Past News Archives

 - RICHARD WORKING ON A UK DOCUMENTARY 

Richard is currently working on a NEW documentary that is set to debut in the UK later on this year.  The documentary is titled "Only Yesterday."

21 February 2006 - LIVE AT THE BBC COMPILATION DVD!

Coming to DVD 25 April 2007 Japan is AMAZING!  Their first live concerts compilation - Live at the BBC!  This compilation is set to include the complete BBC concerts.  The DVD is also rumoured to have a documentary of the BBC shows.  More news as it becomes available!

Although not earth shattering news, 2 Carpenters compilations are being re-issued in early 2006:

1. Yesterday Once More - this compilation is out of print everywhere except Germany, and now Japan is reissuing this "priced down" edition for $24.52 (3080 yen).  "Yesterday Once More" first was released in 1985 and then re-issued as part of the "Remastered Classics" editions in 1998, and then put out of print. The release date is set for tomorrow, 17 January 2007.

 

2. "Their Greatest Hits" - This album was first released in England as "Only Yesterday" and topped the charts in 1991.  The CD has been released in Japan before, and now will be reissued 7 March 2007 for 1980 yen ($15.77usd).

 

After the exciting "Japanese Singles Box" release in 2006, Japan will now re-issue the first 10 Carpenters albums as double album limited edition sets.

What does this mean?

This means that 2 albums will be housed in one package.  We assume that this means each set will be 5- 2-CD sets to collect.

Here is the estimated release info:

Ticket To Ride / Close To You

Carpenters / A Song For You

Now & Then / Horizon

A Kind of Hush / Passage

Made In America / Voice Of The Heart

The estimated release date is 21 March 2006.  Remember!  These will be limited edition!  This is an excellent chance for US fans to catch up on the remastered classics that have gone out of print in the states!

Just after its release, the Japanese singles box set is NOW OUT OF PRINT.  Yes, you heard it here, the limited edition set is no longer in print.  The sets have been sold in music stores all over Japan as well as online stores.  CD Japan has reportedly SOLD OUT of the set, leaving sites like and with the remaining sets.

Deciding on whether or not you are going to get this?  Act now.  I nearly missed my chance, don't miss yours!

 

While my review will be posted in early January, this is an outline of the 'newly' released tracks in this set:

"I Kept On Loving You" - Single version with a clean start.

"Bless the Beasts and Children" - the SOUNDTRACK version. 

"Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" - ORIGINAL version

"Please Mr. Postman" - SINGLE version with alternate vocals

"Solitaire" - only available before on "Gold" - the SINGLE version

"The Christmas Song" - Clean Start

"Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" - SINGLE EDIT! 

"Make Believe It's Your First Time" - without the spoken intro

"When You've Got What It Takes" - clean start!

 

Sounds like a fantastic set.  My review coming in January.

 

 

 

Nearly 8 months after the Netherlands released the new compilation "The Ultimate Collection" the UK has released their new version of the album. (released 20 Nov. 2006). 

Many have asked, what is the difference?

Here is the track listing. 

Ticket To Ride 
(They Long To Be) Close To You 
We've Only Just Begun 
For All We Know
Rainy Days And Mondays  
Superstar
Bless The Beasts And Children 
Hurting Each Other
It's Going To Take Some Time
Goodbye To Love
Top Of The World
I Won't Last A Day Without You
Sing 
Yesterday Once More
This Masquerade
Jambalaya (On The Bayou) 
Please Mr. Postman
Desperado

CD2
Only Yesterday
Solitaire
There's A Kind Of Hush
I Need To Be In Love
Sandy
All You Get From Love Is A Love Song
Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft
Sweet Sweet Smile
I Believe You
Touch Me When We're Dancing
When It's Gone
Those Good Old Dreams
Where Do I Go From Here
You're The One
Now
Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore
Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again

The differences:

• This set, unlike the Netherlands edition, includes the newly remixed versions of the tracks (the Netherlands edition included original remastered album mixes). 
• The cover art has been changed (same photo as "Lovelines" {1989}).
• Housed in an SACD-like case.
• Outtakes include "Goofus,"  "(Want You) Back In My Life Again," and "Beechwood 4-5789," and "Make Believe It's Your First Time."
• New songs included (unlike the NL edition) include "When It's Gone (It's Just Gone)",  "Where Do I Go From Here," "You're The One," and "Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore."

