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Christmas Portrait
Released in 1978, Christmas Portrait was the Carpenters’ first Christmas album. It was also the only Christmas album released during drummer/singer Karen Carpenter’s lifetime. Patterned after Spike Jones’ 1956 Xmas Spectacular, Christmas Portrait includes a mix of traditional and pop tunes and pushes the limit in its lengthy tracklist. What sets the Carpenters’ renditions apart are Karen’s endearing vocals (which suit the music perfectly in their longing quality), the giant orchestra and chorus, and the lush arrangements courtesy of Richard Carpenter and vets Peter Knight and Billy May. Album standouts include the Carpenters’ touching cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” their definitive version of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” and their own holiday classic “Merry Christmas, Darling.” A hit when it was released in 1978 and every decade after, Christmas Portrait remains a timeless celebration of the season.
Christmas Portrait Catalog Number: A&M SP-4726
Christmas Portrait Track Listing:
Side One
1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel – 0:28
2. Overture: Deck the Halls / I Saw Three Ships / Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Away in a Manger / What Child Is This / Carol of the Bells / O Come All Ye Faithful – 4:39
3. Christmas Waltz – 2:13
4. Sleigh Ride – 2:38
5. It’s Christmas Time / Sleep Well, Little Children – 2:55
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – 3:54
7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – 1:05
8. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) – 3:40
9. Silent Night – 3:19
Side Two
1. Jingle Bells – 1:11
2. First Snowfall / Let It Snow – 3:33
3. Carol of the Bells – 1:39
4. Merry Christmas Darling – 3:05
5. I’ll Be Home for Christmas – 3:50
6. Christ Is Born – 3:14
7. Winter Wonderland / Silver Bells / White Christmas – 5:30
8. Ave Maria – 2:35
Get Christmas Portrait on Vinyl:
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Post By: Katherine.Eleanor