Carpenters - MERRY CHRISTMAS DARLING (1992 Remix)

[mollymophead3]

just for you from mollymophead Cher xxx

[swk56]

Lovely. The only remake of 'Merry Christmas, Darling' that's anywhere near Karen's delivery was Carnie Wilson's version. As Carnie was a big Karen fan, I believe she wanted to do the song justice...and she did!!!

[sammylove0405]

my true love just sent me this tune...he is out of town for Christmas. We both grew up with Karen's lovely voice....and what a perfect Christmas gift :)

[Zocawa]

Ah, thank you so much for posting this song... Merry Christmas!

[OceanKingNY]

@Zocawa You're welcome. Merry Christmas to you too!

[toastedravioli]

As you listen to this, realize Karen's mindset is that she somehow has to improve. I liked her earlier 1970 effort better, especially around the 1:50 mark, when she transitions from "Happy New Year, too." to "I've just one wish...".

[OceanKingNY]

@toastedravioli I like her 1970 vocal more, too. She sings with more emotion, and it tugs at your heartstrings. But she apparently thought it was too affected, which is why she did this smoother version in 1978. Personally, I think she got it right the first time!

[scheckdj]

I miss her voice soooo much! What would she be like if she was still with us? Her voice was so pure!

[MARINTRES]

@scheckdj I wonder this all the time. What would it be like if she was still here with us. I absolutely love her voice and brings me to a level of comfort everytime I hear her. When she died I literally cried for two days straight. What a loss but thank goodness we have these recorded memories. To me, no one meets her level of poingnancy. I sure miss her!

[johnnebula]

One of the greatest Christmas Love Song of my life. I miss you Karen :D

[totallyhotonj]

Thank you so much for placing this on YouTube. Love it.

[moontic1]

I always play this song Every Christmas in my car and at home...thanks for posting and I like to Dedicate this song to all my neighbors at CONCHU ST Project 4 Quezon City Philippines

[dixiechick0619]

achingly sweet song

[pamcaba3]

Ahhhh beautiful! Merry Christmas



[angels4bobseger]

She always had such a beautiful voice.

[Ben3647]

That She was A grate Ladle,I do like her songs we will all ways miss her.

[vmuto1]

If Richard decides that he wants to release any additional Carpenters Christmas music to the public,it's up to Richard. Same thing holds true with all of the Carpenter specials for DVD purchase. Richards a Husband, a Dad who has very talented children, perhaps the next generation of Carpenters I think so. Rich can do his music now under his own terms & enjoy the fruits of his Labor. Do check out "Christmas turned Blue" "December Morn"& "Together at Christmas Again" (warning can bring on tears)

[OceanKingNY]

50,000 views!

Thanks to everyone for supporting this song & video.

A Happy Christmas Season to all!

[leddhed]

Genius.



[drogersnm]

@shyman99 Amen! Amen! Amen!!! I couldn't agree more. Not a single film clip or recording should be lost of the greatest singer that ever lived -- and if they are spread out all over in the hands of her fans, they never will be.

[vmuto1]

@shyman99 There is so much other footage as well that alot of fans don't even know about. For a 90 minute TV special I can't begin to tell you how much material was shot. TV was not kind to The Carpenters early on, they were really mishandled. But the specials came out wonderful. Rich just wasen't into the whole comedy thing, he's more of a Sci- fy guy- Karen on the other hand Love the comedy side, as she was very kid like in so many ways. Maybe someday the specials will go on DVD.

[OceanKingNY]

@vmuto1 Yes, I have wondered about any possible outtakes from the specials. In a radio interview promoting the "Christmas Portrait" album, Karen said that they had just done "The First Snowfall/Let It Snow" for a Christmas special. Does that mean that there's an unseen production number in the vault that was edited out of the broadcast version? Or did Karen mis-speak, and what she really meant was the "Winter Wonderland" medley? Who knows what videos might be sitting in the vault?

[vmuto1]

Frank Pooler one of my "HERO'S" for a long time. God Bless you Frank. Well the Holidays are here & I look forward to hearing this song at least a couple of hundred times between the radio & of course here on You Tube. Shhhh don't tell anyone but just like Karen I never would have a hard listening to Christmas music in the middle of the summer, especially all The Carpenters Christmas songs. As always Frank thank you for all of your contributions to music. These video's still make me cry, GB KC

[95CheeseLover]

Its horrible i hate it

[95CheeseLover]

i dont like it 

[jarbon5]

Love the sonic clarity of this video:)

[dinodogstar]

Jesus was a carpenter, but so was Karen.

