Description:

‘The definitive collected works from one of the most enduring and influential acts ever, compiled and mastered by Richard Carpenter’. Twenty nine of the 35 songs were singles for the duo, who were a constant presence in the charts from the late 60s to the early 80s. For those wanting more, the download version comes with a further seven tracks, including solo material.

Which means?

Yet another Carpenters compilation primed for the Christmas market, but with added rarities. There doesn’t seem to be a point to this release, but, frankly, who needs an excuse to indulge in such all-round loveliness.

Is it much cop?

Yes. It won’t impress your friends, but, if you can cope with being a social outcast, you’ll be rewarded with Karen Carpenter’s voice, which manages to be equal parts rich, warm and downright eerie.

How many good tracks?

All of them. ‘(They Long To Be) Close To You’, ‘Rainy Days And Mondays’, ‘Yesterday Once More’ and ‘Where Do I Go From Here?’ are particularly beautiful. Other goodies include two Beatles covers; ‘Top of the World’, the intro to which sounds like the Postman Pat theme tune; and ‘Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft’, a plea for harmony between Earthlings and aliens who speak perfect English with comical robotic accents. Really, what more could you want?

And the worst?

The quality is high throughout – the tracks selected from posthumous releases are as strong as the hits. Their version of ‘Desperado’ by the Eagles may be one cover too far, but at least it isn’t ‘Hotel California’. The only problem is, there’s a lot to listen to, and over two hours of love and niceness (across two discs) might have you craving a little cynicism.

Biggest disappointment?

The exclusive, download-only tracks are exclusive and download-only. A disc of rarities would have made this collection the perfect package.

Verdict:

If you don’t own one of their previous compilations, this is a comprehensive history of a band too good to be dismissed as ‘easy listening’.

(4½/5)