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Post by onlyabba4meagain on May 3, 2021 10:49:30 GMT
As jj says, as soon as the 'New' ABBA Songs are released, even the most impatient of ABBA Fans, will 'forgive' all of the delays.
Of course they will. Even if we 'only' get 1 'New' Song, (to begin with!), the 'angry' ABBA Fans, will be happy and excited. I find
it really amusing, that some ABBA Fans, are saying, (on YouTube, or Facebook etc.), that they have: 'Lost all interest in the New
Songs', and that they are, 'Furious at ABBA, for messing them about'. It is amusing, because the 'anger' is not really that serious.
It is more like an Act - to show everyone that ABBA have 'messed up'. But, once we Fans hear the 'New' Songs, the fake anger
will fade away, like a snowflake in a fire. That is how it will be.
I fully admit, that I've been frustrated, at waiting, for never appearing, 'New' ABBA Songs. I decided, that getting angry was silly,
as it cannot influence matters, and we don't know all of the reasons, for the delays. Instead, I just stopped thinking about the
'New' Songs. Instead of being hugely excited, and focusing on them, I simply never thought about them. That I'd hear them,
when ABBA were ready, and able, to release them.
That is how I used to hear, many early ABBA Singles. I would hear them, for the first time, on the Radio. Even 'Dancing Queen',
I had no idea that it existed, until a Manchester DJ played it, one day, in 1976, and said it was his Record Of The Week. Somehow,
it was far more exciting, to hear ABBA Singles, when you had no idea, of even their Titles, until that moment.
So, if we are all calm -and patient - we will be happy, when we, (finally), hear the New ABBA Songs. All will be 'forgiven', as regards
'anger' towards ABBA. It will be so. It will.
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Post by HOMETIME on May 3, 2021 18:41:22 GMT
Absolutely spot on!
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Post by richard on May 3, 2021 18:43:36 GMT
Of course we'll be re-enthused - even a lot of non-ABBA fans will be intrigued - once the new songs appear. In the meantime, I've lost a lot of interest, but that will come back.
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Post by bennybjorn on May 3, 2021 23:07:34 GMT
Not sure if this video has been circulated round here?
It includes Bjorn confirming that there are 5 new songs, and that they will be out this year.
Where have we heard that before!
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Post by onlyabba4meagain on May 7, 2021 15:45:35 GMT
The most interesting parts of Bjorn's 'New York Times' Interview, with Ben Sisario.
Friday May 7th 2021
What songwriters do you like today?
Billie Eilish is interesting. And of course I admire Taylor Swift as well. And Rihanna. I think it’s the whole package
— the way they develop and the way they partake in the songwriting and create an artistic entity. I find that very
interesting, much more interesting than the kind of pop packages, Disney stuff. [Laughs.]
Is it a coincidence you mentioned all women?
I think it is. But maybe in my subconscious I choose women. Maybe because I’ve been in the studio with two women
not too long ago.
Benny and I have written some new songs, and there will be some new music from ABBA released this autumn. But I’m
forbidden to say anything more about it. I’m sorry. I would have told you everything, but I can’t. All I can say is that it
was fantastic in the studio because it was like yesterday. It was so strange coming into that studio and the four of us
looking at each other and thinking, “What is this?” It all came rushing back.
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Post by gamleman on May 7, 2021 16:28:38 GMT
There you have it - new songs to be released in Autumn 2021. If Bjorn says it, I think it will happen, although the fact he is forbidden to say anything further suggests that he isn't in total control.
Of course, it will be interesting to see how they will go about releasing this material and how the release will dovetail with the 40th anniversary releases for "The Visitors" album.