[kboyzrock]

I still get get goosebumps everytime I hear her singing this song, one of the best female vocalists all time. Its as if she were still alive with that wonderful voice of hers just as if it were yesterday, every Christmas I just have to listen to this song to get me into the spirit of the Holidays, it really lifts my spirits up I know.

[JUDA59ful]

beautiful, beautiful, no words to describe her voice.JUDA59ful

[OceanKingNY]

@shyman99 Reportedly, Richard dislikes the TV specials, so it's unlikely that he will release them anytime soon. Honestly, though, the silly moments in the specials are no worse than anything else that was on TV variety shows at the time, so it's really not a big deal. And the TV specials of almost every other pop star of the 70s/80s have already been released, so why not the Carpenters'?

[shyman99]

@OceanKingNY Richard's biggest attribute has been perfectionism and his biggest enemy has been perfectionism. Because he is bothered by some of the moments in the TV specials, he denies the fans who have supported the Carpenters for over 40 years the opportunity to enjoy these treasures. That sounds so incredibly selfish, doesn't it? All programs in the 70's were silly. It was a glorious decade when people had fun. It seems to me that this world could use some 70's fun today.

[vmuto1]

@OceanKingNY Some of the footage that didn't make the show, I thought was much better than a few of the scenes that were actually in the show.

[deezingo]

A beautiful song. It's funny.....but during the Christmas holiday...usually the station that plays this song....is our R&B station.

[bernetta88]

Karen and Richard simply had that "magic" that ended way too soon. Fortunately we get to enjoy their phenomenal work via recordings. I was shopping when the news came over the speakers that Karen died. It took me a while to process that. The chemistry that Karen and Richard had was a rare one. They performed as one. Their music is priceless, timeless, and classic. Richard, if you ever read this comment...please know that what you and Karen did as The Carpenters was a gift that many still enjoy!

[joemoe23]

No this version is far superior to the original

[micmoable]

Karen had a lovely voice--but I don't think it's right to mix her voice in with music that she wasn't actually there to be a part of---just like folks try to mix Elvis' voice with their voice as if they sung a song with him when they never did--it distorts and messes with reality. Say, somebody comes across this recording---they'll think erroneously that she or Elvis actually did that version of song with new music or another voice,etc. That don't seem right to me! Leave what was as it was!

[iamintheburg]

It's not Christmas until I hear this cut on WNNK, Harrisburg, PA. It's not Christmas anywhere, until anybody and everybody hears this record. Merry Christmas, Everybody ! 5-20-2011

[sweetiegrl41]

This song makes me cry...strangely! I guess the Christmas spirit got to me

[shirl328]

ahhh lovely, Karen I wish you were still with us, so happy we still have your music.

[augusts1]

Thx for posting this great vid! Are those links to the other versions of this song not working for others as well?

[OceanKingNY]

@augusts1 I updated those old links.  They should be working now...

[augusts1]

@OceanKingNY Oh tyvm!I'll check them out. . . .

[Whipporwhill51]

Dear Baby, Thanks for your lovetube note! You are my only desire!

Merry Christmas Baby and Happy NY.

I wish I were with YOU!

FB

[SaddlebackMacUSMC]

Karen, I miss you!

[disastertom]

Arguably one of the top ten best female voices of al time.

[1MISTRESSKAJUN]

Beautiful. I play this every year- So soothing. Karen's voice is so warm & inviting.

We miss you..

May you R.I.P..Thank you for your angelic voice & great memories.

God Bless from California

[GSimmonsLookalike]

wow..she really looks bad..

[SaddlebackMacUSMC]

Tears in my eyes again...Miss you Karen!

[SaddlebackMacUSMC]

I still miss her after all these years. I used to visit her at her place of rest each Christmas while a Marine in El Toro, California and leave a single rose. Someday when I return to California I will do it again..love you Karen!

[Woody615]

@SaddlebackMacUSMC Did you leave the rose at her original site, at Forest Lawn Cypress? If so, I saw that rose several times. My mom and grandparents are interred very near where Karen used to be, so I would go and visit her as well.

[tropicalpancake56]

How very beautiful and oh so touching...thank you.

[justinjameswest]

the Best of the Best. the Best. this song. Christmas is Christmas when this is played. thank you Karen. thank you Richard for making this classic beautiful recording.

[mctous1]

The first version (1970) is musically and sonically the best. The "gravel" Karen sensed was just enough, whereas the 1978 version is too sweet. I also sorely missed the short but tasty alto sax solo in the later versions. Sorry Richard, but the 1992 remix overwhelms her beautiful voice.

[OceanKingNY]

@mctous1 Absolutely agree. The original 1970 version is the best. Karen's vocal is perfect, with just the right amount of emotional yearning to match Richard's melancholy arrangement. Why Karen wasn't satisfied with it, I will never comprehend. Her 1978 re-do is too sweet, as you say. She toned down the emotion and she just sounds too mellow on that version. This 1992 remix I don't like at all, but I thought people might want to hear it out of curiosity.

