tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46857287731500198292024-03-13T07:33:08.442-07:00Agnetha and ABBA, Belatedly"Better late than never": After decades of ignoring 'em, one American rock die-hard's introduction to legendary ABBA and underrated star Agnetha Fältskog. *This blog is Agnetha-focused.* Revelations, honest commentary, mini-reviews, +sample links to YT videos.
No claims/guarantees re off-site links. DISCLAIMER: This exploration by/for discerning fans *is not* an authorized expression or account of ABBA/Agnetha Fältskog. NOTE: An *unofficial* site.. Very occasionally updated.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-57307435964002814652024-02-29T01:00:00.000-08:002024-03-08T09:17:47.032-08:00(February 2024 temporary post:) Returning to this blog for a moment to (try to) briefly describe/analyze a most-talented current pop singer: Dua Lipa (..Updated)<p><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Commentary, including reposted material. Temporarily posted. <b>NOTE:</b> Moving, flashing video images, below..)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">..Thanks for reading. This temporary post expires on or before the end of March, 2024.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></blockquote><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana;">2/29/24:</span></b> <span style="font-size: medium;">..So many are talking about <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dua-lipa-2024-grammys-performance-1234959143/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this pop music singer</a> right now... It's "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dua_Lipa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lipa</a>" day here too, temporarily..</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">A bit of opinion + analysis follows</span>.</span> Right up front, please always remember: <b>1)</b> I am not a music or vocal expert. Just a long-time listener trying to express his impressions...free to take or leave it.. <b>2)</b> I'm a fan of Dua Lipa's music and her sound overall. ..so yes; I am biased..<b>3)</b> I'm mostly interested in describing Dua's voice and singing, <b>vs.</b> say, her dancing, appearance, etc. <b>4)</b> We're going to let the music and singing do most of the "talking", via clips below...</p><p></p><blockquote>↓Let's start by reposting one of Ms. Dua's more recent songs, as a sample. It's a really good one for her, as she is presenting herself currently...</blockquote><p></p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Bmk7pyla-4Y?si=ghBgbzGDHOL3FaKp" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmk7pyla-4Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. No copyright claimed or assumed<div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>...↓Her sensational <span style="font-size: x-small;">(mostly-)</span> live performance (..one-and-a-half songs) at the 2024 Grammy's:</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/AO6PocKRfKM?si=aTzKvZ9UR6x_f7PK" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6PocKRfKM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. No copyright claimed or assumed<div><br /><div><br /><div>..↓<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A bit of (one-sided) informal discussion:</span></div><div><br /></div><div>..Without inadvertently killing the wonderfulness of it all, ↓this (clip below) is a decent sample of Ms. Lipa's singing, <b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">with and without enhancement</span></b>. <b>NOTE:</b> FWIW, I mostly disagree with the YT poster that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto-Tune" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Auto-Tune</a> may be the sole source of enhancement here, and in fact there may be little or no autotune in the production version. Like most commercial music it is <b>mixed</b> and technically enhanced in a recording studio. There possibly could be a tiny bit of autotune at moments to add a little touch of distortion or "mechanical sound" to the singer's voice -- on purpose (in the enhanced version). </div><div><br /></div><div>Further, the non-enhanced snippets are Ms. Lipa seem from a less-serious performance -- almost a quick knock-off, sound-check(-like) situation. ..Much different than a live audience or recording studio performance.</div><div></div><blockquote><div>The main point, for me, is <b>how SIMILAR</b> the singer's casual, quick live-take voice sounds to the enhanced, studio version, It's also a good sample to notice some characteristics of Dua Lipa's singing voice: </div></blockquote><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kOgUC19g-pg" title="Dua Lipa Autotune VS No Autotune Levitating" width="315"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kOgUC19g-pg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. No copyright claimed or assumed.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;">MORE:</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>(<b>Below:</b>) The whole song ("Levitating") in a <b>fantastic</b> live <b>2022</b> performance. ...Seems doubtful that there is any processing or pitch correction going on for her vocals, as Ms. Lipa has an occasional, TINY off-pitch mini-second a couple of times during the live song. (Example: Around the 0:36 mark..)</div><div>..You can also tell her vocal is totally live when she slightly laughs at around the 3:15 mark...while delivering that moment's sexy lower-voiced vocal. (Also: Her occasional "heys" and other exhortations to the audience.. ..To cover every base: There are possibly pre-recorded backing music elements here, especially during the song's choruses.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Enjoy</b>. Remember: Ms. Lipa is dancing throughout the live performance. Her singing voice is <b>very <span style="color: #eeeeee;">well supported</span></b> throughout. </div><div><br /><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/UExJhZyn9u4?si=BwAItS-uFzP85Dbj" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div>YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UExJhZyn9u4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. No copyright claimed or assumed</div><div><br /></div><div>🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Her voice:</span> </span></b>Admitting it right away... <b>It's in my head</b>....hard to "get it out" --- a pleasant "visitor" though..</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">↓Impressions:</span> ..Let's utilize a little more "<a href="https://www.britannica.com/story/are-there-really-right-brained-and-left-brained-people#" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">right-brained</a>" output here:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">...A descriptive word list</span> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(does not include everything..) </span><b>Examples and/or samples are linked </b>(please watch your earphones' volume):</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Merriweather Sans; font-size: medium;"></span><blockquote><span style="font-family: Merriweather Sans; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Dua Lipa is a talented popular music singer whose voice is</span> </span><span style="font-family: Merriweather Sans;">(often)</span><span style="font-family: Merriweather Sans; font-size: medium;">: </span></blockquote><span style="font-family: Merriweather Sans; font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>distinct</b> </span>-- the most important characteristic, to me.. You know it's her..</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smoky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">smoky</span></a> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEOyePhElr4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">strong</span></a> -- </b>Good <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6PocKRfKM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">voice/vocal support</a>, including when live</div><div><br /></div><div>(somewhat) <b><a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/husky" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">husky</span></a></b> (..though not <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSqp-W1pWoU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rough</a>..)</div><div><br /></div><div>generally <b><span style="font-size: medium;">thick</span></b> (<b>vs.</b> a thin and/or delicate voice). Not an expert, but very possibly a good "<a href="https://www.singbetter.net/techniques-of-singing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chest voice</a>", and utilized often...</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6PocKRfKM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lively/energetic</a></span></b> ..Not only the singing while energetically dancing in the linked clip; hear her "Grammys make some noise! Woo!" and "Watch me dance" crowd exhortations.. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aagg7bzJyiw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rounded</a></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UExJhZyn9u4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">confident-sounding</span></b></a> </div><div><br /></div><div>..somewhat <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6PocKRfKM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">constricted - higher notes</a></b></span>, more open, relaxed - low. Ref., as one possible recent example: "Watch me daaance" exhortation, around the 2:00 mark in the linked video. She usually <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pItJCoSnGIA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hits her higher notes though</a>... It's just (probably) not her vocal range's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tessitura" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tessitura</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>..displaying good <b><span style="font-size: medium;">enunciation</span></b> (..an underrated characteristic; her sung lyrics are understandable). Also: Listen to her speaking parts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pItJCoSnGIA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aagg7bzJyiw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>..</div><div><br /></div><div>..<span style="font-size: medium;">occasionally <b>featuring a touch of</b></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyrTDwGlayA" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">hoarseness</a>,</span> and breaks. (Related to "husky", above.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4neLJQC1_E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">real</a></span></b> (vs. super-enhanced and/or auto-tuned)</div><div><br /></div><div>(can be) <span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4neLJQC1_E" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">jazzy-sounding</a><b style="font-size: large;">. </b><span style="font-size: medium;">From the linked example.. also: </span><b style="font-size: large;">expressive</b><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span><b style="font-size: large;"> </b>Another <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8CUTsY7M4w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">example of this</a> characteristic</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(link)</span><span style="font-size: medium;">...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">..<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmk7pyla-4Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">able to stay with you</a>/stick in your head</b> </span>(..i.e., her listeners). Perhaps a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkeiKbqa02g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>haunting</b> quality</a> (at times)..</div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">..<b>rangy</b>. One tiny recent example: </span><span>Listen to her starting at about the <b>2:06</b> mark <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmk7pyla-4Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, including her '<span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>wails</b></span>' </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(..which may possibly be pre-recorded in this instance). (<span style="font-family: verdana;">Quick side note: </span>Her featured backup singer in "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmk7pyla-4Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Houdini</a>"...a nice, smooth-sounding voice...)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">..</span><span>somewhat </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"<a href="https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/nasally" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nasally</a>"</b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span>in quality at times</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span><span>..<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/popheads/comments/redm8o/is_dua_lipa_a_good_vocalist/?rdt=39497" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Some others think so</a>, as well... </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">I believe it's a feature, not necessarily a flaw..</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><b>..</b>generally<b> <span style="font-size: medium;">on-pitch</span>. </b>Numerous examples, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4neLJQC1_E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>including live</b></a><b>..</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>.. </b>displaying something of a<b> <span style="font-size: medium;">"ringing" component</span> to it, </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO6PocKRfKM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">especially on higher notes</a>. Also <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rey3m8SWQI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> (..with studio enhancement)</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><blockquote>...I may add a couple of more further impressions, but thank you for reading and considering these current thoughts..</blockquote></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;">↓..A little MORE:</span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Another one of Ms. Lipa's (hit) songs that displays many of her voice/singing characteristics </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(includes recording studio enhancements)</span><span style="font-size: medium;">:</span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Yegn0dZ-BfY?si=IthVBl4JgUMYRAYV" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span>YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yegn0dZ-BfY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. No copyright claimed or assumed</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3/2/24 quick update:</span> </span></b>Part of Dua's comments tonight after winning the Brit award for 2024 "Pop Act". ...Seems to appreciate her fans/voters 👍 ..To my ears, it's <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gracious" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gracious</a>...:</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></div><blockquote><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“Amazing, thank you so much! Well I guess for more reasons than one my fans are the reasons why I’m standing here today, so I wanna say a massive thank you to each and every single one of you who have voted for me. This means so much, I’m so, so happy to be here. You guys give me this radical sense of confidence that I can do anything, I can try and experiment … and all the love and optimism and support is what inspires me, so thank you so much. Beyond that, it takes a village, so I want to thank my dad-ager …" (</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Note: Her father is her manager..)</span></div><div></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Source link: <b><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/live/2024/mar/02/brit-awards-2024-liveblog?page=with%3Ablock-65e39c788f083e1fa9bce739#block-65e39c788f083e1fa9bce739" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/music/live/2024/mar/02/brit-awards-2024-liveblog?page=with%3Ablock-65e39c788f083e1fa9bce739#block-65e39c788f083e1fa9bce739</a></b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial;">...<span style="font-size: medium;">↓Reposting a copy of her Brits opening live performance</span>...</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(some recorded elements..)</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/duW0dqdB4mw?si=p7uIQXPuxc6sRqin" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duW0dqdB4mw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. No copyright claimed or assumed<div><br /><div><br /></div><div>🙃🙃🙃🙃🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🙃🙃🙃🙃🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>..<span style="font-size: medium;">↓<span style="font-family: verdana;">A bit of "fun"(?) with Ms. Dua's great voice + singing...:</span></span></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Reposted <b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">AI-generated</span></b> song video. ...A very close simulation...(maybe TOO close 😟)</div><div><br /></div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/F_JFzHItNLc?si=tsZmU9mDxJ_tIf_e" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_JFzHItNLc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>. No copyright(?) claimed or assumed. No affiliation<div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-78502848723252227822014-01-22T10:38:00.000-08:002014-07-28T18:40:11.926-07:00Blog recap: Selected posts<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Early</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> '14:</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> While in '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27TGkADStbw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pause<span style="font-size: x-small;">/rewind</span> mode</a>' ...conjecturing whether <a href="http://www.agnetha.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agnetha Fältskog</a> will record/publish new music, a few selected posts from this blog are linked below. Most are representative of the complete site. They were published/updated between 2009 and 2013.</span><br />
(Note that there is also an index of topics located along the right sidebar.)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The best post to start with if interested in 'highlights' of the <span style="color: #eeeeee;">entire</span> (unofficial) blog effort: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/salient-blog-items-agnetha-and-abba.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>"Salient blog items" summary</b> post</span> </a>(link, new window opens) </li>
</ul>
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</ul>
<ul>
<li> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Solo Agnetha: The Best Post-ABBA Song? Many." </a></span>(link)</li>
</ul>
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<li>Two Agnetha solo album '<span style="color: #cccccc;">mini-reviews</span>' (links): "<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_19.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A fan's analysis: Agnetha on "<b><i>A</i></b>"</a></span>, and <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/a-mini-review-of-i-stand-alone-agnetha.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"A mini-review of 'I Stand Alone' (Agnetha Fältskog, 1987)" </a></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprising-agnetha-m-magazine-article.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Surprising Agnetha. (M-Magazine article.) And not-so...(Slightly updated, 2013)"</a></span><b> </b>(link)</li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Three excellent forum posts <i>re</i> Agnetha's voice"</a><b> </b></span>(i.e., attempts at describing the singer's voice; link)</li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/faltskog-fever.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Sexy Agnetha"</a> </span>(link) </li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/angel-in-disguise-agnetha.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"Angels in Disguise: ABBA's 'That's Me'"</a></span> (link)</li>
</ul>
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</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/sos-abbas-unfortunate-1979-boston.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"SOS: ABBA's stormy 1979 Boston concert flight (Windsor Locks tornado)"</a></span> (link) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/abbas-disillusion-1973.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"ABBA's 'Disillusion' (1973)" </a></span>(link)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>(If interested in looking back at where many fans 'were' just a few years ago concerning Agnetha the (solo) artist. Another worthwhile entry to learn <span style="color: #eeeeee;">why this blog exists</span>:) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/closing-post-abba-agnetha.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"A stopping place for now: 'Agnetha/ABBA, Belatedly' (2010)"</span></a> (link) </li>
</ul>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/bba-ladies-snuck-off-and-did-this-in.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(One more 4 U :)"ABBA ladies sneaked off and did THIS in the '80s..." (link)</span></a><b><br /></b>
</li>
</ul>
<b>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</b><br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-51508376432664025982013-11-12T16:14:00.001-08:002014-03-06T10:51:59.497-08:00Agnetha: Another big step in her return as a singer...<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">....'<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/p/a-fearless-prediction.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Renaissance</a>' <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/renaissance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lowercase 'r'</a>)</span><b><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">-</span> <a href="http://www.agnetha.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Agnetha</a></b> shocks the world....<span style="color: #eeeeee;">or at least <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1034466/Is-Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-finally-ready-forgive-bandmates-years-misery.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">parts</a> of it:</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>YT video below:</b> November 2013 televised duet with<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Barlow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Gary Barlow</a>, broadcast (<b>U.K.</b>) as part of the "Children in Need... <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/search/label/you%20rock" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I won't say '<i>Rocks</i>' </a>(link)</span>") concert. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ms.</span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fältskog's first public stage performance in</span> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxzizTbBW8g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>25</b> years</a><b>.</b></span> (At least 30+ years since she has publicly sung LIVE.....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Some recorded backing vocals etc. also (were) played during the performance....<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/auto-tune-tell-tale-signs-of-its-use.187190/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live</a> Agnetha: Sensational.</span></span> It's great to see her up there....and for a good cause.</span></span><br />
<br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/1jQF2VUghIw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
(YT video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jQF2VUghIw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>.) <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Belated insert:</span> 1970's ABBA choreography aside, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/no-words-for-this-dance-ok-few.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I always thought</a> Ms.<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Fältskog moved with some <span style="color: #eeeeee;">grace</span>
on-stage. Though she is basically standing in much of the performance (above), watch around the 3:30 mark in the video. Agnetha shows us she
still moves much "her" same way (as in times past), and perhaps even <span style="color: #eeeeee;">how<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-14279.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> all that walking</a> she (reportedly) does pays off!)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
....If not already seen... an off-site link to an excellent snapshot of four artists it's easy to become a fan of....<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Let's hope the collaborations continue:</span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=539819686094233&set=pb.429701990439337.-2207520000.1384389595.&type=3&theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=539819686094233&set=pb.429701990439337.-2207520000.1384389595.&type=3&theater</b></a><br />
<br />
(<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Reminder:</span> Agnetha's official website(s) may be reached via this off-site link:<b><a href="http://www.agnetha.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> www.agnetha.com</a></b>) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">...<b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Back on hiatus</span></b> on this blog until perhaps the next surprise from <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprising-agnetha-m-magazine-article.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">surprising Agnetha</a>. (Who works at her own pace, but maybe the wait might not be all that long.... Seems she is garnering strong fan <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgnethaOfficial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">support</a> from her (recent) efforts.) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you to any readers for stopping by.... Significant <span style="color: #eeeeee;">music</span>-related efforts from the singer shall prompt independent, <span style="color: #eeeeee;">unfiltered</span> commentary and insight here....from a fan's perspective. For any interested...<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>this post</b> (link)</a> is now updated to reflect "<i>A</i>'s" contributions to one experienced listener's "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Agnetha solo top ten</span>" listing.</span><b><br /></b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-46026091817065950592013-09-16T15:30:00.004-07:002014-01-05T11:49:17.854-08:009/13: Worthwhile interview by Jeffrey de Hart with (Agnetha's "A" album's) Jörgen and PeterIf not yet seen, link below is to a .<b>pdf</b> file copy of the interview . Another link is also available on <a href="http://www.agnetha.com/news/the-making-of-a-an-interview-with-jorgen-and-peter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">agnetha.com</a>. (<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Update:</span>) <a href="http://www.agnetha.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">That's</a> where <span style="color: #eeeeee;">part 2 of the interview </span>-- also worthwhile reading for fans -- may be found. And the full interview is available via the <a href="http://www.abbafanclub.nl/fanclub/magazine.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official ABBA fan club</a>'s magazine (subscription). <br />
<br />
(....We've seen another, in-depth J.de Hart interview featured <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/bosse-carlgren-and-michael-tretow.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">once before here </a>(link is to a previous post. No affiliation with the correspondent.))<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It's been said <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-13463.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">elsewhere</a>: <span style="color: #eeeeee;">'Hurrah' for those two guys (i.e., Peter and Jörgen)</span> for convincing <span style="font-size: x-small;">(persuading?)</span> <a href="http://www.agnetha.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this wonderful singer/performer</a> to return to the studio....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: large;">>>></span></span> Off-site link to J. de Hart interview (<b>Part 1 only</b>), .pdf file, new window opens: <b><a href="http://cdn.umg3.net/agnetha/uploads/2013/09/Interview.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://cdn.umg3.net/agnetha/uploads/2013/09/Interview.pdf</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">P.S.</span> </b>The album producers make it clear (in this interview) that they were <span style="color: #eeeeee;">not</span> trying to "copy" or recreate ABBA songs via those written for "A". Perhaps confirms that it's mainly <span style="color: #eeeeee;">record company marketing</span> that "pushed" the <span style="color: #eeeeee;">ABBA-Agnetha connection</span>, while selling "A". (As complained about (a bit ) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/p/poignant-regret.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here, via this post</a> (link). <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Maybe I was the only fan in the world who did not just "instinctively" <i><span style="color: #eeeeee;">know</span> </i>(realize)<i> that</i>...</span></span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">)</span><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><i>However</i></span>, I still <span style="color: #eeeeee;">assert</span> that a couple of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w95WdpE6QAI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">songs/lyrics</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(link)</span> from "A" -- and the performances of them -- <span style="color: #eeeeee;">readily <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/evoke" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>evoke</b></a></span> old, ABBA-personnel-related <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2319599/ABBA-singer-Agnetha-Faltskog-Why-I-loved-singing-pain-divorce.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>back-stories</i></a>....<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>P.P.S.</b></span> ....From<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> part 2 </span>of the interview, this Agnetha-researcher really appreciates the back-to-back insights from Jörgen<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that: <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">"...Agnetha never does anything that she doesn't want to do." <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(BTW: This fan interprets those words in a positive sense. As in: Successful/independent individual, exercising control.)</span></span> </span> </span><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">And,</span></b> <span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"(Agnetha) has always been a music person and she will always be. She's curious and wants to challenge herself every now and then..."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">A very good, <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/succinct" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>succinct</i></a> summation of the artist as she's been perceived right <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, from long-distance.</span> I also tried to primarily focus upon music aspects of her career. It's good to learn from those who work closely with Agnetha how important that is....</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-86177427800218128972013-03-11T09:26:00.002-07:002014-03-01T21:00:12.187-08:00Official web pages for Agnetha at last! Plus, first "A" album singles. <span style="color: #d9ead3;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #d9ead3;">(Official website links are below...)</span><br />
<span style="color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, (<b><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/p/about.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">as before</a></b>) please consider what's posted <b>here</b> as an <span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><i>unofficial</i> </span>artist <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">appreciation</a>/<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">music-voice analysis</a>/<span style="color: #b00000;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span></span><span style="color: #b00000;"><span style="color: #d9ead3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">in-depth)</span></span> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">a</span>rtist background fan-blog. <span class="userContent"><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="font-size: small;">(As always - there's <b>lots</b> of other <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/sos-abbas-unfortunate-1979-boston.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">information</a>/<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprising-agnetha-m-magazine-article.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">insight(s)</a> ri<span style="font-size: small;">ght</span><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>here</i> that cannot<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">be</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>at least</i> readily)</span> </span>found elsewhere.</span><b> </b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Especially: Official websites. Update:<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>The artist's <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgnethaOfficial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">official</span> Facebook page</a> is being run/updated <span style="font-size: xx-small;">reasonably</span> well.so far.. </span>)</span><b> Plus</b>,</span> pls. check the <b>comments</b> at the end of this post for some<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> <i>early</i></span> impressions of the star singer's initial (album) single releases.)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">Here is a link to one good summary of what's currently happening with the artist, album, web pages, etc. (Off-site link, new window opens:)<a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnetha-makes-a-universal-return-196818711.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnetha-makes-a-universal-return-196818711.html<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent" style="font-size: small;">...(<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Hey!</span> I 'called' her a <b>siren</b> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/orsinging-sirens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>first</i>, here</a> (link)....) <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Whatever.</span>..<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J---aiyznGQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J---aiyznGQ</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Update:</b></span> This fan forum now has a transcript of a little-more in-depth Swedish radio interview with Agnetha (3/12/13). </span>Off-site link, new window opens: <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-13491.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-13491.html</b></a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Plus:</span> </b>A link (below) to a 3/17/13 article from William Langley of <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>The Telegraph</i></a> (U.K.). A mainstream article that actually gets some details <span style="color: #eeeeee;">(which are mostly <i>not</i>-music-oriented (though)</span>) more or less correct, about the singer/her career/life. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">(Pretty much as well as (all) others not able to directly interview/know the singer.</span> Mr. Langley<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'s prose <span style="font-size: x-small;">is enjoyable <span style="font-size: x-small;">at mom<span style="font-size: x-small;">ents</span></span>: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/way-back-when-blonde-supergirl.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Young </span>Agnetha was indeed</a></span></span> "an arresting beauty<span style="font-size: x-small;">". The writer </span>even used a proper weather descriptor<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>for the <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/sos-abbas-unfortunate-1979-boston.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1979 ABBA "tornado flight"</a>!)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Some 'conclusions' (in the article) seem stretched, however. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Not that <span style="font-size: x-small;">something</span> like that may have <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">occasionally</span> happened right here...)</span> Unfortunately, (apparently) there is no avoiding the strange Dutchman affair <span style="font-size: x-small;">(i.e., "the man who wouldn't go away")</span>.</span><span class="userContent"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span> </span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">One more thing::</span>Can <i>any</i> mainstream article be written (about the artist) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/is-agnetha-recluse-nej.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">without the word "recluse" included somewhere within it</a>?? (Apparently not: Though this particular article 'dances' around it, the word generally is improperly applied to the<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">often</span></span></span><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><i>private</i></span> individual... <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I.e., adult Agnetha.)</span>)<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> BTW: As noted in the next post here, part of the reason for <span style="font-size: x-small;">the "<span style="font-size: x-small;">A" album 'comeback' is <span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span>to try) to <span style="font-size: x-small;">refute/<span style="font-size: x-small;">dispel</span> that (<span style="font-size: x-small;">false) image...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All of this is why it may be <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(</span></span>at least) kindest -- at this point, <span style="color: #eeeeee;">years on now</span> -- to focus upon the captivating lady's singing/performing talent and efforts. As we <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">mostly</span> attempted to do <span style="font-size: x-small;">(not totally successfully)</span> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">right here on this website</a>.</span> </span><br />
<span class="userContent">Current off-site link to Telegraph article, new window opens: <b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/9933274/Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-Could-the-girl-with-the-golden-hair-get-lucky-at-last.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/9933274/Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-Could-the-girl-with-the-golden-hair-get-lucky-at-last.html</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent"><b><span style="color: #d9ead3;">May, '13 update:</span> </b>Link to a fan forum topic featuring various 'press reviews' of "A". <span style="color: #eeeeee;">Some</span> early ones (of those) seem <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_%28Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog_album%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>mixed</b></a>. (With a few <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/music/albumreviews/article3748026.ece" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">significant positive ones</a>, though.) Interestingly, as is pointed out in the forum's comments, I (also) occasionally wonder if certain critics generally do not enjoy some <span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/genre" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">genres</a> of music.</span> Off-site link to forum topic, new window opens: <b> <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-13787.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-13787.html</a></b></span><br />
<span class="userContent">(One professional review excerpt (source linked):)<b> "<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10046603/Agnetha-Faltskog-A-album-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">... </a></b></span><span class="userContent"><b><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10046603/Agnetha-Faltskog-A-album-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fältskog always sounded like the shy girl from the typing pool who just stood up, started to sing and found she possessed a pure, crystalline voice.</a>" </b></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">I like that</span></b>...Although the Swedish performer actually <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzPl_ll3E3w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">produced an '80s song/video (link)</a> that kind of matches that (exact) image, I had not quite pictured her in that way.<span style="color: #eeeeee;"> (She sounds more grown-up now, I think.)</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> ...Also, an off-site link to another interestingly-written, up-and-down album review (new window opens): <a href="http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/agnetha-faltskog-a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/agnetha-faltskog-a</a></span></span>)<br />
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<span class="userContent"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">..Agnetha will always have many fans<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpgt9-g_D3o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> of her voice</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, who will no doubt enjoy her "A" song efforts.<b><br /></b></span></span><br />
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(<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Continuing previously written text::</span>) <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Though the following pages are - <span style="color: #eeeeee;">of course</span> - associated with new album <span style="color: #eeeeee;">promo</span>, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprising-agnetha-m-magazine-article.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">it has been time for quite awhile now</a> for <span class="userContent">Agnetha to have </span>an official, on-line presence. <span style="color: #fff2cc;">Good for her, and for connecting with fans... in these ways!!</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(no affiliation)</span></span></span>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Agnetha's <span style="color: #fff2cc;">official website</span></span> (<span style="color: #eeeeee;">at last!</span>). (New window opens, no affiliation): <b> <a href="http://www.agnetha.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.agnetha.com/</a></b><br />
<b>....Including </b>a favorably-done 'biography' (link)<b>: <a href="http://www.agnetha.com/biography/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.agnetha.com/biography/</a> </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Agnetha's official <span style="color: #eeeeee;">Facebook</span> page</span> (new window opens): <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgnethaOfficial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>https://www.facebook.com/AgnethaOfficial</b></a><br />
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<span class="userContent">Official Agnetha <span style="color: #eeeeee;">Twitter</span> <b>:</b> </span><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/Agnethaofficial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter: @AgnethaOfficial</a><br />
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Official YouTube <b>channel </b>for Agnetha! <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AgnethaOfficial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/user/AgnethaOfficial</a></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Official <span style="color: #eeeeee;">YouTube</span> VEVO channel:</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/AgnethaVEVO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b> http://www.youtube.com/user/AgnethaVEVO</b></a><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">>>> The first (YouTube) video release (official) from "<b>A</b>" (the new album)!:</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/w95WdpE6QAI?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
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(YT video<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w95WdpE6QAI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> link </a>)<br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(Sample:)</span></span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/z-CLw47bywE?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
(YT video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=z-CLw47bywE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a> Yes: Some of the song links may not 'survive' here. Might try this one...: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KRi4nspjRA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KRi4nspjRA</a>)<br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">>>></span> A tiny 'teaser' <span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>initial take</b> </span>(on this song-snip<b> </b>(above))<b>:</b> Sounds (very) close to '<i>classic' Agnetha</i>....<b><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">!</span> </b><br />
A bit '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlager" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">schlager</a>' perhaps, but she performs those (songs) well. And <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">yes!</span>: I think I can hear a little (sampling of) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/an-icons-icon-dusty-was-one-of-them.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Dusty</b></a> in this cut. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(...(If it remains available<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">above</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">,</span>) Even just the <b>HD</b> YouTube 'snippet' of Agnetha's "The One Who Loves You Now" may represent <i></i>(at least<i>) a '</i>hope<i>' come true</i> for this blog/blogger. (And <span style="color: #eeeeee;">all</span> fans...) She's sounding <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">very</span> good in this song section, at least.... </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A '<span style="color: #eeeeee;">knockout</span>' effort (so far) by the mature singer... <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Now w</span>aiting for the full s<span style="font-size: xx-small;">o</span>ng (in good sound quality)<span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span>.)</span></span><br />
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(<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Per the following interview</span>...I now wish to be a <span style="font-size: x-small;">(domestic Swedish house-)</span> <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-14279.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">dog</span></b></a>.<span style="font-size: large;">☻</span>) (If needed,) Please click on the "<b>CC</b>" icon next to the 'cog' - just below the video - for (English)<b> sub-titles</b>:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/GR_6CBE1yD8?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
(YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR_6CBE1yD8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a> )<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Jon </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">▼ ) </span><br /><span style="color: #eeeeee;"></span></span>
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<a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=34247&picture=tempting-a-dog-silhouette" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqYPlww4X0g/UUVL4a6VL9I/AAAAAAAAB0E/E6YjAakxuPI/s200/tempting-a-dog-silhouette.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Image source: <a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=34247&picture=tempting-a-dog-silhouette" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=34247&picture=tempting-a-dog-silhouette</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">...