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Post by justabba on May 7, 2021 16:58:41 GMT
There you have it - new songs to be released in Autumn 2021. If Bjorn says it, I think it will happen, although the fact he is forbidden to say anything further suggests that he isn't in total control. Of course, it will be interesting to see how they will go about releasing this material and how the release will dovetail with the 40th anniversary releases for "The Visitors" album. The visitors 40th with bonus new material  |
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Post by onlyabba4meagain on May 8, 2021 13:47:08 GMT
It was Justin, who alerted me to today's 'Daily Mail' Article. In case you don't already know, Bjorn has given another New Interview. This time to Australia's 'Herald Sun'. However, that 'Paper is behind a Pay Wall. But, the UK's 'Daily Mail' On-Line has picked up on it. The Link to the 'Daily Mail' Article is below.
linkAs usual, a lot of People, (see the Comments below the Article), think that ABBA are planning a sort of 'Come Back Tour', as they look now! Several are urging ABBA to 'Stay in the past', and that 'The Tour', will ruin their 'Legacy'. Of course, they have it all wrong, and ABBA will use The ABBAtars, to represent them on Stage. Looking as ABBA did in 1979. The same for any Promo Videos. Anyhow, Bjorn says that The ABBAtars will be at a 'Fixed Venue' - in London. There will be no 'Tour'. (Of course, if the 'London ABBAtars' are a success, there is no reason why we won't get further ABBAtars - performing simultaneously - in several Countries. Just as 'Mamma Mia!' was put on all around the World). |
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Post by Michal on May 9, 2021 7:00:38 GMT
There you have it - new songs to be released in Autumn 2021. If Bjorn says it, I think it will happen... I will believe it when I see the actual release dates announced... I have stopped hoping for anything to happen before spring 2022 actually. However, if there really are five or more new songs, it may make sense to release at least one of them before the end of the year (Christmas market) as an early launch of the 50th anniversary campaign, which ideally would culminate in 2022 with the ABBAtars and a new album (?? am I being too optimistic here? ... probably). |
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Post by Alan on May 9, 2021 9:01:17 GMT
I’m surprised Björn is even allowed to say they will be released this autumn if he can’t say anything else. You’d hope that it’s definite.
Aside from 1982, ABBA have never bothered marking the anniversary of their first single (or indeed, their last). Even the whole “First Ten Years” thing in 1982 was only because they’d tried and failed to record a new album and needed an excuse for another compilation. Gold was released in 1992 but that was a coincidence. They tend to regard the Eurovision victory as the event to mark, so will probably still be things happening in 2024 that will be long after these songs are released.
Still hoping for a new album. If they recorded five, another four or five are possible and would explain the long delay from the original announcement. Five is OK though. Just two would be slightly disappointing.
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Post by HOMETIME on May 9, 2021 9:39:55 GMT
This is almost like a modern update on The Boy Who Cried Wolf - so many of us are still exercising caution about whether this new "promise" can be relied upon.
I can't bring myself to put complete faith in the allusions to having been "recently" in the studio: it reads to me like Bjorn referring to the original studio reunion, and not some 2021 session. But maybe that's better. If it turns out to be more than five songs - a new album, even - then the eventual reality will be so much more joyful. Maybe they have seen the enthusiasm wither. Lots of people seem weary and deflated by the delays to the two announced songs. Would things have been the same if they had said If they had announced an album back then, would we all have been as disenchanted by now if we were still waiting on a promised long-player?
Autumn might just one season away, but a season is a three-month time period. A release date could still be six months off. I hope we're given a concrete release date soon. I think that could restore the excitement levels.
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Post by gamleman on May 9, 2021 9:59:06 GMT
Call me optimistic, but I've got how things will unfold all mapped out in my mind... new songs released (possibly as some sort of EP) in Sept/Oct, "The Visitors" 40th anniversary releases in December and the ABBAtars shows starting in Spring 2022. I have a strong hunch that the shows will be premiered on the anniversary of the Eurovision win, 6th April, as was the Mamma Mia musical. In this case, an Autumn release for the new songs could be part of the build-up to ticket sales, perhaps with booking codes for the early shows for those who pre-order the new songs. OK, this is pure (maybe wild) speculation but plausible, don't you think?
It also occurred to me that there could be Spanish versions of one or more of the new songs that would supplement the English versions to make up an album.
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Post by stepalm on May 9, 2021 10:19:22 GMT
I'm not stressed at all by the delays. I was still young when ABBA broke up and am used to wait for new ABBA songs. I also respect that there is this Covid-situation wich of course make things harder to meet for recording sessions since singing together is one of the risk moments.
