Carpenters Album: “Anthology”

I bought this 4 cd pack of Carpenters songs to get the complete long versions of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David medley of eight songs.The Carpenters album of the same name(released in 1972)has the short versions in a medley,so this is a great buy for collectors and lovers of good music.The two medleys of long versions makes for a total of 57 songs on the 4 cd set and the music is remastered and sounds crystal clear.On track ten of Disc four,Richard and Karen start the 14 minute 41 second long medley by explaining to a live audience how,while touring,they were approached by Burt Bacharach and asked to open his show and the medley came out of that.The long versions are A-Any Day Now B-Baby It's You C-Knowing When To Leave D-Make It Easy On Yourself E-There's Always Something There To Remind Me F-I'll Never Fall In Love Again G-Walk On By and H-Do You Know The Way To San Jose.

This wonderful medley makes the set worth buying as it is not generally available. Of course,there are many other tracks to the 4 cd set. As a bonus,Richard has written a very long and detailed set of liner notes that tells the history of the Carpenters,as well as recording details for each song.It is an expensive set but well worth the money.The sound is so clear.

Please note that this 4 cd collection actually has 57 tracks rather than what has been listed.The medley has long versions and so they should be listed as separate tracks.

Richie Carpenter, you are a bad boy! You are having us plunk down big, big money to get a medley which has never appeared on any other Carpenters album. You know we are going to do it! You know when we hear it we will be happy we did it (I am). But here is an idea for yet another album to take our money with--an album of the actual original singles, which in many cases are considerably different from the album tracks and what appeared on later compilations. I don't know what you would call it but I do know you could sell it and pay for your kids' college educations with it. As far as keeping us coming back, I think you've only just begun. Count me among your panting doggie faithful.

Please note that this 4 cd selection has a total of 57 tracks and not 42 as listed.The medleys are long versions and so should be listed as separate tracks.

This fabulous 4-disc set is undoubtedly, at $114.98 (without shipping cost yet), the most expensive cd set I have ever owned. I had to save some good money to be able to afford this package. But being such a huge Carpenters fan, I took it upon myself to save for it and then own it. This is a must-own if only for the Bacharach / David medley that is only available in this compilation. The other songs may be available in their other cds but I must say that this compilation is brilliantly put together. It has wonderful, clear sound and a booklet which fans can refer to while listening to this timeless collection of wonderful pop music. This was pressed and made in Japan which is why there are liner notes in Japanese. All in all, a wonderful listening experience!