"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.
(Blogger note: Except for 2013-14 updates below, much of this website was written between 2009-11. Reader notice: All 'abba4ever' forum hyperlinks (within the blog's text) are defunct. (Forum has closed.))
Early 2011: Some momentum/acclaim seems to be building for ex-ABBA star Agnetha Fältskog at the moment, via her recent (Swedish) 'M-Magasin' article, and also this (1/11) Music Blog post, by Richard Williams of The Guardian (U.K.). (That is, if Ms. Fältskog is not fully retired as a singer/entertainer...)
Please click on this link(new window opens) to read reported information re the Swedish singer (with this website's (from-afar) analysis). (And a rhetorical question: Given the apparent frenzy when this quiet lady occasionally speaks (e.g., 'M-Magazine' article consequences), would not an official, dedicated web presence make sense (for the artist)?(This blog effort is not official.))
Thanks for reading. This tiny blog is on hiatus pending future new music/collections released by Ms.Fältskog, if any...(That is completely in the artist's control, of course.) Some music-related insights or reviews (re Ms. Fältskog's past efforts) may be added occasionally, as this site endeavors to remain of interest (to fans, others). (Especially in the apparent absence of an up-to-date and comprehensive, official web presence focused upon the artist....)
(Updated, 2010-12.Note: This post is part of an appreciative but unofficial Agnetha-focused website.A brief 2012 update may be found near the end of this entry.)
A seductive-sounding video is below. What a talent. I don't think there's an antidote for this woman's at-times-sexy/at-times-even-soulful voice (in her own way); not for me. (And there's more to Agnetha Fältskog's singing voice than even that: One link.)
Although she's of course known, I still don't believe that ABBA's (former) 'focal-point' Agnetha has been given her due. Yet.
FWIW, the background 'panting' (or whatever the spoken parts are) in this (first) number could be a bit much, but still: Let's quote this person's rave (out of many) from YouTube :
"Wow! I am SPEECHLESS. This woman was out of this world. That voice etches itself permanently onto your soul. And she was still the sexiest woman on the face of the planet, hands down!!"
Your headphones.... an excellent choice for this one. Though the video portion is apparently from another song (possibly the one shown further below).
Another You Tube video (properly-synched) from the same 1983 TV special. Thanks to 'abbafanglosuk' for posting. Special voice; special lady. (Even with the 'play' arrow planted there, and wearing that not-completely-flattering blue dress(?).) Can never get enough of Agnetha's 'la-la's' and humming in the latter part of this song.... (Immediately preceded by her out-of-this-world sexy 'Älska mig's)
"Sexy Agnetha": A performance attribute - happily - captured; with an abundance of enduring examples (career). Just a few:
Counter-point*: Earlier in her career Ms.Fältskog had some harsh words (attributed) for "sweaty, obsessed crowds" (per her As I Am biography, page 72, about one massive ABBA tour), and also (about) her own body image (link): "I am not beautiful and not sexy..."
Something perhaps to keep in mind when attempting to better understand the individual behind the (frequently) sexy voice and on-camera image....
* A final updated comment, for some modern-day viewers:Yes: Outfits, certain dance routines, perhaps some song lyrics employed by ABBA - and Agnetha - can be viewed as (being) sexist. (One (gorgeous) example? (Ref.: The women's skin-tight outfits...(duh)) Link, new window.) Much of what we're viewing (now) is through the 'prism' of 30+ years. Otherwise leaving this subject for (any) interested readers to debate....
(More here: Lovely lady, lovely pictures posted here (new window). I think everyone believes that....http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-11968-120.html . A bit of a personal observation (picking up from the previous paragraph): If you go back and look at some photos of Ms.Fältskog in each decade of life (even as a girl) ...she looks the part!I.e., a good-looking person at different ages. A fittingly attractive "model" at each stage of life.)
As a couple have wryly commented elsewhere (re the fashion award): "If only she could sing!"(I.e., would record maybe one more time...) FWIW, Agnetha's speaking voice near the end of this edited clip (from the award gala) still sounds pleasant and quite youthful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_7iVx96VME
It's available elsewhere now too, but here is an edited, embedded clip from the event incl. Ms.Fältskog's brief appearance after the two-minute mark. (Thanks to YouTube's Engelauge for the post. YT and a few other Internet sites are about the only way most fans learn of/can enjoy such (public) happenings. How about an "icethesite" (news/music site) for Agnetha...?? )
Ms.Fältskog's glowing appearance/warm reception at this event READILY evokes solo song lines:
