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Post by josef on Feb 11, 2020 19:53:08 GMT
It's no secret that I absolutely ADORE Lovers (Live A Little Longer) these days and always will. It's a scorcher of a track.
But I must defend Voulez Vous. It's a cool slice of club chic. Not every dance track has to have bells and whistles everywhere. There's such a thing as a cool groove. It has bags of attitude. I love this Swedish take on the "club culture" of the late 1970's. It has dated, but in a good way...like many songs from that era but that still sound good to our ears. And after all, ABBA threw everything going at Summer Night City and still that didn't come out the way they wanted (I love it just the same).
Chiquitita I love so, so much. It has an added poignancy as it was my sister's favourite ABBA song and I realise now she was Chiquitita.
Yes, Kisses of Fire has a place in my jaded heart but I still see it as 'just' a very good album track. I pretty much detest Does Your Mother Know.
One song that never gets a mention (it was just a lowly B side) is Lovelight. It's actually one of my favourite ABBA songs, believe it or not. That chorus! PURE ABBA! There's something so naive and clumsy about the lyrics but that's its charm for me. Yes, I'd take Lovelight over many other songs any day.
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Post by josef on Feb 9, 2020 9:14:31 GMT
^That's a nice thought, but a step backwards. ABBA shouldn't really record what would essentially be a cover of someone else's songs (even if BennyBjörn wrote it).
I've always liked Another You, Another Me. It IRKS me beyond belief that the two muppets from Steps recorded it. 😈
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Post by josef on Feb 8, 2020 18:18:46 GMT
😆
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Post by josef on Feb 8, 2020 18:12:53 GMT
Maybe they won't be trying to recapture the magic. Perhaps it will have elements from the past (vocal harmonies) but with some new twist.
I guess we'll find out soon enough.
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Post by josef on Feb 4, 2020 17:50:51 GMT
One small thing that's come about as a result of all this (which pleases my heart) is the fact that ABBA's Wikipedia entry changed from "ABBA was a pop group formed in Sweden. ...." to "ABBA is a pop supergroup...."
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Post by josef on Feb 2, 2020 10:28:25 GMT
Oh gosh if it were true that a WHOLE NEW ALBUM was going to be the result of all this delay then all would be 'forgiven'.
It's just frustration. We love the group so much and are just so keen to hear Agnetha and Frida sing together once more. To hear the words Björn has put together and marvel at Benny's melodic structures. And because life is pretty grim sometimes (well, a lot of the time, actually) some of us hold on to this as a sign of hope, something to hold dear and lift us out of the gloom of existence. I'm not exaggerating when I say that for me ABBA has been "the love of my life" in many ways. Their music has, I mean. It's been with me through everything. We've never really ''broken up", if that makes any sense? So this means a lot. Who amongst us could truthfully say they ever thought we'd get NEW songs from ABBA? Time and time again they'd said no, that was it, no more ABBA. So this is like one last Hurrah! for them and the icing on the cake for us fans.
It just can't come soon enough, that's all. And it has been over 2 years (?) so it's not just a slight delay or anything.
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Post by josef on Feb 1, 2020 21:15:34 GMT
Unfortunately, gazman is right. It's all about the green stuff. I just hope it's all done right. As in, I don't want to be fobbed off. I'm not so interested in the avatars- it's mostly about the music for me- but I would like proper interviews, photoshoots and glossy magazine spreads. I want The International ABBA Magazine to come back. Hell, I want a return to the glory days. I want a return to simpler times...without global warming, Brexit, horrendous politicians and mutating flu viruses. Yeah, I know - rose-tinted spectacles.
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Post by josef on Feb 1, 2020 14:29:40 GMT
Latest from Benny. He reckons the new songs will be released after the summer, posibly September. A LONG way off, if you ask me. Then there'll probably be more delays. And he's also vague about making any promises about the songs being released this year at all.
It's actually a joke now. Just shut up and say nothing and release the songs. This has been handled very badly indeed.
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Post by josef on Feb 1, 2020 0:38:39 GMT
I second that. Cracking voice you have, Tony.
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Post by josef on Jan 26, 2020 16:09:40 GMT
@edmfio76,
Edmund. I'm referring to When I Kissed The Teacher, not this actual thread. My post wasn't directed at you just because it came directly after yours. I'm just responding to the thread and the thoughts of other members who contribute.
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Post by josef on Jan 26, 2020 12:12:54 GMT
Foist greatness on it? It IS great! No foisting required.
