beige on the CD’s). The second cover is brown and uses what looks like a promotional photo from one of their Christmas specials. I’ve also seen 8-track releases of this collection that use the grey photo, but I haven’t seen any cassette versions, but I would assume that cassette would’ve been issued. I also haven’t seen or found the TV ad that was promoting this set here in Canada (it probably still exists, either as a master videotape or an off-air Betamax/vhs recording since both had been released by 1978 in Canada).
Both records in the set (both grey and brown covers) feel like they are made from a cheaper vinyl than an actual A&M 1970’s Carpenters release. That being said, they definitely sound better and quieter than the recent RPO vinyl release on 180g vinyl. The only thing noticeable sound wise is that the tracks seem to be more bassy, and sped up slightly. In terms of the extra bass, I’m wondering if that is due to added generational loss (since A&M probably have them tapes that were 2, 3 or more analog generations away from the 1st gen masters), mastering, or if A&M gave Arc sound some really badly transferred tapes.
Now then this collection includes some interesting “Hits” in its 22 tracks. The first is on Record 1, Side 1 with “Baby It’s You”. This was the first place that I ever heard this track, and as far as I know it is the only anthology that the album mix on, as 1978 was 9 years before it’s 1987 remix, and decades before its RPO mix. (And this isn’t mentioned on the Resource.)
The next is “Happy”, although in 1978, this would be its 2nd compilation as it also appeared on “The Singles 1974-1978” album.
The next would be “I Just Fall In Love Again”. Maybe because it was a Canadian release and because it was a hit with Canadian Anne Murray it was included, but I don’t think it was on any Canadian 45. Maybe here in Canada the track got some airplay from requests.
Then on Record 2, Side 2, there is “Flat Baroque” & “Piano Picker”. It’s odd that these 2 turned up here, seeing as how “Flat Baroque” was the B-Side to “It’s Going To Take Some Time” (which was a #13 hit here in Canada), which isn’t even on the Collection! Of course it’s nice that they kept FB paired with “Piano Picker”, and they are nice Richard Carpenter leads, but these are odd inclusions. But I guess this is where the Sped-up Album Mix might’ve come from that was used for the original A&M CD & the MFSL CD of “A Song For You”.
Of course the track “A Song For You” opens this entire collection. Again, kind of a curiosity; was it an AOR hit here in Canada?
Of course this collection contains 3 of the 4 non-seasonal singles released in 1977-1978. Their then-current BIG Canadian hit “Calling Occupants” closes out the album (Occupants hit #9 on the Canadian singles charts, and #10 on the Adult Contemporary), while “All You Get From Love Is A Love Song” (#38 Singles, #5 Adult Contemporary) is the third track on the album on Record 1, Side 1, and “Sweet, Sweet Smile” (#33 Singles chart, #7 Adult Contemporary (Image : RPM Weekly - Library and Archives Canada), #6 Country) opens Record 1, Side 2.
Other singles are “Sing” (#4 Singles, #5 AC), “Top Of The World” (#1 Singles, #2 AC), “A Kind of Hush” (#8 Singles, #1 AC), “I Need To Be In Love” (#31 Singles, #1 AC), “We’ve Only Just Begun” (#1 Single & AC), “Please Mr. Postman” (#1 Single & AC), “Close To You” (#1 Singles only), “Rainy Days & Monday’s” (#3 Singles, #1 AC), “Only Yesterday” (#2 Singles & AC), “Solitaire” (#12 Singles, #3 AC), “Yesterday Once More” (#1 Singles & AC), & “I Won’t Last A Day Without You” (#7 Singles, #1 AC).
Overall, it is a nice album, albeit, kind of odd with its selection. As to who put it together is unknown, as only the original production credits are given where Richard & Karen & Jack Daugherty are credited as Producers, and Richard is credited with Arrangement and Orchestration.
It was manufactured by Precision Records, Toronto, Distributed by Arc Sound Co. Limited and Copyright 1978 AHED (whatever that stands for).
