Carnal Knowlege - Jack Nicholson, Art Garfunkel and Ann-Margret

CARPENTERS GOLD

Released by Universal. Out now to buy.

Considered to be somewhat on the twee side for much of the 80s and 90s the Carpenters and their distinctive laid back sound are now being re-evaluated by a whole new generation.

Hitting big in 1970 with the single Close To You The Carpenters, brother and sister Richard and Karen, would plough an easy listening, mellow and supremely crafted field of songs right through the decade; This release from Universal is a triple pack offering their greatest hits in CD and DVD form as well as a bonus disc of pretty disposable Christmas Songs.

There is probably no one who at some time or another has not hummed or sang along to a Carpenters Song and there is certainly much to enjoy in this set, Karen had a wonderful, pure voice and the arrangements on all the songs are just beautiful; Stand out track has to be the gorgeously haunting Solitaire but the hits also include Rainy Days and Mondays, Close To You, Top of the World and Superstar et al.

Definitely the ideal primer for the band, the DVD features Karen and Richard performing almost all the songs on the CD on various TV shows and early attempts at video. The version of Calling Occupants (of interplanetary craft) is a major must see, the performances tend towards the static and samey but are definitely worth a look; If you dont own a Carpenters record then this is for sure the one to add to your collection.

No Extras.