 

Hello, long time no see!  There hasn't been much news to update on lately, but we have received a bit of news from some Japanese CD sites that the singles boxed set is set to be released the first of November valued around $250.  CD Japan also says that the set is to be a "Limited release."  We will, of course, report when we know more information! 

Wondering what is up with Richard's rumored Christmas album?  So have we?  Well we don't have to wait for longer.  Richard unveiled on his recent UK interview that the album will be out in 2007, following the 10-year R.C. Carpenter cycle (for example 1987: "Time" ; 1997: "Pianist, Arranger, Composer Conductor"; 2007 Christmas album).

He reportedly said it will continue very new songs as well as Christmas classics.

We will, of course, keep you posted.

 

To hear the interview with Opal, see the home page for the link.

The 3-disc set has already been released in the Netherlands...many retail shops such as the Amazon stores are beginning to ship out their copies.  I have heard that the disc is excellent in sound and is the ORIGINAL album mixes (just the same as "The Remastered Classics").  We will keep you posted on the exact mixes and information.

The UK edition is penciled in for a 17 April release date.  We will keep you posted.

 

Sources are pointing that we will see this release, or a similar release, in the UK as well as the Netherlands. We'll keep you posted.  It also looks that the new Japanese documentary DVD "Rock Legends" will see a July/summer release.  Also a re-release of last years' GOLD in the UK has been topping the charts due to advertisement for the UK's Mother's day.  More on that soon!

Thanks to we have more information on "The Ultimate Collection" that is set for release next week.

The cover is nothing particularly new, one might say it's a mix between the 1985 "A&M Classics, v.2" and the new "Gold" releases.

The UPDATED track listing is listed below.

The release date is now switched to 23 March, pay not attention the the release date on the Aussie website as the set is not yet released.  We will keep you posted as the date approaches.

The ULTIMATE compilation is set for release in the Netherlands the 21st of March!  The tracklisting is amazing, it is EVERY single from the United States and as a bonus it includes tracks from Karen and Richard's solo albums "Karen Carpenter," "Time," and "Pianist, Arranger, Composer Conductor." 

Another interesting fact is that this CD is 32-bit remastered which is supposedly very state of the art.  My assumptions is that these are remixes and not the actual single version that are planned to be released on the forthcoming Japanese box set, but we will try to keep you posted.

The tracklisting is as follows:

 

DISC ONE:

1. Ticket To Ride  (Offering / Ticket To Ride)
2. (They Long To Be) Close To You    (Close To You)
3. We've Only Just Begun  (Close To You)
4. For All We Know   (Carpenters)
5. Rainy Days & Mondays  (Carpenters) 
6. Superstar  (Carpenters)
7. Bless The Beasts and  Children   (A Song For You)
8. Hurting Each Other   (A Song For You)
9. It's Going To Take Some Time   (A Song For You)
10. Goodbye To Love   (A Song For You)
11. Top Of The World   (A Song For You)
12. I Won't Last A Day Without You   (A Song For You)
13. Sing   (Now & Then)
14. Yesterday Once More  (Now & Then)
15. This Masquerade  (Now & Then)
16. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)   (Now & Then)
17. Please Mr Postman    (Horizon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks like we will see this wonderful release in early 2006.  So far we can expect original single audio and B-sides.  More info to come.

Source:  Yuka Ogura.

Looks like we will see this wonderful release in early 2006.  So far we can expect original single audio and B-sides.  More info to come.

Source:  Yuka Ogura.

