ABBA Voyage: General Discussion 2022 May - Aug

I like LAAPTMR and TNOTG but I don't think either would be suitable for the Voyage concert and neither will be featured.The best part of TDBYC for me is the ending.

The Visitors is a great, dramatic song. It will be at the show and I guess the first time hearing it for Gold/Mamma Mia fans.

Given that the song is about an oppressive Russian regime and given that Bjorn gave an impassioned speech in which he called Putin an asshole on a TV show in support of Ukraine, and Benny led a choir with a lovely version of ABBA's Ode To Freedom, it might not be out of the realms of possibility that any associated imagery might underscore the lyrics more pointedly...? 

I understand that TDBYC is a bit of a marmite song. I love that ABBA had progressed that far by then (even if they seemed stuck in a bit of denial with songs like UA, IATC and YOMO at the time). I think it's a song that would have worked well on Voyage, had it not been previously released. I agree, though, that ballads and mid-tempo songs have to be used carefully and sparingly in a show like this. 

Years ago, I had this hope that ABBA would regroup for an age-appropriate acoustic/orchestral TV special. Specially invited audience, a tasteful setlist that gave some focus to these more mature and introspective songs. I saw it as a goodbye and a celebration of work beyond the shimmer and bling. But we have a whole new album and a live experience nobody expected, so my little dream was far exceeded!  

I suspect that UA, YOMO and IATC sounded like they did because ABBA were trying to sound modern, adopting the technology of the time. Do we think that B&B were trying some sort of voice processing technology to try to achieve the layered ABBA harmonies in a more efficient way? I don't know enough about recording technology to be certain, but something was going on. However, I find these songs melodically simpler too and a bit of a backward step. Around that time (1982), Bucks Fizz were having a good deal of success with a basic Pop sound - could ABBA have been attempting to return to this kind sound after the sophistication of "The Visitors" (album)?

I have a fondness for its daft charm too - and I also thought it was a Frida lead. She must be a bit more forward in the mix. 

And gamleman, Bucks Fizz's 1982 album is far from basic. They took a giant leap up the evolutionary ladder with the Are You Ready album. Two number one singles, a further Top 10 entry and at least four other potential singles on the disc. I know it's almost verboten to praise them, but they really delivered the goods that year. I know that Bjorn referenced The Buggles Video Killed The Radio Star in relation to Under Attack, but it was a three-year old hit by then. Trevor Horn of The Buggles is an amazing pop producer. He had delivered a lot of inspiring productions by then, including ABC's Lexicon of Love and Dollar's four best singles (Hand held in black and white; Mirror mirror, Give me back my heart; Videotheque). Any/all of these could have been great production references/inspirations and more in keeping with the times. 1981-1984 was a fantastic period for shiny pop. ABBA might have outgrown some of that by '81/'82, but they still had it in them to deliver absolute brilliance. They might have been just a little too timid with some of their singles choices. Sorry, I'm at risk of going wildly off topic.

Oooh, Eddie, that's neither shocking nor sad. I have no time for the concept of "guilty pleasures" - what ever way music works for you is perfect. Dollar had some great singles aside from the four Horn-produced gems. My biggest problem with Dollar is David Van Day - he's an absolute knob. I love the Pointer Sisters too - Back In My Arms is a fantastic song.

Yes, 'basic' was the wrong word re Bucks Fizz when I meant mainstream Pop or something similar - the musical equivalent of good English cooking (although I can hear the objections to that coming already). Certainly, "My Camera Never Lies" wasn't basic - it's a song that I can imagine ABBA performing and it is perhaps the most ABBA-inspired song from Bucks Fizz. And "Now Those Days Are Gone" was sheer class. I liked the "Are You Ready" album (I have two vinyl copies) but wouldn't say that it's a classic album in the way I regard many ABBA albums. Oh dear, this post is going to get moved for talking too much about Bucks Fizz, so I'd better say a bit more about ABBA. Basically at that point, they didn't look happy - the cover of the "Under Attack" single on which they looked like washed-out zombies said it all.

How time flies. Six months ago today we were gearing up to hear Voyage for the first time (and some of us had already done so). It was like Christmas Eve as a child. I look back at the time fondly. That whole two-month build-up was a great time. The Voyage show seemed such a long way off at that point but now we’re into the last few weeks of anticipation. Not the same as waiting for the album, but exciting nonetheless.

Alan, it does indeed. I can recall the announcement of ABBA's comeback, new album and a forthcoming ABBAtars concert. I can still feel that suspense and sheer buzz of joy and excitement. I never thought ABBA would reform let alone a brand new studio album. I hope there is a special programme about the return of ABBA. the making of the album " Voyage " and the forthcoming concert. Maybe I am asking way too much.
No, I haven't read any recent posts from Graham. I hope he is OK.

Thanks @eddie. Yes, I was wondering about The Rubber Ball Man as well. He’s been gone a while. Not posted since 12 November and not online since beginning of April.

Ah, good to see you back, foreverfan. I was wondering if you had the URL for this topic saved, and it now wouldn’t work after I’d changed things round. Was having visions of you not being able to find the forum!

I emailed The Rubber Ball Man and he very quickly responded - he’s been busy with university and essays (far more important than a forum) but hopes to be back on here soon as he’s nearly finished.

You're very welcome, Alan. I'm glad we sort of rounded up the troops. Glad to hear all concerned are well. I hope you enjoy the concert, Graham.

'I Am The City' should have been released as a single in 1982 it could have done well had ABBA given it a chance and even though 'Just Like That' is a wonderful song and way better than any B-Side song it would be the only song they had remaining from the 1982 sessions to put on the B-Side.

Back in 82, l don't think either JLT or l am the City' would of made more than a ripple in the Charts, their popularity had definitely faded, a long with their public appearances. Fast forward to 85, if they had recorded the Chess Songs has Abba Songs, 'One Night in Bangkok' which was an mega hit Single Worldwide, and 'l Know him so well' which was a mega selling Single in the UK, out selling Dancing Queen, Abba's best Seller.

All Speculation once again...

I think JLT is one of those hypnotic, radio-friendly songs that would have been a huge hit in 1982 or 1983 irrespective of the fading public interest in ABBA - it may have given them a new lease of life. The lyrics are not awkward - part of the reason the chorus works so well is that the lyrics fit in so well with the snappy melody. I wouldn't have dreamt of putting IATC on an A-side and JLT on the B-side, as someone suggested - that would have been totally wrong.

I can't imagine ABBA singing "One Night In Bangkok", apart from providing backing vocals, but IKHSW, NS and HHMH, yes.