1.) Carpenters – *Carpenters* is presented in this immaculate Japanese first pressing, a compilation that perfectly distills the duo's timeless blend of soft-rock perfection and poignant emotion into a definitive collection. Released in 1973 at the height of their international fame, this gatefold edition showcases the flawless harmonies of Karen and Richard Carpenter, framed by the meticulous audio engineering and premium packaging synonymous with Japanese pressings of the era. This pristine pressing reveals the album's iconic production with breathtaking clarity and warmth. From the gentle longing of "Yesterday Once More" and the sophisticated "Superstar" to the driving pop of "Top of the World" and the tender balladry of "For All We Know," every nuance of Karen Carpenter's peerless, emotive voice and Richard's intricate arrangements is rendered with stunning fidelity. The legendary Japanese vinyl mastering captures the full dynamic range and lush soundscapes of these recordings, offering an intimate and immersive listening experience that highlights the duo's musical genius. This copy is a true collector's gem, preserved in Near Mint (NM) condition that rivals its original state. The elegant gatefold sleeve is exceptionally clean, with sharp corners and vibrant, unfaded artwork. The vinyl itself is visually flawless and plays with silent, pristine clarity. It remains complete with all its original, highly collectible elements: the vibrant, intact OBI strip and the illustrated lyric/photo insert, making this an exceptionally well-preserved example of this sought-after Japanese issue. A quintessential compilation from one of pop music's most beloved acts, preserved in superb, collector-grade condition with all its original Japanese premium features. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Carpenters – Carpenters Format / Pressing: Vinyl LP, Compilation, Gatefold - First Japanese Pressing Label & Catalog Number: A&M Records – NAX-020 Year / Country: 1973 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Near Mint (NM) - Gatefold sleeve. Exceptionally clean, glossy, with sharp corners and no notable flaws. Media Condition: Near Mint (NM) - Visually excellent, plays flawlessly with no surface noise. Contents: Complete with original OBI strip and illustrated insert. TRACKLIST Side One: 1. Yesterday Once More 2. Superstar 3. Rainy Days And Mondays 4. Goodbye To Love 5. It's Going To Take Some Time 6. Let Me Be The One Side Two: 1. For All We Know 2. (They Long To Be) Close To You 3. We've Only Just Begun 4. Those Good Old Dreams 5. Sing 6. Top Of The World COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: First Japanese pressing in exceptional Near Mint condition. Special Features: Desirable gatefold sleeve, includes vibrant OBI strip and illustrated insert. Musical Content: Definitive compilation featuring all their signature hits and essential tracks. Authenticity: Confirmed by the original A&M Japan catalog number NAX-020. 2.) Carpenters – *Super Disk* is presented in this magnificent Japanese first pressing double LP set, a comprehensive compilation that showcases the duo's unparalleled soft-rock legacy in its most lavish and sonically refined format. Released in 1977, this collection spans their greatest hits and key album tracks, framed by the exceptional audio quality and premium presentation that define the pinnacle of Japanese vinyl production in the 1970s. This pristine pressing reveals the Carpenters' iconic sound with breathtaking clarity, warmth, and dynamic range across four sides of premium vinyl. From the nostalgic grace of "Yesterday Once More" and the intimate balladry of "Close to You" to the sophisticated arrangements of "Goodbye to Love" and the uplifting pop of "Top of the World," every nuance of Karen Carpenter's timeless, emotive vocals and Richard Carpenter's meticulous orchestration is rendered with stunning fidelity. The legendary Japanese mastering provides a silent, immersive listening experience, allowing the lush harmonies and rich instrumentation to shine with unparalleled definition. This copy is a collector's treasure, preserved in Near Mint (NM) condition throughout. The deluxe gatefold sleeve is exceptionally clean, with sharp corners, vibrant, unfaded artwork, and a sturdy spine. Both vinyl discs are visually flawless and play with silent, pristine clarity. The set remains completely original, including the vibrant, intact OBI strip and the detailed, illustrated lyric/photo insert, making this an exceptionally well-preserved and complete example of this sought-after Japanese compilation. The definitive career-spanning collection from one of pop music's most cherished acts, preserved in immaculate, collector-grade condition with all its original premium features. DETAILED TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION Artist / Title: Carpenters – Super Disk Format / Pressing: 2 x Vinyl LP, Compilation, Gatefold - First Japanese Pressing Label & Catalog Number: A&M Records – GXF9001/2 Year / Country: 1977 - Japan Sleeve/Cover Condition: Near Mint (NM) - Deluxe gatefold sleeve. Exceptionally clean, glossy, with sharp corners and no notable flaws. Media Condition: Near Mint (NM) - Both discs visually excellent, play flawlessly with no surface noise. Contents: Complete with original OBI strip and illustrated insert. TRACKLIST Side One: 1. Yesterday Once More 2. Superstar 3. Rainy Days And Mondays 4. Goodbye To Love 5. Jambalaya (On The Bayou) 6. Top Of The World Side Two: 1. Ticket To Ride 2. (They Long To Be) Close To You 3. This Masquerade 4. Hurting Each Other 5. Please Mr. Postman 6. I Won't Last A Day Without You Side Three: 1. Sing 2. For All We Know 3. The End Of The World 4. Only Yesterday 5. Solitaire Side Four: 1. There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World) 2. I Need To Be In Love 3. Sweet, Sweet Smile 4. I Believe You 5. Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft COLLECTOR'S HIGHLIGHTS Rarity: First Japanese pressing double LP in exceptional Near Mint condition. Special Features: Deluxe gatefold edition, includes vibrant OBI strip and illustrated insert. Musical Content: Comprehensive career-spanning compilation featuring all essential hits and fan favorites. Authenticity: Confirmed by the original A&M Japan catalog number GXF9001/2. SALE TERMS & SHIPPING Shipping: Within 1 or 2 business days after payment Packaging: Professional, secure vinyl mailer | Record shipped outside the cover to prevent seam splits Vinyl Care: All our vinyl records are professionally cleaned with an ultrasonic machine before shipping. We also include a free outer sleeve and new inner sleeve. Shipping Areas: Worldwide Payment: Required within 3 days after auction closes ABOUT THE SELLER A passionate collector for over 30 years, my journey through music has been a lifelong adventure. With the creation of STREAMZER, I've chosen to share this profound love for music and records with enthusiasts around the world. Each record from my collection has been carefully selected, stored in optimal conditions, and handled with the respect that these musical treasures deserve. I'm delighted to offer these pieces to fellow music lovers who understand their true value. Happy bidding! Musically, Olivier