Could argue the toss 'til the cows come home over whether certain songs 'deserved' to be singles or "just" album tracks. Certainly, to be an album opener is an accolade in itself - Eagle, When I Kissed The Teacher, As Good As New...all stupendous album openers and they have a crown of their own just for that very position. Should/could they have been singles? Quite possibly. Maybe. There was over-saturation to consider. People DO get sick of something even if it's good quality. The thing to remember is not every song could be a single. Just impossible. So we NEEDED cracking album tracks that were as good as the singles, yeah? Personally, I think When I Kissed The Teacher is like sunshine. It's like aural serotonin or something! Am I bothered it wasn't a single? Not particularly. We still have it. I'd like it to be more widely know but then millions bought the albums, so...
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Post by josef on Jan 22, 2020 20:01:58 GMT
I wonder if they're still selling those ABBA brick things? I can't even recall how much they were asking for them. I didn't get them. I'm aware it's all just STUFF that'll end up in a charity shop when I kick the bucket. I did buy an ABBA The Album tin, however (it's already got a dent in it).
The silly thing was me clambering inside that helicopter. In my head, I WAS in ARRIVAL - I was sitting in the seat which had supported Agnetha and Frida's bottoms! I know it was a mock up but I wanted so much to believe it was all real.
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Post by josef on Jan 21, 2020 17:05:51 GMT
Cheers, Graham.
I might just nip down one day in the spring.
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Post by josef on Jan 21, 2020 17:02:30 GMT
I couldn't think where to post this but apparently this is Frida's mother, Synni! 😲 Sorry about the quality- best I could find.
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Post by josef on Jan 21, 2020 16:54:51 GMT
Ah, I've looked up the prices. Not bad.
I am put off by the fact it's a tour. I like to take my time.
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Post by josef on Jan 21, 2020 16:49:47 GMT
How much did they sting you for this, gazman?
I like the idea of the themed rooms. Only trouble is, and I can't recall where I heard/read it, but rumour has it it's not much cop? I did go to the ABBA WORLD thing at Earl's Court a few years ago and enjoyed it thoroughly, though. Apparently it's much the same thing? There was an option to join the holograms on stage, which I did and pranced about, and then a video of it was uploaded somewhere in cyberspace. I recall seeing it but I've no idea where it is now . Does anybody else have any clue regarding this?
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Post by josef on Jan 18, 2020 20:31:33 GMT
I have Bright Lights, Dark Shadows and the original The Complete Recording Sessions and a few other bios and that's it.
What I'd like now is Frida's autobiography thingymebob. Is that ever gonna happen? I'd so like to read her thoughts. It's gotta be better than As I Am. Mind you, that wouldn't be too difficult to achieve (sorry, Agnetha).
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Post by josef on Jan 18, 2020 12:57:18 GMT
Oh gosh, that's exactly how I feel about the revised book! It just seemed like such a massive tease. No way was I going to purchase that.
Getting back to single vs album tracks (I think the original thrust of the thread is lost in time? Maybe it'll veer back). It's a funny thing, isn't it? To me, Super Trouper has 'single' written all over it. And what is 'just' an album track, anyway? They're hardly filler fodder. Hmmm, maybe there are one or two? Anyway, f'rinstance...Lovers (LALL) is a song I like way more than some single releases. Does that mean I think it should've been a single? Erm, I'm not sure. Perhaps not. That doesn't negate its innate quality, though. It's one of those things we could debate until the cows come home!
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Post by josef on Jan 18, 2020 12:47:56 GMT
Do you know, I'm not even sure if I bought this? It could be in a box somewhere. I do recall seeing it and I wasn't massively impressed. It just seemed like a cash-in. There are a few ABBA compilations where I just thought, "Ew, tacky."
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Post by josef on Jan 18, 2020 0:42:19 GMT
I agree with almost everything Alan says in his post and it actually amused me a little because it's so spot on regarding how fans see certain tracks. However....I will slightly disagree with him about one thing. I really do think there ARE one or two songs that were missed single opportunities. IIWFTN is one of them. It needed 'tweaking', certainly, but to my ears (and this is just my personal feelings, naturally) it really does sound like a missed opportunity. It's definitely better than 'just' an album track. It stands out, somehow.
But as far as Just Like That and Monsieur Monsieur goes. ..DEFINITELY a case of fans getting carried away and not seeing them for what they were- demos. I mean, seriously? Monsieur Monsieur is like a composite of Just Like That, Our Last Summer and The Day Before You Came. It really was a case of the group knowing best when it came to what was hit material and what was best kept in "the vaults". Don't get me wrong- I like Just Like That- there's beauty in there- but it is not the masterpiece or Holy Grail some fans think it is.
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Post by josef on Jan 16, 2020 19:23:02 GMT
The reason Monsieur, Monsieur hasn't been released is because it has inferior, dummy lyrics and My Love, My Life is much better in that respect. I quite like the way Agnetha tackled the original demo but that's about it. There was some accusation that MLML was overproduced but I think now most people just see it as a lovely song.