I also wich for an album but still 5 songs would be so great. I look forward to hear songs as well that highlights their respective voices. I do think since the waiting have been that Benny and Bjorn would have been able to write one or two new songs that thay could record in the summer. Writing i guess is easier to do when you are separated. But I wrote here before also that it seems like the songs in the show will be live versions. And i find it hard that they would leave The winner takes it all out so they should make a live version of it and I thinka Agnetha would be comfortable to do a live version in the studio. Like they have done so many times before with other songs. I also belive that Bjorn and Benny are not very happa with the outcome of the songs When all is said and done. Our last summer and The day before you came. All this song has become favourites by fans and in the Abba films so making new live versions of them would make me happy since i think the piano version with Meryl Streep would be so much better with Agnetha and Frida live. Also When all is said and done would benifit from a more stripped down version.
Those four songs would make it 9 together with other five and together with one last minute new song it would make ten. And i guess that the arrangements could really match each other with a more mature but still fantastic ABBA.
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Post by HOMETIME on May 9, 2021 13:51:35 GMT
I like the way you make the jigsaw pieces fit together. If we add in a notional 50th anniversary in 2022 - 50 years since the release of People Need Love (cue vinyl re-issue and/or picture disc) and, essentially, the 50th anniversary of ABBA. They might be banking on having notched up their tenth UK No.1 before that. Of course a tenth UK No.1 album would bring an even sweeter neatness to the who thing... Hmm.
A new vocal for The Winner Takes It All feels like a really nice, if risky, idea. It feels like one of those classics that nobody should dare tamper with. Even ABBA. I think that different vocal effects (maybe even as simple as a different reverb) on the original studio vocal could help it bed nicely with live instrumentation.
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Post by gamleman on May 9, 2021 14:31:39 GMT
I've just checked and "People Need Love" was recorded on 29th March and released on 1st June 1972. So I guess 1st June 2022 is another potential date for the ABBAtars premier, although I'm not sure they'd be so strict in adhering to this date as they have been with the Eurovision anniversaries. If at least SOME new material is coming out this Autumn, I'm betting that this is the start of a build-up to a Spring premier.
I too would prefer a TWTIA vocal in the show based on the original recording. They recorded this song at a sensitive time in their relationships and I doubt that they would want to record it again. I don't think we know for definite how the vocals will be sourced for the show. We know that the music will be provided by a live band (don't we?) but my impression (and I don't know where I got it from) is that the vocals will come from the 1979 concerts or the studio recordings, whichever is most appropriate for each song. Did they say this at some point?
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Post by justabba on May 9, 2021 17:00:48 GMT
I've just checked and "People Need Love" was recorded on 29th March and released on 1st June 1972. So I guess 1st June 2022 is another potential date for the ABBAtars premier, although I'm not sure they'd be so strict in adhering to this date as they have been with the Eurovision anniversaries. If at least SOME new material is coming out this Autumn, I'm betting that this is the start of a build-up to a Spring premier. I too would prefer a TWTIA vocal in the show based on the original recording. They recorded this song at a sensitive time in their relationships and I doubt that they would want to record it again. I don't think we know for definite how the vocals will be sourced for the show. We know that the music will be provided by a live band (don't we?) but my impression (and I don't know where I got it from) is that the vocals will come from the 1979 concerts or the studio recordings, whichever is most appropriate for each song. Did they say this at some point? Yes that's exactly what they said. I'm almost 110% sure they won't be re recording any material. There is absolutely no way they could sound better today. |
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Post by stepalm on May 9, 2021 18:06:49 GMT
When it comes to the old songs I dont think that the most important is that they sound better voicevice. Abba never sounded better on stage but still it was very interesting to see how well they performed. I think more personal recordings could be more interesting. Just like with Like an angel passing through my room in its original recording some of the old songs with strong lyrics could be really interesting to hear in a more grown up recording. Escpecially since Benny admitted that he dont fancy some of the recordings like My love my life and what he does with The day before you came on the piano and Meryl Streeep version shows that you can still achieve a more toucing version with plain piano instead of the synts. If you add Frida and Agnetha to that it would make magic:)
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Post by justabba on May 13, 2021 15:17:20 GMT
There has been some speculation online today in relation to a cover photo should a new album be on the cards. People seem to think itll be a picture using the Abbatars, ie. As they looked in 1979. What do others think? Personally I think the general public will assume in that case the songs are old unreleased tracks from the vault and not a brand newly recorded album....