</span>Woof</span> </span>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-46925137868168242082011-01-03T21:02:00.006-08:002014-01-05T11:49:17.856-08:002011 update: Ms. Fältskog<div style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
One more post here. <span style="font-size: x-small;">More follow</span>:</div>
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<span style="color: white;">Early<b> 2011</b>: Some momentum/acclaim seems to be building for </span>ex-ABBA star <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">Agnetha</a> F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog at the moment, via her recent (Swedish) <a href="http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2010/12/agnetha-shows-off-her-favourite-clothes-and-talks-about-being-60.html" target="_blank">'M-Magasin' article,</a> and also this (1/11) <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2011/jan/03/agnetha-faltskog-abba-reunion-solo" target="_blank">Music Blog post,</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Williams_%28journalist%29" target="_blank">Richard Williams</a> of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i>The Guardian</i></a> (U.K.).<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (That is, if Ms. F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog is not fully retired as a singer/entertainer...)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"> </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprising-agnetha-m-magazine-article.html" target="_blank">Please click on this link</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(new window opens)</span> to read reported information re the Swedish singer (with this website's (from-afar) analysis). <span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">(And a r</span><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">hetorical question: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Given the apparent frenzy when this quiet lady occasionally speaks (e.g., <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1343580/ABBA-reunion-Lets-play-says-blonde-singer-Agnetha-Faltskog.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'M-Magazine' article consequences</a>), would not an official, </span><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">dedicated </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">web presence make sense (for the artist)?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(This blog effort is not official.))</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white;">'Road map':</span></span> My (mainly) music-related site's overall summary page <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/salient-blog-items-agnetha-and-abba.html" target="_blank">is here (link)</a>. (<span style="color: white;">Or</span>, pls. try <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/faltskog-fever.html" target="_blank">this enjoyable alternate (introductory) entry (link</a>, new window.)) <span style="color: white;">Previous posts follow</span> <span style="color: white;">below</span>.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Thanks for reading</span>. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;">This tiny blog is on hiatus</span> pending future new music/collections released by Ms.F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog, if any...(That is completely in the artist's control, of course.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Some music-related insights or reviews <span style="font-size: x-small;">(re </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ms. F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog's past efforts) may be added occasionally</span>, as this site endeavors to</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> remain of interest <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(to fans, others)</span>. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Especially in the apparent absence of an up-to-date <b>and</b> comprehensive, official web presence focused upon the artist....)</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Plus:</span> A nice, recent (2011) photo of the singing star <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(at a party)</span> is <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-11183.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">displayed here (link)</a> (new window). <span style="color: white; font-size: small;">Update:</span> A 2012 <span style="color: white;">award</span>. Not so much <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/q-why-hasnt-swedens-litteris-et-artibus.html" target="_blank">for music</a>, but as a "fashion legend". Link to ELLE magazine (Sweden) web page (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">new window</span>): <a href="http://elle.se/3-favoritogonblick-med-agnetha-faltskog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://elle.se/3-favoritogonblick-med-agnetha-faltskog/</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">More</span> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/faltskog-fever.html" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>(link). </span> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-25999728785623290272010-04-05T00:05:00.022-07:002014-06-11T19:15:02.985-07:00A stopping place for now: 'Agnetha/ABBA, Belatedly'<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVZ4WuQ1zgw&fmt=18" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" closure_hashcode_kl2clf="259" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SlS4eeva5oI/AAAAAAAAAWA/QhGLYdiZ83M/Abba%20agnetha.jpg" height="264" style="height: 264px; width: 200px;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">© 2009-2011 (original portions only)</span><br />
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This, from an older-but-wiser <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_2gIRnmnbQ&feature=related">geezer</a> whose spot was once the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agora_Theatre_and_Ballroom" target="_blank">old Cleveland Agora</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(USA)</span>; a venue that <span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">a '70s pop band</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(not named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberries_%28band%29" target="_blank">The Raspberries</a>)</span> possibly <span style="color: white;">would not have survive</span><span style="color: white;">d</span><b>:</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After many years of ignoring them it's been an enjoyable (and </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/finally-appreciating-this-supergroup.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">ironic</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">) experience to "discover" <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supergroup" target="_blank">'supergroup'</a> ABBA, and reluctant star <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F47nYLIhEI&fmt=18" target="_blank">Agnetha</a> F</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ltskog </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" title="Pronunciation in IPA">[<a href="http://www.agnetha.net/NEW.html" target="_blank">aŋˈneːta</a>]</span>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pictured/link. Also credit to <span style="color: white;">Mr. Palm</span> (see below), for that descriptor of Ms. F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog</span>.)<span style="color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Surprise</span></i><b><i><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></i><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">(U.S. rock fans...(</span></b><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">of a 'certain age'</span><b><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">))</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">:They were excellent at their craft.</span></span> I hope those who stumble upon this informal site will (also) find interest in some of the learning that's occurred.... <b><span style="font-size: small;">(I know that many of you have also 're-discovered' Agnetha/ABBA...) </span></b>Please make use of the <b>index </b><span style="color: white;">of topics/labels</span> located below on the right <span style="color: #cccccc;">sidebar</span>. This blog is - for the most part - music-focused.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Photo (also a link to an <span style="color: white;">indelible performance<span style="color: #eeeeee;">)</span></span> : Agnetha Fältskog, ABBA, Ekeberghallen, Oslo, Norway, January 28th 1977. Author: Helge Øverås. No website endorsement implied.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Blog navigation note/hint:</span> <span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">No time</span> </i></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">right now??</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Please</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">start here</span></span> with this </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/salient-blog-items-agnetha-and-abba.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">"salient points", condensed blog summary (link).</a><br />
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A listeners' <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" target="_blank">review of Agnetha's post-ABBA recordings (link) </a> <span style="color: white;">- <span style="color: #cccccc;">though incomplete</span> -</span> <span style="color: white;">is worth a look to see if you agree with its selections and perceptions.</span> <b><span style="color: white;">Note:</span></b> Includes an<span style="color: white;"> updated</span> Agnetha 'top ten' listing. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Agnetha's </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">special</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> voice? Independent, music-detail </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">insights about it are here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span> And, please try these <span style="color: white;">three</span> posts for a little broader perspective (i.e., they are not only about Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Research about ABBA's 1979 </span><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">stormy</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Boston concert flight is included.</span>) <span style="color: white;">Links: </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/sos-abbas-unfortunate-1979-boston.html" target="_blank">Here</a>, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/fantastic-oopsed-waterloo.html" target="_blank">here</a> and<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/orsinging-sirens.html" target="_blank"> here</a>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">If there's an overarching point via the (belated) discoveries detailed here, it's simply this: Ms. Fältskog can <span style="color: white;">sing</span>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Despite some <span style="color: white;">retro-star-power</span>-induced detours nearing "<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/way-back-when-blonde-supergirl.html" target="_blank">the deep end</a>" in this blog ("actuated by" Agnetha's published efforts - <span style="color: white;">years later</span> - evidence of a true star....);</span></span><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">that</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> is really what this written effort is about. (Her singing.))</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">An extraordinary pop voice: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpt5e19Ksgk" target="_blank">Crystal-clear</a>, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sweet</a> and expressive. Per much that's asserted in this blog; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqhQauDpaug&fmt=18&annotation_id=annotation_544492&feature=iv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">her voice inside your head(phones)</a>:<span style="color: white;"> A pleasure</span>. (Link is to an individual YouTube song tribute from aficionado '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/2Shaymcn" target="_blank">2Shaymcn</a>'. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Videos from that YT site are linked here with permission.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> ...Combine with the 'element' of <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-1512-3780.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">heavenly female beauty</a> ..and to some (at least);<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmp7E0CWRnM" target="_blank"> <b>a captivating delight</b> (link).</a> Though her in-English work is in the <span style="color: white;">past</span> now, she is well worth a (re-)visit --in any form<b>:</b> "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn2670EB2Ng&fmt=18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smiling sensation</a>" Agnetha (at her <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/picture-of-ms-faltskog-worth-thousand.html" target="_blank">utmost</a>) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/ms-faltskog-1985.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">is more discoverable than ever via "time machine", You Tube</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: #eeeeee;">(Insert...)<b> 2014:</b></span> And <b>yes</b> BTW, (rightly or not) <b>I</b> <i>do </i>feel slightly 'flattered' when Agnetha/ABBA <span style="color: #eeeeee;">official websites (etc.) occasionally <b>re-</b>use descriptive words</span> such as '<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aficionado" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">aficionado</a>' and '<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/orsinging-sirens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">siren</a>'...</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">...Employed by this tiny blog (years ago</span>).</span></span>(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgnethaOfficial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Screen-cap image</a>/example follows:)</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7gAuCCsBHU/UxeF0qBwvoI/AAAAAAAACRQ/DoihidvlnGc/s1600/agnaficianado.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e7gAuCCsBHU/UxeF0qBwvoI/AAAAAAAACRQ/DoihidvlnGc/s1600/agnaficianado.JPG" height="400" width="295" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing previously written text:)</span></span>Necessary to know, up-front:</span> Both ABBA singers <span style="color: white;">together</span> were essential for that band's success. No Frida <b>and</b> Agnetha <b><span style="color: white;">=</span></b> No ABBA. For many, the presentation (singing, etc.) of ABBA's songs was equally as important as the <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/music/bal-ae.abba22nov22,0,3102281.story" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">exceptional writing</a>, producing.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (A <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtsbxGzRZWc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YT link</a> to one fantastic (performing) example...)</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Update:)</span> <span style="color: white;">Easy prediction:</span> In the popular music sphere I believe that these two ladies will be <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revere" target="_blank">revered</a><i> </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="color: white;">more</span> revered or acclaimed)</span> for years to come. <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/angel-in-disguise-agnetha.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">They were that special, together</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">...One <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLLCcrD4GCg" target="_blank">sample link</a> here to a beautiful ABBA ballad, featuring Frida's stellar lead...)</span>.<i> </i><span style="color: white;">Related:</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtsbxGzRZWc" target="_blank">Singing with</a>/skillfully harmonizing with <span style="color: white;">other singers</span> was clearly a major strength for</span><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">M</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">s. Fältskog</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(the main focus here; solo work)</span>. A sample <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g9gLQBUfDM" target="_blank">link to one appealing post-ABBA example</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(And another: A not-well-known one (during her ABBA days), from Sweden (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91hQkf45UGc" target="_blank">link</a>).</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Another</i> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-xLK8eqr8k&fmt=18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lesser-known favorite</a>....ooops, <b>Not</b> hers??)</span> </span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">More:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">A much-too-cursory Frida appreciation is included <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/orsinging-sirens.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span> (A beautiful recent, published picture of Frida is <a href="http://abbafanclub.nl/fanclub/magazine.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">linked here</a>.) <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And please see the end of this post for a 'bonus quotation' that nicely describes the two voices of ABBA. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i>(Nope: </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">In case it's not <span style="color: white;">obvious</span>, I'm </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">not associated in any way with </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em;"> ABBA, Ms. Fältskog or their record companies.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you find that you're not convinced of certain findings here, pls. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1E367911859E577" target="_blank">try some available videos on You Tube</a> for a <a href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/mesmerizing?" target="_blank">mesmerizing</a> sample (Ms. Fältskog, solo). And consider what present-day viewers there are saying.</span> <b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Or:</span></b> Why not <i>read on</i> in this blog and enjoy the many included <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/bono-speaks.html" target="_blank">links</a>....Most of us will never meet the Swedish singer, but this effort may be a good way to learn much via her music. Plus the mere fact that a number of unofficial '<a href="http://www.agnetha-forever.de/" target="_blank">appreciations</a>' or tributes have been independently created on-line <span style="font-size: x-small;">(in several <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ji61m" target="_blank">locations</a>)</span>: A tremendous compliment to this performer. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(And those similarly created for other ABBA members, <a href="http://abbaomnibus.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/ten-abba-websites-i-visit-regularly/" target="_blank">the band itself</a>, etc.)</span></span></div>
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(Continuing:) From not even knowing the names of ABBA's members and only a few of their hit songs (like many people in the <span style="color: white;">U.S.</span>), it's been good to gain a richer appreciation of the "mega" pop group and those associated. With<span style="color: white;"> millions </span>of others I'll be enjoying recordings, etc. of the band, and especially from Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Aside: None of it is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfgang_Amadeus_Mozart" target="_blank">Mozart</a>, nor opera singing....But ABBA understood that.)</span> Plus, of course the numerous, well-done <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/2Shaymcn" target="_blank">tributes</a> etc. on You Tube.... which seem to expand by the week. (And <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/abba-fan-sen-john-mccain-gettin.html" target="_blank">huge ABBA fan Sen. John McCain </a>may unleash an impromptu karaoke retrospective at any moment, as we all know. Don't <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5671675.ece" target="_blank">get me going re Vladimir Putin</a>....<span style="font-size: x-small;">Update: Or, <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2011/03/27/2011-03-27_mayor_bloomberg_takes_center_stage_at_annual_inner_circle_sporting_multiple_cost.html" target="_blank">NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg.</a>..?</span>) ABBA exemplifies <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJTDVHR3BxE" target="_blank">something not all too readily done</a>, done very, very well. It is difficult not to respect and admire that....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Celebrated actress/voice artist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_Lumley" target="_blank">Joanna Lumley</a> says it succinctly with this recent quotation, <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-10081.html#376826" target="_blank">displayed here (link)</a>. And as some YouTube commenters currently like to "get a little stupid" (and write underneath ABBA videos (for example)): "I'm an unborn fetus ....and I LOVE ABBA." <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">...</span>)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">Stop:</span> <span style="color: white;">BTW</span>, is this blog (you're reading) one guy's <span style="color: white;">way-late</span> "<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/head+trip" target="_blank">head trip</a>" (mainly) about a singularly talented, 1970's/80's Swedish singer?? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">A performer with enough 'star-power' to motivate (<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/so-why-did-i-write-all-of-this.html" target="_blank">inspire</a>) this unprecedented effort (for me.)</span> <span style="color: white;">Answer:</span> Possibly YES, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/faltskog-fever.html" target="_blank">at moments</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Don't think I was quite at <a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2010/12/1998-fairytale-princess-of-pop-music.html" target="_blank">this point, though (link)</a>.)</span> However please read on, as <span style="color: white;">you may well find that</span> it's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1E367911859E577" target="_blank">worth the trip back</a>....Agnetha's appealing pop <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOJH7EYqJ9Y&fmt=18" target="_blank">voice is reason enough</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(An appropriate ABBA song (title) for this 'trip'<span style="color: white;">??</span> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pytkJfvhcuM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link, new window.</a>) The two ABBA singers together: A dream, always...)</span><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABBA" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Until 2004, ABBA's state-of-the-art Polar Music Studios was located in this building in Stockholm.</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">({{Information |Description={{sv|1=Sportpalatset på Kungsholmen i Stockholm}} |Source=Uppladdarens egna verk (uploader's own work) |Author=<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Holger.Ellgaard" title="User:Holger.Ellgaard">Holger.Ellgaard</a> |Date=2008 |Permission=yes |other_versions= }} </span></div>
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As noted here and elsewhere, <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/" target="_blank">Carl Magnus Palm</a> has written the definitive ABBA biography to date: <i>Bright Lights, Dark Shadows</i>. If you haven't yet done so please consider reading it especially if you're an ABBA or Agnetha fan. It is well-researched and very detailed. <span style="color: white;">Also</span>, if you want to know what was being written -- factually and otherwise -- about all ABBA members during their peak years, an excellent web site has quite a collection for you<b>:</b> <a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/</a></div>
Some stories are largely made-up or just tabloid trash, but ABBA members did talk frequently and could be candid.<span style="color: white;"> In fact</span>, though <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1034466/Is-Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-finally-ready-forgive-bandmates-years-misery.html" target="_blank">some publications unfavorably label Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog</a> to be reclusive, uncooperative, etc., the truth is that she <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRCGJLIs0k&feature=related" target="_blank">has spoken candidly with selected sources over many years</a>. (See a few of the articles linked above.) <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">This lengthy and detailed blog being read right now is completely based upon the singer's available public interviews, biography, published music, etc.</span> The artist is generally publicity-shy <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or <i>was</i>; pls. see 'late 2010 update' near the end of this post)</span>, but there is hardly a lack of information from/about the public Agnetha. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="color: white;">Just one example:</span> A charming and candid short interview from 1981, via <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9513.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this 'ABBA4EVER' link</a> (new window).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ABBA has <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWbiI93fXmQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: lightblue;">moved on</span></a> and it's time for me to do so as well.</span> I'll add more to the blog perhaps if an event of significance occurs (with the group or members) . <i><span style="color: white;">But please check back for ongoing updates, enhancements and additions to the current entries.</span></i> If you read something here, please leave a civil comment (if you'd like) as I'll continue to be able to view them. FWIW, all <span style="color: white;">original</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">entries here are copyrighted. Thank you.</span><br />
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A closing word (or two) about <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/abbas-disillusion-1973.html" target="_blank">talented</a> Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog, who -- along with many other fans -- I've quickly come to admire. (For reasons detailed above and <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html" target="_blank">elsewhere</a>. <span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There may be millions of us (Agnetha fans)...<span style="color: #cccccc;">clearly we all have good acumen, perception, etc....</span></span>) <span style="color: white;">1)</span> I hope proper recognition for the key contributions made to ABBA by both fronting ladies will be forthcoming. (I.e., Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha.) Both were essential to the group's great success, and their voices <b>together</b> were something like pop music magic, in my view. (Ref. <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8331.html" target="_blank">this interesting forum discussion</a> about the "<span style="color: white;">third voice</span>" that sometimes emerged. As also <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/agnetha-ace-added-appreciation.html" target="_blank">noted previously</a>; rich-voiced, rock-solid <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQqbljOc1NA" target="_blank">Frida "carried it" on numerous ABBA songs; Agnetha more the dramatic accent</a>. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETxmCCsMoD0" target="_blank">Money Money Money</a>"; one example.) Note:<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Volume is high</span> on the following. Actually both vocalists are pretty impressive in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQqbljOc1NA" target="_blank">this ABBA song/video version</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(mimed here; more about its singing <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">linked here</a>)</span>, which somehow magnifies Agnetha's <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">high-note contributions</a>...Plus: An even better song featuring the singers at their best together follows <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/angel-in-disguise-agnetha.html" target="_blank">via this post</a>.
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(YT video<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQqbljOc1NA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> link</a>)<br />
In other words they were attractive ladies who could <span style="color: white;">sing</span>, and sing well together. <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/abbas-accomplished-singers.html" target="_blank">Not all that common of a combination</a>, judging by how very few true "successors" (none?) have appeared in popular music since. They were <span style="color: white;">hardly</span> just "a couple of decorative Swedish babes", as a few <span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">(especially around these parts)</span> may have once thought. To me, it is not going <span style="color: #f3f3f3;">too far overboard</span> to claim the two women together at their peak as one of the <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/miracle?" target="_blank">miracles</a> of latter-20th-century pop music. (<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yes, </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23UkIkwy5ZM" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">there were a few</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">...</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JC-MDYopSoA&fmt=18" target="_blank">another</a>)</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(+ <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdKlA1phM2s" target="_blank">another</a>)</span>. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">A different one (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StScwYJiImQ&fmt=18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>)</span>.) <span style="font-size: x-small;">E.g., Please enjoy <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSSD0SVhN0&fmt=18" target="_blank">this available YT performance (link)</a> and tell me that it was not.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ms. Fältskog especially, that time.)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> And if interested (ladies/vocalists): Try to (truly) match <i>DQ</i>'s singing on your own/via karaoke. You'll likely find yourself impressed with A and A's effort...</span><br />
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A petition for overdue ABBA induction to the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" is <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/minting-new-fans.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Remember: The Bee Gees, Madonna, Dave Clark Five and other pop-oriented acts are already there. (And per the comment received below, it is <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nelson-montana/how-lame-is-the-rock-and_b_340111.html" target="_blank">appropriate to question that entity's validity, purpose, etc.</a> ABBA <span style="color: white;">is</span> a 2002 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_Group_Hall_of_Fame" target="_blank">Vocal Group Hall of Fame </a>inductee.) <span style="color: #ffe599;">9/09 UPDATE:</span><span style="color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.rockhall.com/rockhallblog" target="_blank">Click</a> for news of 2010 "Rock Hall" nominees. And <i style="color: white;">know it</i> right here<b>, </b>first: <span style="color: white;">ABBA is</span> <b>IN</b> in 2010. So many lesser acts have been inducted, I don't see how the enduring pop '<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supergroup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">supergroup</a>' <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/minting-new-fans.html" target="_blank">can be kept out of the Hall any longer</a>....Vote in and follow a <a href="http://www.futurerocklegends.com/index.php" target="_blank">current poll for 2010 nominees, here</a>. <span style="color: white;">12/09/09 update:</span> <a href="http://icethesite.com/default.aspx?articleID=480" target="_blank">Rumors are circulating today</a> that ABBA will indeed be inducted in March, 2010. <b style="color: white;">12/15/09: </b><a href="http://rockhall.com/inductees/byyear/2010/" target="_blank">Congratulations to ABBA</a> and all associated<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Long overdue....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A link to a <span style="color: white;">12/09 post</span> about the announced induction <span style="font-size: x-small;">(from this blog's perspective)</span> is <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/addendum-rock-hall-beckons-2010.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: white;">2)</span></b> Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's clear, sweet voice, packed with emotion at times; <span style="color: white;">is a gift</span>. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(Which also seems perpetually youthful-sounding at times, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html">but there's more to it than that</a>.) If not already underway, I predict a </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">revival</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> (or kindling) of interest and appreciation for this underrated singer's work.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Beyond that of the various Agnetha imitators in "ABBA" redux shows. They're fine in some cases, but no one has the original singer's distinct voice.)</span> <span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">In the big-market</span> United States, my continuing impression is that (the real) Agnetha remains sketchily known.</span> (I don't think for a second that this <span style="color: white;">matters</span> any more to the successful artist. And she, of course, remains <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-7882.html" target="_blank">very</a> popular in home Sweden and elsewhere. Also, a mention that in some (<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=homophobe" target="_blank">homophobe</a>?) corners of the U.S., ABBA music, etc. is still <span style="color: white;">disdained</span>, per (supposed) <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank">popular appeal in the gay community (pages 501-2)</a>. I don't condone that but, at any rate.... At my age I chart my own path <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hetero?" target="_blank">heteros</a> were attracted to the ABBA ladies ,too)</span>, and am mature enough to enjoy ABBA's qualities now, "bias-free".(Though <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/finally-appreciating-this-supergroup.html" target="_blank">definitely a "slow learner" </a>....<span style="font-size: large;">☻</span>. Brain-free too??: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/fantasyland-farce-abba-movie-idea.html" target="_blank">Follow this link for a tiny farce</a>.)<br />
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As the private lady approaches her 60th birthday, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/please-remember-me.html" target="_blank">it's a question as to whether we'll hear Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog again</a> in English. Sixty isn't so old (to some of us) but Agnetha's pretty much gone her own way after ABBA, so only she knows for sure/controls her destiny. But if her special voice remains intact it would be a loss not to hear it recorded in some way, at least one more time.(E.g., A link to a story about a great pop singer still "remarkably fresh"-voiced at age 67: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/arts/music/27tomm.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&em" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/arts/music/27tomm.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&em</a>)<br />
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Per the following quotation in Mr. Palm's book (2008 edition), Agnetha responded in 2004 -- at least in part -- to fans imploring her to record again. Putting together an album is not easy, but if you happen to agree with me about her pure, feminine voice, perhaps consider writing a polite request to her record company. This website has an excellent article that might assist with that: <a href="http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/Write/write.html" target="_blank">http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/Write/write.html</a><br />
Maybe a single-song duet or something like that is still in the realm of possibility.... </div>
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Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog from 2004 (re "My Colouring Book"), as quoted on page 539, "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows", C.M. Palm, author. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Short passages used with permission.)</span> :<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">"I get a lot of fan mail from all around the world, and it's fantastic to hear that they like my music so much and want to know what I have been doing, and that they really love and miss my voice. It affected me so much, that's when the idea came up in my head maybe I should do another record."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #ffffcc;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">There may have also been <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPLPy2Eb2dQ&feature=fvw" target="_blank">other reasons</a>, but still, <b>that</b> was a nice one....</span> <b><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #ffffcc;"><br />
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<span style="color: white;">(More "nice lady": <span style="color: #cccccc;">A link from the <a href="http://www.agnetha-forever.de/" target="_blank">excellent http://www.agnetha-forever.de</a> site to liner notes from Agnetha's 2008 compilation album, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GC4QM4/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?ie=UTF8&cloe_id=cb586a14-ab3f-4920-a82f-b96e86b1ac30&attrMsgId=LPWidget-A2&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001GC4QMO&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0AVYZJ52137ZXDEXQ4NE">My Very Best</a>": <a href="http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/myverybest/myverybest.html" target="_blank">http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/myverybest/myverybest.html</a> </span></span><a href="http://abbaofficial.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/agnethas-message-my-vest-best-cd/"> )</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Whatever happens let's hope that this underprized <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c&fmt=18" target="_blank">singing star</a> enjoys peace and satisfaction, and whatever else she wishes.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">My impression is that Agnetha remains a private person, quite settled with family, etc. now.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> As written (perhaps with a touch of envy and/or wistfulness; but not necessarily untruthfully) <a href="http://hilobrow.com/2010/04/05/agnetha-faltskog/" target="_blank">here</a>:<span style="color: white;"> "...</span></span></span><span style="color: white;">she’s mostly kept the silence of someone who’s conquered the world already."</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;"> </span>(Or, at least as much of it as desired(!).) <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Late 2010 update:</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Or....perhaps NOT.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Ms. F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ältskog surprises with a number of recent public appearances plus a photo 'spread'/story in Sweden's (glossy) 'M-magazine'. Link to a translation (English) <span style="font-size: x-small;">(incl. photos)</span> <a href="http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2010/12/agnetha-shows-off-her-favourite-clothes-and-talks-about-being-60.html" target="_blank">from Mikory's ABBA blog</a>. </span>Agnetha's even reportedly doing some flying again, and sings a little "by the piano" (and plays). If one reads "between the lines" a bit in this interview, though, it mostly sounds like the lady may be retired now, professionally. (As written just above, here.) The <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" target="_blank">prolific recording artist</a> has earned that, or whatever she wants. But, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ms. <span style="font-size: x-small;">F</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> didn't completely "close the door"....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;">More:</span><span style="color: white;"> FWIW;</span> possibly as a revealing "glimpse inside", the Swedish star once wrote at the end of her <span style="color: white;">1996</span><i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/As-Am-Abba-Before-Beyond/dp/1852276541" target="_blank">As I Am</a></i> biography that she had not "closed any doors". <span style="color: white;">But also that:</span> "...It would be horrible to be compelled to live up to world-wide expectations, to the money, or to what other people expect of you."</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Page 149)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">(Continuing previous text:)</span> <span style="font-size: small;">Agnetha <a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2009/07/mikro-gids-december-1999-abbas-agnetha.html">has (also reportedly) said that she did not aim to be "worshiped</a></span> by loads of people". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"Thy voice is music..." — Shakespeare, <i>Henry V, V-ii (Ed. note:</i> No...other parts of this quotation do <i>not</i> apply.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">(Agnetha Fältskog. Author: </span><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Daniel%C3%A5hskarlsson" title="User:Danielåhskarlsson"><span style="font-size: 78%;">Daniel Åhs Karlsson</span></a><span style="font-size: 78%;">, 4/7-2008. This file is licensed under the </span><a class="extiw" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Commons" title="w:Creative Commons"><span style="font-size: 78%;">Creative Commons</span></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"> </span><a class="external text" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/" rel="nofollow" title="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"><span style="font-size: 78%;">Attribution 3.0 Unported</span></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"> License. In short: you are free to distribute and modify the file as long as you attribute its author(s) or licensor(s). Its use is in no way an endorsement of this website...)</span><br />
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One telling, final note, from the 2008 afterward of C.M. Palm's "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows" (page 540):<br />
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Re Agnetha in 2004 (and beyond), after releasing "My Colouring Book":<br />
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<span style="color: white;">"After one final lengthy Swedish television interview towards the end of the year, Agnetha once again stepped back from the media spotlight. It seems unlikely there will ever be a follow-up album, although she didn't rule out the possibility, hinting that it might be a Swedish-language-release that would "end my career as I started it"."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: white;">A 'bonus' quotation: </span>I'm taking the liberty of including one special paragraph from Christopher Patrick's excellent book, <a href="http://abbaletthemusicspeak.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>ABBA: Let The Music Speak</i></a>. A stellar description (page 142):</div>
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"Between them, Agnetha and Frida had a dazzling array of vocal colours that would rival any artist's palette, and these were blended with astonishing results. Every now and then in their extraordinary unison world, one singer would change tint ever so slightly, adding yet another gorgeous hue to the spectrum."</blockquote>
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(Blog note: The last edit to this post was on March, 2012.)<br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-79352908590195281832010-03-14T12:01:00.002-07:002014-01-05T11:49:17.871-08:00Ms. Fältskog's 1996 biography<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As noted elsewhere, this blog focuses mainly upon the <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html">English solo music</a> of ex-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABBA">ABBA</a> singer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog">Agnetha</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> F</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ltskog</span>. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, it also occasionally "strays" into other public (not private) </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/picture-of-ms-faltskog-worth-thousand.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">aspects</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> of her long successful career, especially post-ABBA. </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There is some</span> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/is-agnetha-recluse-nej.html" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">commentary</a> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">here and there, b</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ased primarily upon reading of prominent books and</span><a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> interviews</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (about and with the singing star). </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Including portions of this entry.) </span></span></span><br />
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Readers who freely stop by and sample information presented here are certainly welcome. However this detailed, music-oriented blog (about Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog solo music, mainly <span style="color: white;">from a number of years ago</span>) is unlikely to draw large numbers. A limit is that very few can contact or have a dialog with the star (subject) herself. <span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
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This blog effort is clear in its <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/closing-post-abba-agnetha.html">admiration</a> for Agnetha and her "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog">impressive pop instrument</a>". (I.e., her distinct voice.) But it's important for a more balanced presentation to - in a necessarily indirect way - make sure the star "has a say" here, too. To briefly provide interested readers with some clue about her.... Maybe give us a glimpse.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (One such (fairly recent) indication (of the 'real person'): This 2004 interview available on YouTube (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPLPy2Eb2dQ">link</a>). Also, pls. see the end of this post for a 2010 update...))</span></div>
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We cannot ask her, but she has done such a thing - for all of us - via her 1996 biography, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/As-Am-Abba-Before-Beyond/dp/1852276541">As I Am</a>. </i>Written with Brita Ahman, the book alternates between Brita's writings/impressions and (what appear to be) small sections directly 'penned' by Agnetha herself. </div>