Way out from left field has come this bit of news!  According to a HMV magazine/flyer a DVD is being planned for the concert LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM.  I have never seen any footage from this concert and didn't know that any video footage existed.  The magazine said it was to include a few bonus features as well.  The LP was released in England in 1976 and the CD edition was released in the 1990's in Japan and the UK.  The LP's length is about 45 minutes and is not the complete concert.  It is lacking what was on their play list for their other shows that year, including "I Need To Be In Love" among others.  Hopefully we will see the whole concert.

It's also very possible that this could be the BBC Concert in '71 or the Talk of The Town Concert, or any other of the duos London concerts, but it would certainly be a treat to have that very concert on video format.

HMV's employee news letter reported that it should be expected around spring 2006.

 

Thanks to Simon Burrows for allowing us to be the first site to report!

 

Excellent news for collectors!  In Japan in early December A&M Records and Universal are set to release the 10th Anniversary Edition of the popular compliation 22 Hits.  The set is also going to include ORIGINAL MASTER KARAOKE as it's second disc.  The 2nd disc will also include the Karaoke version of "Sing" that was de-vocalised in 2004.

The release date is penciled in as 7 December 2005 and the current list price is $24.98  (3000 yen)

All information subject to change.  We will keep you posted as usual. 

 

 

 Have you seen a new face in the Carpenters CD's at your music store?  Yes!  It's the NEW repackaging of GOLD.  This set, set apart from the "25th Anniversary Edition" is an all-new edition with absolutely stunning artwork.  This cover was used for the 2001 single of "The Rainbow Connection" in Japan and also used on the back of the "Love Songs" CD.  The "35th Anniversary Edition" was released 10 February 2004 and this repackaged set was released this year.  No date can be found as of yet with this CD was shipped to stores.

CHRONICLES has been yet again pushed back to a 27 September release date.  The list price is $29.99us.  As with other cd's released like this, there are no bonuses.

Pop sensation Christina Aguilera has finished recording the song "A Song For You" as a duet with jazz artist Herbie Hancock.  It's nice to see artists like Christina Aguilera appreciate the music of yesterday.

 

There are rumors circulating that we will not see the release of this album this year.  There is no concrete facts around to prove this true, but one can probably expect that we won't see this release anytime soon. I'd imagine we'll have a masterpiece on our hands it it's been tossed around since 2002.

 

 

 

- The set will include the "Close To You", "Carpenters", and "A Song For You" albums.

- The list price is $29.98

- There are speculations that it will be housed in the Japanese-styled LP covers, but other sources say it will be housed in a box like the FROM THE TOP set was.

There will be a NEW re-release of the 1973 NOW & THEN album release 12 July 2005 in Japan.  All that I know so far is that it is to be a "special limited release" that includes the lp-like case.  More information on this soon.

 BREAKING NEWS:  Entertainment Tonight will air tomorrow a lost interview with Karen talking about the "Carpenters curse"  - makes us wonder what this is all about!  ET airs 7:30pm EST.

Thanks to Andrew Zimmerman for this update!

 

 

There is a rumour cerculating that this set will be a 3-CD set of the Remastered classic albums of "Close To You", "Carpenters", and "A Song For You."  This would be a pretty good set for NEW fans trying to find these albums (which normally aren't the easiest to find in stores).  However, this would be dissapointing for OLD fans.

 

The music site  has reported that the Carpenters are among many artists of several record companies that are going to be a part of a series called CHRONICLES which are rumoured to be a 2-CD Set.  Can we expect new songs?  I wouldn't hold my breath, but it sure would be nice to have a new song or perhaps the single edit of "Calling Occupants..." or the single version of "Please Mr. Postman."  The date is said to be 21 June 2005 (in 2 months!).  Naturally, we will keep you posted.

 

 

 

 

Finally - at last - news on Richard's forthcoming Chritmas album.

There is word from the Carpenters writer, Yuka Ogura.  Yuka has written on several of the Carpenters liner notes in Japan.

 

The September release is just a penclied-in month.  Nothing is 100% sure.  Commencement of the album began in 2002, and Richard later reported on the official website that he is trying to make it as perfect as he can.