[barryt60]

@mctous1 I agree as well... Particulrly in a couple spots where Karen hits her lower regester in the original... The second "But" on BUT every day's a holiday.... and toward the end at the Happy New YEAR too.... Plus - overall - seems the original variation simply carries a more nostalgic feel. Sorry Karen!! ;) Thnaks tho for posting this version. I had never heard it. Can;t tell much of a difference - with the possible exception of RCs voice on the harmonized ending.... Thanks!

[AwaTu]

@mctous1 Though, in your wonderfully articulated opinion —Not definitively —I like the original '70 version for the bare, unadorned aspect of the vocal production —Due to that, you can hear every nuance of Karen's voice —I, unlike you, do like this version As a mix, everything blends well —And, even though Karen's voice is not in your face Richard's combated the spatial depth of reverb by applying something like an aural exciter to make sparkle...

[stanleyscribe]

Karen Carpenter was my #1 voice in all the world until last year when I fell in love with Lori Ruso. Now the two are both first place.

[MrBubbleswallower]

This song is so sad that it makes me care about all I know (even the one that I hate)

[twelveoaks1]

Perfection! what a smooth talent! Wish she had lived longer, tragic, but her voice endures!

[FarrellAndFarrellFan]

I like this new version :-)

I know one of Richard's daughters,  one of the sweetest girls you could ever care to know. I like to think that Karen was that way before the illness.

Having known a member of their family for quite a while now, it makes me really miss Karen, can't help but wonder " what if "

But she sings with the Angels now..... no more sadness :-)

[OceanKingNY]

@FarrellAndFarrellFan Thanks for commenting, and give our best wishes to the Carpenter family.

I often wonder what it's like for Richard's kids. To them, he's just "Dad." It must be hard for them to imagine that at one time, he and their Aunt Karen (who they never knew) were world-famous pop stars.

[FarrellAndFarrellFan]

@OceanKingNY He is just " dad " to them

He rarely comes up in conversations, and it's funny, you hear stories " one time me and dad " and you almost forget who " dad " is

I feel like discussing Carpenters music is a sensitive area, most people are naturally tempted to bring it up, but it's just so far in the past to them... Must seem like an eternity ago.

Funny how differently we all perceive what is normality :-)

[FarrellAndFarrellFan]

@OceanKingNY In fact, I just spoke with her today, she is considering creating a youtube channel to sing on, could indeed be the answer to many Carpenters fan's prayers :-)

Just thought I'd share this info, I'll let you know if she does create one :-)

[OceanKingNY]

@FarrellAndFarrellFan Please do let us know; I'm sure we'd all like to view her channel. (Is this the girl who's already on YouTube singing "Little Altar Boy"?)

[FarrellAndFarrellFan]

@OceanKingNY No, she's never had a video on youtube before, I've been trying to talk her into it for a while, I'm keeping my fingers crossed, a lot of people would really enjoy it :-)

[Glodean6360]

Oh man...what a voice. It's so lovely it's almost supernatural. Sigh...thanks for posting.

[OceanKingNY]

@Glodean6360 "...what a voice. It's so lovely it's almost supernatural."

What a great line! Mind if I borrow it? ;)

[Glodean6360]

@OceanKingNY

Hey Ocean; thanks for the compliment; much appreciated. Of course you can borrow it. Thanks for sharing such a great song and video. She really does sound too beautiful for this world, doesn't she? Hugs to you and good health.

[pfritz5976]

Thanks, Frank. Thanks and love, Karen.

[dutchesspinky88]

very beautiful music... thank you for posting... =) dutchesspinky

[FlyingMondongo]

Por Dios!!! No se puede hacer un pero "arreglo" de este tema.

[germanbalaguer]

Una maravillaaa!!!...como todo lo que canta Karen y arregla Richard...dos  músicos impresionantes!!!!!!!!...te extrañamos mucho Karen!!!... Gracias amigo Ocean!!!Abrazo. Germán.

[OceanKingNY]

Hola German! Sí, Karen y Richard eran músicos asombrosos e hicieron música muy hermosa. Soy feliz que tan mucha gente todavía goza el escuchar esta canción. Gracias por sus comentarios agradables. ¡Abrazos a usted! :)

[poots2988]

Every year my wife would play this 45 on our stereo on Christmas eve when I walked in the door from work. Working 60 plus hours a week when I got home and heard this play I knew it would be a great Christmas. After 32 years of marrage, she died and I still have the 45 record on my strereo, but I never play it anymore, that was her surprise and gift to me!