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I have read a copy of this biography and a general reaction or "take" is included <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/salient-blog-items-agnetha-and-abba.html">elsewhere here</a>, for those who may care. Some of the portions written by Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog (in the book) are especially worthwhile for fans interested in the person.(Side note: And <a href="http://abbaworld.wordpress.com/2007/10/13/as-i-am-10-years-on/">here is a link</a> to one review of this effort, from 1997.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Understanding that the book was created some fifteen years ago - <span style="color: white;">quite awhile ago</span> now - I'd still like to attempt to include one particular excerpt. It is from page 84, (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/As-Am-Abba-Before-Beyond/dp/1852276541"><i>As I Am</i>, <i>ABBA Before & Beyond</i></a>, Agnetha</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> F</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ltskog</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> with Brita Ahman, Virgin Publishing, 1996). <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">(Aside: </span>If it is material, I note that this blog (being read) is generally a commentary, criticism and a research effort. </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is non-commercial; no money is earned</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> (from it). Therefore, excerpting a few (of the following) paragraphs for</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> illustrative purposes (here)</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> may constitute </span></span><a href="http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-30100.html" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'fair use'</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From my reading of <i>As I Am</i>, I believe that the following speaks volumes about adult Agnetha and how she handled aspects of her life, as ABBA (and her marriage to </span>Björn<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bj%C3%B6rn_Ulvaeus"> Ulvaeus</a>) came to an end. (In the late 1970s/early 1980s.) It is an interesting "snapshot". Please see if you agree. (And pls. take time to visit some of the (supporting) links located throughout this post.) <span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: The following is, of course, written from Ms. F<span style="font-family: inherit;">ä</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ltskog's perspective. It <span style="color: white;">may or may not</span> represent the complete "story"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Agnetha writes (from the time):</span></div>
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"...When I chose to put the children first it wasn't to escape to a cosy, safe little world. I tried to follow my heart and take responsibility for their lives, to see that they would get to grow up in conditions as normal as possible, with a secure place in the world where they were often caught in the spotlight because of their parents' fame...."<br />
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"On the whole, I have taken the main responsibility for (the children). Once (their father) had moved to London and the divorce had gone through I strongly felt that I was the children's only security...."</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ms.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> F</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ltskog goes on (page 84) to describe her concerns about being a single parent and a single woman.<span style="color: white;"> But she then writes this revealing paragraph, perhaps a glimpse of the adult woman that she "became" </span>(at least in part):</span><br />
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"However you really aren't complete as a woman just because you have a man at your side. Solitude can also be extremely stimulating. You feel a sense of liberty and are especially sensitive to outside ideas...You develop as a person and learn to tackle so much more than you thought you could. Even practical things like battling with the boiler, the pool units and suchlike. So you become what you become: an independent woman."</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Old image, Google/LIFE archives, freely available.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This post wraps up with the following <span style="color: white;">commentary</span>: </span><br />
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Such words seem to reflect an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMK5C9Mx_RE">eventful journey</a> from the young, Swedish teenage singing star, who once wrote songs such as "I Was So In Love". (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOItRhtmNJ0">Jag Var Sa Kar</a>, her first single song, recorded in 1967 (age seventeen).) Note: In <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPLPy2Eb2dQ&feature=related">later interviews</a> Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog seems to enjoy hearing such early songs, but distances herself as well, saying that (the) lyrics were "naive".<br />
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Agnetha uses the word "practical" in a slightly different sense here, but it might be applied as a descriptor for the person, too. (I.e., for the life situation described (via the excerpts).) (However, those interested in Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog might also take note of unsettling developments<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog"> that occurred (with the person) in the 1990s</a>....)<br />
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Was this a glimpse at "the real", adult Agnetha? That is left for interested readers to <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html">consider</a>.</div>
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Thank you for taking the time to read.<br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-86050219015359592122009-06-12T06:12:00.001-07:002014-06-10T08:46:05.489-07:00FAQ: Why hasn't Sweden's 'Litteris et Artibus' medal been awarded to ABBA's Agnetha? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(2012 <span style="color: white;">update</span>: Agnetha gains recognition of a different form. <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/faltskog-fever.html" target="_blank">More here</a> (link, new window). <span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2014 update:</span> </span>Not quite the same as what is detailed below, but ABBA receives an (apparently) official prize, as detailed via this off-site forum link: <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-14716.html#625407" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-14716.html#625407</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">...And one more belated update</span> to the 2009 post that follows<b>:</b> I've learned from <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://agnethaarchives.com/id21.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this website</a></span> (link) that Agnetha once received a "gold medal from the king" (of Sweden) around the time of further honors from her birthplace (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%B6nk%C3%B6ping" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jönköping</a>)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">, in 1984.)</span><br />
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(<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Previously written text follows, from 2009-10:</span>)<br />
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Huh? OK, that question might not be on your '411' short list. And it's very likely not on the docket of ABBA's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAnelxqJ5M&fmt=18" target="_blank">Agnetha</a> <span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian">[aŋˈneːta]</a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span></span>F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog. But we're here, the question's been posed, so let's briefly work through this together why don't we. Perhaps someone who actually knows can enlighten ABBA/Agnetha fans about this one. (Note: Links below are light blue.)<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SjJahYd7hXI/AAAAAAAAARY/3Jyn49xJPyI/s1600-h/Artibus.JPG" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SjJahYd7hXI/AAAAAAAAARY/3Jyn49xJPyI/s400/Artibus.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346435237192369522" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 303px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Beyond what is shown on the web site for<a href="http://www.royalcourt.se/royalcourt.4.367010ad11497db6cba800054503.html" target="_blank"> The Swedish Royal Court </a>I admittedly know little about the subject. That source says that the <span style="color: white;">Litteris et Artibus royal medal</span> <a href="http://www.royalcourt.se/royalcourt/themonarchytheroyalcourt/theswedishmonarchy/medals/litterisetartibus.4.396160511584257f2180006024.html" target="_blank">"... is awarded for outstanding service to the arts, especially to music, dramatic art and literature." </a><br />
Also from the royal site, re Medals (in general) : <a href="http://www.royalcourt.se/royalcourt/themonarchytheroyalcourt/theswedishmonarchy/medals.4.396160511584257f2180003512.html" target="_blank">"Medals are presented to Swedish and foreign citizens for outstanding contributions that benefit society and also in commemoration of significant people or important events."</a><br />
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Agnetha's former husband and ABBA band-mate Björn Ulvaeus <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litteris_et_Artibus" target="_blank">was awarded this medal in 1999</a>. Without knowing all of the criteria it's still fairly easy to understand why. He, along with co-writer Benny Andersson (ex-ABBA) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bj%C3%B6rn_Ulvaeus" target="_blank">have made significant music composition contributions since ABBA.</a> And, of course, they were the (primary) writers of the successful group's many popular songs. <span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(So why hasn't ABBA's musical "engine" Benny Andersson also been awarded this medal? <span style="font-size: x-small;">Updated note: <span style="color: #cccccc;">Mr. Andersson apparently has a few (other) honors of his own</span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Andersson" target="_blank">(link)</a>....)</span>)</span><br />
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I'm not certain who (in Sweden) selects appropriate recipients of this medal, though it's likely <span style="font-weight: bold;">H.M. The King</span> himself and/or appropriate individuals with some formal (i.e., royal) association. And I'd guess that most of the rest of us don't know all of the criteria or qualifications for such an award.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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Please note:</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <span style="color: white;">This is not the launch of a <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=mouse%20potato" target="_blank">"mouse potato"</a> campaign on anyone's behalf. (I.e., Ms.</span></span><span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">F</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">ltskog.) I might be fairly presumptuous</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"> at times, but (even) I would not be <span style="font-weight: bold;">that</span> forward.</span> <span style="color: #ffffcc;">(BTW, the artist is reputedly not a PC/Internet user.) And per below,<b> </b>she<b> doesn't need 'help'</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">All that said:</span> The interesting question remains. Out of curiosity, why hasn't this Swedish royal medal been bestowed to date? Some ideas follow, further below. Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's desire for privacy may be a concern.<br />
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Many ABBA/Agnetha fans can offer reasons why she should receive serious consideration for an award. (You knowledgeable ones receive <span style="color: #cc9933;">a gold star</span> of your own and can probably skip this section.) A few obvious ones: 1) Her pure, <a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/brilliance" target="_blank">brilliant</a> singing voice<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: white;">alone</span></span> should make her something of a "<span style="color: #cccccc;">national treasure</span>". (My opinion, but shared by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfWbXobO92w" target="_blank">many</a>. <a href="http://www.the-top-tens.com/lists/best-female-singer-of-all-time.asp" target="_blank">Here</a>, also.) I'm likely being naive, but Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog is so well-known and regarded <span style="color: white;">via her voice</span> worldwide, that (I'm bold enough to suggest that) perhaps she should (alternatively?) be considered for Sweden's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hovs%C3%A5ngare" target="_blank"><i>Hovsångerska</i></a> title.(Usually reserved for opera singers.) <i><span style="color: white;">Both</span></i> of ABBA's accomplished singers perhaps should be.... 2) Her voice (plus, as <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-04-24T21%3A10%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7" target="_blank">noted several times here</a>, her appearance, stage presence, etc.) <span style="color: white;">helped sell over 350 million records</span> for Swedish supergroup ABBA, worldwide. <span style="font-size: 85%;">(All record sales figures <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank">are estimates, by record companies</a>.)</span> To many (not all), Agnetha was ABBA's primary "focal point". A pop music<a href="http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/306177" target="_blank"> icon</a>, though she did not seek that status. 3) As a solo artist since ABBA, she has sold millions of her recordings. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_Shake_Loose" target="_blank">E.g., 1983's "Can't Shake Loose" (single), RIAA "Gold" certification.</a> The <a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html" target="_blank">Agnetha.net website</a> (Bio section) puts song copy sales at 2 million +.) 4) <a href="http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/annasolo.html" target="_blank">In 1975, Agnetha co-produced and wrote most of the songs for a fine, solo studio album (in Swedish)</a>: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_kvinnor_i_ett_hus" target="_blank"><i>Elva Kvinnor I ett Hus</i></a>, Cupol CLPS 351, released December 1975.(Title translates to 'Eleven Women in One House (or Building)'. <span style="color: white;">Bonus:</span> View some fan/experts' rankings of this album's songs, <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9720.html" target="_blank">here (link)</a>. 5) As a solo artist <span style="font-style: italic;">prior</span> to ABBA, and even occasionally during her ABBA years, Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog (often) <a href="http://www.abbaannual.com/" target="_blank">performed (in) local concerts or shows (e.g., annual "folk park circuit"), etc. throughout Stockholm/Sweden</a>. (Note: Please refer to years 1972 or earlier via the excellent "ABBA Annual" link.) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">She also was a successful teenage singer in Sweden, prior to ABBA.</a> She <span style="font-style: italic;">also</span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">starred as "Mary Magdalene" in the original Swedish production of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar"</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_nX8xFfPn4" target="_blank">YT link</a> to a distinct (and beautiful) performance...)</span> 6) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/minting-new-fans.html" target="_blank">As noted previously in this blog</a>, ABBA <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YK5B6YZ7Q&feature=related" target="_blank">and Agnetha</a> continue to be popular today via You Tube, worldwide. (I haven't even talked about the ABBA-inspired, successful musical, <a href="http://www.mamma-mia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mamma Mia!</span>.</a>) One of a number, this unofficial fan-created web site illustrates Agnetha's enduring popularity: <a href="http://www.divasthesite.com/Singing_Divas/Vox_Populi/vox_populi_Agnetha_Faltskog_1.htm" target="_blank">http://www.divasthesite.com/Singing_Divas/Vox_Populi/vox_populi_Agnetha_Faltskog_1.htm</a> 7) From what I know, Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog is a Swedish citizen in good standing; born, raised, and still residing there. <span style="color: white;">AND</span>, has <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank">likely been</a> a <span style="font-style: italic;">"mega"</span>-taxpayer in the Swedish system. 8) For ABBA and its members, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame <a href="http://www.rockhall.com/induction2010" target="_blank">beckons</a>. I firmly believe that this overdue <span style="color: white;">international</span> recognition is coming in 2010. 9) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OVh6RlVBHs" target="_blank">Agnetha's got a</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note: volume is high on the clip)</span> <span style="color: white;">"secret"</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kT4NssGwQY&feature=related" target="_blank">sense of humor</a>.... (OK, I added that as a "medal qualification" ...And the sense of humor is not really a secret; here is a forum 'thread' devoted to it (link): <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9485.html" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9485.html</a> )<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Update:</span> 9a) Some of Agnetha's vocal '<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/antic" target="_blank">antics</a>' in certain solo appearances (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7pb1R1mXFw&fmt=18" target="_blank">link to one impressive example</a>, new window), a few songs with ABBA, and the solo song mentioned in the next point; show a decided sense of humor with displaying <span style="font-size: x-small;">(indulging)</span> various vocal abilities. Although much is owed to this song's production, just one ABBA example<b>:</b> After enjoying Frida's appealing lead listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VtxjtNIFjo&fmt=18" target="_blank">the following song again (link)</a>, for Agnetha's intertwined, high (background) harmonies...<br />
10) She did <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fovue12GyZU" target="_blank">"Golliwog"</a>. (<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=jk" target="_blank">jk</a>, <i>again</i>.) <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SjU0oWTc_fI/AAAAAAAAATI/7yHFyIzBF-0/s1600-h/gold+recordearth.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SjU0oWTc_fI/AAAAAAAAATI/7yHFyIzBF-0/s200/gold+recordearth.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347238000358915570" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 190px;" /></a><br />
Obviously, I could go on further about this, offer more reasons, etc. (Mercifully will not.) <span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">But</span> <span style="color: #cccccc;">this</span> isn't a campaign.</span> I doubt that H.M The King accepts "write-in votes" for potential medal recipients. It's likely considered rude to even ask....<br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">Regardless...Examples seem to be many for Ms. F</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ltskog, supporting the stated qualification of "outstanding service to the arts, especially music...(etc.)". </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litteris_et_Artibus" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Other popular singers in Sweden have been awarded this medal.</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> As noted, we don't know all of the criteria. Perhaps it's "not such a big deal" in Sweden. Perhaps it's believed <span style="color: white;">that ABBA members have received enough</span> (money, rewards, etc.)</span><span style="color: white;"> Equal time: </span>Here's a link to another point of view about awards for ABBA members: <a href="http://www.abbaplaza.com/site-en/columns.asp?ColumnId=45" target="_blank">http://www.abbaplaza.com/site-en/columns.asp?ColumnId=45</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">.<br />
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But also, <span style="color: white;">there may be complicating factors when it comes to Agnetha herself</span>. Her private nature, her reported "discomfort" with crowds, public situations/attention, etc. may very well be part of any consideration here. (Though I would guess that any actual medal ceremony would be rather small and controlled - if there's one at all.) In short, the Royal Court (or whomever) may respect her general nature, and may be reluctant to call attention to her in such a way.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: white;">2010 update</span>: Is </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ms. F</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ä</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ltskog beginning to appear more often at public events (<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/is-agnetha-recluse-nej.html" target="_blank">link</a>)?</span></span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Also, it may be an awkward situation to present such an award to a single member of ABBA, though, again; they've already done so with Mr. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ulvaeus.</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">E.g.,ABBA singing partner <span style="color: white;">Anni-Frid Lyngstad</span> certainly merits equal consideration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(Update: This paragraph was originally written in 2009. Portions may not be accurate now:)</span></span> OK, I'm actually going wrap this too-long post up shortly....Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog does not need any "help" with <i>any</i> of this by the way. (Not that she's asked!) <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1034466/Is-Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-finally-ready-forgive-bandmates-years-misery.html" target="_blank">It was reported that she's been seeing a prominent man named Bertil Nordstrom</a>, who I read somewhere is acquainted with either H.M. The King and/or other members of the Royal Court. Actually: <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/" target="_blank">This site</a> says he's the King's "closest friend". I guess you (still) don't just ask about bestowing a medal .... (Of course, I would.)<br />
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Speculation. It can go on forever. (Obviously.). <span style="color: white;">I thought it was an interesting question to pose</span>, however. If this blog is read I (also) think that Agnetha's contributions (to ABBA and beyond) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/agnetha-ace-added-appreciation.html" target="_blank">are a bit under-appreciated. </a>And, as shown, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/far-from-alone.html" target="_blank">she and her voice continue to be loved by listeners throughout the world. </a>It would seem to be a nice way to recognize her accomplishments, and perhaps even a very nice "present(?)" for her upcoming 60th birthday. (Or around then.) <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">It just seems that it might be time to give her some serious consideration.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Addendum:</span> A link to a 2007 article in "<a href="http://www.thelocal.se/" target="_blank">The Local</a>" ('Sweden's News in English'), about women and Sweden's Royal honors in general: <a href="http://www.thelocal.se/8576/20070922/" target="_blank">http://www.thelocal.se/8576/20070922/</a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Updated note: </span>Is ABBA appreciated in Sweden? Not too sure about that (link): <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-7786.html" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-7786.html</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Recent (2010) update: What's up with The King?? </span>(link) <a href="http://www.thelocal.se/30030/20101104/" target="_blank">http://www.thelocal.se/30030/20101104/ </a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">(This post is part of an unofficial website examining (primarily) the music and public career of ex-ABBA star Agnetha</span><span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;">Fältskog.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>© 2009-2010 (original portions)<br />
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Link to full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.royalcourt.se/royalcourt/themonarchytheroyalcourt/theswedishmonarchy/medals/litterisetartibus.4.396160511584257f2180006024.html"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-50902186344353753832009-06-12T06:02:00.003-07:002014-01-05T11:49:17.858-08:00Agnetha Fältskog - I Won't Be Leaving You© 2010-11 (original portions)<br />
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Please have a couple of listens to the following song, from the uneven but underrated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyes_of_a_Woman"><i>Eyes of a Woman</i></a> album by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;" title="Pronunciation in IPA">(Pronounced 'ahn-EH-tah'.)</span><br />
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To get "out of the way" a minor element (upfront): FWIW, this newer listener isn't totally enamored with the singer's use of her falsetto voice at moments on "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Best-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/tracks/B001GC4QMO/ref=dp_tracks_all_2/192-5757258-9285604#disc_2" target="_blank">I Won't Be Leaving You</a>"'s (recorded) background/backing vocals. I.e., sometimes it "works", sometimes it distracts/detracts....<br />
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<b style="color: white;">However</b>.... the main vocal in this <span style="color: white;">tender ballad</span> illustrates what the pop <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">soprano</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing" target="_blank">?</a>) could do with expression; with <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">feeling</span>. Agnetha's<span style="font-size: x-small;" title="Pronunciation in IPA"> </span>inherently bright voice may render it subtle at first; but the<span style="color: white;"> </span><i style="color: white;">longing</i> and the "want" she is able to impart here: She's right up in your ear with it - <span style="color: white;">particularly in higher-fidelity recordings</span>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Who wouldn't like to imagine that... ?)</span> If you listen, you can feel the aching yearning at times, especially as the song moves along.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> (And despite a 'clunky' lyric line or two...</span>)</span> <span style="color: white;">It's <i>real</i>. </span>Exposed. Perhaps singing with someone in mind or even some past experience. <br />
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<span style="color: white;">"I want you....I need you", from the refrain:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> She makes you <span style="color: #fff2cc;">believe it</span></span> - whoever Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog is singing about....or to. You feel it, along with her. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And it's sexy</span> and intimate (amongst other sensations it invokes). Sung sultry-sweet and with absolute clarity as always; <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank">characteristic</a> of the talented vocalist.<br />
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...An outstanding singer, <i>especially</i> for sadder/longing ballads (such as this). A signature solo song for the artist, I believe. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(She has (at least) a</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTmfnkSvz0A&fmt=18" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> couple of them</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. And <span style="color: white;">BTW:</span> By "<span style="color: white;">signature</span>", I mean <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/distinguishing?" target="_blank"><i>distinguishing</i></a>. Displays key aspects or features of this particular singer.)</span> :</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Link to HQ YT video/sound (currently available). This is the </span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">better sound quality</span><span style="font-size: small;"> YT presentation: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EcdYZIZko&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EcdYZIZko&fmt=18</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">2010 update:</span> Bad news</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> for YouTube viewers/Agnetha fans...The music videos <span style="font-size: x-small;">(formerly above)</span> have been removed from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YT</a> (United States) apparently by giant <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Music_Group" target="_blank">UMG</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Update: At least that is the (removal) message that appeared on YouTube initially...Original message:</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">" This video contains content from UMG. It is not available in your country.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">")</span> A shame that the solo artist plus this representative song lose that exposure here. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(FWIW: A link to Amazon's current offering of the <i>Eyes of a Woman</i> album is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eyes-Woman-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B000AL5OZA" target="_blank">here</a>. The song is also included on Agnetha's 2008 compilation, <i>My Very Best</i>.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/faltskog-fever.html" target="_blank"></a>) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">2011</span><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"> update:</span> <span style="color: white;">It's back</span>...at least 'for the moment' via YouTube. Thanks to '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MegaABBAgirl" target="_blank">MegaABBAgirl</a>' for posting. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li_q78x0FNc" target="_blank"><b>Link</b> to the song</a> (new window). <span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Volume is high...</span>) <span style="color: #eeeeee;">2013:</span> A <span style="color: #eeeeee;">better</span>-<span style="font-size: small;">(HQ) </span>quality YT version is here (new window opens)<span style="font-size: small;">: <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waPJsjgjB4k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waPJsjgjB4k</a></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing previously written text:)</span> Whatever you believe about the merit of some songs Agnetha<span style="font-size: x-small;" title="Pronunciation in IPA"> <span style="font-size: small;">chose to record as a solo artist, her voice does not disappoint. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Added note:</span> I'm guessing that renowned session musician <a href="http://www.abbasite.com/the-story/people/musicians/lasse-wellander" target="_blank">Lasse Wellander</a> is the source of the brief guitar solo in this song just after the four minute mark. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Corrections welcome. E.g., could it have been another ABBA guitarist, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Janne Schaffer?</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> )</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Like all of ABBA's regular, backing musicians: <a href="http://dictionary.reverso.net/german-english/sehr" target="_blank"><i>Sehr</i></a> proficient and too often overlooked....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: white;">Additional observation:</span> I wonder why the singer pronounced the key (title) line in this song so it sounded a lot like <span style="color: white;">"I won't believe in you"...?</span> Perhaps Agnetha is singing "I won't be leavin' you" <span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">(i.e., droppin' the 'g')</span> and attempted a little play on the words with the phrase. But this did not really jibe with the meaning of the lyrics. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Unless I'm just not "getting it".) </span></span><br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-67615701419739669352009-06-11T11:59:00.000-07:002014-12-18T10:18:21.981-08:00Angels in Disguise: ABBA's 'That's Me'<span style="font-weight: bold;">"Retro discovery":</span> A "new" ABBA promo video. Uhh,<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>new<span style="font-style: italic;"> for me, </span>that is....I much-belatedly started listening to this legendary pop band only a few months ago. <span style="color: white;">(A link to the well-sung 1970's video is near the end of this post<span style="font-size: x-small;">. We're taking a short break from "Agnetha solo", here.</span>..)</span><br />
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As noted on several occasions <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/favorite-video.html" target="_blank">here</a> both ABBA front singers Agnetha <span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian">[aŋˈneːta]</a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span></span>F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog and Frida Lyngstad were good actresses in their early, song-promoting film clips. Even knowing this, it seems to me that both are <span style="font-weight: bold;">especially</span> enjoying presenting 1976's <span style="color: white;">"That's Me"</span>. (The surprisingly intriguing "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That%27s_Me_%28song%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">B-side" </a> for <i>mega-</i>hit<span style="color: #ffffcc; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #ffffcc; font-weight: bold;">"Dancing Queen"</span>.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/Sly0IJIS_QI/AAAAAAAAAWw/JSKI0zJgYRw/s1600-h/Life+dance.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/Sly0IJIS_QI/AAAAAAAAAWw/JSKI0zJgYRw/s200/Life+dance.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358355708646718722" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 171px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 105px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="color: white;">(Dancing.</span> Old image freely available from LIFE photo archives)</span><br />
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ABBA guiding force, manager <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stig_Anderson" target="_blank">Stig Anderson</a> could be candid when giving interviews about his charges. E.g., in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_pdAoskWgU&feature=related" target="_blank">this (well-done) ABC News "20/20" segment from 1979</a>, he provides Pierre Salinger with quick but quite<span style="color: white;"> revealing</span> "capsules" of the supergroup's four stars. (Also ref.: Carl Magnus <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank">Palm's "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows"</a>.)<br />
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Closely-involved Stig nonchalantly describes both ABBA ladies as having "temperaments". (But also softens this with other observations.) And I believe that this was likely true to a degree. The sometimes volatile nature of the women's relationships (before, during, and after ABBA) may (further) bear this out. <a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/10/dagblad-de-limburger-february-2002.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Both (apparently) were strongly individual, with perhaps a little vulnerability at times.</a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">(I'm speculating a bit, but if</span> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Björn Ulvaeus wrote this song's lyrics (as he usually did for ABBA by mid-1976), he was increasingly writing from personal experience/relationship experience</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">. <span style="color: #cccccc;">See pages 285 and 294 </span><a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank">in Carl Magnus Palm's 2001 ABBA biography</a> <span style="color: #cccccc;">f</span></span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">or additional background information.)</span></span></span><br />
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"That's Me"'s <span style="color: #cccccc;">promo seems a rather quick "knock-off", incorporating clips from other ABBA vids., etc. But the videogenic women and their expressions make it</span> quite watchable</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">. <span style="color: #cccccc;">(Shot in tight close-up: You <i>have</i> to be an attractive person to pull that off....))</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"> <span style="color: #cccccc;">The ladies</span> - posed sister-close - are <span style="font-style: italic;">enjoying</span> this song; looking nice, singing in their sultry/sweet voices ...<span style="color: #ffffcc;">. <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(*cough*)</span> about (perhaps) some<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(personal?)</span> high-maintenance</span> qualities</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span> <span style="color: #cccccc;">(As we're forewarned in the song's opening lines.)</span></span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Almost looks like they're keeping back a laugh every now and then (as they mime the song). It's good acting -- perhaps in part because some of the words were meaningful (for the two). <span style="font-size: x-small;">Both ladies (are able to) "<span style="font-size: x-small;">reach</span> through the screen" on this one</span>:</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SmtMKb2hy_I/AAAAAAAAAbw/p0paWjisTds/s1600-h/thatsmefrda.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SmtMKb2hy_I/AAAAAAAAAbw/p0paWjisTds/s320/thatsmefrda.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362463523473574898" style="display: block; height: 210px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><br />
Check out the <span style="font-weight: bold;">whimsical</span> looks as they sing "That's me, you see" around the song's middle section. Were these ladies "diva-like"? At times, <span style="color: white;">I'll</span><span style="color: white; font-style: italic;"> bet</span><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;"> (Ms. F</span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">ltskog eventually named one of her greatest hits (solo) compilations with the same title. This song is said to be</span> <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.abbaannual.com/1976ThatsMeVi.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.abbaannual.com/Arrival.htm&usg=__b8WGNXO12LBPKNMl83ppGL6ooXE=&h=158&w=203&sz=17&hl=en&start=46&um=1&tbnid=yy35L9sXk957yM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=105&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dthat%2527s%2Bme%2B%252B%2BABBA%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D1" target="_blank">one of her favorites</a>.</span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;"> 11/09 update: <span style="color: white;">Confirmed</span> as one of Agnetha's favorite songs (ABBA); per page 133 in the "As I Am" biography.) Knowing some of the group's backstories it's hard not to smile a bit watching their (seemingly) tongue-in-cheek performance </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: white;">(at moments)</span> </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;">here. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">Anyway, another underrated pop song from the group/artists. It's humorously done but to some extent e</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">xpresses a contemporary attitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Angels in disguise".</span> </span>Who knows;<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>perhaps in this man's world they are.... <span style="color: #cccccc;">Both definitely</span> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/orsinging-sirens.html" target="_blank">could sing like it</a>. "That's Me"'s in-unison singing, quickly followed by the two voices wonderful harmonies:<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">It is "(ABBA) vocal magic" on display... </span> Two modern-day '<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/siren?" target="_blank">sirens</a>'. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Link is to word definition; meaning <span style="color: #eeeeee;">#2</span> -- but part of def. #1, also....)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">2014 update</span></b>: Love the coincidental <span style="font-size: x-small;">(lyrics)</span> reference: <b>"<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I believe in angels...</span>"</b>, in a snippet of the two <span style="font-size: x-small;">(snowy)</span> ABBA beauties</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">at the <span style="color: #eeeeee;">0:48</span> mark of </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27TGkADStbw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this cool, official video</a></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (link, new window).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing:)</span> -> <span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>More:</b></span> Watching the video performance several times: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Though seemingly a fairly "routine" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(for ABBA)</span> effort, taken as a <b>whole</b> -- song, singing, <span style="font-size: x-small;">(certain)</span> lyrics, video presentation, ladies' performances </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(video and in-unison singing)</span></span></span> -- I think it shows multifaceted greatness (from this group). And, it's also somehow <span style="font-size: x-small;">(rather)</span> intensely <i>personal</i> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to/for viewers.</span> (For the time perio<span style="font-size: xx-small;">d</span>. Again; the womens' acting has something to do with this.)</span></span></span><br />
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A few selected lyrics from <span style="color: white;">"That's Me"</span> are at the end of this entry.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SrFrQ1JA43I/AAAAAAAAAj0/V5ZRSbUHz0E/s400/thatsmeagnetha.JPG" /></div>
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The YT video (<b>at last</b>): </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/mP_dk429rbc?rel=0" width="480"></iframe>
<b style="color: white;">Link</b> to this video (functioning as of 2009):<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP_dk429rbc&fmt=18" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP_dk429rbc&fmt=18<b> </b></a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">Bonus:</span> For a more complete perspective from the two ladies (in general), please re-visit this 2009 "Aftonbladet" interview: <a href="http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/article4248848.ab" target="_blank">http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/article4248848.ab</a><br />
And, if you're in to "retro-competitions" with these two <a href="http://www.misterpoll.com/875575645.html" target="_blank">here's a poll for you (link)</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">(Oh...And let's hope that the tune's <span style="color: white;">"Carrie" </span>reference wasn't somehow to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074285/" target="_blank">Brian DePalma's (late) 1976 movie</a> "carrying" the same name. That is <span style="color: white;">unlikely</span>, however: Both the (detailed) <a href="http://www.abbaannual.com/" target="_blank">"ABBA Annual" site </a>and Wikipedia show "That's Me" <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That%27s_Me_%28song%29" target="_blank">recorded/released in 1976 (August), as a 'B' side. It was then later released as a single in Japan in 1977</a>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">Selected lyrics, <span style="color: white;">"That's Me"</span>. Artist: ABBA:</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">"Are you sure you wanna hear more </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">What if I ain't worth the while </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Not the style you'd be lookin' for </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">If I'm sweet tonight </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Things look different in the morning light </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">I'm jealous and I'm proud </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">If you hurt my feelings I'll cry out loud </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">I'm Carrie not-the-kind-of-girl-you'd-marry </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">That's me</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Are you sure you wanna hear more </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Would I be the one you seek </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Mild and meek like the girl next door </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">Don't you realise </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">I may be an angel in disguise </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">It's lonely to be free </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">But I'm not a man's toy, I'll never be </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">I'm Carrie not-the-kind-of-girl-you'd-marry </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">That's me "</span><br />
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(etc.)<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Added 'bonus':</span> The following linked performance (currently) available on YouTube is of a different ABBA song. It is included to help (further) demonstrate <span style="color: white;">three</span> things: <span style="color: white;">1)</span> How absolutely beautiful both ABBA's singers were in their prime performing years. (E.g., It is not that 'easy' (for most) to look <i>that</i> great in bright sunshine...) In more than one way the two together (still) have no equal (duo) in popular music. ABBA (as an entity) was indeed smart and fortunate to attract and (further) develop such talent. Singing sirens.... <span style="color: white;">2)</span> ABBA showed prescience to film song promo videos or actual (television) programs such as this one (in part), years prior to MTV. Though likely not a primary aim at the time, new generations are able to "discover" the supergroup from its peak years via such films. These are going to be viewed/re-viewed for a long, long time to come.... (Thanks again to '2Shaymcn' for editing/posting it - please mind your (headphones) <span style="color: white;">volume</span>.)<br />
<span style="color: white;">3)</span> Did I mention that the ABBA ladies were very beautiful?? <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Check out a couple of the viewer comments on the actual YT video...)</span> Anyway...the two are posed/acting for the video here, but I think it's pretty clear that they got along OK...<br />
('Subjective' 3a.) Frida's most becoming hairstyle of any video (I've located)...<span style="font-size: x-small;">Except <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3RfAmAGI1A&fmt=18" target="_blank">this one (link)</a>, also.</span>)<br />
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Enjoy. It's 'old-time' now, but there's still nothing quite like these two: <span style="color: white;">(link) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyGmvfJiJ-4" target="_blank"><b>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyGmvfJiJ-4</b></a></span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><b> </b></span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poJagCzUrus" target="_blank"><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yet another worthwhile look back:</span> '<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3QEbynKKFY&fmt=18#t=2m59s" target="_blank">Deep link</a></b>' <span style="font-size: x-small;">(click)</span> to part of a beautiful, YouTube photo/music tribute to ABBA, by 'nickless1980'. Of the many excellent photos displayed, the too-brief (candid) moment at the <b>6:22-23 </b>mark picturing young and joyful ABBA ladies together - as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZra5pCR1VA&feature=artist" target="_blank">Dune</a>'s outstanding "One Of Us" closes out - <span style="color: white;">is bittersweet. Poignant now...</span>as is much of this video<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/collage" target="_blank"> collage-</a> plus-music.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="657" scrolling="no" src="//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/84999837?et=30k_n_JRFEqF32TGVtLX_g&sig=VNEce0pE7Qw4pq4f465X3hOOgWnp5hxEblk6kzr0TyE=" width="594"></iframe>
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(Image source: Getty Images. Non-commercial usage. No ownership/endorsements expressed or implied.)