 

One song, "Together at Christmas Again" premiered on a Japanese television special titled "Carpenters Forever", which aired in 2002.  Richard performed the song at the piano, but made no reference to the future album that he was planning on doing.  At a time, 'Together At Christmas Again" was the rumoured title of the project.  At this time we are not ever sure that the song will be included on the album.

 

This album is rumoured to have Petula Clark as a gues vocal and there is also rumour that there will be either a re-make of a Carpenters song (using Karen's vocals from an older recording) or a new unreleased song that was never released.  Keep your fingers crossed, but remember - it's just a rumour.

Of course, we will keep you posted.

An uproar is in the Carpenters community as Carpenters fans worry about Carpenters titles going out of print.  "Lovelines" is the major worry!

 

According to AMAZON, many of the Carpenters titles are out of stock, but on order.  LOVELINES, however, isn't at all.

Another completely out of print title is "The Singles 1969-1973".  I imagine this release has been stopped because of the expanded singles CD of "Singles 1969-1981" that was released in 2000.

 

What can we expect?  Possibly a 40th Anniverary edition of the Carpenters in 2009?  Maybe not, the remastered classics were issued in 1998.

 

I will report more as soon as I get in contact with A&M Records and Richard Carpenter.

 

 

Before the Easter holiday Richard submited the next segment of "Fans Ask".  As many of you probably already know, the questions were great, the responses were lacking in information, respect, and general content.

 

The questions were about general releases (such as future DVD projects).  Once again Mr. Carpenter claimed that there was nothing left to release (does he forget about live performances, TV shows, ect?). 

Also fans were dissapointed to find out that Richard never plans on releasing the "I Need To Be In Love" video, he says it had too many "googly" eyes.  I think, however, that this was their best video by far.

 

 's  server is currently not working, so perhaps we can expect another update (hopefully).

The best of the last update is a BIOGRAPHY written by Mr. Carpenter, himself.

Richard Carpenter hosted the 3rd annial Top of The World Concert the other night.

There were no performance from Mr. Carpenter, but his daughter Traci sang "Rainy Days and Mondays".

 

Also, there were no Carpenters newsbits given no any news on Richard's slowly evolving Christmas album.

 

Can you believe it, of course - it's the Carpenters!   They made the TOP 5 albums in the UK - they hit #4 with the release of "Gold"!  A new release for the UK in 2005.

The compilation was released 21 February in 2005. 

CHART INFORMATION:

4(this week)

17(last week)

(2weeks on list))

Carpenters Gold - Greatest Hits (A&M)

___________________________________________________

The track listing :

 

1. Yesterday Once More 2. Superstar 3. Rainy Days And Mondays (1991 Remix) 4. Goodbye To Love 5. It's Going To Take Some Time 6. I Won't Last A Day Without You 7. For All We Know 8. Jambalaya (On The Bayou) 9. Touch Me When We're Dancing 10. Please Mr. Postman 11. I Need To Be In Love 12. Solitaire 13. We've Only Just Begun 14. (They Long To Be) Close To You (1991 Remix) 15. This Masquerade (1991 Remix) 16. Ticket To Ride 17. Top Of The World 18. Only Yesterday 19. Sing 20. Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft (The Recognized Anthem Of World Contact) ___________________________________________________ The album (pictured above) contains a different "gold" cover as opposed to the other version relased in the UK with the black cover. There are 2 editions available of the CD.  A CD-only and a CD-DVD combo that includes the ever-popular "Gold" DVD that was released earlier in 2002. Thanks to BOB MCDONALD for giving me the information! SOURCE:

In a new "Fans Ask" the following question was asked: "Fans are also dying to know if Richard plans on releasing his Christmas album, the one that includes 'Together at Christmas' again."   Richard responded: "Yes, hopefully in 2005, but I am taking my sweet time to make certain that the album is something I will be very happy with at its conclusion. I do apologize for taking so long."   Hopefully this is true! 