[OceanKingNY]

Thank you for sharing that beautiful memory of your wife with us. All the best to you for a Happy New Year!

[royalredus]

@poots2988 This literally brought tears to my eyes. Agree with OceanKing - That is a beautiful memory, thank you so much for sharing.

[Carpentersfan2003]

I just wanted to say... This song should go out to all the love one's that are currently away from their families in Iraq or any other war torn spot in the world. I am sure no matter where they are, they themselves are missing, and being missed by their families on this most happy and joyous day... I am sure that both Richard and Karen ( she is watching over them from above ) would agree...

To everyone else here at Youtube. Have a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2010.

[disastertom]

I agree with your bass comments (although I do sorta like it) - but that seems to be the route things are going..... take a listen to people like Michael Buble, most all of his stuff has a turn up bass to it compared to how the originals were done.

[infinera06]

The bass on this version is way too strong, which interferes with her vocals.

[OceanKingNY]

Yeah, I'm not crazy about this mix either, but it's always interesting to hear another take. And this really makes you appreciate how perfect the original arrangement is.

[infinera06]

Richard apparently likes to remix their songs. I've been disappointed with his CD remixes where Karen's voice has been pushed back, whereas on the vinyl versions, her voice is very focused and upfront...which I definitely prefer. To me, Karen's voice is what's special about the Carpenters, and that should be highlighted.

[OceanKingNY]

Agreed. On too many remixes, Karen's vocal is pushed back and lost in reverb. This is especially true on the dreadful remix of the "Christmas Portrait" album. I always play my original mix of that album (still available on the "CP Special Edition" CD).

[infinera06]

Well, I am glad I did not buy the Christmas Portrait CD then. I still have the vinyl in pristine condition. I did get the LOVE SONGS CD, and Karen's voice on every track seem to be pushed back. I wish I had kept all the Carpenters vinyl LP's, and I had all of them! I would put up with the occasional tick and pop to hear her upfront and center as it was intended..

[royalredus]

@infinera06 Agreed! I was only 7 when Karen died, so I wasn't really old enough or aware of the Carpenters at the height of their popularity, but I started collecting their music (on CD) about 15 years ago, mostly compilations, like the 'Singles'. But in the last 2-3 years, I've slowly started to buy the vinyl LP's from ebay when I can get good ones at a decent price. I actually just completed my collection last night when I snagged a promo edition of 'Lovelines' :)

[lietuva4me]

Merry Christmas from Lithuania!

[OceanKingNY]

Merry Christmas from America!

[maleficentdiva]

This is a good song anyway its done, Karen's powerful voice and the meaningful lyrics all come together to make pure magic, LOVE YOU KAREN, MERRY CHRISTMAS KAREN, you are the best thing that ever was given to the world! :)

[DONCALD29]

exelent ty can i dry my eyes,;-)

[dyerkneid]

Every Christmas I seek this song, and every time, I am overcome with emotion. The combination of Karen's voice, this song, and the holiday season are almost too much to bear. Merry Christmas to you, Karen, and thank you.

[disastertom]

arguably one of the top five female vocalists of all time.

[OceanKingNY]

Agreed. A hearty "thumbs up" for that.

[disastertom]

her clarity and resonance of voice is simply unmatched.

[johnte777]

Reminds me of a lost love that can now never be. Precious memories are stirred by this beautiful song. Sigh.

[Karenfan09]

No matter which version I hear of this song, it still brings a tear to my eye....R.I.P. Karen

[jnryfn]

@Karenfan09 agree 100% especially at this time of year..God Bless you Karen!

[Carpentersfan2003]

I actually like the updated feel that the remix gave to this song... Reminds me that Karen's voice is indeed timeless... It was a treat to hear this song in a "fresh" take.. I am sure that Karen would have approved..

[OceanKingNY]

Yes, I think you're right that Karen would have approved. As a drummer, she would no doubt have loved the more prominent rhythm track on this mix.

[libralady1010]

I remember I was 16 when I heard this song...a lady I worked with had a telegram delivered to her that her husband was missing in action in Vietnam. Thank God he came home but only after spending hell on earth in a North Vietnamese prison. I always think of the great thanks that we still have that he DID come home. So many didn't.

[4260laurel]

one of the most romantic Christmas songs ever- and never a better voice than Karen's...RIP...we love you

[pce2allkaren58]

Years of this song....years and years...I could Christmas with this song for as long as I live. Years of traveling and lonliness at times as I shop for gifts. I hear this song and remember the sweetest gift....her beautiful voice and song.... that is a gift in itself....Thanks:) GBU

[steveatl40]

Thanks for the rare find!

[OceanKingNY]

You're welcome!