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-39282394877342626902009-06-11T11:50:00.000-07:002014-12-17T20:20:56.323-08:00A mini-review of 'I Stand Alone' (Agnetha Fältskog, 1987)© 2009-2014 (original sections). (<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please request permission to copy via email<span style="font-size: x-small;"> address<span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span></span> bottom of the page.<span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span><br />
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FWIW, I put together a quick, listener's "retro-review" of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span>ltskog</a>'s solo album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Stand-Alone-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B000006YMN" target="_blank"><i>I Stand Alone</i></a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pronounced<span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian"> [aŋˈneːta]</a>. A short, funny <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAnelxqJ5M&fmt=18" target="_blank">video (link)</a> has a pronunciation for us at the end.)</span></span> This review is focused mainly upon Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's voice and her singing - the primary features many listen for in solo efforts by the artist.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">The review was partially posted at another site. Here is that attempt</span> in it's entirety. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Now slightly updated; <span style="color: #eeeeee;">2012</span>.)</span>:<br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">""Easy listenening Agnetha" = 3.75 stars (Four+ stars (of five) for Agnetha fans.) <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Especially for those who - as I do - believe that age 'thirtysomething' Agnetha's feminine voice is one of the most pleasing and distinct<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (on record)<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span>in the last few decades (popular music). What follows is - of course - an opinion. It's not objective....)</span>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/Sqa4iKbVpPI/AAAAAAAAAiI/fDT-qzYFZkM/s1600-h/orion.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/Sqa4iKbVpPI/AAAAAAAAAiI/fDT-qzYFZkM/s320/orion.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379189701994718450" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 285px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;">If you're here you likely know that Ms. F</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">ltskog is the blonde, former front singer from '<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supergroup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">super-group</a>' ABBA. And perhaps also, that her singing voice is a crystal-clear wonder. As noted, that pure and sweet-sounding voice alone "earns" stars from me for any of her post-ABBA solo efforts. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><i>I Stand Alone</i> is 1980's easy listening; the type of album that you can have on your headphones while you go ahead and do something else. There's not much happening that you'd call riveting, but Agnetha's shiny voice is pleasant throughout; a nice back-track to almost anything. In truth, when Ms. F</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">ltskog invokes her early idols (e.g., Connie Francis), packing her voice with plaintiveness, emotion - even angst; it's the artist at her most affecting. (Ref.: ABBA's "Hasta Manana", "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvChjHcABPA&fmt=18" target="_blank">SOS</a>", "The Winner Takes It All".) There's relatively little of that to be found here. This is smoother, easy-listening Agnetha.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">With Ms. F</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">ltskog, co-producers Peter Cetera and Bruce Gaitsch chose songs/arrangements that settled the artist into nice, relaxed vocal channels. <i>I Stand Alone</i> also seems slickly produced and has better overall sound quality than Agnetha's first post-ABBA solo outing, <i>Wrap Your Arms Around Me</i>. A nice touch: The singer's lovely, fading-in background notes setting the mood to open the record. (Track 1,"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTzd2t4l-IM" target="_blank">The Last Time</a>".) And Agnetha's charming (tinge of an) accent adds a bit of spice from the beginning and throughout. (Though I also seem to detect a slight lisp at times that I never heard before or since.) Like Agnetha's clear-but-nuanced, feminine voice <span style="font-size: x-small;">(as perceived by some)</span>, this album effort earns greater appreciation upon closer listening.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">No (worldwide) hits sprang from the sparely-promoted work, but the first several songs (especially) are eminently listenable: E.g., Both Ms. Faltskog and Peter Cetera (can) have dramatic voices, but their duet "I Wasn't the One" doesn't have much spark for some reason; though it's still very enjoyable. (Mr. Cetera somewhat dominates it.) Agnetha's best singing moment this time around occurs near the end of pensive "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTMr6MALkGI" target="_blank">Maybe It Was Magic</a>" (after the booming drum bit), when American country artist Juice Newton seems fleetingly invoked. (Much more about this song, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-and-not-maybe-it-was.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) Last song, "If You Need Somebody Tonight", is done nicely also. (Crystal-clear, yet intimate. Update: The high-fidelity recording allows us to hear the professional singer's breathing at moments <span style="font-size: x-small;">(in the song.)</span> Intriguing.... She "sighs out" (of)/has breath left over for the (short) line ending with the word "strong". Her sweet, high-voice finish (second-to-last line) is enchanting. A feeling, "Agnetha song"....)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cccccc;">"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMgyC-E6Nx0" target="_blank">Love In A World Gone Mad</a>" is sweetly sung <span style="font-size: x-small;">(a voice like honey,actually)</span> and has some "catchy-ness" to it. "Little White Secrets" is similar, and features some appealing, longing lyrics; an interpretive sweet spot for the usually-expressive singer. (Update: The song (however) is gifted with a gorgeous and powerful "close-out" by the singer (starting with the "burning dreams" line) - an example of 1980's Agnetha at her <span style="color: white;">best</span>. (<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Especially evident on better-fidelity recordings. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A singer <span style="font-size: x-small;">adept <span style="font-size: x-small;">at</span> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">seemingly</span>) </span>"getting personal" with the listener via her voice, at <span style="font-size: x-small;">moments</span>. </span></span></span>More here (link - <span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">future post</span>).) Speaking of best, Ms. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">F</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">ltskog</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> is never more smooth than on "Let It Shine", a comparatively bright song for her. It's perfectly delivered. And though we learn that she's not <a href="http://www.benatar.com/" target="_blank">Pat Benatar</a>, I appreciate her nice attempt at a bit of a "rocker" with "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKkY36Up-Hg&feature=PlayList&p=64E7D6CD76FF4851&index=0&playnext=1" target="_blank">We Got A Way</a>". The world's clearest/sweetest-voiced rocker on this one, perhaps. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Updated note: As with a few of her other solo songs, the bright-voiced singer seems to 'warm-up" to this song as it moves along. A little tentative at its beginning...) </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">It might again just be me but I (also) find the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9cc4RbGbxU" target="_blank">title track</a>'s execution a bit curious: The refrain's beginning, independent-woman lyrics are sung with conviction (possibly employing the backing vocalists?). But the "punch line" (i.e., "I stand alone") is (then) delivered by Ms. F</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">ltskog in a girlish, almost meek-sounding voice at times. Perhaps a little quirk....</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><b>Wrap:</b> Overall, I'm confident that your own favorites can be found here, if you enjoy a nice voice in a generally laid-back, easy listening format.</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">What is pleasant? Agnetha's almost serene outing on <i>I Stand Alone</i>.</span> "</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Updated blog note: The <a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html" target="_blank">Agnetha.net website </a>(Bio section) places <a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Stand-Alone-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B000006YMN" target="_blank">sales of this album</a> in the neighborhood of 2 million copies.<span style="color: white;"> (Unverified.) Also:</span> Here's a very good effort featuring insightful reviews of <span style="color: white;"><b>all</b> </span>of </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ms. F</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: 85%;">ä</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">ltskog's</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">solo music</span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (link): <a href="http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/annasolo.html" target="_blank">http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/annasolo.html</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span> One song not mentioned above is "Are You Gonna Throw It All Away" (song no. 9 on the album). An example - for me - of how an Agnetha effort can "grow" upon a listener over time. For some reason this song doesn't really grab the listener, but Agnetha's <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sweet?" target="_blank">sweet</a> and feminine higher voice is appealing, upon further review. But perhaps her higher-voiced efforts are often better used as accent - or as a pleasant "surprise". (Pls. ref. the ending of the last song on this album.) It may be "sweetness overload" within this particular song. So much so that it becomes bland or too much of the same thing, as the singer spends much time using that area of her voice. However, to me it is still impressive how the singer alternates between her "higher voice" and "lower voice" on sections of "...Throw It All Away". </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">As with all prolific artists not every effort is going to be a triumph.</span> Still, for some reason it is easy to overlook nuances mentioned above upon the first couple of listens....</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is amazing what Agnetha could do with that rangy and super-sweet voice, when one considers it.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And a YT "find" for real fans:</span> Go<i> waaay</i> behind the scenes of the making of <i>I Stand Alone</i> with Peter Cetera and Agnetha! Thanks to '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Ljus85" target="_blank">Ljus85</a>' for posting this rare video, which may have been a WEA record company "thing". It's <span style="color: white;">bad</span> quality, but you can get the idea. Gotta love the basketball-playing Agnetha....<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kT4NssGwQY&feature=related" target="_blank">Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kT4NssGwQY&feature=related </a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: white;">And also</span>: From the '<a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">ABBA: The Articles' website</a>, read a piece where Agnetha talks a bit about the <i>I Stand Alone</i> album. (<a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2010/04/veronica-february-1988-agnetha-faltskog.html" target="_blank">Link to the article</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I'd bet that </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Ms. F</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">ä</span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">ltskog</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> did not appreciate the (unfavorable) headline that was written for it...</span> ) </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
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<span style="color: #ffff99; font-family: verdana;">Bonus:</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Link (below) to a well-done interview on You Tube from 1987 (in Swedish, with subtitles). This beautiful singer definitely does have charisma as is noted at the end. But as usual, she was guarded (or modest) about examining personal qualities, even positive ones. A pleasant chat though, and a good inquiry from the engaging interviewer about Agnetha being on stage and her feelings toward connecting with her public. (Interesting re the (international) career though: She then proceeded to "shut it down" for <span style="color: white; font-weight: bold;">nearly 17</span> years shortly after this album and her promo interviews....)<br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Excellent <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/golliwog14" target="_blank">You Tube-er</a> comment here: <span style="color: white;">"...her voice is a cure...."</span> Hope this video stays posted: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3qWivlHBpE" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3qWivlHBpE</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Note: This blog entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts here. It's actual creation date is 8/15/09.</span></span></span></span></span>Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-83526518654005086892009-06-10T20:00:00.003-07:002014-05-15T20:08:52.583-07:00Agnetha's best voice: One Way Love© 2009-2011 (original sections)<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: white;">"...her voice is a cure..." </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">YouTube commenter '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/golliwog14" target="_blank">golliwog14</a>', re singer Agnetha</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> F</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">ä</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">ltskog.</span></span><br />
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(<span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span> The published <span style="color: #eeeeee;">comments</span> at the end of this post are valuable for - and (I believe) improve upon - the discussion <span style="font-size: x-small;">(that follows)</span>.) <br />
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Picking up on a suggestion (I made) from the adjacent post here, "<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" target="_blank">The Best Post-ABBA Song for Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog</a>":<br />
(Reader note: Interesting, (slightly) "technical" music details are going to follow. It is a fairly lengthy entry, but <span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">few</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> have explored this area....</span><span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span> This author - <a href="http://www.christopherpatrick.com.au/" target="_blank">Christopher Patrick</a> - <i style="color: white;">has</i><span style="color: white;"> </span>explored <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABBA" target="_blank">ABBA</a> music and their vocalists' abilities in enlightening detail (<a href="http://abbaletthemusicspeak.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">link to more info.</a>).) And another, useful <span style="color: white;">update</span>: The excellent '<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/fs-30652567nx61610.html" target="_blank">abba4ever</a>' forum has a couple of older topics re Agnetha's voice that I wasn't aware of when originally writing this post. They're worth a look. Links (new windows) are <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-1311.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-7184.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From listening to many of her efforts, I suggest that (much of) 1985's "<i>One Way Love</i>" is</span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> near-center</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> in (<i>adult</i>) </span><a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'s vocal "</span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">comfort zone</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">".</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pronounced</span><span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian"> [aŋˈneːta]</a>. A short, funny <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAnelxqJ5M&fmt=18" target="_blank">video is here</a>.)</span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I.e., her vocal</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tessitura" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank"> tessitura</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, as I understand the term.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">("</span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">One Way Love</span><span style="font-size: small;">'s" YouTube video is embedded further below.</span> This post ignores its just-OK video presentation.)</span><br />
I'll say more about this impression (re the (main) voice utilized in 'One Way Love') further below...<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Quick 2013 update: </span>I (the writer) no longer agree with statements just above. Upon listening much more to Agnetha, I now suspect that her voice as used in "One Way Love" may be closer to <span style="color: #eeeeee;">MY</span> 'comfort zone', vs. hers. I.e., my own preference(s) may have colored perception here. Agnetha's voice/range in that song seem more what <b>I</b> prefer from her capabilities</span>....<br />
I'll let what follows stand, though. (Some of the analysis/insights may be worthwhile for fans.)<br />
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(Continuing, previously written:) Prefacing some of the text that follows, it should be noted that <span style="color: white;">this singer's "zone" may have had (at least) a couple of segments.</span> (Or sub-divisions.<span style="font-size: large;">☻</span>) <span style="font-size: small;">And, to be fair: Her super-<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sweet">sweet</a> voice quality <span style="color: white;">- more apparent in other songs -</span> gives the "<i>One Way Love</i>" "paradigm" serious competition. One decent example of this <span style="color: white;">(sweet)</span> quality is included <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg" target="_blank">here</a> (new window opens). Another is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fglv9D14fVc" target="_blank">linked here</a>. And <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxHIz-eg5UQ&fmt=18" target="_blank">another</a> (in Swedish.) <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <i>And</i> a pleasing, high-register <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmFfS9uYi_E&feature=related" target="_blank">example, here</a></span>.</span> (Such <span style="color: white;">wide ability</span> (versatility) is what helps make the pop singer an appealing one, IMO. (Plus there's another whole discussion (- we won't go there, here -) about how ably Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog could shift between a softer, warmer, (often-sweet), more intimate singing style (or voice) and her clear, (often-sweet), ringing (even piercing with the higher voice) louder efforts. (One "forte" (<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/forte?" target="_blank">music def.</a>), solo example is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fglv9D14fVc" target="_blank">linked here</a> (particularly the refrain). 1983's "<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ_cTGxogAo" target="_blank">Shame</a></i>", perhaps another. "<i>One Way Love</i>" (below) is another louder effort, though not (comparatively) "super-sweet-voiced"....BTW, most of Agnetha's 1987<i> I Stand Alone</i> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/mini-review-of-i-stand-alone-1987.html" target="_blank">album</a> is performed with a (relatively) more subdued, smoother singing style (as an example of that).)) We don't have time/space here, but there is<i> <span style="color: white;">also</span></i> Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's unusual ability to sound plaintive - even wailing - in certain efforts. One example: The refrain from this excellent, in-Swedish song from 1975. (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5retRoHsupg" target="_blank">link (new window)</a>)<br />
Note: All songs linked here sound <b>better </b>on hi-fidelity <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Best-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B001GC4QM4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1273463134&sr=8-2" target="_blank">recordings</a>. BTW, <span style="color: white;">equal time:</span> Some definitely don't seem to agree (with my own assessments): link, new window: <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3615466/Stayingin.html" target="_blank">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3615466/Stayingin.html</a>)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #ffe599;">2012 insert/update:</span></b> </span>Interested readers are welcome to continue as I 'box around' some ideas about Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's special voice, below. However, here is a current link to a YT video which identifies a range of notes achieved by the singer over time, via <a href="http://piano.about.com/library/Pitch-Notation/bl_Scientific-Pitch-Notation.htm" target="_blank">scientific pitch notation</a>. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4lNdora_PU" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Link to video</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, new window opens.)</span> <span style="color: #cccccc;">I think it is a very good effort, demonstrating a good portion of what follows</span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(below, and in the comments here)</span>. As time permits I'll try to verify the notes ID'd in the video on a piano. My guess is that they are accurate. Although I'll take one more moment to add that the 'A7' scream ID'd around the 4:35 mark (video) is (to my ears) just that<b>:</b> A scream, vs. a music note.....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(As also mentioned in the YT video's comments... the 'B7' note included is probably an instrument.</span>)<br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing previously written text:)</span> And also to preface, please be aware that this (American) writer is more familiar with Ms.F</span><span style="color: white; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: white;">ltskog's English solo work<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. It is worth a listen to explore</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> a few</span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> of her Swedish-language songs, </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-selected-songs-in-swedish.html" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">via a post here (link)</a><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.</span> The artist's recent compilation album, "</span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GC4QM4" style="color: white;" target="_blank">My Very Best</a></i><span style="color: white;">" (link) contains 18 top songs in her native language.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Also please note that what follows is mainly about the singer's voice and how it is used. <i>Not</i> "<i>One Way Love</i>"'s merit as a song <span style="font-size: x-small;">(plus other ones mentioned below)</span>, melody, video presentation, meanings of lyrics, etc...</span><br />
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The <span style="color: white;">strong</span>, lower-range "<i>One Way Love</i>" is an example of why I sometimes questioned whether <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/minting-new-fans.html" target="_blank">Agnetha's voice type</a> could be "classified" as" "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_classification_in_non-classical_music" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">soprano</span></a>". Versus the often more rangy and versatile mezzo-soprano type. In ABBA, Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog usually sang the higher-voiced parts, but could also sometimes match with her partner, rich "mezzo" Anni-Frid Lyngstad. One probable reason (of several) that the two meshed so well together. (Frida could also "sing high" when necessary. Pls. see reader comment, end of post. <i>And also</i>, superb analysis/examples (re Frida singing high), pp.142-43 of Mr. Patrick's book.) <span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span> In 1996's biography <i>As I Am</i>, co-author Brita Ahman <span style="color: white;">describes Agnetha as having "...a very wide register and range."</span> (Page 127.) A confirmation of that statement follows:<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(Updated) analysis:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><i>Without</i> the song's sheet music, I "pulled out" my trusty,<a href="http://method-behind-the-music.com/piano" target="_blank"> flash (virtual) piano keyboard</a>. <b><span style="color: white;">Matching</span></b> Agnetha's sung word "<span style="color: white;">down</span>" at the 35-36 second mark of the "<i><span style="color: white;">One Way Love</span></i>" YT video, the keyboard rang the <b>A</b> note that is two keys below (to the left of) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_%28musical_note%29" target="_blank"><b>middle C</b></a>. (A/k/a C4, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_pitch_notation" target="_blank">in scientific pitch notation</a>.) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_range" target="_blank">Per Wikipedia</a>, <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">this is outside (i.e., slightly lower) than what's considered to be the common vocal range for a (classical) soprano. (Which generally begins at middle C.)</span><br />
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Even with this information, I'd guess that Agnetha is (was) primarily a (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_classification_in_non-classical_music" target="_blank">non-classical music</a>) soprano. (Per the following examples.) <b>But</b> with a musically useful range that extends below the common classification. <span style="color: white;">Important to note (for this discussion): </span>"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing" target="_blank">There is currently no authoritative voice classification system within non-classical music</a>." But, we will continue on here, understanding the limitations. (Perhaps this is one reason why I had difficulty guessing what voice "classification" Agnetha might have best approximated (per above). Plus, as noted in the linked article, technical enhancements (to voice, etc.) are often used (in popular music).)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SuH4lGyHj-I/AAAAAAAAArs/m4OYOz-jl0A/s1600-h/Opera_singer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SuH4lGyHj-I/AAAAAAAAArs/m4OYOz-jl0A/s200/Opera_singer.jpg" /></a><span style="color: white;">(Continuing:) There is <i>more</i>: A different example, for her<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <b>high</b></span> voice: (And switching over to look at a couple of ABBA songs, briefly.)</span> No sheet music again, but in the beautiful, higher-voiced "<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dP2_yjFE3w&feature=related" target="_blank">The Winner Takes It All</a></i>", my virtual keyboard matches a few of Agnetha's quick higher notes as <b>B's </b>(B5's)<b>, </b>one piano key below "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C_%28musical_note%29" target="_blank">high C</a>". (A/k/a C6 in scientific<b> </b>pitch notation, two octaves above C4.) <i>However</i>, I think she goes <b>higher</b> than that at least once in that song. The word "takes", in "the winner takes it all"(late in the piece) -- could be the C# (C sharp) just <span style="color: white;">above</span> "high C"... -- per my <b>amateur analysis</b>. (Please keep "amateur" in mind. I'm <span style="color: white;">estimating</span>....Listen to Benny Andersson's piano at the song's end, for some of the notes that Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog hit.) <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">10/09 update:</span> I found free piano sheet music for "<i>Winner</i>..." (At the same site as linked, below.) The vocal melody as written (at its highest notes) features many B -, C - and even D-notes -- all "<span style="color: white;">flatted</span>". (E.g., <span style="color: white;">D-flat</span>, which I believe is the same as C#.) They are written at one octave above "middle C" (treble clef). <span style="color: white;">The question is "where" Agnetha is singing these written notes.</span> It <span style="color: white;">sounds</span> to me (via my virtual piano keyboard) that she is (of course) singing the correct notes, but actually at<i> <span style="color: white;">two</span></i> octaves above middle C. (Not surprising (at this point); she's a good (pop) soprano....) But.... that is just my amateur analysis. And, a quick, March, 2010 <span style="color: white;">update</span>: I continue to evaluate these statements in light of Mr. Patrick's professional analysis. <span style="color: white;">Per page 290-91 of his book</span> (link above), it appears that I have correctly identified the notes involved (above), as written. <i>Where</i> is Agnetha singing them? Mr. Patrick describes her as "<span style="color: white;">confidently commanding a range of an 11th over two octaves</span>", in the "two vocal phrases (statements) that comprise the song". (One of these includes the "the winner takes it all" phrase.) I'm not musically-knowledgeable enough (yet) to completely understand his terminology, precisely. He may simply mean that she goes through a series of eleven notes which span two octaves in these phrases. I'll continue reading his book for more clues. My ear - and virtual piano - still "tell" me that Agnetha's vocal (in this part of the song) is <i>two</i> octaves (sixteen notes) above "middle C", at points...</span><br />
<span style="color: white;">2011 updated note:</span> Expert Christopher Patrick categorizes Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog as a soprano, her partner Frida as a mezzo on page 141 of his definitive work. That's good enough for me...and perhaps most (remaining) readers (here) as well. Much easier for qualified Mr. Patrick, I'm sure; but I had to "box it around" and figure it out the hard way....<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A quick aside:</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Please take a few minutes to visit the following song review of "<i>Winner</i>..." from 1980 by critic Tom Ewing. Please right-click on the link.</span> <a href="http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2008/11/abba-the-winner-takes-it-all/" target="_blank">http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2008/11/abba-the-winner-takes-it-all/</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Range_of_soprano_voice_marked_on_keyboard.svg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SuDgFhiDVnI/AAAAAAAAArk/UUv7pN8wW7s/s400/akeyboards.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="en"><i>(This image has been released into the <b><a class="extiw" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/public_domain" title="w:public domain">public domain</a></b> by its author, <b><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:WarX" title="User:WarX">WarX</a></b>. This applies worldwide.)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Even <span style="color: white;">more</span>. Re </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ms. F</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ltskog</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'s <b>low</b> voice:</span> In ABBA's "<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctzIEjjOfd4" target="_blank">Dancing Queen</a></i>", the (sung) word "<span style="color: white;">king</span>", in the line "...look for a king", plays as the <b><span style="color: white;">F#</span> </b>note on my keyboard, <i>that's located three and one-half keys <span style="color: white;">below</span> </i>middle C. (The word "dance" somewhat later, also.) In recordings, I believe I can hear Agnetha following mezzo partner Frida down to this <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">low</span></span> note. If so, that's pretty amazing to me. (Frida leads (here), but I definitely think I can still hear Agnetha's crisper voice <span style="color: white;">also</span> on the lowest note(s). Update: On page 80 of his book (below), Mr. Patrick also (independently) uses "crisp" to describe Agnetha's sound quality contribution (on a different song).) <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Update: I located a </span><a href="http://pianotte.szm.com/D.htm" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">site</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(link at own risk)</span> with free piano/vocal sheet music for '<i>Dancing Queen</i>'. The note in question (i.e., sung word "king") appears to in fact be an F-sharp, in both the bass and treble clefs. The question is whether Agnetha is actually singing the F# with Frida.</span> (BTW, I have no separate vocalist scores if there were any.) I<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">t certainly <span style="color: white;">sounds</span> to me like she <i>is</i> singing low(er) </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">with</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Frida.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">March, 2010 <span style="color: white;">update</span>: At first read of C. Patrick's detailed 2008 book, <i><a href="http://abbaletthemusicspeak.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">ABBA: Let The Music Speak</a>, </i>the author notes that the two ABBA singers "sound as one voice" (in this song, page 31), though they are an octave apart - in the song's <b>refrain</b> (emphasis added). I'm still reading the book to discover whether Mr. Patrick finds that Agnetha actually matches Frida on the low notes (<b>not</b> in the refrain) mentioned above....<span style="color: white;">Another update:</span> <b>Impression at least partly confirmed</b>. Page 226 of Mr. Patrick's book contains a partial vocal score for "<i>Dancing Queen</i>". The low notes in the brief passages in question (above) are scored as: A single E note (five whole note piano keys below middle C), followed by several F-sharps (three and one-half keys below),<span style="color: white;">including the sustained F# on sung words "king", "dance", etc.</span> <i style="color: white;">Also</i><span style="color: white;">:</span> Mr. Patrick illustrates (pages 226-7) that, through verse #2 <span style="font-size: x-small;">(includes low F# (on "dance"))</span> and following chorus, ABBA's wonderful singers "<span style="color: white;">...have in fact presided over a vocal range spanning <i>three octaves</i> from verse start to chorus end...</span>" <b>However </b>(<span style="color: white;">conclusion</span> to this section)<b> </b>: It's still a question whether Agnetha is <i>exactly</i> "on" the low, sustained note(s) (in "DQ") with Frida. It seems that she is very close; <span style="color: white;">but perhaps slightly higher....?</span> If interested pls. watch and listen to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbP6Q8aYKDk&fmt=18" target="_blank">this YouTube clip</a> showing ABBA rehearsal of an unused (or "lost") verse from "DQ". I had to listen several times to finally discern that Agnetha <i>may</i> in fact be singing (the notes) slightly higher than mezzo Frida. One more factor to consider: These two voices have somewhat different <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbre" target="_blank">timbre(s)</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(i.e., 'tone')</span>; one reason they can (sometimes) sound <span style="color: #cccccc;">slightly</span> different (with close listening) even when singing the same note.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What <b style="color: white;"><i>is</i></b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(further)</span> confirmed here is that these were two special pop voices, especially together. <span style="color: white;">Amazing in-unison singers</span>.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (That it is sometimes difficult to discern between the voices is proof of that. And BTW: <i>Sultry</i> voices by the ladies (as well) in the rehearsal video of the song ("<i>D.Q.</i>")....)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">CORRECTION re the following paragraph: </span>Upon review, based upon the 10/24/11 comment below, I believe that I likely picked up the wrong notes via the piano here...Re-playing them, Agnetha's higher notes (in the backgound) in fact sound like F#'s below high C, not above... <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Original text:)</span> Amazingly more:</span> I think rangy Agnetha "helps" (also rangy) Frida with a couple more low <span style="color: white;">F-sharps</span> in "<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS4-It4dG80&NR=1" target="_blank">If It Wasn't For The Nights</a></i>", though Frida <span style="color: white;">magnificently</span> leads the way in those portions. BTW, my virtual keyboard <i>also</i> tracks Agnetha (again) above "high C" in this same song. <span style="color: white;">I don't know</span>, but noticeable in <i>this</i> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQqbljOc1NA" target="_blank">recorded/mimed version of ..."Nights" (link)</a>; Agnetha could be <i>well above,</i> in (parts of) her (recorded) high-voice harmonies. (Per the virt. piano keyboard: <span style="color: white;">The F# above "high C" ?!?</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQqbljOc1NA" target="_blank">Check the recording/video</a> at the 25 second mark, and again at about 2:17.) <span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If accurate of course, this puts Ms.F</span><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ltskog both (well?) below </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and</span><span style="color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> above common soprano range, within the same recording.</span> (<i style="color: white;">Possibly</i><span style="color: white;"> from the F# below middle C (:19, :37 second mark (etc.) in the video) to the F# above high C (in background harmony, noted</span>).) What do I know....maybe this occurred more than I realize. This is a good "show-off" song, for <b>both</b> vocalists. (Though admittedly a bit shrill-sounding in the chorus....)<br />
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<span style="color: white;">(CORRECTED section:</span>) - Incredibly more: As expertly noted by Christopher Patrick in his detailed 2008 book <a href="http://abbaletthemusicspeak.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>ABBA: Let The Music Speak</i></a>, <span style="color: white;">just how high could pop soprano Agnetha Faltskog reach with her voice</span>? Try the very last sung or (mostly)"screamed" word "tiger" at the 2:47-2:48 mark of the linked YT video for ABBA's "<i>Tiger</i>"... (Ref. page 37.) Employing the virtual piano keyboard again, a guess is that she briefly reaches the D#<i style="color: white;"> </i><span style="color: white;">above</span> "high C".<span style="color: white;"> </span> Link to the music video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znB8OlFgCSM&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znB8OlFgCSM&fmt=18</a> <br />
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<span style="color: white;">Enough.</span>. I won't analyze this <i>ad nauseum</i> - further - <a href="http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080724151504AAK1LHp" target="_blank">as I don't know enough</a>. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(More,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_classification_in_non-classical_music" target="_blank"> here</a>.)</span></span> Back to the original topic that started the post: Have a listen to this outstanding pop singer </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">let it go a bit</span>, with <span style="color: white;">no</span> "pinching" or compression that occasionally was present when she "went up" significantly higher. Perhaps the higher voice required more effort. (Note: She sometimes used her falsetto voice intentionally on<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tBHywgFKdY" target="_blank"> certain solo efforts</a>.) And, BTW: Notice that Agnetha (apparently) recorded at least two different voice lines (harmony) in "<i>One Way Love</i>." <span style="font-size: x-small;">A beautiful job with the higher harmony....</span> <br />
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Every note sung <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank">"bang on",as usual (I.e., no sliding. See page 120 in Mr. Palm's biography)</a>. Good quality. Good <i>volume</i>. <b> Power </b>and control....<br />
At times, she manages to sound like her idol <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connie_Francis" target="_blank">Connie Francis</a> (probably a mezzo) and I think even <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesley_Gore" target="_blank">Lesley Gore</a> at the beginning here. And sung <span style="color: white;">"Agnetha"-clear</span>, as always. Enjoy:<br />
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(<span style="color: #ffe599;">2012 UPDATE</span>: Link to a<b> higher-quality</b> video performance <span style="font-size: x-small;">(of this song)</span> now on You Tube. Worth a visit for the sound improvement, plus beautiful, thirty-something Agnetha... doing some excellent lip-synching. (In camera close-up at moments.<b>1985:</b> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/ms-faltskog-1985.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A vintage year for public-performing, solo Agnetha.</a>..) <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks again to YouTube's '2Shaymcn' for producing</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">this video.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(New window opens.)</span>: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wHzRByGvD8&fmt=18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wHzRByGvD8&fmt=18</a>)<br />
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For fans, it's tantalizing to think whether Agnetha's voice -- perhaps especially her good lower range -- <span style="color: white;">is </span><i style="color: white;">still</i><span style="color: white;"> clear and strong today</span>.<span style="font-size: 85%;">...</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><b>BTW: </b>Portions of Agnetha's '80's-excess-marred "<i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGG8XexinA0&feature=related" target="_blank">I Won't Let You Go</a></i>" are somewhat similar. (Same album.) But we are also are treated to her "punching" her dramatic higher voice at points (in that song's refrain). She could do a lot with that special voice.....<span style="color: white;">Update:</span> <i>Another</i> very good example - this time live (1979) with ABBA - where Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog is primarily using her strong "lower voice", and is in a good (vocal) comfort zone. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Though a bit out-of-breath here, live.)</span> ABBA's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLtU7aOnp2U&fmt=18" target="_blank">"Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie" (link to live performance)</a> seems (again) to be near-center for the adult singer's strongest voice area.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">AND:</span> Even<b> more</b> vocal versatility (and skill)? Try this "<span style="color: white;">Doris Day</span>" version of ABBA's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7pb1R1mXFw&fmt=18" target="_blank">"<i>Thank You for the Music</i>" (link)</a>. A distinctly talented performer....<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tremendous lower-voiced portions in this (not-well-known) effort from the (rangy) pop soprano -- once again. Crisp and metallic-framed voice. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="color: white;">Updated insert: </span>Probably incorrectly, I'm thinking of this "metallic" quality in similar terms as that described within the "<a href="http://www.ipasource.com/soprano" target="_blank">Fach</a>" system:</span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,Gadget,Arial; font-size: x-small;">"A German voice system that categorizes<i> operatic</i> voices by weight, color, timbre and range...." </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Plus<span style="font-size: x-small;">; <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_resonation" target="_blank">resonance</a> at moments. (Especially for a generally higher-range singer...) </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;">One more</span> solo Agnetha (YT) example for the lower voice (at moments) is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?fmt=18&gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=eFGCygax39g" target="_blank">linked here</a> (right-click for a new window). The song "<i>Eyes of a Woman</i>" also illustrates the "metallic-edged (or -framed)" sound quality that the singer sometimes generated.</span><br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">Additional, bonus info.:</span> I'm not an expert. But I try to learn a bit here and there. To that end, please evaluate this recent, amateur comment I prepared for a prominent ABBA forum, about certain attributes of Agnetha's voice:<br />
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"....Not being a voice teacher or expert, I'll toss out this: "<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/brilliance" target="_blank">Brilliance</a>" (in music) is defined in the dictionary as "sharpness and clarity of tone". (One analogy: Kind of like bright trumpets in an orchestra. Update: One clear example of this aspect? Agnetha's stirring lead in the <b>refrain</b> of ABBA's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWVB0LcR_3Q" target="_blank">Soldiers</a>". Sounds (to me) like ABBA deliberately went for a "bugler"-like effect (via Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's voice) in those portions of the song. They even used the word "bugler"....Excellent mimicry (if true).)</blockquote>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_resonation" target="_blank">It seems "brilliance" can further refer to the resonant "ring" in a singer's voice. (See: The larynx as a resonator.</a>) Having now reached the end of my limited expertise on the subject, I'll include a link to one "live" performance where -- (possibly) <span style="color: white;">without</span> studio technical enhancement present -- I hear (full) "brilliance" at times in Agnetha's voice. I.e., It is clear, bright, cuts through; and even "rings" a bit: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs_jR0VcB3Y&feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs_jR0VcB3Y&feature=related</a><br />
(I'll leave other examples to you. I think there are many with ABBA. E.g.; The refrain (especially) of "The Winner Takes It All". (Trying to filter out technical enhancement.) Her backing vocal in "Money Money Money" - a very good example. The refrain in "SOS", <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGs7dTjUsXw" target="_blank">(live performances of) "Waterloo"</a> , Agnetha's vocals in "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQqbljOc1NA" target="_blank">If It Wasn't For The Nights</a>" (especially the refrain)-- perhaps additional ones.) <br />
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Actually, I think her voice is always brilliant. (Non-music sense.)<br />
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She could also <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQkfs6WMRQ" target="_blank">soften beautifully</a> as required, but Agnetha often displayed a "<span style="color: white;">metallic</span>"-sounding singing voice. (As pointed out in comments <span style="color: white;">above</span>; and a very good solo song example featuring this (metallic) quality (it IS a quality) is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA_N9fQgOT0" target="_blank">linked here</a> (right-click).) Although (I've read that) the metallic sound is a different voice attribute from brilliance (e.g.,<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=0Kx2oK-pbCEC&pg=PT127&lpg=PT127&dq=%22metallic%22+%2B+singing+%2B+voice&source=bl&ots=uQuO3Vda0C&sig=N1aAEOMZhyBVMXW2GkJY5CmzjM0&hl=en&ei=G0TVSsOBK46mlAf-yaScCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CB8Q6AEwBjgK#v=onepage&q=%22metallic%22%20%2B%20singing%20%2B%20voice&f=false" target="_blank">some view singing loudly as part of generating a metallic voice</a>); there is (also) apparently a resonant tonal quality that can be described as metallic brilliance. FWIW, I think Agnetha's voice could show this. (Again: Many of the ABBA song examples above.) Any voice experts in the house?<span style="color: white;"> Update, decent example: </span>If you have the "ABBA: Number Ones" DVD, check out young Agnetha's (unmodified, no-retakes) voice on the <span style="color: white;">live "Waterloo" performance</span> that's included. It also has a couple of quick examples of her tendency to sing "flat(-ly)" at times, live.... <br />
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<span style="color: white;">What I really know:</span> Agnetha sounds great and could do <b>a lot</b> with that special voice. As already described above; "She sings like an angel"."</blockquote>
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<span style="color: white;">10/09 update:</span> Ladies and gentlemen (those brave enough to read this far) : Apparently she's known a bit for it, but the note that Agnetha hit in ABBA's "<span style="color: white;">Hole in Your Soul</span>"....At about the 1:52 mark in the excellent video, linked below.... (From Agnetha aficionado '2Shaymcn'.) : In this live, 1979 performance (assuming no post-concert re-dubbing of the vocals), Ms. Agnetha briefly achieves an "interesting" note/scream. Others (I've read) have ID'd the note as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_pitch_notation" target="_blank">B5</a>. (I.e., Next to "high C" (C6) on the keyboard, using <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_pitch_notation" target="_blank">scientific pitch notation</a>. ) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igd-zkoLzVo" target="_blank">That seems to be correct</a>. By now, you know I'm not an expert, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">but per above</a> I think she managed somewhat higher notes on other (studio) occasions.<br />
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Link to YT video (also) featuring an especially super-looking Frida, BTW. (Uhh, which singer in the freeze-frame moment below appears more comfortable on the stage? <span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: Agnetha tended to "live" what she was singing...</span>)): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igey30e3JCw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Igey30e3JCw</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Winding this up, at last:</span> There's much more to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing" target="_blank">voice classification</a> than high note capability, but; we've encountered <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhR8nNynUWI" target="_blank">a versatile voice</a> (via this post). <span style="color: white;">No doubt there.</span> </div>
