ハイグレードピアノソロ カーペンターズ
「雨の日と月曜日は」「見つめあう恋」をピアノで弾きたくて購入しました。とっても編曲の仕上がりが丁寧で満足のゆくものです。ただ、そのすばらしさの分、弾くのも一苦労するものもあります。ピアノ中級以上の方にお勧めです。「トップ・オブ・ザ・ワールド」「シング」「イエスタデイ・ワンス・モア」など馴染み深い曲も勢揃いなので、ファンには持っていて損はないでしょう。
見つめあう恋(紙ジャケット仕様)
This is the second time in 5 years that Universal Music Japan came out this Mini-album replica of the Carpenters' catalogue (The first was 10 years ago by then Polygram Music International). Packaging-wise, this is by far a dissapointment in this series because if this should be (as claimed) a direct replica of the original vinyl packaging, the reverse-white Carpenters logo (multiple) on yellow-ochre printing shoudn't be ABSENT on the back/inside of the album jacket! I do not know if this is an oversight, a cost-saving decision or the original vinyl Japanese release didn't come with it. Would appreciate it if someone would enlighten me on this.
On the plus side, the paper used is of premium and almost similar to the materials used for original vinyl sleeve. The inner jacket is being properly reproduced this time (as compared to the 30th and 35th anniversary editions where it was replicated on a single piece of art paper) in the form of a real jacket/envelope where it could hold a CD inside.
Music-wise, this album is an acquired taste, and being too "subdued" as described by some critics with just "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" being the fastest paced track after, "Goofus" and perhaps the title track. Nevertheless, this was my favourite album when I was a kid. The songs really relaxes me as feels as though I am standing by the beach on a cool sunny day and warm breezes blowing.
It has three singles, "A Kinf of Hush", "I Need to be in Love", and "Goofus". "Can't Smile Without You" was released as a single in UK, and "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" in Japan.
I have currently 4 versions of this album on CD (the first release in '86, Japanese 2000 Yen Edition '89, 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition, and this latest one). Would have been one of the best if it isn't for the letdown as described.
