Carpenters - Christmas Collection (2CD, 1996)

In 1998, A&M released the original Carpenters' albums for the first time on CD. Along with the reissues, the label released Christmas Collection, a double-disc that combines Christmas Portrait and An Old Fashioned Christmas on one set. Neither album offers any surprises -- they sound exactly like you'd imagine a Carpenters Christmas album would sound like. Since the two albums are virtually interchangeable, relying on Richard's famously light, inoffensive arrangements and Karen's sweet, soaring vocals, they make for a terrific pairing. It is true that only hardcore fans will need this set, but they should be more than pleased by this definitive collection.
Tracklist
CD1: Christmas Portrait
01.O Come, O Come Emmanuel 0:28
02. Overture 4:38
03. The Christmas Waltz 2:15
04. Sleigh Ride 2:39
05. It's Christmas Time/Sleep well, Little Children 2:53
06. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 3:55
07. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 1:05
08. The Christmas Song
(Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) 3:39
09. Silent Night 3:19
10. Jingle Bells 1:10
11. The First Snowfall/Let It Snow,Let It Snow,Let It Snow 3:35
12. Carol Of The Bells 1:39
13. Merry Christmas Darling 3:05
14. I'll Be Home For Christmas 3:48
15. Christ Is Born 3:13
16. Winter Wonderland/Silver Bells/White Christmas 5:31
17. Ave Maria 2:35

CD 2: An Old-Fashioned Christmas
01. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear 0:43
02. Overture 8:13
03. An Old-Fashioned Christmas 2:14
04. O Holy Night 3:31
05. (There's No Place Like)Home For The Holidays 2:13
06. Medley: Here Comes Santa Claus/
Frosty The Snowman/Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer/
Good King Wenceslas 3:43
07. Little Altar Boy 3:43
08. Do You Hear What I Hear? 2:53
09. My Favorite Things 3:53
10. He Came Here For Me 2:12
11. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town 4:04
12. What Are You Doing New Years' Eve? 2:51
13. Selections From "The Nutcracker" 6:14
14. I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day 2:21