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Post by josef on Jan 16, 2020 18:46:24 GMT
It's a very good question, Richard.
I'd say no. You can listen to someone's opinion and respect it to some degree but ultimately the only person whose opinion counts regarding matters of taste is your own. That isn't to say minds can't be changed. For example, there are a few songs and films which I once thought were fantastic but which I now see as mediocre and perhaps even rubbish. As I've got older I've learnt to appreciate certain things more and see where I was lacking in taste and sophistication at times. But that was my journey, no one took me there. That isn't to say someone else's view can't have an effect, but only if it's constructive. But ultimately we like what we like for a myriad of reasons, not all of them logical or based on any kind of criteria that can be 'measured'. Music speaks to the soul and can't be measured or easily explained. In this respect, there is no 'bad' music, if that makes any sense? It either speaks to us or it doesn't.
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Post by josef on Jan 13, 2020 19:39:13 GMT
I want EVERYTHING this time! It's a special event. Probably never gonna happen again. "This is gonna be worldwide!'' (You have to say that like the man at the beginning of ABBA The Movie.)
The last time I bought anything physical, where I went a bit mad, were all the different coloured cds of Agnetha's IITYECYM and WYWITR, so I'll push the boat out a bit this time around (depending on what's released, of course).
I do so hope the members of the group get together for some classy, stylish studio shots for this event, I really do. To me, it's important. I can even picture what they'll wear, how they'll pose, etc. Oh, WHY am I not their stylist?!
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Post by josef on Jan 12, 2020 22:11:19 GMT
I really, really hope that when the time comes Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid pose together as a GROUP, as "ABBA", you know? All glammed up, the men in suits, Agnetha and Frida looking drop-dead gorgeous and perhaps a little mysterious? I would like this SO much! It's not much to ask, is it? It's the little things. I know the video will be their younger selves but a few promo pics, suitable shot and fashioned to suit their ages now, would be the icing on the cake!
I want to believe, if even for a wee short while, that ABBA are reformed.
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Post by josef on Jan 12, 2020 10:58:38 GMT
These are different times we're living in for sure. I do yearn for the so-called 'simpler' times but those days are gone.
It's very easy to slate modern music. Older generations have always done it. I'm not a huge fan of rap or r&b but there is some merit to it and actually there IS some great music out there. It baffles me why time and time again it's postulated that there isn't. There IS. It really is an older person thing to somehow moan about the 'modern music' not being as good as that in the past. I miss the days of the structured pop song as much as anyone and there is a void but it's not the huge chasm some would have you believe. You just have to get off your arse and find it. There are lots of wonderful singers out there producing melodic music. I'd list a few but I doubt it would make any difference. Once someone's convinced themselves there's no point. We don't have the huge variety of the 1970's or the amazing surge of energy that punk gave or the exhilarating electronic music of the 1980's and the Britpop explosion. Then we had the dance culture in the 1990's. I actually loved it ALL. The only music genres I'm not keen on is metal and grime.
We live in trying times. It's depressing that so much rap is everywhere, glorifying violence and misogyny, etc. But equally I think people can be guilty of dismissing something out of hand and not giving it a chance. Perhaps the profanity on some of the lyrics is off-putting?
I'm aware I'm already set in my ways to some extent. But to remain truly young at heart I think it's important to keep an open mind and embrace the new.
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Post by josef on Jan 12, 2020 10:27:12 GMT
Click to see the full image, obvs
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Post by josef on Jan 12, 2020 10:26:08 GMT
Fafner, here it is without the watermarks.
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Post by josef on Jan 5, 2020 14:57:28 GMT
Are you insinuating I'm middle-aged, Richard? How very dare you?!
Seriously, you're right. But I have the attention span of a gnat. But they do say it's never too late.
I can play Greensleeves on the recorder. Maybe that counts? And the first few bars of Lay All Your Love On Me on the piano. Gosh, maybe I'm a maestro and don't even know it?!
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Post by josef on Jan 5, 2020 10:48:54 GMT
I don't think you can teach this old dog a new trick 😥
As a matter of fact, it's a big regret of mine that I didn't learn to play the piano adequately or strum a tune on a guitar. I love music so, so much- always have- and it would have given me great pleasure to play some of ABBA's songs (and others).
I'd also love the 'showing off' element. 😆
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Post by josef on Dec 31, 2019 1:31:07 GMT
Yeah it's been a few months, hasn't it? Thing is, it can be hard to find pictures that haven't been seen before.
I remember someone once making a snide comment about pictures, something about being an Agnetha picture forum? I thought that was ridiculous as fans post many, many pictures of Frida, too which is of course great (I've contributed a fair few myself). Besides, you don't like particular threads? Jog on.
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