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Post by gamleman on May 13, 2021 15:58:06 GMT
There has been some speculation online today in relation to a cover photo should a new album be on the cards. People seem to think itll be a picture using the Abbatars, ie. As they looked in 1979. What do others think? Personally I think the general public will assume in that case the songs are old unreleased tracks from the vault and not a brand newly recorded album.... I should think that any cover featuring the ABBAtars would be for a 'soundtrack' album of the show - that is, an album containing the new mixes of their songs used in the show, perhaps recorded with the live backing band in an actual show. If there were to be a new studio LP or EP, I imagine it will feature photos of ABBA as they are now or an artist's impression or no picture at all. If they release one track as a single, there will be a cover for that too, even if just a digital image for online sales. |
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Post by Alan on May 13, 2021 16:00:40 GMT
It probably would be the ‘Tars as they obviously want to promote that, but I agree it would be inappropriate. We’d all want an image of them together as they are now, but that probably would be seen as not commercial enough. Ageism is rife in showbusiness.
For Agnetha’s 2013 album (when she was 63), they heavily photoshopped her image. They could do that with a new group photo. Even that’s preferable to the ‘Tars (I keep having to stop myself typing “turds”).
Have I made this up or did I once read that the ‘Tars will feature the 1979 tour costumes but 1977 hairstyles? Or have I mixed that up with something else?
I’d prefer the classic ABBA look for the ‘Tars (Agnetha before the chop and Frida in between perms, so 1976 or 1977).
I’m guessing 1981 would have come at the bottom of their long-list for how the things should look…
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Post by HOMETIME on May 13, 2021 18:15:12 GMT
I think you're right, Alan : I seem to remember mention of the 'Tars having the 1979 tour costumes and the 1977 hairstyles. I think they might be based around the look of those waxworks in the ABBA Museum. I must confess that I've never been the greatest fan of the 1979 tour outfits. IMO, the black outfits from earlier that year (UNICEF/Switzerland/Japan) are the most flattering and stylish of their costumes. But I guess it's not a terribly-well known look. At least they're not using the Waterloo look or the kitschy pussycat dresses. Or - worse - the pink and purple Super Trouper business suits. I prefer the idea of gently photoshopped photos or abstract artwork for the new music. If they make video(s), maybe they'd use something like the "digital wash" technique that enhanced Agnetha's MCB clips. Technology has come so far. I think I remember Bjorn saying something about ISHFIY being as much about ABBA as some romantic relationship. If so, I bet there'll be some kind of a montage of photos and some slowed-down footage juxtaposed with brief, soft-focus appearances by the group as they are now. A bit of nostalgia to connect the back catalogue with the new music and the forthcoming tour. I'm assuming, of course, that ISHFIY is the slow song and that DSMD is the uptempo one. I bet the 'Tars will do the heavy lifting for a video for the poppier tune. All my uninformed speculation, of course! Picking up on gamleman 's post, I think an album from the tour should reflect the stage show aspect on the cover. If it doesn't feature the ABBAtars, maybe it could be something like a better-realised version of the cover for the 1986 live album. Ultimately, the logo is so iconic that it could be the focus of all the artwork. |
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Post by gamleman on May 13, 2021 19:13:18 GMT
Picking up on gamleman 's post, I think an album from the tour should reflect the stage show aspect of it. If it doesn't feature the ABBAtars, maybe it could be something like a better-realised version of the cover for the 1986 live album. Ultimately, the logo is so iconic that it could be the focus of all the artwork. As long as it isn't based on the artwork on the cover of the Swedish "Greatest Hits" album - I hate that artwork and much prefer the two couples on a bench  |
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Post by madonnabba on May 13, 2021 23:03:21 GMT
I quite like the idea of them including the new songs on a 40th anniversary ,The Visitors album leaving off Two for the Price of One and including The Day Before You Came and I am the City. That would make a fabulous album and the promotion would be to ensure people knew the new Abba tracks are on a revamped album..A complete new album would be terrific but it looks like 5 new ...not enough for an album. Or will they relaunch Gold with the additional songs? That may edge Gold ahead of Queen's Greatest Hits. Queen GH had the additional sales of the vinyl release in 1981/82...people replacing their vinyl with cd..Gold did not exist as an album pre Cd era.
