This was a joy to read. The essay strikes that rare balance between musical analysis and emotional clarity, showing why the Carpenters’ Christmas recordings resonate beyond nostalgia. You articulate their craft with real affection but never lose sight of the discipline, taste, and sensitivity that gave their work so much staying power.
What stood out most was the way you wove their influences into the broader story without ever weighing the piece down—Rundgren, Sedaka, Steely Dan, the Wrecking Crew—each reference adding context to what Karen and Richard were building. And your reflections on Christmas Portrait in particular capture exactly why so many of us still reach for it the moment December arrives.
A lovely, thoughtful piece that honours both their artistry and the emotional truth they carried into every seasonal recording.
I’ve come down with three cases of hives in my life — and the first (and worst) hit me while watching the Carpenters’ Christmas Special in 1977. While it may have been caused by an allergic reaction to the piece of holiday cake I was eating at the time, I’ve instinctively avoided their Christmas recordings ever since. So it’s no small praise when I say that this piece is the first thing that’s ever made me want to revisit them!
I also love the Carpenters. That voice! I didn't realize, at the time, the pain she was in. But now, I don't think there is anyone who captures the blues so achingly beautifully. I also love your honesty as a "critic". So many critics try to prove their superior taste, but you simply want to share your experience with us and that is so enriching. You may enjoy my favorite movie list which has a similar aim https://simonsobo.substack.com/p/greatest-movies-list
Absolutely delightful, Robert. The sensibilities of The Carpenters--Karen's melisma, Richard's arrangements--fit Xmas music so well and you capture the how and why of it that reminded me why I love that first album and scrambling to hear it in a new light.
I’m with you Robert. The Christmas Portrait album by the Carpenters is outstanding. One track after another. I also loved that they included the lovely song “ Little Altar Boy”. Karen’s voice is perfect for it, and it’s a Xmas tune you just don’t hear often enough.
I was at a Christmas party last night with a piano player in attendance. I requested "Merry Christmas Darling" and he played it! Everyone knew, if nothing else, the chorus! Such a great song!
Grew up with the Carpenters and they are an essential part of the Christmas season for me, but I hadn't heard all of these songs. Thanks for this post, really enjoyed your takes on the songs. Looking forward to the next one.
No worries at all! It's a good reminder that personal taste often shapes what I write here. Thanks as well for taking out a paid subscription - happy to have you along!
Thanks, Simon, for the kind words. My taste is what it is and I think there is much to savour in the music of the Carpenters and the labels typically attached to it are kind of reductive. Thanks as well for sharing the list of your favourite movies - I will check it out!
I also love the Carpenters. That voice! I didn't realize, at the time, the pain she was in. But now. I don't think there is anyone who captures the blues so achingly beautifully. I also love your honesty as a "critic". So many critics try to prove their superior taste, but you simply want to share your experience with us and that is so enriching. You may enjoy my favorite movie list which has a similar aim https://simonsobo.substack.com/p/greatest-movies-list
Her brother is one of the more loathsome creatures ever to slither into the pop zeitgeist.
(Before anyone thinks I’m blaming him for her death: no, sibling relationships are complicated. It’s easy to say what he SHOULD have done, but she wasn’t your sister and you weren’t there.)
This was a joy to read. The essay strikes that rare balance between musical analysis and emotional clarity, showing why the Carpenters’ Christmas recordings resonate beyond nostalgia. You articulate their craft with real affection but never lose sight of the discipline, taste, and sensitivity that gave their work so much staying power.
What stood out most was the way you wove their influences into the broader story without ever weighing the piece down—Rundgren, Sedaka, Steely Dan, the Wrecking Crew—each reference adding context to what Karen and Richard were building. And your reflections on Christmas Portrait in particular capture exactly why so many of us still reach for it the moment December arrives.
A lovely, thoughtful piece that honours both their artistry and the emotional truth they carried into every seasonal recording.
Many thanks, Howard, for this wonderful and generous comment.
I would love to hear the Carpenters version of “Dr. Wu” ! 😀
Me too!
I’ve come down with three cases of hives in my life — and the first (and worst) hit me while watching the Carpenters’ Christmas Special in 1977. While it may have been caused by an allergic reaction to the piece of holiday cake I was eating at the time, I’ve instinctively avoided their Christmas recordings ever since. So it’s no small praise when I say that this piece is the first thing that’s ever made me want to revisit them!
I take it as a very high compliment, Dan! Thank you!
Been listening to that album for decades now. Maybe I’ll pull my copy off the shelf and listen to it again very soon.
I hope so!
I also love the Carpenters. That voice! I didn't realize, at the time, the pain she was in. But now, I don't think there is anyone who captures the blues so achingly beautifully. I also love your honesty as a "critic". So many critics try to prove their superior taste, but you simply want to share your experience with us and that is so enriching. You may enjoy my favorite movie list which has a similar aim https://simonsobo.substack.com/p/greatest-movies-list
Absolutely delightful, Robert. The sensibilities of The Carpenters--Karen's melisma, Richard's arrangements--fit Xmas music so well and you capture the how and why of it that reminded me why I love that first album and scrambling to hear it in a new light.
Thanks, Emm, for the kind comment - appreciate it.
I’m with you Robert. The Christmas Portrait album by the Carpenters is outstanding. One track after another. I also loved that they included the lovely song “ Little Altar Boy”. Karen’s voice is perfect for it, and it’s a Xmas tune you just don’t hear often enough.
Glen Campbell's recording from 1968 of it is also excellent.
I was at a Christmas party last night with a piano player in attendance. I requested "Merry Christmas Darling" and he played it! Everyone knew, if nothing else, the chorus! Such a great song!
It's a beautiful song - its' status as a classic is well-deserved.
Grew up with the Carpenters and they are an essential part of the Christmas season for me, but I hadn't heard all of these songs. Thanks for this post, really enjoyed your takes on the songs. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you, Ellen, and happy listening!
You must be one of the few. Saccharine music.
To each his or her own.
Apologies for the sarcasm but I always thought their music was a bit bland, Cowsills-like.
No worries at all! It's a good reminder that personal taste often shapes what I write here. Thanks as well for taking out a paid subscription - happy to have you along!
Thanks, Simon, for the kind words. My taste is what it is and I think there is much to savour in the music of the Carpenters and the labels typically attached to it are kind of reductive. Thanks as well for sharing the list of your favourite movies - I will check it out!
I also love the Carpenters. That voice! I didn't realize, at the time, the pain she was in. But now. I don't think there is anyone who captures the blues so achingly beautifully. I also love your honesty as a "critic". So many critics try to prove their superior taste, but you simply want to share your experience with us and that is so enriching. You may enjoy my favorite movie list which has a similar aim https://simonsobo.substack.com/p/greatest-movies-list
Her brother is one of the more loathsome creatures ever to slither into the pop zeitgeist.
(Before anyone thinks I’m blaming him for her death: no, sibling relationships are complicated. It’s easy to say what he SHOULD have done, but she wasn’t your sister and you weren’t there.)