 

Also the DVD-audio version of "Singles 1969-1981" is in the works.

 

 

 

 Good news!  The SACD has been released!  The disc was released on 11 January 2005 (however, the back of the disc says 2004).  They quality of the disc is simply beautiful!  I will put up a review later!

 

Where to get this CD?  I got mine at Borders Books and Music.  Try Amazon if you can't find it.

 

The track listing IS NOT the same.  I think they should have re-titled the CD.  Nevertheless it is a great addition to the Carpenters album line-up!

2005 SACD
1. Yesterday Once More
2. We've Only Just Begun
3. Superstar
4. Rainy Days And Mondays
5. Goodbye To Love
6. I Believe You
7. It's Going To Take Some Time
8. This Masquerade
9. Ticket To Ride
10. Top Of The World
11. Only Yesterday
12. Hurting Each Other
13. Please Mr. Postman
14. Blessed The Beasts And Children
15. Merry Christmas, Darling
16. Sing
17. I Won't Last A Day Without You
18. Touch Me When We're Dancing
19. For All We Know
20. (They Long To Be) Close To You
21. Calling Occupants Of Interplantery Craft

 

 

 

 

 

It has been announced that the SINGLES 1969-1981 SACD is not scheduled for a release in Japan.  I imagine hat it will be released shortly after the US release. 

 

Lots of news for today!  It's about time!

 

This Is Your Life:	Karen and Richard Carpenter
Premiere:	Thursday February 18, 1971
Host:	Ralph Edwards
Network:	Syndication
Guests	Notes
Herb Alpert	Head of A&M Records - assists surprise, returns later via videotape
Burt Bacharach	Via videotape - songwriter, wrote their hit "Close to You"
Harold Carpenter	Father
Mrs. Harold Carpenter	Mother
Jack Daugherty	Took their demo tape to Herb Alpert
Bruce Gifford	One of Karen's teachers at Downey High School; has musical group in which Richard used to play piano.

 

 

This documentary about Karen will air in Japan in November.  Those that helped with this include author of the "Yesterday Once More" book, Randy Schmidt; among others

 

The Carpenters 1977 "Carpenters at Chritmas" special will be aired 8 Dec - 12 Dec at the Museum of Radio & Television in Beverly Hills (CA). This will be the first official screening since it aired in 1977.

The special guest starred Kristie McNichol and Harvey Korman, and Burr Tillstrom's Kukla and Ollie.

This will help bring in the holiday spirit!

 

It is not said yet when a DVD or VHS will be released of any of the Carpenters specials.  However, Richard reported on his website that "it's likely, but not probable".  Maybe this will change his mind.  My guess is that if they can show this, there wouldn't be a royalties problem.

It seems as if this is a shelved project, but Richard doesn't shed much light on the subject.

 

Ever since the web site came online there was a "Fans Ask Page".  So far, the only request he has granted has been the re-re-re-re-re release of the GOLD projects. He stated that there will be no releases of the quad material, concerts, or TV specials.  So, we can count on the re-re-re-remastered classics!

Originally released 23 May 2000.  It was the first Carpenters CD released in the 2000's.  Originally was supposed to include an insrtumental medley at the beginning.  The CD includes an unreleased "thank-you" to all the fans for all their years of support ("For All We Know - Reprise {from the London Bridge Special}")

Tracks include the following:

For All We Know - I Believe You - It's Going To Take Some Time - We've Only Just Begun - Those Good Old Dreams - Superstar - Rainy Days And Mondays  - Goodbye To Love - All You Get From Love Is A Love Song - Top Of The World - Only Yesterday - Ticket To Ride - Hurting Each Other - Yesterday Once More - Sing - Touch Me When We're Dancing - Please Mr. Postman - I Need To Be In Love - I Won't Last A Day Without You* - (They Long To Be) Close To You - For All We Know (Reprise).