Released by Arc Sound Co. Ltd, Toronto in 1978. TV Collection according to the cover. Also this 2-record set was released with two different covers. Both are common here in Canada, although the grey one is slightly more common (it uses a photo that looks like it came from the same photo session as what was later used for the “Christmas Collection” and “Icon” CD’s, although Richard seems to have reversed his coat, so that it’s brown on this LP, but the white-beige on the CD’s). The second cover is brown and uses what looks like a promotional photo from one of their Christmas specials. I’ve also seen 8-track releases of this collection that use the grey photo, but I haven’t seen any cassette versions, but I would assume that cassette would’ve been issued. I also haven’t seen or found the TV ad that was promoting this set here in Canada (it probably still exists, either as a master videotape or an off-air Betamax/vhs recording since both had been released by 1978 in Canada).
Both records in the set (both grey and brown covers) feel like they are made from a cheaper vinyl than an actual A&M 1970’s Carpenters release. That being said, they definitely sound better and quieter than the recent RPO vinyl release on 180g vinyl. The only thing noticeable sound wise is that the tracks seem to be more bassy, and sped up slightly. In terms of the extra bass, I’m wondering if that is due to added generational loss (since A&M probably have them tapes that were 2, 3 or more analog generations away from the 1st gen masters), mastering, or if A&M gave Arc sound some really badly transferred tapes.
Now then this collection includes some interesting “Hits” in its 22 tracks. The first is on Record 1, Side 1 with “Baby It’s You”. This was the first place that I ever heard this track, and as far as I know it is the only anthology that the album mix on, as 1978 was 9 years before it’s 1987 remix, and decades before its RPO mix. (And this isn’t mentioned on the Resource.)
The next is “Happy”, although in 1978, this would be its 2nd compilation as it also appeared on “The Singles 1974-1978” album.
The next would be “I Just Fall In Love Again”. Maybe because it was a Canadian release and because it was a hit with Canadian Anne Murray it was included, but I don’t think it was on any Canadian 45. Maybe here in Canada the track got some airplay from requests.
Then on Record 2, Side 2, there is “Flat Baroque” & “Piano Picker”. It’s odd that these 2 turned up here, seeing as how “Flat Baroque” was the B-Side to “It’s Going To Take Some Time” (which was a #13 hit here in Canada), which isn’t even on the Collection! Of course it’s nice that they kept FB paired with “Piano Picker”, and they are nice Richard Carpenter leads, but these are odd inclusions. But I guess this is where the Sped-up Album Mix might’ve come from that was used for the original A&M CD & the MFSL CD of “A Song For You”.
Of course the track “A Song For You” opens this entire collection. Again, kind of a curiosity; was it an AOR hit here in Canada?
Of course this collection contains 3 of the 4 non-seasonal singles released in 1977-1978. Their then-current BIG Canadian hit “Calling Occupants” closes out the album (Occupants hit #9 on the Canadian singles charts, and #10 on the Adult Contemporary), while “All You Get From Love Is A Love Song” (#38 Singles, #5 Adult Contemporary) is the third track on the album on Record 1, Side 1, and “Sweet, Sweet Smile” (#33 Singles chart, #7 Adult Contemporary (Image : RPM Weekly - Library and Archives Canada), #6 Country) opens Record 1, Side 2.
Other singles are “Sing” (#4 Singles, #5 AC), “Top Of The World” (#1 Singles, #2 AC), “A Kind of Hush” (#8 Singles, #1 AC), “I Need To Be In Love” (#31 Singles, #1 AC), “We’ve Only Just Begun” (#1 Single & AC), “Please Mr. Postman” (#1 Single & AC), “Close To You” (#1 Singles only), “Rainy Days & Monday’s” (#3 Singles, #1 AC), “Only Yesterday” (#2 Singles & AC), “Solitaire” (#12 Singles, #3 AC), “Yesterday Once More” (#1 Singles & AC), & “I Won’t Last A Day Without You” (#7 Singles, #1 AC).
Overall, it is a nice album, albeit, kind of odd with its selection. As to who put it together is unknown, as only the original production credits are given where Richard & Karen & Jack Daugherty are credited as Producers, and Richard is credited with Arrangement and Orchestration.
It was manufactured by Precision Records, Toronto, Distributed by Arc Sound Co. Limited and Copyright 1978 AHED (whatever that stands for).