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(Blog note: Comments or corrections are welcome. (And please note the first comment, below.) This post is backdated to better fit within the order of entries here.It was last edited 4/30/10.)<br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Copyright 2009-12Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-29597084248831174632009-06-10T18:38:00.000-07:002014-07-28T19:04:34.738-07:00Solo Agnetha: The best post-ABBA song? Many. (Updated)© 2009-2014 (Original portions and updated sections, 2010-14.)<span style="color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">FYI: </span>This listener's Agnetha (solo) "top ten" song list may be found at the end of this lengthy post...<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Click</span> <b><a href="#solotopten">here</a></b> if you wish to 'jump' to the <span style="color: #eeeeee;">newer</span>, more comprehensive list now. (<b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Strongly recommended</span>.</b> The 'jump-to' section <span style="font-size: x-small;">(page bottom)</span> also includes some 2013 <span style="color: #eeeeee;">updates</span>...))<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Previously written text:)</span> Who can really say? Best song can mean a few things, including the one or two (or several?) that Agnetha <span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian">[aŋˈneːta]</a></span> F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog herself was most proud. And/or ones that perhaps meant the most to her. (I think there's intersection between those two groups.) And especially, one that made good use of that <span style="color: #ffccff;">pure, rangy, plaintive <span style="color: white;">voice</span></span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">As will be apparent: For me, it's <span style="color: white;">mainly about the voice.</span></span> The Swedish singer is rightfully proud of it. And Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog may modulate or soften as appropriate but usually does not "hold back" when singing. Though she often doesn't "let it go to her max" (<a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank">as sometimes "pushed" in ABBA (pgs. 262-63</a>), it's still out there for us -- more understandingly planned (range) and produced.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">(Blog note: A recently updated section here.) </span>In her later English solo albums there perhaps is no "ABBA-style" <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/music/bal-ae.abba22nov22,0,3102281.story" target="_blank">catchy</a> hit single, to the disappointment of some critics. And there may be a few questionable song choices that probably shouldn't have been recorded. Some productions are sub-par, or marred by '80's excesses. <span style="color: white;">For fans of her pristine voice however, there's still much to enjoy</span>. Per below, she often sounds good regardless of what she's singing. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Overall, I feel that solo Agnetha was able to relax a bit, try new things, display her "lower voice" at times, etc. </span>(Update: Impression partly confirmed, via <a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2010/10/popcorn-september-1983-strong-words.html" target="_blank">this 1983 interview (link)</a> with Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog.) Elaborating: To this listener, at times the performer's singing seems a bit "overdone" in some ABBA songs; either pushed to limits and/or technically modified. (Sometimes a <a href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/clarion?" target="_blank">clarion</a>-like presence (but usually in a bright and appealing way) in a number of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_9CiNkkn4" target="_blank">ABBA songs</a>. 'Team-member' Agnetha marvelously performed the (vocal) role of dramatic accent/high harmonies provider <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETxmCCsMoD0&ob=av2e" target="_blank">in numerous songs</a>...)) For me however, though <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92cwKCU8Z5c" target="_blank">notable exceptions</a> (with ABBA) certainly exist, her natural, adaptable, feminine voice regularly seems generally better slotted in the (subsequent) solo English albums. <span style="color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">(Yes, it's worth saying again: Agnetha's background vocals and harmony work in ABBA is stellar. Just one quick sample of many: </span>Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog<span style="color: white;"> leads in parts of this (linked) song (even seemingly mimicking a bugle with her voice) , but her recorded, varying background harmonies are beautiful as well (link): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWVB0LcR_3Q&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWVB0LcR_3Q&fmt=18</a> .)<b> </b>Further<b> note:</b> </span>I am not knowledgeable re her Swedish solo efforts, though I am 'getting there'. Here is a quick "nod" to that considerable body of work (link) <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-selected-songs-in-swedish.html" target="_blank">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-selected-songs-in-swedish.html</a> . Excellent efforts in her native language....<span style="color: white;">Recent update</span>: For very big fans of Agnetha's special voice, the 1996 compilation <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Love-Life-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/samples/B000006YMO/" target="_blank"><i>My Love, My Life</i></a> is likely a worthwhile investment. Even if you do not understand Swedish. (Many of Agnetha's earlier, pre-ABBA/early ABBA-period solo songs are included.) Here is a brief review from a (more) knowledgeable source (<a href="http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/annamyml.html" target="_blank">link</a>).<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Since we can't ask the artist herself, a few opinion-driven (and much-belated) selections follow; mini-reviews included</span>. <span style="font-family: verdana;">It's a long post, <span style="color: white;">but the singer is worth a/another listen</span>. (Links here are in light blue.) Please see if you agree with some of the choices. <span style="color: #ffe599;">My own subjective "rankings" are at the bottom of the post</span></span><span style="color: #ffe599;">. <b>Also,</b> if you'd prefer to see/hear Agnetha demonstrate her abilities "right now", please try the unofficial You Tube playlist which follows. As of this writing, some of her best solo efforts are included within various tribute videos: </span><br />
<span style="color: #ffe599;">(Link): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1E367911859E577" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1E367911859E577</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffe599;">AND, please review "Johnny's list" (of Agnetha solo songs) linked at the bottom of this post. From a complete Agnetha fan/expert....Update: <b>Plus</b>, some 'top ten' Agnetha solo song lists <span style="font-size: x-small;">(incl. Swedish songs)</span> from (other) fan/experts at</span> <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9-90.html" target="_blank">abba4ever.com (link).</a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Continuing on:</span> Right off the bat, I don't have enough "information". Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog has released something like <a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html" target="_blank">13 Swedish or English albums (Music section)</a>, after ABBA. As a parochial American, I haven't listened to most (yet!). (Therefore, this post's subject will be updated as necessary.) <a href="http://agnetha.net/" target="_blank">Agnetha.net</a>'s (web site) 'Bio' section doesn't give much clue as to any one song that the artist herself thought as special. So, since it's my blog, I'll toss out a few possibilities. Please forward comments with your own ideas, if you'd like to. (Links to current You Tube versions of many songs are included below, <span style="color: white;">but note;</span> some YT links have been removed for licensing/copyright issues. Please right-click on links for a new window.)) Her recently released compilation album, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Dig-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B001GC4QMO" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: white;">My Very Best</span> </i></a>may also be somewhat helpful (photo is a link to the album (right-click)) :<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html">Image source (link)</a></span><br />
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From <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPLPy2Eb2dQ&feature=related" target="_blank">her 2004 interview with </a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPLPy2Eb2dQ&feature=related">Lasse Bengtsson, she listened to part of this song</a> and commented "It's good." And it certainly is. <span style="font-size: 85%;">(Headphones suggested.) </span>Here's part of one very recent comment on a You Tube version of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBzWRhdJfLk&fmt=18" target="_blank">If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind</a>":<span style="color: #ffffcc;"> </span><span style="color: #ffffcc; font-family: verdana;">"</span><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #ffffcc; font-family: verdana;">The most beautiful female voice on earth!"</span><span style="color: #ffffcc;"> </span>-- from </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/masorlie" target="_blank"><b id="user-profile-username">'masorlie'</b></a><br />
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A pretty good "jumping off" point. And the song was recorded just a few years ago, as a mature artist. If that voice is still intact today....well.... <span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">lets all hope</span></span><span style="color: white; font-style: italic;"> we hear it again</span><span style="color: white;">.</span> Sensitive, yearning lyrics, too. <span style="color: white;">Despite some criticism from music "pundits"</span>, Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog is sometimes<span style="color: white;"> at her best</span> on these "types" of songs. (Love, romance, yearning, and... sadness.) Using the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_I_Thought_You%27d_Ever_Change_Your_Mind" target="_blank">U.K. chart</a> as a measure, "If I Thought..." is her highest charting post-ABBA single outside of Sweden. It also makes the 2008 "My Very Best" compilation.</blockquote>
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I need to listen to the 2004 return album "My Colouring Book" further, to comment intelligently. I do know that "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CqTuU3E8GI&fmt=18" target="_blank">When You Walk In The Room</a>" is also outstanding. <span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Another</span> recent You Tube comment (that song):</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">"</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYA7OFnPOBU&feature=related" style="font-family: verdana;">Her voice is a miracle</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">"</span> -- from 'gcafeche'. <span style="font-family: verdana;">"Colouring Book" may likely wind up being her "sign-off"</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (</span>solo, English) album<span style="font-style: italic;">, </span>giving it some extra poignancy for fans.</span> (Please <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/please-remember-me.html" target="_blank">see this updated post for another beautiful song</a> from Agnetha that may speak to this, at least in part.) <span style="color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">BTW</span>, Agnetha's <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">in-English</span> singing shows hard work on the performer's part to <span style="color: white;">"get it right"</span>. (Plus, ability with the language.) <span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span> As with all artists, not everything attempted is a triumph. The recent ending of <a href="http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/" target="_blank">AMC's "Mad Men"</a>, Episode 12 (Season 3) reminds me that, though Agnetha's voice is beautiful as always on "Colouring Book's" "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_End_of_the_World_%28Skeeter_Davis_song%29" target="_blank">The End of The World</a>",<span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span>she did not touch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmnKCE99sYE&feature=related" target="_blank">the original from Skeeter Davis</a>. For me anyway, Agnetha's voice is just too bright for this heartbreak song, and doesn't capture the despair of Skeeter's version. (Not "wrenching" enough - though the Swedish singer is capable of that.) The whistling in this updated, cover version didn't work for me.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Proceeding, it looks like we're not going to be able to limit this to only one post-ABBA song.</span> (A <span style="font-style: italic;">good</span> thing! <span style="font-size: 85%;">To be honest, this singer might be able to<span style="font-family: verdana;"> "sing the telephone book"</span> and have me listening. <span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">Ref.: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrap-Your-Arms-Around-Me/dp/B000006YMP" target="_blank">This album's</a> song "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKzLTTL0x8g" style="font-family: verdana;">P&B</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">". </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 100%;">I don't know what she's "on about", but she sounds <span style="color: white;">great</span>.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 100%;">Brightly sung.</span> And: Like her brief (but inane) spoken section at </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">the beginning. A feminine voice. And an appealing accent... throughout. </span>)<br />
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Continuing, I'd immediately offer Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's "<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/minting-new-fans.html">The Queen of Hearts</a>" for consideration, released (in English) on her 1998 "That's Me" album. (Note: It was recorded back in the early '80s as a 'demo'.) It shows off the power, range and clarity of her voice, and it's lyrics easily can be associated with the talented and attractive lady herself. (Not that this was necessarily intended.) It's not on '08's "Very Best". <span style="color: white;">Update:</span> If interested, a quick recommended read at this point: <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/ovrigt/thatsmeliner.html">Carl Magnus Palm's liner notes for Agnetha's "That's Me" hits compilation (link)</a>. His notes touch upon all of her '80s solo efforts and contains good information and commentary. I certainly agree with his assessment of the artist's "stunning" English rendition of this song, "The Queen of Hearts". (Somehow "only" a demo originally.) <span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span> The <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntGrXAYC10I&fmt=18" target="_blank">Swedish version of this song</a> seems even better; softer and sweeter....<br />
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Still going back a way, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YK5B6YZ7Q&feature=related" target="_blank">the title single</a> from 1983's "Wrap Your Arms Around Me" has many of the qualities mentioned: Striking <span style="color: white;">clarity</span>. Range. Plus drama, and some fantasy-inspiring lyrics. (As a solo singer, I love this pop <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/minting-new-fans.html">soprano's</a>(?) <span style="color: white;">surprisingly rich</span> lower expanse (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdZjaD0ZpWA" target="_blank">strong example, here</a>). It's one of the best parts of her range, and could it be<span style="font-size: 0pt;">be</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: white;">even better</span></span> <span style="color: #ffff99;">today</span>?? And, also: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">Is she a soprano?</a> ) I also happen to enjoy it <span style="color: white;">immensely</span> when Agnetha hums or "la-las", as she does just a bit in this song. (So this little <span style="color: white;">1974</span> Agnetha <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fovue12GyZU" target="_blank">number (link)</a> has me in heaven.) The sweetness in her voice is apparent especially later in the song here. Mimed in the video below, in an odd '80s outfit, but still<b>:</b> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A superstar performance by the spellbinding lady. </span><span style="color: white;">Brilliant at engaging (viewers) via the camera.</span>....and in command of the audience on this one. (Conquering any shyness, etc. in the spotlight here.)</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(It's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Very_Best">track 1 on disc 2 of "My Very Best"</a>.)</span><br />
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The 80's-sounding "Can't Shake Loose" (from <i>Wrap Your Arms</i>...it's on the <i>My Very Best</i> compilation) may deserve a quick mention (more <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/engaging-agnetha-beyond-music.html" target="_blank">here about the song's promo video (link</a>)), as does "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_6IQN56GzA&fmt=18" target="_blank">The Heat is On</a>". The artist's higher voice was at times like Olivia Newton-John's. I'm not sure at times if it was truly the best area for her. I further wonder what her <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tessitura" target="_blank">vocal tessitura</a> is/was considered to be.... She sometimes strained or pinched on her highest notes, or could sound a bit like a young girl. With due respect, seems to me that this singer's very highest voice may have been best reserved for dramatic accent, within harmony. (As used in ABBA at times. Again, it's significant to note that ABBA's producers (read: Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus) regularly "pushed" their singers' limits, according to Mr. Palm's 2001 biography. Ref. page 263.)<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Update: </span>Please note this <span style="color: white;">angelic</span>, high-voiced,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falsetto" target="_blank"> falsetto</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmFfS9uYi_E&feature=related" target="_blank">exception to the above (link)</a>. <span style="color: white;">And</span>, in general, it's impressive what this singer could "do" (various effects, range-use, etc.) with her voice. Certain solo songs really helped bring that out....</blockquote>
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As seen in an earlier post I'm also fond of sexy "<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/faltskog-fever.html" target="_blank">Stay</a>" from this album, though its background "panting" (etc.) is a bit much and can easily become distracting. Speaking of versatile Agnetha's vocal realms, 1987's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTmfnkSvz0A&feature=PlayList&p=7B0DAE6BCECA3678&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=5" target="_blank">Let It Shine</a>" ("I Stand Alone" album) is sung in a nice, sweet vocal "channel". A relaxed, smooth-sounding Agnetha singing a bright song. Shinily sung as if there's a smile on her face. It's on "Very Best". (Please see more about this '87 album, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/mini-review-of-i-stand-alone-1987.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) <span style="color: white;">And</span>, a required mention of actress Agnetha's (sort of) secret sense of humor, on display below in a catchy, very '80's music video. ("I Won't Let You Go", from her 1985 "Eyes of a Woman" album. I believe that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Won%27t_Let_You_Go" target="_blank">Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog wrote the melody for this song</a>.) A brightly sung but echo-ey thing;<span style="color: white;"> however:</span><b><span style="color: white;"> </span></b>She<b> </b><i style="color: white;">nailed</i> <span style="color: white;">the singing.</span> Solid lower-voice portions. <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/brilliance" target="_blank">Brilliant</a>, crystal-clear delivery. Feeling. And shining flashes of her <span style="color: white;">dramatic</span> higher voice (repeatedly in the refrain). <i>Strong;</i> with not much "pinching" or straining. It's on "Very Best"<b>, </b>and is a nice example of (some of) her vocal abilities. At least to me, only Agnetha was able to sound like this. (<i>Ignoring</i> the song's '80s production excesses<b> </b>and the awkward body-builder video<b>.</b>) <b>: </b></blockquote>
(Links) Song is in the middle section of this section of the nice "A is for Agnetha" 1985 TV special: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8D1sOklwiw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8D1sOklwiw</a><br />
<b>another</b>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGG8XexinA0&feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGG8XexinA0&feature=related</a><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b style="color: white;">2011 update and edit:</b> This 2009-10 post got a little long -- and rambling. Therefore, several remaining paragraphs are getting 'cut' here, with the exception of a few words about - and a YT video for - Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's (1983) "Man". We'll then proceed more directly to my 2009-10 listing of top, in-English solo songs for the artist. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Which repeated some of the edited paragraphs' content within their brief descriptions.) </span></div>
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<i style="color: white;">Plus</i>, <span style="color: #ffe599;">now that I know more about Ms. F</span><span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: #ffe599;">ltskog's Swedish solo work I will try an updated "top ten" list</span>: <span style="color: white;">"The Best of Agnetha, solo"</span>. (Further below, near the end.) </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Previously written text:)</span> Another song that does not make the "Very Best" compilation: Seductively-tempoed "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqhQauDpaug" target="_blank">Man</a>". It's Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's own song, and it is sung with angelic clarity and sweetness.<span style="color: white; font-size: 85%;"> <span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">Beautifully </span></span><span style="color: white; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: georgia;">"self-harmonized".</span><span style="color: #cccccc;"> (At <i>least</i> two different voice lines sung by the artist, then combined. Seemingly "harmonizing with herself" I believe, </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: trebuchet ms;">at points.)</span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: white; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span><span style="color: white; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Even without enhancement, a clear, "metallic" voice that also can be beautifully softened, packed with emotion, etc., etc...</span></span></span><span style="color: white; font-size: 100%;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">At times it features ringing </span></span><span style="color: #ffffcc; font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;">"<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_resonation" target="_blank">brilliance</a></span>" (</span></span>sharpness and clarity of tone)<span style="color: white; font-size: 100%;">. And "Man" seemed to be sung from the heart.. I.e., <span style="font-style: italic;">again</span> with the yearning? Remarkable. <span style="color: #cccccc; font-weight: bold;">An</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">d</span> </span>...an <span style="color: white;">'extra'</span> re this song and album: Part of the making of the "Wrap..." album. Agnetha is impressive to watch and hear... behind the scenes. A gifted singer. Although some "live" singing in this video could be dubbed in from the (final) album(?). Hard to tell....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="color: white;">BTW:</span> This YT video presently displays something like 260+ 'likes', and ZERO 'dislikes'. Some 'troll' will come along to spoil that of course....)</span><br />
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(Link for this video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqhQauDpaug">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqhQauDpaug</a>) <br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: white; font-size: 130%;"></span><span style="font-size: 130%;"></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #ffffcc; font-family: verdana;">Is ""Wrap Your Arms Around Me" Agnetha's best (in-English) song, post-ABBA? Or, "To Love"? "Let It Shine"? Angelically-sung "Man"? Personal-sounding "Shame", one of her own favorites? Super-sweet-voiced, plaintive "Stand By My Side"? Or her prominent later songs from the "Colouring Book" album? </span><span style="color: #ffffcc;">None of the above?</span><span style="color: #ffffcc; font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">The best perhaps still yet to come...??</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Stay tuned....</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">P.S. So which one?? </span>I'm still learning. And I think there are many to choose from. (<span style="color: white;">Note: </span>There is an excellent forum topic about Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6752.html" target="_blank">"best" English solo efforts here (link)</a>. You can see some lists from others who have good knowledge of the subject.)<br />
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There's also early Agnetha (pre-ABBA) and then mature Agnetha. Plus stellar <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-selected-songs-in-swedish.html" target="_blank">solo songs in her native language</a>. But, for me (and others), <span style="color: white;">it's mostly about that special voice</span> and its qualities. So I have to "sneak in" this euphonious little earlier one (even though<span style="font-weight: bold;"> not</span> post-ABBA), <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg&fmt=18</a> and then... for me, it has to be this one, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqhQauDpaug" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqhQauDpaug</a>.<span style="font-style: italic;"> (</span>Very close: "Colouring Book"'s two songs mentioned above were a tremendous<span style="color: white;"> affirmation of her abilities</span>. (Plus solo song list number '2b', below.) And also (a surprise listing..so "high" up), the brightly sung and upbeat "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKzLTTL0x8g" target="_blank">P&B</a>". She sounded really good and seemed to have fun (<span style="font-style: italic;">yee haw!</span>).Thanks to YouTube's 'swissprincess1974' for offering <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVFjubZln2Y">this captivating snippet</a> of Agnetha recording <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or lip-synching recording?)</span> part of "P + B". (They couldn't find a way to get this beautiful lady on-screen (in the movie...)? Maybe she didn't want to....) <br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So for this listener,</span><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> post-ABBA:</span> </b>(Understanding that the list is primarily <span style="color: white;">about the singer's voice</span>, how well it is used, how it sounds, perhaps certain special qualities (of the voice) in a song, etc. It is less about the meaning of song lyrics (though a factor), strength or appeal of melodies, accompanying music (though a factor), etc., etc. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Those still with me here, please take a look and let me know what you think (comments section at the end of the post).<i> <span style="color: white;">And</span></i>, please also check out my <span style="color: white;">updated</span> "top ten" list (incl. Swedish songs) further below...</span><br />
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1. "Man" (As time has passed <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-7576.html" target="_blank">a guess is</a> that the artist may have become less pleased with this song's words. "Man" is not included on her "best of" album compilations. Portions are sung beautifully, however. <span style="font-size: x-small;">BTW, if that speculation is accurate <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">(it may not be</span>)</span>, one may wonder why the occasionally <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">fawning, <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">"play-acted"</span></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Mr. Persuasion"</span> (not written by Agnetha) was included on the singer's 2008 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Best-Dig-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B001GC4QMO" target="_blank"><i>My Very Best</i></a> compilation.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">I.e., instead of "Man".</span>) <br />
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2.( <span style="color: white;">a "tie"</span>)<span style="color: white;"> Update: </span>As I learn more about Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's solo efforts, I "reserve the right" to change certain rankings here. This is a change... upward: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9EcdYZIZko&fmt=18" target="_blank">I Won't Be Leaving You</a>" from <i>Eyes of a Woman </i>is Agnetha's most affecting ballad-with-feeling... in-English, post-ABBA. Please read and hear more <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-faltskog-i-wont-be-leaving-you.html" target="_blank">here (link)</a>. (2010 update: Unfortunately, YT videos of this song have been removed (at least in the U.S.), by UMG.) Sung subdued and sultry/sweet, with aching <i>yearning </i>in her voice at moments. That this physically appealing person could (also) beautifully convey real feeling in her songs (such as this) might be one reason Agnetha's <i>fans</i> still yearn to hear that special voice. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes; <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/f-30652567nx61610-7.html">possibly for singer, too</a>...? "Sexiest woman on the planet",<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kms35_lKtfs&fmt=18" target="_blank"> says this YouTube poster</a> - one of a number to do so....))</span> "I Won't Be leaving You" is a tender, intimate, headphones-compulsory <span style="color: white;">beauty</span>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Added note: Fan/experts at the '<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/f-30652567nx61610-40.html" target="_blank">abba4ever</a>' forum don't seem to place this song near the top (on their comprehensive 'Agnetha' lists) , though many <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9975-90.html" target="_blank">do like it</a>. We all hear songs differently, and the focus here (i.e., this short list) is mostly upon the singer's beautiful voice (vs. lyrics). )</span><br />
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2a. (<span style="color: white;">update</span>): "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjOqQlrZgbM&fmt=18" target="_blank">Love Me With All Your Heart</a>". Thank you to '<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/fs-30652567nx61610.html">abba4ever'</a> forum admin. Johnny for "reminding" me (via his <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9932-90.html" target="_blank">comprehensive listing</a> of Agnetha solo songs) of this 2004, <i>My Colouring Book</i> song, that I somehow overlooked. Though <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Me_with_All_Your_Heart">Petula Clark</a> (and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_number-one_adult_contemporary_singles_of_1964_%28U.S.%29" target="_blank">The Ray Charles Singers</a>) popularized the English version, Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog makes it her own, and in some ways the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Me_with_All_Your_Heart" target="_blank">1960s</a> song and lyrics seemingly<i><span style="color: white;"> are</span></i> Agnetha. A very good job; it is Agnetha's clear and sweet-voiced sound, but with influences of Connie Francis and even a bit of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Day" target="_blank">Doris Day</a> comes to mind (in her effort). (Not the first 'Doris connection' for the singer (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7pb1R1mXFw">link</a>). And don't laugh<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (if you were)</span>: Doris Day is (reportedly) the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Day" target="_blank">top female box office star of all time</a>, and (also) recorded over 600 songs. ) <span style="color: white;">Thanks</span> to '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/abbafanglosuk">abbafanglosuk</a>' for the current song posting (on YouTube), and be sure to read the enlightening description/quotations that are included with the video. Here are some of Agnetha's thoughts about returning to recording with <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ESU2RI/" target="_blank">My Colouring Book</a>: </i><br />
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<span style="color: white;">"I wanted to record this album partly because I have received many letters over the years where people write that they miss my voice. My own prime motivation has been the love for songs from the 50's and 60's, where there are very, very strong melodies and poignant lyrics. Many recordings from the time are fantastic. I feel very happy that I was so young when everything exploded in popular music. With this album I want to act as an intermediary of my experiences with these songs and artists. It's a tribute to them and what they've given me.""</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(And you are not the only one happy to be around for the great popular music of the 1960's (etc.), Ms.F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog...)</span><br />
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2b. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBzWRhdJfLk&fmt=18" target="_blank">If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind</a>". What can a mere mortal say, other than thank God Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog came back and recorded this. Perhaps the culmination for the singer, as a singer. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(A wonderfully matured, yet still so youthful sounding, voice.)</span> Again - as presented - this song seemingly <i>is</i> Agnetha. Or; she makes it hers. Completely owns it....The <i>definition</i> of a sweet, feminine voice, right there in your headphones.<br />
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The final stanza/refrain as sung; Agnetha drawing up close to the microphone in the official video: Pure heaven. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ms.F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog's multi-faceted appeal in full force....)</span> Very few can instill genuine emotion in their voice as this artist can. And...where does that sweet 'ring' in her voice (to the fore in the song's finale) come from....?? (I.e., it is hardly just technical (recording) 'wizardry'...)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The most beautiful rendering of the word "<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/columbine" target="_blank">columbine</a>" in recording (recorded?) history as far as this fan is concerned, too... </span><br />
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2c. This version of "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdZjaD0ZpWA" target="_blank">One Way Love</a>". (Multiple voice lines sung by the artist and combined, again. Sung with lower-voiced <span style="color: white;">power</span>. See the previous post for more about this song.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: small;">3.</span> (<span style="color: white;">update</span> - I mentioned this song prominently in text above, but managed to forget to include it in this list's earlier rendition.): <span style="font-size: small;">"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntGrXAYC10I&fmt=18" target="_blank">The Queen of Hearts</a>"</span>. I happen to prefer the slightly sweeter, smoother (linked) Swedish version. I feel that the singer's voice strains or "thins out" in certain, higher-voiced moments of the (recorded) English version. Another "<span style="color: white;">signature (solo) song</span>" -- especially in terms of how fans may (choose to) interpret (some of) the lyrics -- for the Swedish star. </span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Side note: The Swedish version of this song <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Queen_of_Hearts_%28song%29" target="_blank">was first recorded in 1979</a>. So not yet before ABBA disbanded....)</span><br />
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4. (another 'tie'; <span style="color: white;">quite a few</span> very good song efforts): "To Love", and "Stand By My Side". Both illustrate some of the appealing things Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog could do with her feminine voice. I wonder why she didn't open her voice and let loose a few more forceful singing moments like those in "To Love". It is one of her nicest-sounding solo efforts. The powerful rendering of the (sung) word "<span style="color: white;">means</span>" (to love) - is memorable. <br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The impossibly sweet, plaintive, </span><span style="color: #cccccc;">refrain </span>unleashed in "S.B.M.S.'' is one-of-a-kind. A siren's cry....arrowed straight to us. Only Agnetha could sound like that<i>. Ms. S. and P. Sweet and Plaintive</i>. </span><br />
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4a. "Let It Shine". As noted, <span style="color: white;">I enjoy "bright Agnetha"</span> --<span style="color: white;"> her voice seems intrinsically<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #cccccc;">sweet</span></a>... and bright</span>. (So she is "<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ms. S. and B.</span>", as well.(??) How did she manage that?) Anyway, songs that bring such qualities to the fore are appreciated. It is perhaps a cliche, but there often seems to be bright "sunshine" in this singer's voice. It can be <span style="color: #fff2cc;">warm</span> at moments; at others it seems to "sparkle" or shine.... (Difficult to completely 'hide' in some of her sadder songs or ballads.) In such aspects "Let It Shine" is a signature work (i.e., solo songs, "sweet and bright". <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_6IQN56GzA&fmt=18" target="_blank">Here (link)</a> may be another appropriate one...). Very smooth delivery, also. A good example of Ms. Fältskog softening her characteristic clear, ringing (sometimes <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamics_%28music%29" target="_blank">fortissimo</a></i>) voice (for portions of this song). One might qubble with some small aspect of this song - perhaps the tempo - but Agnetha delivers her vocals flawlessly. Excellent and fitting background harmony recorded by the singer as well. Very close to perfection... and a perfect - <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sweet</a> and bright - female voice here, in my humble view.<br />
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4b. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf34-dDMUMc&feature=related" target="_blank">Maybe It Was Magic</a>", "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zpLJWbg09E" target="_blank">Remember Me</a>", "Wrap Your Arms Around Me", "What Now My Love" <span style="font-size: 85%;">(All very good ones for voice fans. Compelling singing/interpretation in all, at moments. "Remember Me" is 'ranked' highly by me for it's impact: <span style="color: white;">I think it can be taken as Ms. F</span></span><span style="color: white; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: white;">l</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: white;">tskog's English-singing "swan song", <span style="color: #cccccc;">if you will</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc;">.</span> I.e., no new English language albums/songs to come from the artist. (So the lyrics asserted their significance for me in this song (i.e., more so than the voice).) Also from <i>...Colouring Boo</i>k, "What Now..." features appealing, building orchestration (and wonderful musicianship overall). Mature Agnetha finds a bereaved, slightly husky "ache" in her voice... appropriate for this one. <span style="color: white;">Very few popular artists are able to sing with bare emotion like this...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">(Aside: For some reason Agnetha's occasional accent - which I usually enjoy - is jarring to me at moments on <i>Colouring Book </i>(in general)<i>. </i>Perhaps it's being familiar with other (English) versions of (some of) the songs that she covers....))</span><br />
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4c. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAH-TR789s0">The Angels Cry</a>" (<i>Eyes of A Woman</i> album, by Justin Hayward), is an excellent song for Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's considerable abilities. She sings it in a mournful manner (for her) as it is (of course) a sad song. You can detect the longing in her voice at moments. Nice rising singing, and "clear as a bell". Perhaps could have used slightly more "softening" of the voice at appropriate spots -- which she could do...<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">.But, again, there's often no hiding the </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">shiny</span> brightness</a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> inherent in Agnetha's voice. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(More, below.)</span> </span>Also, with close listening<b> </b>to this song, the singer seems <span style="color: white;">slightly</span> "off" (key) on a couple of notes here and there.<b> </b>A tiny bit of a struggle for her at brief moments. A rare problem for comfortable-(and precise-) in-the-"studio-Agnetha".<b> BTW:</b> Link to another superb rendition of this beautiful song by Renaissance's Annie Haslam (mind your volume): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK2rekYhmUo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK2rekYhmUo</a><br />
(FWIW: My own very slight preference is for Annie's more accurately-sung, controlled... but less emotional version.) <br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">Update - few<b> more</b> efforts need to be added:</span> A mention for the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA_N9fQgOT0">Eyes of A Woman</a>" song from the album of the same name (which I seem to like more and more); as a good example of both "crisp" and <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html">metallic qualities</a> sometimes present in Ms. Fältskog's singing voice. ("Metallic": It IS <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17324555">a quality</a>.) Link to YT example is<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA_N9fQgOT0"> here</a>. And....yes; one more: "Little White Secrets" is a "stealthy", appealing beauty - especially in its forceful latter portion. Another feeling song from the artist; discussed in a bit more detail here (a future post).</span></span><br />
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5. (more 'tied' songs!) (update): "When You Walk in the Room" (from <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ESU2RI/">My Colouring Book</a></i>). Power, volume, clarity...and <span style="color: white;">enthusiasm</span> from 54-year-old Agnetha. Love the sweet 'ring' <span style="font-size: x-small;">(non-technical usage)</span> still present in the singer's voice, especially in the fortissimo refrain. Plus... the world's cutest (correct) pronunciation of "...thunder boom".<br />
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5a. (update): "If You Need Somebody Tonight" (from <i>I Stand Alone</i>). A slow and intimate one, again displaying feeling (in the singer's voice). <br />
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5b. "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmFfS9uYi_E&feature=related">Just One Heart</a>" (<i>Eyes of A Woman</i> album). Pleasant, and angelic at moments. One of the most engaging from Agnetha's higher voice. She uses her girlish <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falsetto">falsetto</a> ....It is different from many of her other songs. (Something that I like...)<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">5c . </span>"I Won't Let You Go"<span style="font-size: 85%;"> (sung <span style="color: white;">great</span>, but marred by '80s production excess).<span style="font-size: small;"> Sexy "Stay" makes my list here, too. Appealing singing, but distracting background "panting" and moaning spoils it.....</span></span><br />
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5d. "P&B". <span style="color: white;">By the way</span>, there appear to be <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-549.html">several knowledgeable fans over at the "abba4ever" forum</a> who definitely disagree that P & B was a good effort. Fair enough. (Reminder: This list is "about the voice" (how it sounds (to me)), vs. song lyrics.) To my "American ears" I think Agnetha voice sounds feminine and enjoyable. (I especially like it when she unleashes her bright voice element.) She is also <span style="color: white;">sweet</span> and siren-like in the refrain; almost letting it <span style="color: white;">go</span>, but with control. Update: A beautiful studio <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVFjubZln2Y" target="_blank">snippet is here (link)</a>. (Via this YouTube clip<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (which might have been over-dubbed after production - can't tell for sure)</span>, <span style="color: white;">excellent resonance</span> on the word "fool", as she nails the lower-voiced moment...)<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">6. 1985's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpaOA5GkaFw&feature=related" target="_blank">Click Track</a>". Actress Agnetha "raps" a bit (rhymes over a beat) and shows her <b>sexy</b> lower voice in an edgy '80's video. This appealing song/video combination would have been something of a hit in the U.S. (at the time) with proper promotion, IMO. (Especially the video.) <span style="color: white;">One reason I prefer solo Agnetha:</span> She tried out a few different things (such as this video effort). However, this song is still a bit of "ABBA formula": Bright music, (with a) sadder 'message'. <span style="color: white;">BTW, we sometimes overlook this:</span> Excellent English language skills displayed by the Swedish star in this fast-paced song. (Plus the intriguing Swedish-tinged 'rap' at the song's start....)</span><br />
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6b. "Once Burned, Twice Shy". Listeners can definitely hear the "hurt" in the singer's voice.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Updated section:)</span> Perhaps something here in the style of Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's singing idol, Connie Francis? Sung in a higher key (maybe a bit too high...), Agnetha's tense/wailing soprano voice is a little difficult to listen too. (In line with the song's lyrics, this may be fitting...) Not much sweetness (in the voice) here.... mostly <a href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/angst" target="_blank"><i>angst</i></a>. With what sounds like a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_Guitar" target="_blank">slide guitar</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm not an expert)</span>, a good, American country sound on this one. Agnetha's troubled,"crying" voice heightens the feeling of distress.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">AND,</span> "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fovue12GyZU">Golliwog</a>" has to be listed, even though it's not a post-ABBA song. It's too sexy not to be. Young Agnetha's playful (and sexy) falsetto.(HAH! Try the Swedish version....It's funny; lots of play-acting (with the voice): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxiERdwOuCk&fmt=18">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxiERdwOuCk&fmt=18</a> )</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">One <i>more (unranked) ;</i></span> maybe just a "typical" solo song example from Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog. (YT link follows.) Sounding great, <i>with ease</i>. Multiple voice lines sung, again. Catchy. (Almost a Steely Dan-like backing at moments. But maybe a lot of '80's pop songs sounded something like that.... The video is "totally" Eighties in look, and -- <i>other</i> than "retro"-fabulous-looking Agnetha -- not especially well presented.<span style="color: white;">) </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">But just one example of what Agnetha could almost effortlessly knock out (as a singer).</span> (Please <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/capable-agnetha-effortless-efforts.html">see this post for more about this subject</a>.) Like others, I'd guess it could have been something of an easy-listening hit, with promotion. <span style="color: white;">Agnetha has a good feeling for this one. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Short song; nice job: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-MkNGv4BA&fmt=18">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-MkNGv4BA&fmt=18</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span> <br />
<span style="color: white;">(From "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyes_of_a_Woman">Eyes of A Woman</a>".)</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />
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<span style="color: white;">AND...</span>yet one more "nod" (OK, a "bow") to Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's abilities: "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYtOwJzYbpg&fmt=18">Never Again</a>", the 1982 duet with singer <a href="http://www.tomasledin.net/">Tomas Ledin</a> does not happen to be one of my personal favorites. (It is included on Agnetha's <i>My Very Best</i> compilation.) <br />
The song seems a transparent attempt (by both singers) to mimic (popular music) American (black) "soul" artists, at least to my sensibilities. <span style="color: white;">However...it wasn't necessarily a "terrible" attempt. (No effort that includes </span><span style="color: white;">Ms. F</span><span style="color: white; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: white;">ltskog's voice is</span><span style="color: white;"> (that).)</span> Agnetha, at moments, could sound a little bit like such a singer. <span style="color: white;">Kind of a "light pop/soul sound",</span> as mentioned at this worthwhile website re <a href="http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/annaeng.html">Agnetha's solo albums (link)</a>.<br />
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As witnessed with ABBA, singing/harmonizing with others is a strength for Agnetha. The post-ABBA duets bring out and highlight her beautiful, feminine voice. One that does so is linked here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g9gLQBUfDM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g9gLQBUfDM</a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span> I consider the gentleman who administers the 'abba4ever'<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/fs-30652567nx61610.html" target="_blank"> forum</a> (Johnny) to be a complete expert about Ms. Fältskog and her music. Please have a look at his recent, five-page list (plus other fan/expert comments about it): "<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9932.html" target="_blank">Johnny's Top 134 Agnetha song ramblings"</a>....<br />