 

 

  

Richard Carpenter Saturday, October 2, 2004 at 8pm Join us for a sparkling evening featuring a special musical appearance by Grammy award-winner, Richard Carpenter, the founding benefactor of the Carpenter Center. He has been an active supporter of our performances and education activities. We are honored to open our new season, and introduce our new look, along with Richard's music! $45/38 for adults. $40/34 for students, seniors, and those with CSULB ID, or for groups or more. This should be a great concert.  If anyone is going, please let me know!  I'd love a review!

Bob Newhart & Richard Carpenter Sponsors:

 

 

Originally released 23 May 2000.  It was the first Carpenters CD released in the 2000's.  Originally was supposed to include an insrtumental medley at the beginning.  The CD includes an unreleased "thank-you" to all the fans for all their years of support ("For All We Know - Reprise {from the London Bridge Special}")

Tracks include the following:

For All We Know - I Believe You - It's Going To Take Some Time - We've Only Just Begun - Those Good Old Dreams - Superstar - Rainy Days And Mondays  - Goodbye To Love - All You Get From Love Is A Love Song - Top Of The World - Only Yesterday - Ticket To Ride - Hurting Each Other - Yesterday Once More - Sing - Touch Me When We're Dancing - Please Mr. Postman - I Need To Be In Love - I Won't Last A Day Without You* - (They Long To Be) Close To You - For All We Know (Reprise).

 

 

 

 

 

I have heard nothing but GREAT comments on the Gold CD!

 

I have re-vamped the tracklisting and have included any other information:

DISC 1:
1. Superstar (additional recording in 1985, remixed in 1991)
2. Rainy Days And Mondays (1985 remix)
3. Top Of The World (1991 remix)
4. Maybe It's You (additional recording and remixed in 1990)
5. Let Me Be The One (original)
6. Reason To Believe (1987 remix)
7. Jambalaya (On The Bayou) (1991 Remix)
8. Leave Yesterday Behind - (previously unreleased)  previously unreleased in the USA
9. Your Baby Doesn't Love You Anymore (original)
10. Bless The Beasts And Children (1991 remix)
11. It's Going To Take Some Time ( additional recording and remix in 1989)
12. The Rainbow Connection - (previously unreleased) previously unreleased in the USA
13. Only Yesterday (original)
14. Sweet, Sweet Smile (original)
15. There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World) (1985 excluding synthesizer parts )
16. California Dreamin' - (previously unreleased)  previously unreleased in the USA
17. Solitaire (original single mix) - previously unreleased on CD
18. We've Only Just Begun (1985 remix)
19. This Masquerade (1990 remix)
20. Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft (1989 remix)

DISC 2:
1. Yesterday Once More (1985 remix)
2. Please Mr. Postman (1991 remix)
3. Hurting Each Other (1991 remix)
4. I Need To Be In Love (1990 remix)
5. Merry Christmas, Darling (1978 version)
6. (They Long To Be) Close To You (original single version)
7. All You Get From Love Is A Love Song (original)
8. Sing (1994 remix)
9. Make Believe It's Your First Time (original)
10. Ticket To Ride (1973 re-record)
11. Goodbye To Love ( additional recording/1991 remix)
12. I Just Fall In Love Again (original)
13. I Believe You (original)
14. Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again (original)
15. For All We Know ( additional recording/remix 1990)
16. Touch Me When We're Dancing (original)
17. I Won't Last A Day Without You (1991 remix)
18. Mr. Guder (1990 remix)
19. Song For You, A (additional  recording and remix in 1987)
20. Karen's Theme (original)

 

The liner notes are said to be very good!  I have yet to pick up my copy (I'm doing it in an hour - my local Wal-Mart actually has it! It's $19.99 - so if you live in the USA, take the Best Buy flyer in and have them change the price!)

 

In the notes it mentions "AS TIME GOES BY" as an album, I am assuming (you know what happens when we assume?) that they are hinting the USA release of "AS TIME GOES BY", but I'm not 100% sure.

 

REVIEWS:

Send ALL your reviews of "Gold" to