I request this album for the States

After waiting until I was in a strong enough financial position, I finally was able to purchase this cd after years of pining. I must say the wait was certainly worth it. This cd is a compilation of songs based on fans requests. Reading the liner notes, or at least the English ones, I recognize some of the names of the fans from various Carpenter billboards. To these fans who's requests and notations were included on this album and the liner notes, I say congratulations on being a part of something that is forever.
Some of these songs were remixed to a fresher sound, some are presented in their original form; Richard being the perfectionist he is remixes only those songs he feels need a bit of "tweaking." "Road Ode" and "I Can't Make Music," are remixes used for the "Treasures" set, "One Love," a favorite of mine from 1971's "Carpenters" lp is a surprising choice for a remix. "Can't Smile Without You" is the alternate version from "Singles 1974-1978" available as an import only. I prefer this version to the original from "Kind Of Hush." This cd is beautifully mastered and well worth the price but don't be surprised with the liner notes, most of them are written in Japanese, I was hoping for a good read, Richard's notes are so informative and heartfelt but alas, I have to look at the beautiful symbols that I just can't make out.

GET THIS if you collect Carpenters CDs!!!

Carpenters compilations are issued once or twice every year, and usually they feature, exclusively, the brother/sister duo's greatest hits. Well, this 20-song set is 50% hits, 50% choice album cuts. Many of the non-hits are the real gems on this collection, as they have been remixed by Richard Carpenter. Road Ode, Mr. Guder, One Love, and Can't Smile without You are standout examples. You will love these remixes! They are worth the price of the album. Some purists feel that the remixing of these tracks will force the original versions into obscurity. However, Carpenter has remastered all the groups' studio albums, and the original master recordings of all of these songs are readily available through this website. One last thing of note about this CD: the sound quality throughout is brilliant; CDs make in Japan seem to have an extra sparkle to them....You'll play this album again and again, I promise! (Another great collection like this worth having is the 2-CD set "Treasures," however it is a little more costly.) Thanks for taking the time to read my review.
Jim Meadows