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Post by jj on May 14, 2021 16:53:38 GMT
If they do manage to have an album (oh please, god!), I hope the cover is in the same style as, and up to the high quality of, the one for The Visitors. Maybe even another photosession in Kronbergs ateljer, with the members swapping positions, or even in the same position as they were for that album cover. Instead of bathing the photo set in the ochre/red hues they had in 1981, maybe they could bathe it in blue light this time. Blue is a cold colour, I know, but it would be symbolic, signifying that this album is the group's final project.
The album's title could be self-titled once again: "ABBA". Just that word alone, small-ish, in the top left-hand corner, as it is here:
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Post by Alan on May 14, 2021 17:29:51 GMT
The trouble with self-titled albums is that they’re very difficult to search online for! They still seem to be a thing though. I’m surprised record companies haven’t discouraged it.
I’d prefer a proper title myself, as long as it’s not tacky.
I agree it would be nice if they used the Voulez-Vous/Super Trouper/The Visitors title style though. I still wish they’d used it for The Singles in 1982. Perhaps it might be the re-designed 2001 style where they centred the titles. Either would be fine with me.
If there are just five tracks, I do hope they release them as an EP or something. I hate the idea of them being added to Gold. They don’t belong there, however commercial it might be. I own that album twice and quite frankly it’s twice too many (the second time was because of the DVD, 2010 release).
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Post by Michal on May 15, 2021 9:23:43 GMT
I quite like the idea of them including the new songs on a 40th anniversary ,The Visitors album leaving off Two for the Price of One and including The Day Before You Came and I am the City.. Oh no, please no tampering with the tracklisting of any of the original studio albums. Whether you like the song or not, Two For The Price Of One is an inherent part of The Visitors album and it doesn't make sense to leave it off (and indeed add any tracks onto it). Bonus tracks are a different story as they are clearly separated from the original albums (but to be honest, I would much prefer if they were included on a separate EP). Personally I would not associate the new songs with The Visitors at all as it a different era. Release them on their own, preferably as an EP, if there are not enough tracks to make a complete album. If there are just the two new songs already announced, I would release both as singles and then as a part of preferably a completely new compilation (however, I believe they would add it onto Gold, either removing two of the original tracks or adding a bonus disc...) As for the cover for the new release - I hope they don't consider using ABBAtars at all. Either ABBA as they are now or a cover without a photo for me, please :-) |
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Post by justabba on May 15, 2021 10:26:53 GMT
Agree completely!!!
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Post by HOMETIME on May 15, 2021 11:03:25 GMT
If it turns out that there are no more than five songs, I really hope they go with an EP. As a standalone release, it offers scope for some formats - CD, vinyl, picture disc etc.
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Post by justabba on May 15, 2021 13:04:04 GMT
If it turns out that there are no more than five songs, I really hope they go with an EP. As a standalone release, it offers scope for some formats - CD, vinyl, picture disc etc. I'm sure they have considered the ways to maximise sales and us purchasing every format going |
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Post by foreverfan on May 15, 2021 14:17:26 GMT
Well things are looking a little more promising/optimistic in that we will actually get something this year...so patience for another 6 months !! lol....
I'm not sure what to hope for at the moment, it now appears to be at least 5 tracks, not enough for an album ! so my question if someone can answer is...
If it turns into an EP is that actually classed as an album and would chart in the album charts or what.. !!
Secretly I'm hoping, as Bjorn is sworn to secrecy !! that there are a few more tracks to actually make an album.. I also believe a mash up with The Visitors would be wrong, two totally different eras......we will see....
As for the cover/art work.... personally Id like to see just the logo... a cover all really...no disrespect no matter how filtered everyone would be 4 x 70 plus on an album cover no matter how great the music will be , is not great for marketing... alas I can see the Abbatars rearing their heads......
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