We don't happen to agree on some songs (rankings). Johnny focuses upon lyrics and meanings more than I do. But his knowledge is much more extensive, <span style="color: white;">extending to Agnetha's Swedish songs</span>, etc. It is well worth a look.....there is much to learn for Agnetha fans. (FWIW: His "top ten" is fairly accurate, in my humble view, though I don't happen to agree with his #1. Obviously from my (less-comprehensive) list above, I place in-English songs "Man" and "Let It Shine" much higher -- focusing upon how (well) Agnetha sings/delivers them (vs. lyrics).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iePI5e9M_tM/TancYvhpDgI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Krn2tMsFNjo/s1600/agnconcert2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iePI5e9M_tM/TancYvhpDgI/AAAAAAAAA-o/Krn2tMsFNjo/s320/agnconcert2.JPG" height="320" width="316" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(YT low-res. screen cap; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLJ7tJNpcK0" target="_blank">source</a>)</span><br />
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<b style="color: white;">2011 (2013) update:</b> <span style="color: #ffe599;">A new attempt at listing Agnetha Fältskog's "ten best" solo songs follows.</span> <span style="color: white;">It is difficult to confine to just ten songs for this artist.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(See above.)</span> Her special voice - by itself - makes many solo efforts worthwhile. Please note (again) that I am focusing upon the singer's voice, how well it is used/sounds, her delivery, adapting/"shaping" of the vocals. <span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Plus some "intangibles" and nuances (with the voice/delivery), not easily described via words...) </span>Lyrics, song construction, etc. are factors too</span>, but the voice is the main thing for me. This newer list considers Agnetha's many <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-selected-songs-in-swedish.html" target="_blank">in-Swedish solo songs</a>, though I am still learning about some of those. (So some of the solo efforts now included are <span style="color: white;">not</span> 'post-ABBA'....) Also <span style="font-size: x-small;">(per "the voice is the main thing for me")</span>, "best" songs does not always equal favorite songs (for this listener).</div>
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There are differences between the newer listing and the 2009-10 one above, for a few reasons. E.g., the yearning "I Won't Be Leaving You" - a personal favorite - has been "bumped"downward, as it may contain a small, in-English (lyrics) pronunciation error, discussed further<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-faltskog-i-wont-be-leaving-you.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. Better knowledge of Swedish solo efforts displaces a few in-English songs from the earlier list. <i>Etc...</i><br />
As noted, a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irlMczzIReQ" target="_blank">number</a> of <b>excellent</b> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kms35_lKtfs" target="_blank">efforts</a> will "just miss" a<i> </i>"top ten" listing for this talented singer....<span style="color: white;">It is unfair - even misrepresenting - to limit to only ten songs.</span> (Suggest <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/singer-agnetha-faltskog-solo-efforts" target="_blank">Agnetha's 2008<i> My Very Best </i>compilation album</a> for a truer portrait of the solo artist. Her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Love-Life-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B000006YMO" target="_blank"><i>My Love, My Life</i> compilation</a>; more comprehensive for earlier, solo material...) Finally...check back next week! One or two songs - especially on the latter half of my list - will have changed. How the listener feels, mood, etc. alters preferences, and 'what sounds best'....(E.g., <span style="color: #eeeeee;">2013 update:</span> I've flipped positions for "Man" and <span class="postbody"> <span style="color: white;">"Tio mil kvar till Korpilombolo"</span>. The latter -- now "ranked" #3 on my fan's list -- is a fine representation of Agnetha's <a href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/sweetness?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sweet</a> and bright voice elements...</span><br />
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<span class="postbody"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">(Please see another brief 2013 update following the list....)</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here goes...(Note: Many of the following are currently available for listening via YouTube <span style="font-size: x-small;">(one <a href="http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1E367911859E577" target="_blank">link here</a> (new window))</span>, and also on the album compilation cited above):</span></div>
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1. <span style="color: white;">"Nar du tar mig i din famn"</span>, <i>My Very Best </i>and other albums. (Among other qualities, a good <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpt5e19Ksgk" target="_blank">sample</a> of Ms. Fältskog's clear singing voice....) <br />
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2. <span style="color: white;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZnMHLnTbpw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind</a>"</span>, from Agnetha's <i>My Colouring Book </i>album. (Pls. see the older section above for more about this effort.)<br />
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<span class="postbody">3. <span style="color: white;">"Tio mil kvar till Korpilombolo"</span>, from <i>My Very Best</i> and others. (<i>Sweet and <span style="color: white;">bright</span></i> -(voiced). Most distinctly Agnetha! <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The singer; i.e., sounding like no one else here. )</span> ...Plus: Ms. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fältskog's <i>humming</i> (etc.) throughout this</span></span><span class="postbody"> effort, especially at the close -- heaven on earth. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Including not-easy-to-execute quick drops to lower notes at moments within the song.)</span></span><br />
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4.<span style="color: white;"> "</span><span class="postbody"><span style="color: white;">Mina Ögon"</span>, from</span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_kvinnor_i_ett_hus" target="_blank"><i>Elva Kvinnor I Ett Hus</i></a>. (Pls. <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/abbas-disillusion-1973.html" target="_blank">see this post</a> for a little bit more about this song.)<br />
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5. <span style="color: white;">"Man"</span>, from <i>Wrap Your Arms Around Me</i>. (Pls again see above for more about this song.)<br />
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<span class="postbody">6. <span style="color: white;">"One Way Love"</span>, from <i>Eyes of a Woman. </i>(Pls. <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">see this post for much more</a>.)</span><br />
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<span class="postbody">7. <span style="color: white;">(tie) "Vart ska min </span></span><span class="postbody" style="color: white;">kärlek </span><span class="postbody"><span style="color: white;">fora"</span>, and "</span><span class="postbody"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leUyMJJT3qA" target="_blank">Nu ska du bli stilla</a>" (link)</span><span class="postbody">, both from the musical <i>Jesus Christ Superstar</i>, Swedish production. Agnetha might have equaled herself in the second, generally less-played song here...<span style="font-size: x-small;">(BTW, these two are not technically solo (career) songs, as the singer was part of the production's cast. But they are spotlight(ed) solo performances and I'll include them.)</span></span><br />
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<span class="postbody"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I Was A Flower</span>", from "<b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album//id614345990" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>A</i></a></b>". This post - and blog - attempts to focus (particularly) upon </span></span></span><span class="postbody"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="postbody">Ms. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fältskog's special voice. Per 2013's album effort, that singing voice has changed somewhat since 25-30+ years ago. <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/great-performances-barbra-streisand-back-brooklyn-tv-review-article-1.1529768" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><i>Un-</i></span>surprisingly</a>. To this one -- admittedly close-listening -- fan it has become somewhat 'thinner' over time. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Best single-word descriptor I can conjure...) <span style="font-size: small;">Though <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">certain voice elements</a> may be less prominent <span style="font-size: x-small;">(or available)</span> than before, others are still remarkably present: Listeners know it is distinctively Agnetha('s). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="postbody"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In that context (and contributing to a slightly lowered (song) "ranking" here), "I Was A Flower" is a <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">dark jewel</span> from an artist evolved as a <span style="color: #eeeeee;">master</span> of rendering heartfelt ballads. (Especially; lamentations of lost, ruined or unrequited love.) ...Both evocative and powerful, especially for some who may recall (moments of) the singer's career history... Agnetha has favored/<i>done</i>-favor-to such songs before. As <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4685728773150019829#editor/target=page;pageID=9120421178468504027" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">previously noted</a> however, the final, distressing moments of mournful "IWAF" are interpreted/delivered with one-of-a-kind woeful <a href="http://thesaurus.com/browse/Regret" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">regret</a>. The feeling here is that no other popular singer could have expressed those lines more compellingly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="postbody">9. </span><span class="postbody">As noted in the older section above "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjOqQlrZgbM&fmt=18" target="_blank">Love Me With All Your Heart</a>" seemingly IS Agnetha</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Fältskog</span></span><span class="postbody">. A fitting song, "owned" by Agnetha and delivered with honey-voiced clarity</span><span class="postbody"> by the mature singer</span><span class="postbody">.</span><br />
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<span class="postbody">10a, 10b, 10c, 10d (<span style="color: #eeeeee;">tie</span>). <span style="color: white;">"Maybe It Was Magic"</span>, from <i>I Stand Alone</i>. (Pls.<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-and-not-maybe-it-was.html" target="_blank"> see this post for much more</a>...) <span style="color: white;">Update:</span> Obviously I'm unable to limit Agnetha's solo list to ten, so this list position includes a 'tie'. <span style="color: #eeeeee;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="postbody"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">10a</span>...</span><span class="postbody"><span class="postbody"> <span style="color: white;">"Let It Shine"</span>, from <i>Eyes of a Woman. </i>(Pls. see the older listing above for more about this song.)</span></span><br />
<span class="postbody"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">10b</span>...Despite a possible, minor mispronunciation in the lyrics, "<span style="color: white;">I Won't Be Leaving You</span>" is one of emotion-conveying Agnetha's best as a solo artist. More about that lovely song effort (headphones 'required') is<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-faltskog-i-wont-be-leaving-you.html" target="_blank"> linked here</a>. <span style="color: #eeeeee;">10c</span>. Together, Agnetha and</span> fiancé Björn Ulvaeus created an enjoyable, 1971 Swedish album, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%A4r_en_vacker_tanke_blir_en_s%C3%A5ng" target="_blank"><i>När en vacker tanke blir en sång</i></a><b> </b>("When A Beautiful Thought Becomes A Song"). (Björn produced, Agnetha composed, etc.) Much of it is young Agnetha at her solo, age-21-and-under best, to my ears. A personal favorite from the album is the hard-to-describe, "one-on-one", artist/listener-bridging "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdf75BZwAv4" target="_blank">Då finns du hos mig</a>"(link). (Agnetha on piano as well as the lovely and personal vocal...) However, for this list focusing more upon the voice and singing, I'll choose the beautiful <span class="metadata-info"> "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxtXEAyW0bI" target="_blank">Tågen kan gå igen</a>" (link) (The Trains Can Run Again. Words/lyrics are important for appreciation...) </span> The happy, youthful, nicely-self-harmonized "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs7mJIjAMso" target="_blank">Nya ord</a>" (link) is another top pick. <span style="color: #eeeeee;">Previous omission</span> from this list: The full version of "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Wrap Your Arms Around Me</span>" (single) needs to be on an Agnetha "top-ten" solo list, if just for its whispered <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.google.com/#q=%C3%A4lska+mig+translate" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Älska mig's. </a>(And humming....) </span></span><br />
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<span class="postbody">11. (<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The most difficult choice, as so many good efforts qualify. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ref., my older listing, above</span>:</span>) <span style="color: white;">"Little White Secrets"</span>, from <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/a-mini-review-of-i-stand-alone-agnetha.html" target="_blank"><i>I Stand Alone</i></a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(An excellent YT video production is below.)</span> All that I can try to say about this choice - which begins with a bit of tenuous singing (but that changes; <i>fast</i>) - is try to imagine<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/siren?" target="_blank"> <i>siren</i></a> Agnetha singing the latter portion of this song <span style="color: white;">directly to you</span>. </span><span class="postbody">In <i>your</i> ear. </span><span class="postbody"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(It's quite easy to do so...)</span> </span><span class="postbody">I.e., the later portion of the song that begins with the "<span style="color: white;">Burning dreams...</span>" line, until the end. Agnetha <i>feels</i> this one (as she sings it), and makes us feel it, too...It's genuine. Agnetha's "ringing", slightly metallic-edged, emotion-packed, feminine voice in the song section is (also) <span style="color: white;">a "best of" snapshot</span> of the mature, 1980s singer.... <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<span class="postbody"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As is evident via this 'top' song listing, my overall preference is for the more mature and accomplished adult artist.</span> <i>Especially</i> as an age "thirty-something" singer.</span><br />
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<span class="postbody">Thank you to '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Fafner888?feature=watch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fafner888</a>' for producing this current YT version of 'Little White Secrets': </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9L9xl72Osv4?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
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(video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L9xl72Osv4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>)
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<span class="postbody"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">What do you think?</span> BTW, FWIW: A few (of several) Agnetha songs very close to inclusion <span style="color: #eeeeee;">above</span> are: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sTl0wAUDWQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Won't Let You Go</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzE5akQDSEo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When You Walk in the Room <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(current video link)</span></a>"...<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Enthusiastically-delivered adult Agnetha efforts.)<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">2013</span> update:</b> </span>Actually, I would now <span style="color: #eeeeee;">"tie"</span> 'IWLYG' and 'WYWITR' at number eleven in the (2011) list above. I have grown to appreciate Agnetha's stronger, more enthusiatic voice/singing employed in them. Also the more I listen, the more current #11, 'Little White Secrets' (somehow) sounds <span style="color: #eeeeee;">just slightly</span> strained with some of the singing....</span></span></span><br />
<span class="postbody"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Continuing</span>, previously written:) ....Plus, 1975's well-done</span></span></span> "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TQxDOG2oo" target="_blank">Dom Har Glömt</a>" (link). Don't know how to better express it, but the close-out of '75's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRL1XBH8DLE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Är du som han?</a> is "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Agnetha-'<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cool" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>cool</i></a>'</span>".<br />
And<i> also: </i> 1983's "Stand By My Side" featuring <span style="color: #eeeeee;">one-of-a-kind</span> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plaintive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">plaintiveness</a> plus <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sweetness?" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sweetness</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">((standard) def., meaning #1</span>) <i>packed</i> into one voice/one song....(Esp. the chorus.) An exceptional singing effort/result, IMO. <span style="color: #eeeeee;"><i>And</i>....</span><i>What is</i> delightful??... Young Agnetha's own <span style="color: white;">'En Egen Trädgård 'from 1975. </span><br />
<span style="color: white;">More about that bright, 'period-piece' song is <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-delightful-tradgard-1975.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">linked here</a>...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Additional 2013</b> update:</span></span> Other songs from Agnetha's <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album//id614345990" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>A</b></span>" album</a>'s as worthy "contenders" (ref. above): Nicely-suited, well-interpreted "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Past Forever</span>". <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The closest <i>other</i> "<i>A</i>" song to inclusion in the list above...)</span> And, "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Perfume In the Breeze</span>": Some awkward lyrics but sung very nicely. Also, FWIW: I find the piece (to be) a little heavy on sentiment but this fan enjoys Agnetha's singing effort for "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4L7DUXlaDM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Keep Them On the Floor...</a>" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Again FWIW: "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Bubble</span>" remains a personal favorite.....That bias, plus the song's uniqueness, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ms. Fältskog's delivery, and her dreamy "<span style="color: #eeeeee;">la-la's</span>" also place that '<i>A</i>' song close to inclusion in the list above....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">...And yes; I still enjoy mature Agnetha's sweet-voiced effort for uptempo "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2CYw0LmBPM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dance Your Pain Away</a>".)</span><br />
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<span class="postbody"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">And please note:</span> Many thoughtful Agnetha 'top ten' (solo) lists can be found at this excellent forum (link, new window): </span><a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9.html</a></span><br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-44880541816290940552009-06-09T19:11:00.000-07:002014-01-05T11:49:17.852-08:00Agnetha's best, and not: 'Maybe It Was Magic'<span style="color: white;">Within just a few seconds</span> in Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's 1987 song "Maybe It Was Magic", one may hear the very best of the expressive singer, and then - almost immediately - a bit of the less-than-optimal. <span style="font-size: small;">(Note: A link to one available version of the song is included, below.) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><span style="font-size: x-small;" title="Pronunciation in IPA">A short, funny video with Agnetha's name pronounced is<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAnelxqJ5M&fmt=18" target="_blank"> here</a>.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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The ex-ABBA singing star's special voice has been discussed in several posts in this blog, <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank">including this one</a> that contains insightful comments from long-time listeners. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sourced from the excellent '<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8000.html" target="_blank">abba4ever' forum</a>.)</span></div>
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From Agnetha's 1987 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Stand-Alone-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B000006YMN/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpp_9/189-8290723-8236557" target="_blank"><i>I Stand Alone</i> album</a>, "Maybe It Was Magic" is a standout track for many. (<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/mini-review-of-i-stand-alone-1987.html" target="_blank">My "retro"-review of the decent album is linked here</a>.) The sweet-sounding singer is often best at sadder, yearning ballads such as this one. A genuine "ache" of regret...of longing... in her voice, at times. <br />
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The finest moment on the entire album (for this listener) commences after<span style="color: white;"> the oddly 'booming' drum bit </span>at around the <span style="color: white;">3:12 </span>mark (on the audio CD). <span style="color: white;">The next fifteen seconds that follow the drums are exceptional.</span> Agnetha's "<span style="color: white;">There was something in </span><b style="color: white;">your</b><span style="color: white;"> voice</span>" line, sung around the <span style="color: white;">3:20-22 </span>mark, is difficult to describe. It's a timeless moment. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Possibly an oxymoron.)</span> The line stands out and grabs the listener.<span style="color: white;"> How her</span><span style="color: white;"> voice slightly breaks between "your" and "voice" is </span><i style="color: white;">perfect</i><span style="color: white;"> interpretation. </span>(Intentional or not.) Transcending standard "sweet, with feeling mode" for just a moment, Agnetha delivers it with a trace of hoarseness. (Perhaps the (occasional) "exposed surface" in her voice, noted by <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank">Brita Ahman in the "As I Am" biography</a>.) The singer's strong emphasis here of the word '<span style="color: white;">your</span>' is also....great. And Agnetha's all-her-own <span style="color: white;">sweet</span> finish to the word "voice" adds uniqueness.<br />
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It's better to listen to the effort on a high-fidelity <a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Stand-Alone-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B000006YMN/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpp_9/189-8290723-8236557" target="_blank">recording</a> (with headphones). As a notch-or-two-under (audio) substitute, a link follows to an <span style="color: white;">album</span> version of "Maybe It Was Magic", currently on You Tube. (Thanks to YT user '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ji61m" target="_blank">ji61m</a>' for posting it.)<span style="color: white;"> The section referred to above also begins at around</span> <span style="color: white;">3:12</span> in the YT vid.<br />
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<b>Link:</b> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJTDpojPQ5Y&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJTDpojPQ5Y&fmt=18</a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Also</span>, another YT link featuring an excellent tribute/production by '2Shaymcn'. <span style="font-size: x-small;">E.g., the "cut" to a 'live' performance at this production's 3:13 mark</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (around the same moment (in the song) as described above)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">: <span style="color: white;">"Awesome"</span>... (Beautiful Agnetha helps make it so.) :</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTMr6MALkGI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTMr6MALkGI</a><br />
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While listening, the line noted above and the deeper (self-harmonized) next one, "<span style="color: white;">When you used to call my name</span>", evoke an American country music feeling. <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">I would have liked to hear much more of this form or 'style' of singing from the Swedish star.</span> </span>'Maybe It Was Magic' would have been an interesting U.S. country song attempt, especially if more lines were interpreted/recorded like the ones above. (More is written below re this...) Agnetha's vocals here fleetingly recall American singer Juice Newton.... <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S1ZHitcKMzI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/JGrlWCQTE14/s1600-h/lifemtns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S1ZHitcKMzI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/JGrlWCQTE14/s320/lifemtns.jpg" /></a></div>
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For this listener perhaps the "other side of the coin" occurs just seconds after the song section just described. Possibly the impending transition from the lower-voice line "When you used to call my name" is a difficult one. (3:24-3:26 in the video above.) At any rate the very next words, "There are moments in my life", sung much higher; tends to find the artist sounding a little like a young girl. (To this listeners ears, anyway. (3:27-3:30 in the video. Though oddly, this line sounds slightly <i style="color: white;">better</i> in the video than on the album.) As noted<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" target="_blank"> in a previous post here</a>, the singer occasionally didn't sound her best in a few, higher-register moments. Sometimes her voice would "pinch", or sound slightly tense; constricted. But note also that in many efforts <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tBHywgFKdY" target="_blank">she's very pleasing to hear in the higher register</a> (using her falsetto voice, at times).<br />
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Regardless: It's "trademark" Agnetha; a beautifully "sweet and sad" singer. <span style="color: white;">A song of loss and regret, but the artist's inherently bright voice (also) helps smooth it.</span> (Somehow sounds as if she had a smile at times while singing.....) The artist is critical of some of her past efforts but it is still <span style="color: white;">surprising</span> that (the) becoming "Maybe It Was Magic" is not included on her "best of"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F47nYLIhEI&fmt=18" target="_blank"> compilations</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(Updated insert: I did not examine the song's lyrics in this post, but for ABBA fans especially, it is easy to imagine that perhaps Agnetha was singing of her times with ex-husband Björn....)</span></span><br />
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Though not a voice or singing expert, it's still interesting how (recorded) Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog conjured these reactions from me within less than twenty seconds of her song performance....<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It is of course, subjective. Others can and will <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-10222.html" target="_blank">hear it differently</a>. And for this fan, Agnetha's few, lesser singing moments still compare with many others' usual ones. Her <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank">strengths</a> far outweigh any perceived weaknesses. </span><br />
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© 2009-2011 (original portions)<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Addendum:</span> As far as I know... this is a completely theoretical aside. I.e., I find no indication that the following ever actually occurred or existed:<br />
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Beautiful and talented <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Newton-John" target="_blank">Olivia Newton-John</a> established herself <span style="color: white;">worldwide</span> (as a singer) starting with her 1973-4, American country crossover hits. (E.g., <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olivia_Newton-John" target="_blank"><i>Let Me Be There</i>, <i>If You Love Me, Let Me Know</i>, <i>I Honestly Love You</i></a>.) <br />
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Through much of the 1970's, Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog - a similarly beautiful and talented female singer vis-a-vis Ms. Newton-John <span style="font-size: x-small;">(both close in age also)</span> - was almost entirely occupied with juggernaut ABBA plus her two small children. (Agnetha did manage a fine, solo Swedish album of her own though, co-producing <i><a href="http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/annasolo.html" target="_blank">Elva Kvinnor I Ett Hus</a> </i>in 1975.)<i> </i>But ABBA and the children took precedence until the super-group dissolved in the early 1980s. As detailed throughout this blog, Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog then launched her relatively short, English solo music career segment.<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Getting to the point:</span> As ABBA the group climbed to the pinnacle of '70s pop music, did Agnetha ever "glance over" and contemplate the <span style="color: white;">solo singing success (and more) </span>of similarly-talented Olivia? (ABBA's 1974 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurovision_Song_Contest" target="_blank">Eurovision Song Contest</a> competitor. (Vanquished, at the time.)) And could the thought have occurred at some point (back then)....<span style="color: white;"><i>"that could be</i> or<i> could have been me"</i>...??<span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">(Note: ABBA (incl. Agnetha) once even appeared on an Olivia network TV special (in America) at the time.</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mftz4gY7okk&feature=related" target="_blank">Link to one YT video</a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> from that appearance...)</span></span></span><br />
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Who knows? From the perspective of this blog/'lens' about Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's solo in-English music, it is an intriguing - and totally subjective - speculation. <span style="color: white;">For once, I'm not going to 'riff' on it, ad nauseum. </span> Just will leave that (possible) question from long-ago out there, but still assert this:<br />
<span style="color: white;">Making it "large" as an English solo singer - or not:</span> Agnetha sings in English beautifully, with an occasional "tinge" of Swedish; often charming- and/or sexy-sounding. (Something like the performer herself...) However, unlike Aussie-English-speaking Olivia, Agnetha would probably have contended with the perceived disadvantage of English as a second language. Family-focused Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog also would likely not have committed the time and travel (or relocation) necessary to succeed in large, English-speaking markets. (Ultimately, that's America.) Embarking upon her English solo work in the early '80s, Agnetha further might not have wanted to (appear to) directly follow the "trail blazed" by successful, <span style="color: white;">"crossover Olivia"</span>, just a few years earlier. Etc., etc.<br />
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But when I hear "Maybe It Was Magic" (in focus, above), it leaves this one experienced listener with very little doubt that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVAOIx5aSCE&playnext=1&list=PLF1E367911859E577&index=6" target="_blank">versatile-voiced</a> (vs. Olivia), emotion-conveying singer Agnetha <span style="color: white;">could have crossed over beautifully to America's country music</span> genre. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(A good all-around performer and not as shy/reserved (on-stage), Olivia had her comparative strengths...and appeal.)</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing:)</span> <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id23.htm" target="_blank">Mainly self-imposed limits</a> (per above) probably prevented this - if the inclination existed at all. Otherwise, just being seen and heard by the "right people", performing the "right" kind of song....would have sealed the deal for gifted Agnetha.<br />
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Just one of several possible scenarios where all of America <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(perhaps all of the Americas...)</span> would have gotten to know Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog. <i>If</i> she had wanted it to happen... <span style="color: white;">Being properly presented and heard -- all that was needed</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(P.S. If anyone knows more (factual information) about this particular subject, please leave a comment....)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Note: This entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts here. Last edited: 2010-11.</span></span></span><br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-25208915595451313582009-06-09T16:39:00.007-07:002014-01-05T11:49:17.841-08:00Is Agnetha a recluse? 'Nej'.<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="color: white;">Note to readers:</span> This post is part of an appreciative but unofficial website about aspects of Agnetha Fältskog's public career.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Upfront response: </span>I don't really know. And likely you don't really know either. Very few truly have personal, firsthand knowledge of this question. <span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Update:</span> Please see further below for several interesting, 2010 occurrences pertinent to this posting entry. <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2013 update</span>:</b> As fans know, many of Agnetha's "<i>A</i>" album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AgnethaOfficial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">promo efforts/activities</a> rendered much of this post's subject (and writings) <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Moot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">moot</a>.....<span style="color: #cccccc;">(Intentionally, I'd speculate....I.e., returning to public recording/performing may have been - <i>in part</i> - to (further) dispel such media-fed images, stereotypes.))</span></span><br />
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(Continuing, previously written text:) Almost every published feature (or gossip) article of length from the past 20+ years <span style="color: white;">labels</span> ex-<a href="http://www.abbasite.com/">ABBA</a> singer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog </a>as a "<span style="color: white;">recluse</span>", "virtual recluse"; <span style="color: white;">or,</span> "hiding", "in exile", etc. ('Agnetha' is pronounced<span title="Pronunciation in IPA"> at the end of this brief<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AAnelxqJ5M&fmt=18" target="_blank"> video (link)</a> for us.</span>) <br />
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One fairly typical example: This published piece from 2008, and still readily found via Internet search engines. It is a generally unfavorable article (with some questionable statements): (Link) <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1034466/Is-Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-finally-ready-forgive-bandmates-years-misery.html" target="_blank">http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1034466/Is-Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-finally-ready-forgive-bandmates-years-misery.html</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A couple additional examples of unflattering articles are linked further below. (Looking impartially, Agnetha did not help herself at times, i.e.; with the press...</span>)<br />
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<span style="color: white;">(Readers' note:</span> <span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;">Please consider this entry to be something of a research-based commentary/</span><span style="color: white; font-family: default,sans-serif;">opinion</span><span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"> piece. </span>(<span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Nej</span> = 'No' in Swedish</span>. Please read on for details.))</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S2efF3qQSqI/AAAAAAAAAyA/KW4ueSl3jtg/s1600-h/abandoned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S2efF3qQSqI/AAAAAAAAAyA/KW4ueSl3jtg/s320/abandoned.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This blog focuses mainly upon</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">M</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">s. F</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ltskog's special voice and her music. So the topic chosen for this post will not be explored in depth. (Also cannot be...) <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">At this point it's really no one's business.</span> And, as noted <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/closing-post-abba-agnetha.html" target="_blank">elsewhere in this blog</a> there is much <i style="color: white;">public</i><span style="color: white;"> </span>information (factual and otherwise), and published music available from/about the singer. One (factual) example: Part of an in-depth interview conducted in 2004 (link):<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRCGJLIs0k" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRCGJLIs0k </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From the cited source, below, <span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">here is a definition of the word "recluse"</span>:</span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">n. A person who withdraws from the world to live in seclusion and often in solitude.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(recluse. Dictionary.com. <i>The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition</i>. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/recluse" target="_parent">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/recluse</a> (accessed: February 01, 2010).)</span></div>
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From the same source, a couple of listed definitions for the word <span style="color: white;">"private":</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Solitary, secluded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or:</span></i> Preferring privacy; retiring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From those two definitions, the nearest aspect that may apply to Agnetha's <b>private</b> life is <span style="color: white;">'secluded</span>' (or seclusion). I think it is more accurate to say that she has deliberately <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/seclude">secluded</a> herself <b>and</b> <b>her cherished family</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(a very, very <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id23.htm" target="_blank">important factor</a> in a discussion of this general subject)</span> from incessant attention from the public; uncontrolled <b>scrutiny</b> from media outlets. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(P</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">age 119 in M</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">s. F</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">ä</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ltskog's<i> As I Am</i></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">1996 biography </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">alludes to an "intense need" for seclusion. In addition: The lady has stated in the past that she doesn't mind leaving a little mystery (about herself)</span>.<span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2013 update</span>/insert:</span> Ms. Fältskog has specifically challenged the <span style="color: #eeeeee;">'mystery</span>' notion <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-2318894/Abbas-Agnetha-Faltskog-gives-interview-decades-I-tired-Abba-over.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">in a few of her "A" album promo interviews</a>. I have not been able to - yet - re-locate the publication/article where I believe I read that original comment.....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Continuing, previously written:) Prior to getting to my points (below), also<span style="color: white;"> worth noting: </span>The celebrity apparently <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-9874206-will-agnetha-ever-return.do" target="_blank">has received threats over the years</a>, and has needed to take some precautions.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(BTW, perhaps a future post topic: How (and why) humankind (not just in the U.S.) seems to drive <a href="http://www.parade.com/celebrity/celebrity-parade/2010/elton-john-web-exclusive.html" target="_blank">so many</a> of its treasured singers and other performers-of-the-arts into "seclusion". <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20337958,00.html" target="_blank">Or worse</a>.</span> Is it us, or is it them? Both? )</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Update: </span>Also -another aspect to consider:</span> As former ABBA 'mate'/ex-husband <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bj%C3%B6rn_Ulvaeus" target="_blank">Björn Ulvaeus</a> points out from his excellent<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUE-5mUClz0&feature=related" target="_blank"> "My City_My Life" tour</a> (for CNN, 2009):"A lot of Swedes are really quite modest and unassuming. I think that's actually the closest you can get to a national trait, if there is one." </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white; font-size: large;">Getting to the point:</span> There is a difference; being private versus being a "recluse":</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Per her own <i>As I Am</i> biography, she is not solitary.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Agnetha's family and close friends <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1KzKdOJUmk" target="_blank">have always been part of her life; even her household</a>. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Ulvaeus" target="_blank">True today</a>.) <span style="color: white;">Aside: </span>Get to know 'everyday' Agnetha from 1981 via a charming interview available via this 'ABBA4EVER' forum thread. Perhaps the singer really hasn't changed all that much (since). From Argentinian TV : <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9513.html" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9513.html</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the past Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog has indicated publicly that "she is interested in (and affected by) what's going on in the world": <span style="color: white;">Link, new window opens...very good video clip for understanding a bit about grown-up Agnetha (1980s)</span>:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE3jcho0rVo&fmt=18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE3jcho0rVo&fmt=18</a></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And, FWIW, <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-7485.html">the Swedish star attends openings, galas and other invitation-only events occasionally</a> - if that matters in this discussion. Prominent, media-covered outings such as these are the only ones that the general public (usually) learns about. (<span style="color: white;">FYI</span>, a good thread at 'abba4ever.com' touches upon this, with examples (<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6993.html" target="_blank">link, new window</a>).) <span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2010 update: </span>Per a 'recent posts' item (top of the right sidebar here), <span style="color: white;">Agnetha dazzles</span> <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-10099-60.html">at the 2010 Copenhagen premier</a> of <i>Mamma Mia! </i>A 'knock out' (of an) appearance, and I think further renders the "recluse" label (and much of this post) moot. (Agnetha <i><span style="color: white;">does</span></i> have the (very) occasional surprises for fans...) <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Agnetha shows us all</span> </span>(incl. silly bloggers).... <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now, if she would perhaps consider a little more singing for us.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">☻</span><span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Additional 2010 update: Per this <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-10234.html#388943">link/site</a>; Agnetha is apparently spotted enjoying herself again. Update: And yet another <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-10278.html">one (link)</a>. Looking very good, and maybe the lady's just enjoying getting out (publicly, hi-profile events) more. Plus perhaps showing fans (and any <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/mail-on-sunday-london-england-the/mi_8003/is_1999_April_18/terrors-abba-star-agnetha-hide/ai_n36102987/">detract-ers</a>?) that she's not just "sitting at home". <i>Or</i>, is "something" imminent with the singer....? No knowing (for most of us)....yet. <i><span style="color: white;"> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Another 2010 update:</span><i><span style="color: white;"> </span></i><span style="color: white;">Link from Mikory's ABBA blog to an English translation of Ms.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">F</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">ltskog</span><span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">'s recent interview with Sweden's M-Magazine'. (Link is <a href="http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2010/12/agnetha-shows-off-her-favourite-clothes-and-talks-about-being-60.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) Though potentially an image-altering article via the included photos, Agnetha - perhaps surprisingly, given that she's publicly appearing in a glossy magazine photo spread/interview - reiterates the <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"I want to be left alone" mantra.</span> (I.e., at one point within the interview portion of the piece.) <span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Perhaps she emerged (for the article) merely to provide interested fans with an up-to-date glimpse of herself. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Having a bit of fun, obviously...)</span> Although we have to respect it as Agnetha clearly means it, uttering that <span style="color: white;">"Garbo-esque" phrase</span> might - at the same time - reinforce a (media) stereotype about her....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(As mentioned. This person - Andres Lokko, Swedish entertainment writer, seems to have similar thoughts (<a href="http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/agnetha-raises-possibility-of-abba-reunion/story-e6frfn09-1225981296254" target="_blank">link to story</a>). <b>Although</b> it is possible that Ms.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">F</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">ä</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">ltskog</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">'s</span></span><span style="font-family: default,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> "...left alone" words may have mainly referenced <span style="color: white;">celebrity-related</span> attention, e.g.;as with the paparazzi</span>. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(And perhaps blog writers...) <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;">I.e.:</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> She may be saying that she wishes to be 'anonymous' -- similar to non-celebrities.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: default,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing on; previously written text:)</span><br />
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Private? <span style="color: white;">Yes.</span> Recluse? By definition, I don't think so.....<br />
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However,as expertly described by Carl Magnus Palm in his introduction to (ABBA biography) <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank"><i>Bright Lights, Dark Shadows</i></a>, it is still fair to say that Ms. F<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">ä</span>ltskog has not enjoyed some consequences of success and fame. Per Mr. Palm: Agnetha is the band (ABBA) member <span style="color: white;">"...</span><i style="color: white;">for whom fame became a poison chalice</i><span style="color: white;">."</span> <span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Agnetha's </span><span style="color: #ffe599;">own</span><i style="color: #ffe599;"> As I Am</i><span style="color: #ffe599;"> biography was - <b>in part</b> - a "rant" or <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/salient-blog-items-agnetha-and-abba.html">complaint</a> about certain such consequences.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">A 2010, updated note:</span> Per Agnetha's <i>As I Am</i>, and as also noted <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/salient-blog-items-agnetha-and-abba.html">via this post</a> here, parts of the 1990's decade were a difficult time for the singing star. A second marriage ended. Agnetha then lost her parents. A (likely) sensitive person (<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html" target="_blank">though possessing inner strength</a>) -- already trying to recover from/avoid being a focus of relentless and massive attention -- did not help herself by apparently <span style="color: white;">behaving</span> the role of "a second Garbo" (at moments)... <span style="color: white;">with the media(!)</span>. As may be seen via the following story link, Agnetha's choice of a <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/confidant" target="_blank">confidant</a>, biographer and "friend" at the time hardly worked in her favor, either. Press articles such as <a href="http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/mail-on-sunday-london-england-the/mi_8003/is_1999_April_18/terrors-abba-star-agnetha-hide/ai_n36102987/" target="_blank">this one from '<i>The Mail on Sunday</i>' in 1999 (by Gill Martin)</a> certainly advanced the image of a lonely, scared, forlorn, etc. person. Some 'quotations' in the <span style="color: white;">generally unkind and damaging</span> piece seem 'cherry-picked' from <i>As I Am</i>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(With a couple of presumptive insults relating to the singer's appearance 'tossed in'....)</span> But Agnetha's own <i style="color: white;">attributed</i><span style="color: white;"> </span>quotations (for it) certainly did nothing to dispel this portrait. (Assuming that she said such things. <span style="font-size: x-small;">And note that it appears like the"reporter" (may have) ambushed Agnetha at her local recycling center - in order to (gleefully?) '<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dish?" target="_blank">dish</a>' about the encounter ..</span>.)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">2012 (blogger) update and edit:</span> Having carried on seemingly endlessly here, I've decided to remove the final few, extraneous paragraphs from this <span style="font-size: x-small;">(rambling)</span> post. I believe that <span style="font-size: small;">Ms.</span>F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2012/10/yes-belatedly-agnetha-is-recording-again.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">public activities</a> over the past few years <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ref. several mentioned above)</span> have confirmed to fans that she remains a private, home-oriented person. But one who also "gets out" in public on occasion, for reasons of her own choosing; including perhaps showing fans <span style="font-size: x-small;">(from around the world)</span> that she's doing just fine.</span><br />
