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I was watching Carpenters Forever (oh for about the 10th or 12th time). Everytime near the end of the program when RC is playing the new Christmas song (I believe it's called "Together At Christmas"); I can't help but feel REALLY sad just because it's a song obviously penned with KC in mind. That one would certainly have been a Christmas tradition as are Merry Christmas Darling and Home for the Holidays. Any new Christmas music in the near future?

Any feedback is appreciated. No one seems to perform Christmas music quite like the Carpenters...and yes, I know, it's still early for Christmas holiday stuff; it just happened to be on the video..

I wish I had seen that! It sounds lovely.

Their Christmas music is tops with me. I listen to it year-round. (-:

I think this is for member introductions...but try this topic in the "General Chat"
forum!!! That might get more responses!!

:oI'm having to work at this trying to initiate a topic. I'll get it. Thanks!

You'll get the hang of it my friend - you're doing good!

I feel that "Together At Christmas Again" was obviously penned with KC in mind, too. And I guess Richard heard Karen sing this song when he was writing it. (I sometimes wonder if P. P. Oland(lyrics) met Karen. When did Richard start to write songs with P. P. Oland? )

Here is Peter's message about Top of the World (last year).
http://www.leadsister.com/forums/index.php...st=0&#entry3506
Together At Christmas Again (Carpenter / P Phillips Oland)
All I Want Is You (Carpenter / Bettis )
Things Change ( Carpenter / Bettis)

Sorry, there is nothing new in the following messages of mine. Here are some from messages that I posted before and messages of another forum members.

RICHARD CARPENTER--8 Songs w/Richard Carpenter for hisXmas album-- For Xmas 2002
http://www.pamoland....Discography.htm

( http://www.pamoland.com/ )

I found audio clips of Richard's Christmas songs.
But they are sung by Japanese singer Seiko Matsuda.

"December Morn" (Richard Carpenter, Pamela Phillips Oland)
"Christmas Turned Blue" (Richard Carpenter, John Bettis)

If you are interested in them,
here is the link to audio sample.
http://www.universal-music.co.jp/kittymme/...umck4003_l.html
If you see 'RealAudio' or purple characters, please click on them.


I read that Richard has several Satellite Radio sets on radio forum. I think an long interview with Richard was on air last year and repeated last and this year on XM (Satelite) Radio. I have read that, on interview on XM Radio, Richard said he was working on a Christmas album, but did make it clear he would release it when he was good and ready, meaning this year(2003), next year(2004)...whenever..

The long interview with Richard seems to repeat several times. When you can hear it, would you please post Richard's words which you are interested in?

From review of Top of the World II on another Carpenters Forum
Richard spoke about his “long lost Christmas album”. He said he ‘s been working on it for three years and wants to make it just right. He sang “This time of the year”, a beautiful new song from his Christmas album. His children then took the stage. Daughter Tracy did “From this moment on” and his younger son performed two songs, including “All I want it you for Christmas”.


When they decide the U.S. release of "as time goes by"? I found the information about the release of "Gold: 35th Anniversary Edition" at message of music forum, last autumn. When do they decide release of Christmas album?
(Barry Manilow would come to Japan in 2002 but the tour was cancelled last of June or first of July. At July's chat with Barry, Barry said that he didn't know what album was next. But he must be already suggested to record Christmas album. He recorded Christmas album in September and released the year. So Christmas album can be recorded in autumn and released soon. However I don't hope Richard would. I can hardly keep hoping this year's release. I really hoped 35th anniversary release.)

KAREN:"Sleigh Ride was one of the songs we recorded for our first Christmas special, and that was done by Billy May, who, again, is a brilliant orchestrator , from the old school.. hasn't changed a bit.. He's just got his own type of talent, and it really worked well on the show….again, it cross-faded right out of the Christmas Waltz.. it's a lovely piece!"

...

KAREN: ""Merry Christmas Darling" I think, is a little extra special to both of us, because Richard wrote it, and the lyrics were written by the choral director at Long Beach State choir, where we went to school, Frank Pooler. Frank was very helpful in our college days, when we were trying to get a contract and constantly missing classes and everything. He was the only one down there who actually understood what we were after, and he stood behind us all the way. We just did a benefit at Long Beach state, for a scholarship fund, and we did it with the choir and the whole thing, and we did "Christmas Darling" and he just "glows" everytime we do it….. I think it's my favorite, because it's really close to me."
http://www.leadsiste...les/kcradio.htm Pamela's articles

Thank you Pamela!

Thanks for your reading.

Sakura

I think Karen's voice sounded the best it ever did on the Christmas Portrait album. It was so clear and strong.
Paul

Sakura...you are the queen of thorough! Thank you for that wonderful input. Much more than I had anticipated!

Cindy,

We call Sakura the "linkiebear"!! She's the queen of links! Right Sakura!

Sakura knows all...sees all( or she can sure find out!!!)

Cheryl

Cheryl you crack me up...

I think Sakura should have her own Psychic Hotline in Japan and then she can help subsidize the costs of keeping this great website going GO SAKURA

We'd all be sitting around going " " without her!!
I saw the "Together Again At Christmas" .....Richard must be thinking about everyone he's lost in his life! I would really hope he finds songs to put on another Christmas album......we've waited sooooo long! Please, Richard, please????

Cheryl

What makes it so heartbreaking is Richard isn't a singer primarily....Karen was; she was the main Carpenters sound vocally; he obviously was the master musician/arranger/composer. So when he sings the Christmas masterpiece "Together @ Christmas Again", it barely scratches the surface of it's potential when you hear him sing it. He is brilliant in making music; I just miss KC so much and agree with you Cheryl regarding his sense of loss.

When you really look in his eyes as he sings the song, there is such sadness. Makes me tear up every time. They had magic; the two of them together. It's too bad their personal lives weren't as magic as their music...

Just some thoughts...

How fabulous is the Carpenters Christmas music!!

I'm such a dork, I listen to it all the time.... it's so cheerful... *sigh*

Livvy,

You're not a dork! You just have good taste!!