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Post by richard on Jun 16, 2024 11:44:06 GMT
I wonder if Super Trouper is one of those ABBA songs/tracks you have a visceral dislike of, without rhyme or reason? Of course that can happen - you just can't take to a track, and that's that. Is this the case with you regarding ST? Or what are your reasons if you dislike the song?
Although no doubt many love it, I do think ST has declined quite a bit in popularity over the years. A UK #1 in 1980, some might be surprised that, as a single, it outsold TWTIA (which also got to #1).
Maybe a couple of years ago, someone posted on this forum his excellent piano solo versions of some ABBA songs, and I remember HOMETIME/Tony commenting that the pianist's rendition of Super Trouper was "a bit of a revelation", and I agreed. Still do.
So perhaps it's the arrangement/instrumentation in ABBA's recording that's the issue for some.
Any thoughts?
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Post by HOMETIME on Jun 16, 2024 15:33:39 GMT
I remember that piano version. The way it exposed some of the classical leanings (and folk, too) in the melody was really interesting. There's another video somewhere (part of a documentary, I think) where it's played on fiddles and there are folk dancers. The Camera Obscura version shows how well it works as a more organic/dreampop track.
I liked the song from the beginning, but then it faded as it got a little overplayed. The things I love about it are the wistful vocal - especially in the middle eight, it's emotional and uplifting - and the synth bass. As the years passed, I grew very tired of the glockenspiel and the supa-pa trou-papa backing vocals. I think they could afford to rev up the BPM and play the glockenspiel riff on an electric guitar without losing any of the song's innate poppiness. I get that the insane catchiness of the backing vocals was a big part of the song's success, but they're laid on a little too thickly.
Lyrically, melodically and vocally, it's a terrific song. I just think the arrangement needs to be a little zestier. The live version is a little better because it's a whisker faster and the band adds a little astringency.
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Post by richard on Jun 16, 2024 17:34:10 GMT
Yes, I think the glockenspiel and the su-papas (in the rather 'four-square' chorus - not one of ABBA's more inspired, imo) might annoy quite a few now. But I wonder if those who aren't too enamoured of the song, generally, give sufficient credit to the verse-melody and the bridge and Frida's singing of it; the lovey acapella opening (it's the chorus melody slowed down and works beautifully there); those backing vocals. So many good things.
I agree about a slightly faster tempo. And punchier with a guitar replacing the glockenspiel riff, as you say, Tony.
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Post by lamont on Jun 16, 2024 20:00:09 GMT
Love it! It’s never waned for me, loved it when I first heard it aged 8! I initially thought it was called Superbird! When I heard the chorus (I was 8 remember.)
For me, as it was written in such a quick manner, it’s like Don’t Shut Me Down where it’s got everything ABBA thrown at it, a cappella start from TACOM, the naked chorus like Mamma Mia, how every chorus is something different: a cappella, band, electronic.
When you listen to the bridge from verse to chorus where you just get sucked into that super catchy chorus, and A&F’s diction is superb.
How the lyrics hit you with despite all the hoopla, it’s a simple simple love song. The first half of the chorus is all the positives of fame and the second half all the negatives, and the chord progression in that middle 8.
Along with TACOM and perhaps DSMD it’s my ABBA.
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Post by richard on Jun 16, 2024 20:25:18 GMT
I love your unqualified enthusiasm for the song, lamont . I think that's great! |
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Post by johnny on Jun 17, 2024 2:05:49 GMT
No further comment is required ⬇️
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Post by HOMETIME on Jun 17, 2024 7:37:51 GMT
Love it! [...] every chorus is something different: a cappella, band, electronic. When you listen to the bridge from verse to chorus where you just get sucked into that super catchy chorus, and A&F’s diction is superb. How the lyrics hit you with despite all the hoopla, it’s a simple simple love song. The first half of the chorus is all the positives of fame and the second half all the negatives, and the chord progression in that middle 8. [...] You've nailed it, lamont . I'm going to listen to it now, and mentally recognise all of those factors. It's one of those songs that seems very simple on the surface but is actually a masterclass in pop writing. I kinda knew that video would surface, johnny , and that it'd be you who'd post it! |
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Post by lamont on Jun 17, 2024 7:50:26 GMT
Sometimes I think fans of any act can get too familiar with a song, it’s good to take a step back and listen from another perspective. There is a couple of American youngsters who are musicians who react to music, they reacted to every ABBA song, they devour ST! The channel is Tyler Creates Content.
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Post by johnny on Jun 17, 2024 15:42:43 GMT
I kinda knew that video would surface, johnny , and that it'd be you who'd post it! Hehe It's awkward editing and quoting from posts that quote too. Could you have predicted that too? 😀 My Mum would have said "cop yourself on". Is that a very Irish saying, Hometime? She'd routinely say that to me! |
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Post by gary on Jun 17, 2024 23:21:34 GMT
Is it only me who finds Super Dooper very catchy? (Blush.)
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Post by HOMETIME on Jun 18, 2024 9:55:58 GMT
My Mum would have said "cop yourself on". Is that a very Irish saying, Hometime? She'd routinely say that to me! Ha, yes, that's pretty Irish! (It's sometimes followed by "ya feckin' eejit" and/or threats involving a wooden spoon) |
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Post by jchanabbafan on Jun 19, 2024 11:05:56 GMT
While I do love Super Trouper I have always wondered what it would sound like without the background vocals (like 'and you'll be changing everything' in the verses and the 'supa troupa pa pa' vocals in the chorus. Finally about 18months ago on Youtube someone removed them (and Agnetha's complete vocals) and THIS is now my favourite version. Sorry to loose Agnetha's vocals but it (lack of those backing chants) really does enhance the song IMO. I have tried to find it on Youtube but it seems to have disappeared.
Recently there was also a version of 'Chiquitita' with Frida's vocals removed - that is also interesting to hear. I can recommend checking Youtube regularly as you never know what will turn up - or how long it will be there for.
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Post by HOMETIME on Jun 19, 2024 14:48:07 GMT
I'd love to hear that version of Super Trouper. I must keep my eyes peeled on YouTube.
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Post by richard on Jun 19, 2024 16:38:25 GMT
The technology has moved on by leaps and bounds, hasn't it? As well as isolating or removing vocals (and instruments - and adding others?) in the case of Super Trouper, I'd also like to hear what could be done with the vocals on Fernando, for example, to clarify matters.
Regarding Fernando, the general assumption is probably that it's mostly Frida and Agnetha (with Frida at the beginning). But it sounds like it's nearly all Frida to me. I assume that's down to my faulty hearing. But perhaps isolating each vocal line would indicate what's going on. For a long time, I assumed Fernando and Chiquitita were very similar in terms of vocal layout, with the vocal roles of Frida and Agnetha reversed between the two songs. But nowadays I'm not so sure.
So as well as creatively reimagining tracks - to a greater or lesser extent - today's technology might also help to reveal what's really happening on a track.
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