theninjarabbit
Well-Known Member
I like the leads on all of these tracks. One of the best qualities of Karen's voice shines through on them all -- its distinctness. I always know when a Carpenters Christmas song comes on the radio, and I'm known to pick one out even if the volume is (very) low. Dare I say that Karen stands among other greats of the genre like Bing Crosby and Nat "King" Cole. She brings such a warmth and sentiment to this music...
"Merry Christmas Darling" --probably my favorite. I prefer the 1970 version. Now, too, I'm starting to enjoy the original mixes featured on Christmas Portrait over the mixes featured on that Christmas Collection. I don't mind the "enhanced" background instruments, and I have to say I prefer the remixed sax solo on "..Coming to Town", but on some songs she gets quite an echo on her leads.
A favorite not mentioned here is "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?". A comment from newvillefan I read, saying the lead was "flirtatious", got me interested in how it sounded. He's absolutely right -- what a gem that song is!
"Merry Christmas Darling" --probably my favorite. I prefer the 1970 version. Now, too, I'm starting to enjoy the original mixes featured on Christmas Portrait over the mixes featured on that Christmas Collection. I don't mind the "enhanced" background instruments, and I have to say I prefer the remixed sax solo on "..Coming to Town", but on some songs she gets quite an echo on her leads.
A favorite not mentioned here is "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?". A comment from newvillefan I read, saying the lead was "flirtatious", got me interested in how it sounded. He's absolutely right -- what a gem that song is!