In short...."Chronicles" is a new boxed compilation set that includes 3 separate compact discs of the complete albums...."Close To You", "Carpenters" (the so-called "tan" album) and "Song For You" (chronologically the Carpenters 2nd, 3rd and 4th albums). If I'm not mistaken, the cover art oddly enough appears to be from the "Ticket To Ride" photo session....their 1st album. Unless you're a die-hard Carpenters collectaholic, you probably already own these c.d.'s. I have to admit that the packaging is quite attractive. The elongated box and cover photo are striking.
Inside, you basically find 3 compact discs with each insert only containing the info that appeared on those original 3 albums. Basically...this means that for both the "Close To You" and "Carpenters" disc you only get basic production/musician credits and nothing else. The "A Song For You" disc has the original multi-page insert with notes/complete lyrics/artwork. It was indeed the first Carpenter album that included these. I was disappointed that there were no additional inserts or a booklet to make this compilation a tad more desirable. It would, however, make a terrific gift for a new Carpenters fan who doesn't own these c.d.'s! Even though I bought this set as a collector, I have a difficult time recommending "Chronicles" except to similar collectors or new fans. Regardless, the music included here is timeless and contains some truly treasured listening moments!

Despite the packaging, this is a great re-mastering of the 3 original analog released albums, "Close To You", "The Carpenters", and "A Song for You" we all grew up listening to. Unlike the myriad of other Carpenters Greatest Hits collections where Richard Carpenter has re-mixed entire songs and/or re-recorded portions of songs while technologically enhancing Karen's voice [the reverb on Karen's voice in some of these remixes is quite heavy at times] and other instruments [enhanced kick drums, new piano tracks, etc.], this Chronicles set contains the pristine original album recordings without the technical flash and wizardry. The recordings are only cleaned up a bit. Buy it for the memories!

Great box set for 'die hard'fans as well new listeners. I love the packaging and I'm proud to add it to my Carpenters collection. Thanks.