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I am leaving the final paragraph intact:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Previously written text:)</span> Of particular importance to understanding the Swedish singer are her entries on page 121 of <i>As I Am.</i> Where Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog resolutely refutes (part of) her "image" that she believes has been propagated over the years by tabloid/gossip media: <span style="color: white;">"... I have never been forlorn!"</span>, she contends. (Referring to some stories allegedly portraying her as being alone and forlorn.) A "...topsy-turvy picture of me...", Agnetha states.<br />
That page, its chapter and its assertions are one of the main reasons that the 1996 book was written, I believe. </div>
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© 2010-2014 (original portions)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note: This post is backdated to better position within the order of entries in this blog.) </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span>Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-3851798757075667412009-06-08T10:00:00.000-07:002014-01-05T11:52:49.974-08:00Agnetha Fältskog: Selected songs in Swedish<i><span class="indquote_link">"<a href="http://www.finestquotes.com/select_quote-category-Talent-page-0.htm" target="_blank">The most exciting place to discover talent is in yourself.</a>"</span></i> --<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashleigh_Brilliant" target="_blank"> Ashleigh Brilliant</a><br />
<i><span class="indquote_link"> </span></i><br />
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This quick post is entirely 'owed' to and based upon some knowledgeable postings in the '<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/fs-30652567nx61610.html" target="_blank">abba4ever</a>' forum. It's a brief "nod" here to a few, standout Swedish-language songs from <a href="http://aceagnetha.typepad.com/blog/" target="_blank">Agnetha Fältskog</a>. Most are pre-ABBA (or early-ABBA period). (<span style="color: white;">I.e., 1969-1975; a generally happy time of life for the singer per her biography, "As I Am"</span>.)<br />
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I am learning, but <span style="color: white;">admit to know very little </span>about Swedish music output from the <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6769.html" target="_blank">prolific</a> recording star.<br />
So here a couple of forum links (open in new windows) for more selections from fan/experts:<br />
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<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8827.html" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8827.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8825.html" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8825.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S04N_ZI5m-I/AAAAAAAAAxA/8FAareIVzh4/s1600-h/agn011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S04N_ZI5m-I/AAAAAAAAAxA/8FAareIVzh4/s320/agn011.jpg" /></a></div> (<a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html" target="_blank">Link to image source</a>)<br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And here are a few YouTube links (presently available) for some early Agnetha songs in Swedish. I chose uptempo ones as my current favorites. (Thank you to YT video posters/creators.) Note: Ms. Fältskog's recent compilation "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Best-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/tracks/B001GC4QM4/ref=dp_tracks_all_1#disc_1" target="_blank">My Very Best</a>" contains 18 of her top Swedish-language songs. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
The sweet- and bright-voiced singer sounds good in any language. Actually,<span style="color: #ffe599;"> </span><span style="color: #ffe599;">these samples are many of the best that are linked via this entire blog/effort</span><span style="color: #ffe599;">. </span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Not surprisingly, the singer (often) seems a bit more comfortable singing in her native language.)</span> In modern vernacular; an "awesome" voice (in her own way)</span>: <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Headphones are best; watch the volume on some....)</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=IE&hl=en-GB&v=qd1svpn4hjU&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=IE&hl=en-GB&v=qd1svpn4hjU&fmt=18</a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2qAzUM1lo&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2qAzUM1lo&fmt=18</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TQxDOG2oo&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TQxDOG2oo&fmt=18</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5retRoHsupg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5retRoHsupg</a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCsHt15ib9E&fmt=18" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCsHt15ib9E&fmt=18</span></a><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbbzerhe4Yk&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbbzerhe4Yk&fmt=18</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpt5e19Ksgk&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpt5e19Ksgk&fmt=18</a><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdaXqnayOBU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdaXqnayOBU</a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwqKl2yJuWI&fmt=18" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwqKl2yJuWI&fmt=18</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(A sadder one, but Agnetha's "la-la's"-- heavenly:)</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5T5TaQCCV8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5T5TaQCCV8 </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Many, many</span> excellent efforts to choose from. Agnetha-composed, from 1971: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxtXEAyW0bI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxtXEAyW0bI </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Another wonderfully-sung (Agnetha-composed) beauty from</span><i> "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_kvinnor_i_ett_hus" target="_blank">Elva Kvinnor I Ett Hus</a>"</i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> (1975): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI </a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">As a bonus</span>, an angelic slower song from 1973:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQkfs6WMRQ&fmt=18" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQkfs6WMRQ&fmt=18 </a><br />
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The <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sweet">sweet</a>, Swedish version of the hit "S.O.S": <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxHIz-eg5UQ&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxHIz-eg5UQ&fmt=18</a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Can't find a sweeter voice:</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg&fmt=18</a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Agnetha's on piano</span> in this beautiful song (composed by her as well:) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdf75BZwAv4&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdf75BZwAv4&fmt=18 </a><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
Worthwhile bonus for fans: A link to one fan/expert's comprehensive Agnetha solo song list, with comments:<br />
(link)<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9932.html" target="_blank"> http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9932.html </a><br />
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Note: This post is backdated to better fit in the order of entries here.<span style="color: white;"> Updated, 2011</span>.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-89076022278980932152009-06-08T09:53:00.000-07:002014-01-05T11:52:56.262-08:00Agnetha's delightful 'trädgård' (1975)<div style="color: white;">
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Only one word....</div>
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For <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank">voice fans</a>, sometimes that is all that it takes to appreciate singer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">Agnetha </a>Fältskog and her past efforts. <br />
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Much of the following is an attempt to put something into words via this brief post <span style="color: white;">--</span> that really cannot be.</div>
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So, if you'd like, please start off with a couple of listens to Agnetha's delightful song from her 1975 Swedish solo album,<i> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2010/06/songwriter-agnetha-elva-kvinnor-i-ett.html" target="_blank">Elva Kvinnor I Ett Hus</a>, </i>entitled, <span style="color: white;">"En egen trädgård"</span>. (English translation: "<span style="color: white;">A garden of my own.</span>" Like most others on <i>Elva Kvinnor</i>..., Ms. Fältskog wrote the melody for it.)<i> </i><br />
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A current YouTube link <span style="color: white;">in a new window:</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI <i> </i></a></div>
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<i>(It's also available via iTunes</i> (new window):<i> </i><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/agnetha-faltskog/id13118309?trackPage=2#trackPage%29" target="_blank">http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/agnetha-faltskog/id13118309?trackPage=2#trackPage%29</a> <br />
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A 'period piece', from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentysomething_%28term%29#Dividing_the_lifespan" target="_blank">twentysomething</a>. <span style="color: white;">A happy tune from the mid-1970s</span>, perhaps reflecting what the artist <a href="http://www.amazon.com/As-Am-Abba-Before-Beyond/dp/1852276541" target="_blank">has stated (subsequently</a>, pages 42-46) as being (around) a (generally) good time in her life. Humorously and playfully done, a young woman's fantasy 'garden'... inside of her "fifty square" city apartment. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ed. note: Per <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6692.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this linked interview with song lyricist Bosse Carlgren</a>, Agnetha is portraying another young woman in this song, and also via other songs on her album...)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UoCpjJ_YvE4/Tk1TQh8-dUI/AAAAAAAAA_U/QDBx-_Kunsk/s1600/dancing-house-in-prague.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UoCpjJ_YvE4/Tk1TQh8-dUI/AAAAAAAAA_U/QDBx-_Kunsk/s320/dancing-house-in-prague.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="vpravo" style="margin-right: 4px; margin-top: 3px; text-align: left; width: 467px;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Dancing House In Prague by Petr Kratochvil.<a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/" target="_blank">This image is in the public domain</a>.)</span></div>
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For this blog effort however; focused upon Ms. Fältskog's <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank">special voice</a>, even just one sung word can transport listeners.... <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes, or a couple...)</span></div>
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<span style="color: white;">'En Egen Trädgård'</span> is an example of Agnetha the vocalist at her brightest and playful best. (Headphones suggested.) She seems in total command.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (As with <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqhQauDpaug" target="_blank">later examples</a>, I often think Ms. Fältskog sings her best on some of her own (composed) songs.)</span> The happy tune's high notes are hit with still-girlish enthusiasm. (I.e,., no pinching or tensing in the high voice.) Her chipper, yet a little pleading "Isn't it fine, isn't it the finest in town?" (loose English translation)...directly engages the listener. The whole song is bright and a little sassy, but evident mirth breaks out in the next stanza - about the "thousand fish in the bathroom 'lake'..." - via that clear, clear voice. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I.e., the song line beginning: Jag har tusen fiskar i badrummets....)</span><br />
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(<span style="color: white;">Also:</span> "Jag går naken och fri har i mitt paradislund..." -- <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ja!</span>)<br />
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The entire song also features some nice, mini-scale "runs" from composer Agnetha, allowing us to enjoy her precise (vocal) navigation of them. (Agnetha's boisterous (but musical), running-up-and-down "<span style="color: white;">la-las</span>" near the song's middle -- a little <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">listener's paradise</span>...)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">It is the final song refrain, though</span> that captivates most of all. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Beginning line: "Har min egen trädgård pa femtio kvadrat, två rum och kok...") </span>Experienced singer Agnetha beautifully softens and <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>further</i>)</span> <span style="color: #cccccc;">sweetens</span> her vocal in this closing refrain. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Her voice seems to become a little 'dreamy'....)</span></span> <br />
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Have a good listen to the artist <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sweetly" target="_blank">sweetly</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(and blithely)</span> stretch-out/emphasize syllables here. <b>Ex.</b> '<a href="http://translate.google.com/?hl=en&tab=wT#en%7Csv%7Cgarden" target="_blank">Trädgård</a>', sung as "<i style="color: white;">traaay</i><span style="color: white;">-gord</span>" (loose interpretation attempt). "K<span class="hps" closure_uid_kwkwjq="522" jd="null">öket" ...as '<span style="color: white;">shehhhhck-et</span>'</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(rough attempt, again).</span> <b>Etc.</b> <br />
It is <i>precious;</i> but the star's charming singing<span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: #cccccc;">makes it work.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> (Also credit to lyricist <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/bosse-carlgren-and-michael-tretow.html" target="_blank">B.Carlgren</a> for employing words that (seemingly) facilitated this.)</span> <br />
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The extended syllable here in "<i>traaay</i>-gord' (and others)<span style="color: white;">:</span> It's a sweet-sounding, metallic "buzz" in your ears! Agnetha's briefly gets her larynx, pharynx or whatever other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_resonation" target="_blank">vocal resonation</a> components buzzing (or "burring") as she lengthens. It's difficult to really describe....<span style="color: white;">so I'm going to give up trying</span>. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: white;">Other than:</span> </i>To me, Agnetha's sweetly lighthearted vocal stretch-outs (here) evoke the image (even the feeling) of....An ice skater sliding to a quick, hard stop on the ice; a cool, refreshing shower of ice crystals spraying all over us. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The listeners.)</span> Or, perhaps, something like the cool, fine, wet spray of water jets nicely chilling you by the displays at a (hot-day) farm-stand</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">....<i><span style="color: white;">Or</span></i>, the guy with the </span><a href="http://www.husqvarna.com/us/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Husqvarna</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> power saw shooting off a shower of ice shavings <span style="font-size: x-small;">(on you),</span> as he carves out a section of those famous, Scandinavian </span><a href="http://www.icehotel.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ice hotels</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(But those that land in your mouth taste sweet, like a "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_cone" target="_blank">snow cone</a>" - of course.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">... It's now getting a little ridiculous here.</span> But Agnetha's syllable draw-outs capture the listener, as does the entire sweetly softened refrain of her enjoyable melody. We briefly glide along, with her.<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Please enjoy young Ms. Fältskog's bright rendition of this long-ago song for yourself .</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Via the links above for as long as they're available.) </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6adWdx-05k/TlFklCx0XsI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Em0jOMTL6xY/s1600/waterspray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6adWdx-05k/TlFklCx0XsI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Em0jOMTL6xY/s400/waterspray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=5972&picture=water-spray">This image is in the public domain.</a></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;">And,</span> as appealing as Agnetha's singing is, <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">'En Egen Trädgård'</span> </span>is not included in her recent <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Very-Best-Agnetha-Faltskog/dp/B001GC4QM4/" target="_blank">My Very Best</a></i> compilation. (It's probably topped by a few <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Dtp-0-KdUI" target="_blank">of her other songs</a> from <i style="color: white;">Elva kvinnor</i>, alone... ) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">There are many good solo efforts to choose from: Please enjoy an 'Agnetha solo top ten +' from <b><span style="color: white;">this</span></b> blog <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" target="_blank">here</a> (new window). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Added info.:</span> For additional background, enjoy a detailed interview with <i>Elva kvinnor</i>... lyricist Bosse Carlgren via this excellent forum topic: (link, new window) <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6692.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6692.html</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;">Blog note:</span> This post is backdated to better fit within the order of entries here. It's actual creation date in August, 2011. Polite corrections to this post are welcome.</span><br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-18068168847081057412009-06-08T09:43:00.000-07:002014-01-05T11:52:49.966-08:00Songwriter Agnetha Fältskog: Elva kvinnor i ett hus<span style="color: white;">Brief commentary:</span> A link follows to a "wiki" (encyclopedia article) providing good information about the making of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">Agnetha<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span></span>F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog</a>'s <i>Elva kvinnor i ett hus</i> album. ('Eleven Women In One House'. ) As I continue to become more familiar with the singer's extensive Swedish recording catalog, I may add a few (additional) observations of my own. But for the time being a link to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_kvinnor_i_ett_hus" target="_blank">the present Wikipedia article is here</a>.<br />
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Included further below are (YouTube) links to a couple of current favorites from the 1975 album. It is notable that <span style="color: white;">Agnetha composed many of the songs</span> <span style="color: white;">and produced</span> the album (with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Tretow" target="_blank">Michael Tretow</a>'s overall guidance) - as a young woman in her early-to-mid twenties. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_kvinnor_i_ett_hus" target="_blank">Bosse Carlgren</a> supplied (interesting) lyrics for most...) <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That (still) was not commonly done by female singers at the time....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are some appealing melodies on <i>"Elva Kvinnor..."</i> And an array of them.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/TODJkXeuKwI/AAAAAAAAA8A/NFU99wTcA24/s1600/agnsheetm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/TODJkXeuKwI/AAAAAAAAA8A/NFU99wTcA24/s1600/agnsheetm.jpg" /></a></div>
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Per the article <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_kvinnor_i_ett_hus" target="_blank">linked above</a> the demands of rising super-group <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABBA" target="_blank">ABBA</a> (and also new motherhood) prevented Agnetha from fully realizing this album project. Her songwriting abilities - (ironically) perhaps improved by working with ABBA's burgeoning songwriter/producers (B. Ulvaeus and B. Andersson) - were not developed further (at the time), as focus narrowed to her primary role with ABBA.<br />
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It is difficult to glean the full meaning of the songs unless you are familiar with (the) Swedish (language). <span style="color: white;">Agnetha's sweet, feminine voice</span> is beautifully on display however, as she was further improving in this area as well....<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">The singing star is in fine voice for this entire album</span>.</span> <span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">It</span> is subjective</span> but I detect confidence, even happiness and enthusiasm in that voice (here), at times. (Aside from<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank"> "the usual"</a> sweetness, clarity, brightness, etc., etc.) Plus - it seems - a bit of a "sense of urgency". I.e., perhaps a solo album project that already-very-successful-and-capable, age 'twenty-something' Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog <span style="color: white;">really</span> wanted to create and produce, at that stimulating time within popular music. In short, via vernacular:<span style="color: white;"> She's "<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=up+for" target="_blank">up for</a>" this album (project)</span>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Agnetha also was pregnant<span style="color: white;">/</span>a new mother during its recording (1973-75). And she <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elva_kvinnor_i_ett_hus" target="_blank">reportedly</a> took some singing lessons around this time, as well.))</span> But various demands upon her probably made it difficult (to achieve her goal, or "vision")....(Note: Ref., C.M. Palm, <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/books/bright-lights-dark-shadows-the-real-story-of-abba" target="_blank"><i>Bright Lights, Dark Shadows</i></a>, pp.280-284.)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a> video posters </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'Ljus85' and</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 'ji61m' (respectively) have included English lyrics for the two album tracks linked below. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Focusing upon the singing and the songwriting:</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> To my ears these are first-rate songs </i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(below)</span></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> composed by young Agnetha, from an overall '<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/decent" target="_blank">decent</a>' </i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1970s</span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> album. </i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Please enjoy as a sample - as long as they remain posted. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Some YT song/tribute videos include English translations of lyrics.)</span> : </span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">(YT link, new window)</span> <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cWH3JBoNzw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cWH3JBoNzw</a></b><br />
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<span style="color: white;">(YT link)</span> <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRL1XBH8DLE" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRL1XBH8DLE</a></b><br />
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"<span style="color: white;">Bonus</span>": Current link to a third song....Happy tune; absolutely beautifully done<b>: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI%C2%A0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGKM8L5s5gI </a></b><br />
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<span style="color: white;">More about this bright song</span> is offered via <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-delightful-tradgard-1975.html" target="_blank">a recent post (link</a>, new window).<br />
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Plus: Another excellent (in-Swedish) effort (from this album, written by Agnetha) is briefly noted/linked via this <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/abbas-disillusion-1973.html" target="_blank">post (link, new window)</a>....</div>
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A somewhat more detailed review of this album is linked here: <a href="http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/id35.html" target="_blank">http://felpin80.tripod.com/ata/id35.html</a><br />
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Additional, worthwhile fan/expert commentary (etc.): <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9720.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9720.html </a>....<b>AND </b>an in-depth interview with Bosse Carlgren re the making of <i>Elva kvinnor</i>... plus <span style="color: #eeeeee;">more</span> is detailed in this well-worth-it forum post. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Comments are interesting, too...) </span><br />
(link, new window) <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6692.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6692.html</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">And</span> an <span style="color: white;">iTunes</span> link to songs from the album: </span><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/elva-kvinnor-i-ett-hus/id290169064" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/elva-kvinnor-i-ett-hus/id290169064</a><br />
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(Note: A couple more links to excellent, additional songs from <i>"Elva Kvinnor..."</i> are included in the previous post here: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-selected-songs-in-swedish.html" target="_blank">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnetha-selected-songs-in-swedish.html</a>)<br />
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Note: This post is backdated to better position within the order of entries here. Its actual creation date is November, 2010. Updated, 2011.<br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-78420508712238366212009-06-08T08:20:00.000-07:002014-01-05T11:52:56.237-08:00Ms. Fältskog: 1985© 2009-2010 (original portions)<br />
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<span style="color: white;">Blog note:</span> Some of the following entries appear elsewhere, at the end of my lengthy, 5/21/09 summary post<b> : </b><br />
<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html" target="_blank">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html</a><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That posting is so long that I decided to break out the three featured You Tube videos in this separate entry. They are all from around 1985, and I hope that they will remain available on YT. And please note that I've also added some additional, significant information below about other important goings on in Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog's life from that time period. (Suggestion: Please consult <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/" target="_blank">more in-depth sources</a> (link) for detailed information on that subject matter.) </div><br />
The first two interview tapes are pleasing for <span style="color: white;">Agnetha</span> <span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian">[aŋˈneːta]</a></span> fans, as we learn a bit about her life at the time, and she is often charming. (Links are below.) Particularly so, in the laughing second appearance from Belgium TV.(She's nervous for awhile in the longer, in-depth "Guest at Hagge's Place" appearance<span id="main" style="visibility: visible;"><span id="search" style="visibility: visible;"><i> (Gäst Hos Hagge)</i></span></span>. A little more guarded at times, too.)<br />
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And the last link below, apparently a promo video for her "Eyes of a Woman" album, is both funny in spots and charming. It clearly was meant to show her favorably (read: down-to-earth), and was successful. (Thanks to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/modernmillie" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/user/modernmillie</a> for posting it.)<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Attractive, in good voice, and often charming in these 1985 appearances: Agnetha's on top of her game. </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Even though "down" in the screen cap below.)</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/Sr48R6IE3QI/AAAAAAAAAnE/eUlQLXuzcz4/s1600-h/ais4agnetha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/Sr48R6IE3QI/AAAAAAAAAnE/eUlQLXuzcz4/s320/ais4agnetha.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="color: white;">(Copied from this blog's 5/21/09 summary post:)</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">One more "must see"</span> for fans of Ms. Fältskog: Get to know Agnetha from 1985 via this charming and quite in-depth six-part interview, recently posted on You Tube. Lovely woman, lovely voice. Consistent in her outlook and views. Honest. And endearingly nervous at the show's beginning (despite being a world-famous star). <span style="color: white;">Although</span> her apparent comment about "having nightmares for six months" prior to the appearance could be one clue as to why she limited such activities: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6ycR3mzz_c&feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6ycR3mzz_c&feature=related</a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Even more</span></span><b>:</b> <span style="color: white;">Another</span> charming interview form May, 1985. The Belgian audience is in love with her, and her musical voice is mesmerizing. And sharp English speaking (and listening) skills here too! Agnetha's somehow more "up" for this little chat; less nervous. The somewhat awkward interviewer might have been less intimidating...she's actually kind of laughing at him. (I've noticed that back then at times, she occasionally seemed to be "putting the interviewer on" a bit, at points. Interesting. One reason might have been that she got the same questions over and over. <span style="color: white;">11/09 blogger update:</span> Impression (re interviewing) partly confirmed, per page 104 of 1996's "As I Am" biography.) At any rate for whatever reason, she's having fun, is really charming and at her best here: <span style="color: white;"> 2010 update:</span> It is our loss, <span style="color: white;">but the YouTube video of this interview has been pulled.</span> (Who knows? Perhaps we will see it again someday, released as part of an 'Agnetha solo' retrospective collection ....<span style="font-size: x-small;">(That's a un-subtle <span style="color: white;">hint</span>, record companies.)</span>.) Substituting this link which briefly describes the show, provides good comments and has a few thumbnail photos to view: <a href="http://www.abbaontv.com/1985/description-mike-an-zee.html" target="_blank">http://www.abbaontv.com/1985/description-mike-an-zee.html </a><br />
<span style="color: white;">Update: </span>Only God and various multimedia companies know how long it might remain available, but here is a current YT link to the entire, 1985 'Mike aan Zee' TV appearance, ref. above. (Thanks to 'Brightnights1' for posting.): (link) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sTl0wAUDWQ" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sTl0wAUDWQ </a><br />
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<span style="color: white;">Yet more from 1985?</span> Here's a link to a pleasant TV show (Sweden, promoting her album) where Agnetha talks about her current life, Sweden, etc. And in about the most musical-sounding voice possible (at moments. She's reading from a script.). Enjoyable. (Especially like the fall in the snow with the dog. Though perhaps staged for the show.) And she again shows consistency in her views: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMK5C9Mx_RE&feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMK5C9Mx_RE&feature=related</a><br />
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Still more from 1985?? One of the star's better solo song/video efforts: Underrated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyes_of_a_Woman" target="_blank"><i>Eyes of A Woman</i></a>'s <span style="color: white;"> edgy</span> "<a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html" target="_blank">Click Track</a>":<br />
<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NpaOA5GkaFw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/NpaOA5GkaFw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
(Link to YT video; no guarantees re such unofficial links: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpaOA5GkaFw&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpaOA5GkaFw&fmt=18</a>)<br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From 1985 however, it's <span style="color: white;">important</span> to also note this interview with <i>Expressen </i>from the time, as chronicled at "<a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/">The Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog Archives</a>" web site. Though it wasn't a complete withdrawal from public life (yet), she indicates that she would be focusing upon raising her two children. And much else is confirmed/came out in the story,as Agnetha had clearly <i>had enough</i>. Very candid with interviewers at times.... But I've yet to find out exactly why she didn't continue her <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086173/" target="_blank">acting career</a>. (Which she talked up a lot in her mid-80s appearances. She was a good performer in ABBA promo videos, as noted many times <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/angel-in-disguise-agnetha.html" target="_blank">here</a>, also.) There are hints in this interview and elsewhere about the likely need to move to the United States (for acting), which Ms. F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog was clearly reluctant to do.. <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id23.htm" target="_blank">http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id23.htm</a><br />
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(<span style="color: white;">Update:</span> Currently <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOupFgnZBpc">posted on YouTube, an example</a> of "la F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog" being alluring in the 1983 <span style="font-size: x-small;">(another vintage year for solo Agnetha)</span> Swedish film, <i>Raskenstam</i>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Not certain, but it seems to be mainly about an old guy somehow irresistible to many women. More info. <a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/152572/Raskenstam/overview" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span> There's nothing out of character in captivating Agnetha's <span style="color: white;">brief</span> appearances ....as <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/orsinging-sirens.html" target="_blank">ABBA or Agnetha music video </a>fans will attest. Though I still think her sweet voice was the winning feature of her first (and last) film effort. (If interested, skip to around the <span style="color: white;">8:30 mark</span> of the linked segment to see the scene <span style="color: white;">liked best</span>: Her character's introductory moments in the film. I've included a '<span style="color: white;">deep link</span>' to there:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOupFgnZBpc#t=8m30s" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOupFgnZBpc#t=8m30s</a>))<br />
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</div><span style="color: white;">More:</span> In addition to talking interestingly about her 1985 solo album and other goings on in her life, she's attributed to a <span style="color: white;">tantalizing</span> comment about her hopes for acting, at the end of this "Dutch TV-Guide" article from the time. A link to the vintage story via the "<a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">ABBA the Articles</a>" site: <a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/08/veronica-1985-you-never-get-used-to.html" target="_blank">http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2008/08/veronica-1985-you-never-get-used-to.html</a><br />
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Blog note: This post is backdated to better fit within the order of entries here.<br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-74180472541529084642009-06-05T14:33:00.002-07:002023-04-24T13:19:41.236-07:00Agnetha and ABBA: 1975 <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(This post is part of an unofficial website examining the music and public career of ex-ABBA star Agnetha</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Fältskog.)</span><br />
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A rare video from supergroup <a href="http://www.abbasite.com/" target="_blank">ABBA</a>'s heyday is currently up on You Tube<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (below)</span>. If you like it, please consider a silent appeal to higher powers <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Kirshner" target="_blank">Don Kirshner</a>?)...</span> that it remains posted. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(2011: <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/01/don-kirshner-paul-shaffer-saturday-night-live.html" target="_blank">So long, Mr Kirshner</a>. <span style="color: white;">And thanks</span>...)</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">1975:</span> Young ABBA at around their peak. (Songwriting became more sophisticated - and at times more melancholy - as the group matured.)<br />
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The radiant Ms. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog</a> <small> </small><span class="IPA" title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian">[aŋˈneːta ˈfɛltskuːɡ]</a> also showed blazingly well at this time - outlandish pop-music-period costumes aside. (Though the green cape/white ruffled outfit (here) is actually something to behold (thanks to magnetic Agnetha)). <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note: This blog is focused upon Ms. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">F</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ältskog's</span><span class="IPA" title="Pronunciation in IPA"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> career and music, so she is spotlighted.) </span></span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="IPA" title="Pronunciation in IPA"><span style="color: white;">Let the video speak:</span> From the 1975 U.S. " Don Kirshner's Rock Concert" TV show. It is good to see/hear ABBA's "Hey Hey Helen" in this (lip-synched) performance. "Interesting" dancing in the songs by the two ladies, as always. <span style="color: white;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="IPA" title="Pronunciation in IPA"><span style="color: white;">And watch the star</span> <b><span style="color: white;">shine</span></b> in ABBA's big hit (at the time), "Waterloo", the last song performed. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(The studio ovation seemingly energizes the green-caped wonder...)</span> As usual, the camera (cameramen) liked Agnetha too. A great example of the young <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/way-back-when-blonde-supergirl.html" target="_blank">blonde</a> singer at her early-ABBA peak. A <i>vision</i>:</span> </div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(No embedding of the YT video at this time. Pls.<b>click on the screen cap below</b> to link to the video via a new page/tab. Thanks to 'Mira6610' for posting:) </span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_337725716"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa86pFukDE&ab_channel=MichaelG." rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S-HtbiC7KXI/AAAAAAAAA2g/Fmf0qma1mAU/s400/agn1975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Link to YT video: <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=w--fKtTwjRg&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://youtube.com/watch?v=w--fKtTwjRg&fmt=18 </a></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Update:</span></b> <span style="font-family: verdana;">The Kirsher song videos linked above via the photo are criminally gone from YouTube</span>. Try this link for the 'Hey Hey Helen' performance: <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa86pFukDE&ab_channel=MichaelG." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa86pFukDE&ab_channel=MichaelG.</a>, </b>and here is another 'grainy' one <b>for both songs: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcE0ms2YcM&ab_channel=ABBA.FC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcE0ms2YcM&ab_channel=ABBA.FC</a></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>
If general circumstances more or less "stayed like 1975" for Ms.F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog, <i>perhaps</i> she and ABBA would have played for quite a bit longer (beyond what they did)....<br />
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<div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=L--cqAI3IUI&fmt=18" target="_blank">Wouldn't it be nice</a>" <span style="font-size: x-small;">(link to great old vid.)</span> if we were YOUNGER....or could "<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=hYei0TK4vvo&fmt=18" target="_blank">turn back the hands of time</a>"....</span></div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">Bonus from '75:</span> "On cuteness overload" video featuring the 25-year-old; four or so years junior to the other ABBA members...:</span></div><br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/7z0XMRQ-9l4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/7z0XMRQ-9l4&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed></object><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></div><div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"> Update:</span> It is from earlier than 1975 and features all of ABBA's members, but a YT link follows for an irresistible clip... back when ABBA was young and having fun together. Very nice looking costumed Frida, and young Agnetha either is - or is acting - a little drunk....</div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(link) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9cvBVyLRY0&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9cvBVyLRY0&fmt=18 </a></div><br />
<b style="color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And</b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">, a note that </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1975</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> was also the year that the busy Ms.F</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">ltskog created and produced her fine, solo Swedish album,</span><i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Elva kvinnor i ett hus</i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">. More about that album effort</span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2010/06/songwriter-agnetha-elva-kvinnor-i-ett.html" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank"> is available via this post (link)</a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">.</span><br />
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<span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add'l 'bonus':</span> <span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Yes, it's from <b style="color: white;">1976</b>, and both ABBA ladies are terrific in their shiny, '70s pantsuits; but zero in on radiant Agnetha during the first couple minutes of the linked YT vid., below. Good dancing moves --- she's on it! Once again; </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">an engaging on-camera performer</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> (Current link, new window) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSSD0SVhN0&fmt=18 </span><b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Update:</span></b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Sorry....this video is now removed....Here may be another, working link: </span><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZsbMzSy59I&ab_channel=mkariobangi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZsbMzSy59I&ab_channel=mkariobangi</span></a><br /></b>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a></div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Note: This blog entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts here.</span></span></span> </div><br />
</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-80711503161330956822009-05-21T16:27:00.003-07:002023-04-24T12:55:02.158-07:00Agnetha: What happened? My summary post, to date© 2009-2014 (original portions only). <span style="font-size: x-small;">Please contact the writer for permissions (pls. ref. the bottom of the page). </span><br />
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<span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="color: white;">Answers: We only have 'glimpses'.</span> <span style="color: white;">And also, perhaps: Mostly nothing unusual.</span></span><br />
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(<span style="color: white;">7/09 blogger update:</span> Unfortunately, my recent reading of <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/books/bright-lights-dark-shadows-the-real-story-of-abba" target="_blank">C.M. Palm's ABBA biography</a> ("Bright Lights, Dark Shadows") may have exposed part of that answer line (above) as being overly optimistic. If interested, please see pages 512-13 and 523-25 of that detailed book.)<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;">Updated note:</span></b> This post was written awhile ago <span style="font-size: x-small;">(2009-10)</span>. It may be beneficial to also read <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprising-agnetha-m-magazine-article.html" target="_blank">this later entry (link, new window)</a>, for a more up-to-date summary.<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></span><b>Plus: </b><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2013/03/313-official-web-pages-for-agnetha-at.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Agnetha is recording again! (link)</span></span></span></span></a></div>
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(Continuing previously written text:) I'm not going to be (more?) rude and endlessly speculate....beyond what I <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/way-back-when-blonde-supergirl.html" target="_blank">have already (link)</a>. At this late date, I can't (and won't) "cover" Ms. Fältskog and her extensive career as completely as several others have over the decades. <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/books/bright-lights-dark-shadows-the-real-story-of-abba" target="_blank">Mr. Palm's ABBA biography</a> and some good "Agnetha" web sites should be consulted for such in-depth work (Two such web sites (links): "<a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/" target="_blank">The Agnetha Fältskog Archives</a>", and the <a href="http://www.abbasite.com/articles/articles/abba-in-the-united-states" target="_blank">official ABBA site</a>, which has a number of excellent <a href="http://www.abbasite.com/articles" target="_blank">articles</a> about the band and all of its members.)<br />
As noted, mine is a belated, enthusiast's expression containing some newfound "discoveries" and some newly-gained insights. It's completely unofficial, <span style="color: white;">but may constitute an enjoyable experience for fans</span>.<span face="Verdana,sans-serif"> </span><br />
<span face="Verdana,sans-serif">BTW: Is this a "</span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: white;">rogue blog</span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">"? Hah....hardly.</span> <span face="Verdana,sans-serif">It primarily focuses upon Ms. Fältskog's outstanding voice and her recorded work and appearances. </span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: #fff2cc;">There are<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/sos-abbas-unfortunate-1979-boston.html" target="_blank"> a few details</a> "discovered" in this tiny<i> </i>blog<i> </i>that <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">haven't been explored</a> thoroughly elsewhere. </span><br />
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<span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: #fff2cc;">Please bear with me re this post. It is lengthy but there is much information presented (including linked info.).</span><br />
<span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: white;">New, 2009 update:</span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif"> I've finally obtained a copy of Ms. Fältskog's 1996 biography (with Brita Ahman), "</span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: white;"><i>As I Am</i></span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">". Though this effort was generally thought by critics to be not revealing enough (of Agnetha</span> (pronounced<span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian"> [aŋˈneːta]</a></span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">), too selective in subject matter, etc.; it's only fair to give it a read. Though mine is just a personal "discovery" blog, I've written much here (about the singer) without it. I'm sure her book contains useful insights (for fans) and probably will challenge at least a couple of impressions I've obtained (through other research). Updated corrections, clarifications, etc. will follow my reading. <b><span style="color: white;">11/09 update:</span></b> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-excellent-forum-posts-re-agnethas.html" target="_blank">Here is a link to one of those</a>; perhaps <span style="color: white;">the best paragraph</span> in that 1996 book. <span style="color: white;">And, my reading of <i>"As I Am"</i> is now complete.</span> A few corrections and updates have been added here, where appropriate. I believe that many of my independently-derived findings, etc. were confirmed/partly confirmed via the reading. <i>As I Am</i> generally did not offer prodigious detail, though it features frank and honest moments....<span style="color: white;">Update:</span> If interested, please take a quick <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2010/03/ms-faltskogs-1996-biography.html" target="_blank">look at this post (new window)</a>, which includes a couple of brief, revealing paragraphs from that biography.</span><br />
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Ultimately: There's only one person </span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: white;">who really</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"> knows and can tell us:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S8IMNTofWXI/AAAAAAAAA0o/g6U9RnKTRPg/s1600/agnhome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S8IMNTofWXI/AAAAAAAAA0o/g6U9RnKTRPg/s320/agnhome.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image source:<a href="http://afterabba.blogspot.com/2007/06/agnetha-at-home-in-mid-eighties.html"> http://afterabba.blogspot.com/2007/06/agnetha-at-home-in-mid-eighties.html </a></span></div>
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<span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-small;">(Continuing on:) </span></span>Also, a large part of any response to a "what happened" question is displayed via the photo, below. <span style="color: white;">Agnetha's children</span><b style="color: white;">:</b> Eventually more important to her than career, awards, etc. The singer <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id23.htm" target="_blank">stepped back from the spotlight in the mid-1980's to raise them</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="color: white;">Aside:</span> The excellent "abba4ever" forum has a topic named "<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-2000.html" target="_blank">Pictures tell her feelings</a>". A mother's love and pride are "written" all over Agnetha's face in this photo (below), n'est-ce pas?)</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S2m1ayzg-GI/AAAAAAAAAyI/BJ04Jj6Er80/s1600-h/agnethalinda2edited1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/S2m1ayzg-GI/AAAAAAAAAyI/BJ04Jj6Er80/s320/agnethalinda2edited1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-2018-210.html" target="_blank">Image source (link).</a> Daughter Linda is shown, from long ago. </span><br />
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(<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Another quick break<span style="color: #cccccc;"> for a "road map":</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"> Please</span> be sure to enjoy my <span style="color: white;">summary</span> (<span style="color: #ffffcc;">i.e., what's been learned so far</span>) near the end of this post. Supporting off-page links are in light-blue. (<span style="color: white;">Note:</span> You'll miss some enjoyable videos just below, but click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4685728773150019829#agnethasummary1"><b>here</b></a> to jump directly to the summary section if you'd like...) And also don't miss the nice John Wetton story link (about Ms. Fältskog) near the end (below), along with a link to <span style="color: white;">a charming, in-depth 1985 TV interview</span>. (Almost a "this is your life" examination, as Agnetha says near the end of it.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Moving <i>on</i>:) </span><br />
As noted many times here, a successful performer's <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/agnetha-ace-added-appreciation.html" target="_blank">on-stage persona</a> can be much different than their private self.<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">That said:</span> </span>Please compare and contrast the following two video links. The first <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> be <span style="color: white; font-style: italic;">almost any</span> music video/promotional performance from <span style="color: white;">ABBA</span> in the 1970s. I happened to choose this 1978 <i>Dancing Queen</i>, as both ladies are <span style="font-size: 100%;">fantastic</span>. (Yes, lip-syncing all the way here. <span style="color: white;">Ms. Agnetha</span> <span title="Pronunciation in IPA"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:IPA_for_Swedish_and_Norwegian" target="_blank" title="Wikipedia:IPA for Swedish and Norwegian">[aŋˈneːta]</a></span>: Was at her best with her dancing moves here. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Agnetha's got the moves down <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSSD0SVhN0&fmt=18" target="_blank">here, also (link)</a>; another 1976 Dancing Queen performance. Good job!)</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing:)</span> And <i>perfect</i> camera posing at around <span style="font-weight: bold;">2:15</span> in the video....a <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/way-back-when-blonde-supergirl.html" target="_blank">specialty of hers</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Even the (song's) lines Agnetha is singing at that point somehow seem fitting....Her moment might have been a pre-arranged close-up.)</span>) <span style="color: white;">They're <span style="font-weight: bold;">acting</span>, but both young ladies exude sexuality, charm, and confidence. </span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">As they both did in many of their video-ed performances from that time....</span>On-stage: Excellent presenters and performers. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Must say: This (below) is just a great, mimed performance video of ABBA's pop mega-hit....Who <span style="color: white;">wouldn't</span> be captivated by it...??<span style="color: white;"> Plus</span>, I think the two ladies are competing (with each other) a bit...i.e., for the camera's/audience's attention.....A beautiful job.<span style="color: white;"> BTW:</span> Christopher Patrick's <a href="http://abbaletthemusicspeak.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><i>ABBA: Let the Music Speak</i></a> (pages 190-191, 226-227, etc.) has enlightening detail about the singing and structure of this great pop song (<i>Dancing Queen)</i>. As Mr. Patrick notes:<span style="font-size: small;"> It is an </span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;">"...epic vocal showcase..."</span> (and more).)</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: white;">Link to first (D.Q.) video (new window):</span> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtsbxGzRZWc</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">Update: </span>Try this YT song link if the one above isn't there: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzO2iXpD3-I&ab_channel=EduardoTenorio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzO2iXpD3-I&ab_channel=EduardoTenorio</a></b><br />
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'What the heck', while we're at it enjoy '2Shaymcn's' posted, live version of (ABBA's) 'D.Q.', from Sydney, 1977. For someone who indicated that she was occasionally uncomfortable on stage (live), <span style="color: white;">Ms. "Dancing Queen"</span> Fältskog seemed to have a very good time with this one. Particularly note excellent live singer/performer <span style="color: white;">Frida</span> though, leading the way with strong and confident singing. ('<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html" target="_blank">Mezzo</a>' Frida finds those very low notes on (song words) "king", "dance", etc. Awesome.) <span style="color: white;">Current link:</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaQpbL5arLA&fmt=18" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaQpbL5arLA&fmt=18 </a> <br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(If you don't get a smile or something via this joyful (and skillful) live performance (from long ago), check your pulse...(To ensure there is one.))</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.abbasite.com/pictures/agnetha.aspx#pictureTop" target="_blank">ABBA Pictures Agnetha Fältskog </a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com/" target="_blank">AddThis</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Continuing:)</span> The second video link (it's located further below) is part 3 of a four-part (on You Tube), 40-minute interview done with Agnetha Fältskog by Lasse Bengtsson in late 2004. (Thank you very much to "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/JaniceHope" target="_blank">JaniceHope</a>" for posting. All four parts are worth watching, especially if you're an Agnetha/ABBA fan.) <span style="color: white;">Note: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">This interview seems to be the more melancholy of two that are available from 2004. From You Tube, I'll insert a link (with English) to the other (brighter) one from that time: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Ljus85#p/u/25/rU6q9oim0h8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Ljus85#p/u/25/rU6q9oim0h8</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: white;">Blogger update: </span>Portions of this nice interview appear to have now been blocked on YouTube by record company WMG.</span> Thanks to YT user '<a href="http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Ljus85#p/a" target="_blank">Ljus85</a>' for the (currently) remaining (English) parts.<br />
<span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="color: white;">Another update:</span> If not already seen, Agnetha fans will find it worthwhile to read <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8202-30.html" target="_blank">this forum's translation (link, new window)</a> of Agnetha's charming <b>2009</b> interview with Lotta Brome. Among other things it contains hints as to why Agnetha (and Frida) may be reluctant to record again. (I.e., they set (themselves) a 'high bar' with their work in the 1970s and '80s....)</span><br />
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((Continuing previous entry:) A good 'screen cap' from the brighter interview:)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SvRh_wXUvEI/AAAAAAAAAtA/1HaDU2m-UuI/s1600-h/agnscrcap.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SvRh_wXUvEI/AAAAAAAAAtA/1HaDU2m-UuI/s320/agnscrcap.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white;">My <span style="font-weight: bold;">main point</span>: It seems a long, LONG road from that dynamic on-stage young woman of the '70s to the one talking in 2004.</span> (A smooth one? You can decide.) And that's about all that I can say. <span style="color: white;">It HAS been a long period of time, of course. </span>And Ms. Fältskog <span style="font-style: italic;">does</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">graciously </span>answer some questions in the interview (probing at times), about how she's been affected/how she's reacted to her experiences. (Some: Intense.) And recent years have featured at least occasional public appearances, and <a href="http://abbaofficial.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/agnethas-message-my-vest-best-cd/" target="_blank">re-connecting with fans of her voice</a>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(That video link for the Bengtsson interview is coming...further below in the text.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(screen cap from YT (2004) Bengtsson interview video)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRCGJLIs0k&feature=related" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/Sy-7RPjFK3I/AAAAAAAAAwI/5_-Gq83V9uE/s320/agnlasse2.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white;">This will be it from me on this subject for awhile</span>, as I've learned a lot in a short period, but will never know the real story only from videos and existing interviews. (And also believe I'm "wearing it out".) <span style="color: white;">But I hope some will enjoy reading this unusual perspective --</span> though it's not exclusively so. <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/fs-30652567nx61610.html" target="_blank">ABBA makes/re-makes fans every day</a>. Perhaps as you go on to the second link, I'll add a couple of impressions:<br />
As usual, Agnetha is <span style="color: white;">candid... <span style="color: #cccccc;">to a point</span></span>. I find it poignant that the interviewer needs to work hard to elicit a (mainly) lukewarm response from her about "what was fun" about the ABBA days. Also, look to the end of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNoSAje5ZL0&feature=related" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">part</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">2</span></a> of the interview for an <span style="color: white;">intriguing glimpse</span> into the sensitive lady's inner make-up. (I.e., her "Ferdinand the Bull" comparison.)<br />
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<b><span style="color: white;">Link to second You Tube video (interview):</span></b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRCGJLIs0k&fmt=18" target="_blank"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHRCGJLIs0k&fmt=18</a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #ffffcc; font-weight: bold;">Learned thus far (updated) :</span> A few months ago I knew</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"> little about ABBA. <span style="color: #cccccc;">(Didn't even know all of their names, including Ms.</span></span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: verdana;"> Fältskog's.</span><span style="color: #cccccc;">)</span> <span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">Caught up to the world a bit here, and also belatedly found a star who excelled at her art; but </span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">sacrificed </span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">for the benefit of her hugely successful band. <span style="color: #cccccc;">(Qualified use of "sacrificed": She's a wealthy lady by most accounts.)<br />
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I'm not prepared to comment upon the late-1980's-1990's private portion of this reluctant star's life. Though inspired to write about her/her music, I respect </span></span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">Ms. Fältskog's</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> current, private life. (E.g., this singular blog effort is <span style="color: white;">not</span> promoted, or for monetary purpose, etc., etc.) Agnetha has also been quoted as saying she <a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2009/07/mikro-gids-december-1999-abbas-agnetha.html" target="_blank">did not aim "to be worshiped</a> by loads of people". <span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><span style="color: white; font-size: x-small;">I'd offer that it is too late (i.e., to squelch some of that)</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">; sometimes admiration (of a talented person in a public profession) can't be prevented....</span></span></span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="font-size: x-small;">)</span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Also: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-summary-post-addendum.html" target="_blank">Please consider this qualifying post (link).</a> <span style="color: white;">Carl Magnus Palm</span> has achieved a definitive account of ABBA and its members. <span style="color: white;">Many</span> of the insights offered below <span style="color: white;">have subsequently been checked/validated</span> via Mr. Palm's book.... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: white;">Update: "A very nice read":</span> Also before proceeding -- if you'd like, and are still staying with me here -- please enjoy a good, condensed perspective via an excellent <span style="color: white;">1983</span> article about Agnetha's life and career. <a href="http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2009/11/agnetha-age-5-im-going-to-be-world-famous.html#comments" target="_blank">From this link to "Mikory's ABBA Blog"</a>. (It's also available <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id12.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.) </span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (From 'Allers Magazine'.)</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4685728773150019829" name="agnethasummary1"></a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: #ffffcc; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: #ffcccc; font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Agnetha:</span> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">(As an adult.) <span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><b>Summary</b> of learning here, and likely a confirmation of what long-time fans know. </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: white;">(This summary is an overview,</span><i style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #cccccc;">it is </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: #cccccc;">not</span><i style="color: #cccccc; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: white;">comprehensive. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Please peruse Ms. </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: white;">Fältskog's <i>As I Am</i> biography and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPLPy2Eb2dQ&feature=related" target="_blank"> interviews</a> for a more complete "picture".)</span> </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: x-small;">Publicly-available source info. is credited/linked.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span> :</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sensitive</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">talented</span>; outright <b>gifted</b> in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_nX8xFfPn4" target="_blank">voice</a> and appearance. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">(At times) An <span style="font-weight: bold;">expressive</span> singer.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ambivalent</span> about success, stardom; comfortable working/<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNoSAje5ZL0&feature=related" target="_blank">being</a> <b>alone </b>(or nearly...) <span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Update:)</span><a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8202-30.html" target="_blank"> "...both shy and determined..."</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">A<a href="http://www.amazon.com/As-Am-Abba-Before-Beyond/dp/1852276541" target="_blank"> strong need </a><b>to "be herself"</b> as an adult. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">Was<span style="font-weight: bold;"> temperamental</span> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/07/angel-in-disguise-agnetha.html" target="_blank">at times</a></span>.</div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
A pure and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jhP_Ep9PXE&feature=related" target="_blank">sweet</a> voice, but it may chiefly be remembered (as </span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">skillfully)</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>blended<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>and<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>harmonized<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">within </span><a href="http://www.abbasite.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ABBA</a><span style="font-style: italic;">....A<a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/brilliance" target="_blank"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">brilliant </span></a></span><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/brilliance" target="_blank">(definition)</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/minting-new-fans.html">pop soprano</a> (?) voice, nicely matured <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" target="_blank">now</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;">.... Somewhat "anonymized" (outside of her country/region) by a </span>lilting<span style="font-style: italic;"> but unfamiliar name, plus her team member status.... Was usually seen from afar on stage (in matching dress) with ABBA,</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> or not at all</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (working from the studio).... But for many who got, or</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: #ffffcc;">have </span></span><span style="color: #ffffcc;">now had</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> a good look: </span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELJZz2bntOU&feature=related" target="_blank">A smiling sensation</a></span></b><span style="font-style: italic;">. Notable for the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YK5B6YZ7Q&feature=related" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">raves</a> (for her) on </span>present-day<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">You Tube</span>. (</span>Many<span style="font-style: italic;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/PrincessAgnetha" target="_blank">well done</a> </span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"</span><span style="font-style: italic;">queen of pop</span><span style="font-style: italic;">", etc. </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/dholm13" target="_blank">tributes</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/ji61m" target="_blank">there</a>....</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: #cccccc;">N</span><span style="color: #cccccc;">ot that most of this <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/agnetha-ace-added-appreciation.html" target="_blank">blog</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: #cccccc;">isn't one too... </span>Haven't really found a YT commenter who </span>doesn't<span style="font-style: italic;"> like her performances. Just about </span><b>everyone</b><span style="font-style: italic;"> likes her/her voice....) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_cObQazV5E&feature=related" target="_blank">Emulated singing with her idols for many hours as a girl</a>. .... Became a teen-aged <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed6hobKIbFw&feature=related" target="_blank">star</a> in Sweden, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog" target="_blank">"bigger"</a> than others who formed ABBA....Younger by a few years than her band-mates; possibly was less worldly.... (Found herself) (R)equired to </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">balance</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">'mom'/successful career woman roles (slightly ahead of her time).... Part of</span></span><span style="color: white; font-style: italic;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Ms. Fältskog's</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> personal dilemma at the time: A "big" star's voice, appearance and stage presence, </span>(co-)<span style="font-style: italic;">fronting a music group that "took off", <a href="http://www.agnetha.net/AGNETHA.html" target="_blank">but desires and disposition not matching</a> (the external aspect).(E.g., ref. lyrics to ABBA's 1980 </span><a href="http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Super-Trouper-lyrics-Abba/3C0BC1EFFAF7186948256BC60020D50F" target="_blank">'Super Trouper'</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> for a possible glimpse at how </span></span><span style="color: white; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ms. Fältskog</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> (and maybe all of ABBA) came to view touring, and even stardom in general...) I.e., A bright voice, bright smile, </span>but<span style="font-style: italic;"> was<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/favorite-video.html" target="_blank"> inconsonant </a>(as a person,<b> at the time</b>)....<a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id23.htm" target="_blank">Contradictory at times</a>, also....Evidently shy (e.g.,<a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/AretRunt.htm" target="_blank">see this linked quotation, 2nd-to-last paragraph</a>), likely <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extraversion_and_introversion" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">inner-directed</span></a>, devoted to her family, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNoSAje5ZL0&feature=related" target="_blank">self-critical about her English skills</a> (and also certain recorded efforts, per page 123 of As I Am), </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNoSAje5ZL0&feature=related" target="_blank">admittedly anxious</a> <i>at times</i>.<span style="font-style: italic;">.. Yet a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs_jR0VcB3Y" target="_blank">dramatic and confident professional singer</a> -- her (childhood) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_cObQazV5E&feature=related" target="_blank">dream</a>.... ABBA's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7pb1R1mXFw" target="_blank">Thank You For The Music</a>" (link is to a special "Doris Day" version) seemed written largely with her<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>in mind<span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span> Proud, but grateful of her gift.<span style="font-style: italic;"> This song's lyrics speak about (even for) an important aspect of the performer from the time. (But note that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thank_You_for_the_Music" target="_blank">it was recorded in 1977</a>).(</span><span style="color: #ffffcc;">7/09 blogger note:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Per subsequent reading of C.M. Palm's ABBA biography this last statement may not be entirely accurate, </span>other than the proud and (generally) grateful part.)...<span style="font-style: italic;">...Another song perhaps fitting Agnetha's more <a href="http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2009/10/1972-the-svensktoppencouple-are-expecting-their-baby.html" target="_blank">intractable</a> (or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_pdAoskWgU&feature=related" target="_blank">temperamental</a>) side: ABBA's "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP_dk429rbc" target="_blank">That's Me</a>". (A favorite of both ABBA ladies.).... Not often apparent, but perhaps a possessor of a (playful?) sense of humor. (Planned, public examples are<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OVh6RlVBHs&fmt=18" target="_blank"> shown here</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kT4NssGwQY&fmt=18" target="_blank">here</a>.).... (</span>Updated info.:<span style="font-style: italic;">) Apparently <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8328.html" target="_blank">a yoga devotee</a> in more recent years.(</span>Confirmed<span style="font-style: italic;">: </span>Pages 140-143, "As I Am" biography)<span style="font-style: italic;">....Always an artist first; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr4IG6CsQtc&feature=related" target="_blank">never about huge money for her, </a></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCPpnGZfPI0&feature=related" target="_blank">professionally</a><span style="font-style: italic;">. (As with most/all of ABBA's members. And sensitive about that aspect of her success, too). ....Warm and engaging as a stage performer, especially on camera, </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/way-back-when-blonde-supergirl.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">especially in close-up</a><span style="font-style: italic;">; but modest and seemingly embarrassed by </span>unsurprising<span style="font-style: italic;"> attention</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">to</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> her <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-6738.html" target="_blank">sexy stage appearance</a> </span>and<span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/04/way-back-when-blonde-supergirl.html" target="_blank"> persona</a>. </span>(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruTe8GCSfqc&feature=related" target="_blank">Which was unabashed</a> at moments<span style="font-style: italic;">...Again, seemingly</span> a two-fold nature <span style="font-size: x-small;">(a key aspect)</span>:<span style="font-style: italic;"> The </span>charismatic<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>performer<span style="font-style: italic;"> vs. the (more) private person.) <a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-8000.html" target="_blank">Occasionally less-than-perfect though, as a live singer with ABBA.</a> (Her discomfort in front of crowds possibly a reason....11/09 update: </span>Confirmed<span style="font-style: italic;">, </span>via page 137, "As I Am" biography.)<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And, </span>apparently<span style="font-style: italic;">: <a href="http://www.agnetha.net/NEWSWIRE2000.html" target="_blank">Not </a>the best of luck with men at times (depending upon what (often) second-hand "information" you want to believe). </span>Ironically:<span style="font-style: italic;"> Described by some </span><span style="font-style: italic;">(associates) as a person open to love </span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">,who often wrote or sang about love, but seemingly let down by various men in her life.</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">(No confirming link is provided here; but (often) speculative info. is widely available.)</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Despite this, the public image of a forlorn woman --</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> <span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">advanced in part <span style="font-style: italic;">by her songs and singing style -- </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU6q9oim0h8&NR=1" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">may be</span> exaggerated</a>. <span style="color: #fff2cc;">11/09 blogger update:</span> Pages 120-21 of Ms.</span></span></span> <span face="Verdana,sans-serif">Fältskog's "<i>As I Am</i>" biography feature passionate <span style="color: white;">inveighing <i>against</i></span> said "forlorn woman" image. Perhaps a key reason that <i>As I Am</i> was written...I.e., an attempt to "set the record straight". </span><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><br />
<span style="color: #ffffcc;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">And then?</span> She went her own way; moving away from this former, famous incarnation.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Last note:</span> The following quotation has been attributed to Ms. Fältskog. If true, it tells much -- but (effectively) disowns (and contains) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZttKPmJf4Q" target="_blank">part of her appeal</a>. <span style="color: white;">The spotlight:</span> Both her friend (she showed well in it) <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> her enemy (didn't enjoy the attention/consequences):<br />
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<a href="http://www.iphpbb.com/foren-archiv/23/1412800/1411920/agnethas-quotes-30652567-61610-2246.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;">"The driving force wasn’t so much to be visible as a person as to show my talent." </span></a><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><b>11/09 update:</b> Per page 137 of the "As I Am" biography, the quotation above is out of context. To me, Ms. </span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">Fältskog is talking (more) specifically about performing on stage with ABBA (i.e., in that page 137 paragraph). <span style="color: white;">However,</span> FWIW, here is a link (to a 1997 article) where Agnetha (reportedly) says these words - <span style="color: white;">which are important for better understanding the artist</span> - in a slightly different way (and context): </span>“<a href="http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/2010/01/de-telegraaf-november-1997-after-abba.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My strength is not showing myself, but my talent</a>.”<span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"> </span><br />
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<span face="Verdana,sans-serif">Speaking for many however, thank God she </span><a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-post-abba-song-for-ms-faltskog.html" target="_blank"><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">"let it shine"</span></a><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">. (Her talent.) We all benefited. Beyond financially; <span style="font-size: 100%;">how much</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> did she</span>?</span><br />
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That said, though, <a href="http://www.agnethaarchives.com/articles/ced_id21.htm" target="_blank">another quotation from Ms. Fältskog</a> to consider, in a 1986 interview with<span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #cccccc;">Året Runt</span></span></span> (magazine?). I think that this strongly hints at what she ultimately evolved toward. (I.e., for the most part, an independent woman (and mother).)<span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <span style="color: #cccccc;">"</span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif" style="color: white;">Besides, I don't think it's really true that it makes you a complete person just because you have someone by your side. The loneliness can also be very stimulating. You can sense your freedom.</span><span style="color: #cccccc;">" <span face="Verdana,sans-serif" style="color: white;">11/09 blogger update:</span><span face="Verdana,sans-serif"> <span style="color: white;">Impression confirmed</span>, re Ms</span></span></span></span> <span face="Verdana,sans-serif">Fältskog's own words on page 84 of her 1996 biography, "As I Am".</span><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> Also ref., her "<span style="color: white;">enormous need for freedom</span>", part of an intriguing self-description on page 143 in that book. <span style="color: white;"> If interested, pls. see a complete 1987 interview conducted</span> with Brita Ahman which also portended the future, linked here (<a href="http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/" target="_blank">Mikory's </a>ABBA blog):<a href="http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2010/01/agnetha-the-children-must-come-first.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://abbamikory.blogs.com/abbamikory/2010/01/agnetha-the-children-must-come-first.html</a>.</span></span> <br />
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<span face="Verdana,sans-serif">(Not qualified to go further with any of this. A more complete examination could not ignore the bizarre affair summarized in </span><a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html" target="_blank"><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">Mr. Palm's ABBA biography</span></a><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">, pages 523-25. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_461420972">A </a></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV737G2Gm_0#t=3m25s" target="_blank"><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">reputation-damaging lapse in reason</span></a><span face="Verdana,sans-serif">(?) would be one guess....</span><span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: white;">Notice:</span> Some speculative and/or questionable content, via the linked YT video</span>. Could her dalliance have been a very strange <a href="http://observer.guardian.co.uk/toptens/story/0,14034,1078404,00.html" target="_blank">publicity stunt</a>? A passing physical attraction? (E.g., A real life version of (the main message in) this 1983 song video (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPkBssjfz48&fmt=18" target="_blank">link</a>)?) A "cry for help"...? <br />
<span face="Verdana,sans-serif">None of the above seems to be <span style="color: white;">in character </span>(public perception) for the seemingly down-to-earth Swedish star. <span style="color: white;">No one really knows</span> except Ms. Fältskog....But that late 1990's, "head-scratcher" relationship with a Dutch fan seemed to defy conventional reason; rationality.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: white;">(Continuing on:) Excellent "bonus" info./link:</span> I'm also a big fan of<span style="color: white;"> John Wetton</span> (King Crimson, U.K., Asia, etc.). Through the interesting "<a href="http://www.agnetha-forever.de/" target="_blank">http://www.agnetha-forever.de/</a>" site, I've just discovered <a href="http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/move/move.html" target="_blank">this great little story that John Wetton offered </a>about briefly working with Agnetha, back in his "Asia" days. Kind, insider impressions about working with the nice, talented lady. <span style="color: white;">And as he notes, Agnetha Fältskog IS an inspiring woman, just by being herself.</span> Written in 2006 here is his succinct summary of Ms. Fältskog (his experience knowing her); which may in fact substitute for a fair amount of my voluminous summary (above):<br />
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<span face="Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Sans-serif,sans-serif"><span style="color: white;">"Emotional vulnerability with powerful inner strength. That`s what it is."</span></span><br />
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Take a quick look at Mr. Wetton's brief article - including his nice closing comment (re working with Agnetha)- at the informative website (link): <a href="http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/move/move.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/move/move.html</a> <br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: white;"><b><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Note:</span></b> </span>The paragraphs that follow are also available in a separate post: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/ms-faltskog-1985.html" target="_blank">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/ms-faltskog-1985.html</a></div>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;">One more "must see"</span> for fans of Ms. Fältskog: Get to know Agnetha from 1985 via this charming and quite in-depth six-part interview, recently posted on You Tube. Lovely woman, lovely voice. Consistent in her outlook and views. Honest. And endearingly nervous at the show's beginning (despite being a world-famous star). <span style="color: white;">Although</span> her apparent comment about "having nightmares for six months" prior to the appearance could be one clue as to why she proceeded to drastically reduce such activities: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6ycR3mzz_c&feature=related" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6ycR3mzz_c&feature=related</a></div>
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<span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><span style="color: white;">Even more</span> </span>(this post may, in fact, never end)<b>:</b> <span style="color: white;">Another</span> charming interview around the mid-'80s, I believe. The Belgian audience is in love with her, and her voice is mesmerizing. And very sharp English speaking (and listening) skills here too! Agnetha's more "up" for this little chat; less nervous. The somewhat awkward interviewer might have been less intimidating...she's actually kind of laughing at him at the end. (I've noticed that back then at times, she occasionally seemed to be "putting the interviewer on" a bit, at points. Interesting. One reason might have been that she got the same questions over and over.) At any rate, for whatever reason, she's at her charismatic best here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv9JrEWDZGw&feature=related" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv9JrEWDZGw&feature=related</a><br />
<span style="color: white;">2010 update</span>: <span face="Verdana,sans-serif">Bad news</span>...the interview portion of this appearance is now gone from YouTube. A link one of the songs Agnetha performed on the show: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI5uO8VyNhU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI5uO8VyNhU </a><br />
<span face="Verdana,sans-serif"><b>Update:</b> Here is a different current YT link for the '85 Belgian TV interview/performances</span> (new window opens): <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ypyMMfSzw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1ypyMMfSzw</a></b><span style="color: white;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white;">Yet more from 1985?</span> Here's a link to a pleasant album promo video where Agnetha talks about her current life, Sweden, etc. And in about the most musical-sounding voice possible. Enjoyable (especially like the fall in the snow with the dog). And she again shows consistency in her views: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMK5C9Mx_RE&feature=related" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMK5C9Mx_RE&feature=related</a><br />
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As mentioned above, please see this separate blog entry for even more information about 1985 happenings for the artist. (And it's the preceding, or next one in the order of posts here, depending upon how you're navigating through the blog.) : <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/ms-faltskog-1985.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/ms-faltskog-1985.html</a><br />
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Even <b>more</b>: A snapshot of Agnetha's state from around 1996? Here's a rough (quite) English translation (via Google) of an article by Per Svensson, from that year. <span style="color: white;">Title: "When the tears ended." </span> I don't know how long the link will remain valid: <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agnetha.net%2FSJAbook%2Fmirror.MJ%2F9608_svensson_agnetha.html&sl=sv&tl=en&history_state0=">http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.agnetha.net%2FSJAbook%2Fmirror.MJ%2F9608_svensson_agnetha.html&sl=sv&tl=en&history_state0=</a><br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-11253090757554449072009-05-21T15:38:00.000-07:002014-01-05T11:52:49.963-08:00For my summary post: (Pre-)Qualification, plus more info.As I belatedly learn more about super Swedish pop group ABBA and its members, it is becoming apparent that I should read <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html">Carl Magnus Palm</a>'s 2001 biography, <span style="color: white;">"Bright Lights, Dark Shadows: The Real Story of ABBA"</span>. Though unauthorized, it appears that the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/1847724191/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books">book is well written</a> and researched. And Palm is described as "the world's foremost ABBA historian".<br />
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So I'll be doing that. Catching up with many of the rest of ABBA fans, via the 2008 updated paperback version..<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Abba-Bright-Lights-Dark-Shadows/dp/1847724191/ref=pd_cp_b_0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355913181692043522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TS0U9HTBjGI/SlQGqXKWIQI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Guil_dGrJ24/s400/palmabba.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
In the meantime, to be considered along with my next ("summary") post entry (5/21/09); an interesting excerpt follows from a "TV Week" review of the book, published by a <a href="http://abbaworld.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/bright-lights-dark-shadows-redux/#comment-882">commenter</a> on <a href="http://abbaworld.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/bright-lights-dark-shadows-redux/">this web site</a>. Note a couple of the insights from Palm about Agnetha F<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">ä</span></span>ltskog here. It seems like <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html">some of my initial impressions (laid out in my summary post)</a> are in accord with the author's. I especially like this succinct observation:<span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Of the singers, Agnetha was a reluctant sex symbol for whom fame became a poisoned chalice..."</span><span style="color: #cccccc;"> (Succinctness....something I could definitely learn from Mr. Palm.)<br />
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Excerpt from "TV Week", Sept. 29, 2001, pages 12-13, "ABBA: The Way We Were – Super Troupers":<br />
<blockquote><div face="verdana">"The group members have always shied away from intrusive publicity, but a revealing new, unauthorized biography by Swedish writer Carl Magnus Palm called ‘Bright Lights, Dark Shadows’ (Omnibus Press, $55) presents a portrait of ABBA’s dramatic rise and fall.<br />
</div><div face="verdana">It looks into the members’ childhoods, their musical backgrounds before forming ABBA and their personal battles once fame arrived.<br />
</div><div face="verdana">“Of the two instrumentalists in ABBA, Benny was a self-taught musician with a streak of determination that carried him and the group all the way, and Björn, a gifted songwriter whose talent was inherited from his grandfather,” Carl explains.<br />
</div><div face="verdana">“Of the singers, Agnetha was a reluctant sex symbol for whom fame became a poisoned chalice, and Anni-Frid was an orphan who carried on reinventing herself until she became, quite literally, a princess – after her divorce from Benny, Anni-Frid married a German prince called Ruzzo Reuss von Plauen who was an architect.”<br />
</div><div face="verdana">Although Frida and Agnetha found love and security with Benny and Björn, the relationships were far from simple.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: verdana;">Frida and Benny both had children by previous marriages, and the guilt Frida felt at leaving her family behind to pursue her singing career in Stockholm weighed heavily. Agnetha was just 21 when she married Björn, and her new life in the spotlight (which eventually led to her current existence as a virtual recluse) was at odds with her desire to be a “normal” housewife and mother.<br />
</div><div style="font-family: verdana;">“They were held up as being two perfect, happy couples,” Carl says. “But in Swedish papers they were quite open and honest about their differences and their volatile relationships.”"<br />
</div><div style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(Some additional excerpted info. from the book follows,<a href="http://abbaworld.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/bright-lights-dark-shadows-redux/#comment-882"> here</a>.)</span><br />
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</div></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #ff9966;"><span style="color: #ffff99;">Also:</span></span> </span><span style="color: white;">Additional good info./stories:</span> The outstanding "<a href="http://www.abbaannual.com/">ABBA Annual" website</a> has the following two articles from "back in the day" which revealed much about ABBA members, particularly the two women. The astounding thing about <a href="http://www.abbaannual.com/FridaAgnethaRivalry.htm">the first revealing article</a> (link) is that it's from<span style="font-weight: bold;"> mid-1975</span>. Both ladies already sound more than a little tired and uncomfortable with their new roles, new fame. Imagine how much worse that must have gotten(!). Did they have any fun? Let's hope so. <a href="http://www.abbaannual.com/Prive18-7-81.htm">The second article</a> (1981), you may take for what you want. It could be trash, but some of it seems (to have been) true, or close. (If so, poor Agnetha! Stop "punishing" yourself...Let's hope she finally did.) Also, makes me again wonder about that Björn dude. What exactly <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> he want in a wife? <span style="color: white;">But, it usually takes two to "tangle"....</span>This all apparently written about (quite well) by Björn in his fine ABBA song:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j10f3ryaMuE"> "One Man, One Woman"</a>. <span style="color: white;"><br />
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The ABBA members certainly were talkative that time in 1981...</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Blog note:</span> This addendum is backdated to better fit with the overall list of posts here. (And, it actually now precedes <span style="color: white;">(and therefore is meant to qualify, or be considered along with)</span> my <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/05/agnetha-what-happened.html">5/21/09 "Summary, to date..."</a> entry. Its creation date is 7/7/09. -- Mr. D. Tails<br />
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Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-77299390486506482112009-05-18T19:36:00.000-07:002016-03-31T13:07:50.697-07:00ABBA ladies snuck off and did THIS in the '80s<span style="color: white; font-family: "verdana";">...Uhhh....OK, perhaps not.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://grammarist.com/usage/sneaked-snuck/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">'Sneaked' vs. 'snuck'.</a>..?)</span><br />
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...Bet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frida_Lyngstad" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Frida</span></a> wouldn't have minded one bit, though.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Another band that is delinquent for the "Rock Hall". </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Every member was</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">outstanding</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">.<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">(Jackson Browne's</span> already in there for cryin' out loud....<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Also, maybe the B-52s are not eligible, yet??</span>)<br />
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World's tightest band here this time.</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxa09aZ6ZN8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link</a> to YT video...)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nxa09aZ6ZN8?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(YT video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxa09aZ6ZN8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>.↑</span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Note</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Kate Pierson's adroit performance (live) here: Keyboard, dancing, singing... and (apparently) cue-ing fellow singer Cindy Wilson - with head movement - at times....! (The singers could be cue-ing each other at times, also.))</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4685728773150019829.post-57365284054714238212009-05-18T08:47:00.000-07:002014-01-05T11:52:49.983-08:00Bono speaks<br />
I didn't know that Bono of premier band <span style="font-weight: bold;">U2</span> is<a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-pop-song-of-all-time.html"> also</a> a fan of ABBA.<br />
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In a few sentences (plus his concert tribute), the eloquent lead singer sums up much of what this blog is about. Please see the embedded You Tube video below.<br />
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Well said. But be aware: <a href="http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/abba/blds.html">C.M. Palm</a> in his definitive ABBA biography "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows" has a different take on Bono's recorded appearance here. (Page 521 in that book.)<br />
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Another YT link to more from that U2 1992 Stockholm concert:<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT2WpKZCSmE"> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT2WpKZCSmE</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;">As a commenter on You Tube summed it up: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT2WpKZCSmE" style="font-family: verdana;">"beautifully bizarre"</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">(Blog note: This post entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts as displayed here. It's actual creation date is 7/21/09. - Mr. D. Tails)</span>Link to my full blog: <a href="http://star4abba.blogspot.com/">http://star4abba.blogspot.com/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0