A stopping place for now: 'Agnetha/ABBA, Belatedly'

© 2009-2011 (original portions only)

This, from an older-but-wiser geezer whose spot was once the old Cleveland Agora (USA); a venue that a '70s pop band (not named The Raspberries) possibly would not have survived:

After many years of ignoring them it's been an enjoyable (and ironic) experience to "discover" 'supergroup' ABBA, and reluctant star Agnetha Fältskog [aŋˈneːta]. (Pictured/link. Also credit to Mr. Palm (see below), for that descriptor of Ms. Fältskog.) Surprise (U.S. rock fans...(of a 'certain age')):They were excellent at their craft.  I hope those who stumble upon this informal site will (also) find interest in some of the learning that's occurred....  (I know that many of you have also 're-discovered' Agnetha/ABBA...) Please make use of the index of topics/labels located below on the right sidebar.  This blog is - for the most part - music-focused.               (Photo (also a link to an indelible performance) : Agnetha Fältskog, ABBA, Ekeberghallen, Oslo, Norway, January 28th 1977. Author: Helge Øverås. No website endorsement implied.)

Blog navigation note/hint: No time right now?? Please start here with this "salient points", condensed blog summary (link).

A listeners' review of Agnetha's post-ABBA recordings (link)  - though incomplete - is worth a look to see if you agree with its selections and perceptions. Note: Includes an updated Agnetha 'top ten' listing. Agnetha's special voice? Independent, music-detail insights about it are here. And, please try these three posts for a little broader perspective (i.e., they are not only about Ms. Fältskog.  Research about ABBA's 1979 stormy Boston concert flight is included.) Links: Here, here and here.

If there's an overarching point via the (belated) discoveries detailed here, it's simply this: Ms. Fältskog can sing. (Despite some retro-star-power-induced detours nearing "the deep end" in this blog ("actuated by" Agnetha's published efforts - years later - evidence of a true star....);that is really what this written effort is about. (Her singing.))An extraordinary pop voice: Crystal-clear, sweet and expressive. Per much that's asserted in this blog; her voice inside your head(phones): A pleasure. (Link is to an individual YouTube song tribute from aficionado '2Shaymcn'. (Videos from that YT site are linked here with permission.)
 ...Combine with the 'element' of heavenly female beauty ..and to some (at least); a captivating delight (link). Though her in-English work is in the past now, she is well worth a (re-)visit --in any form: "Smiling sensation" Agnetha (at her utmost) is more discoverable than ever via "time machine", You Tube.

(Insert...) 2014: And yes BTW, (rightly or not) I do feel slightly 'flattered' when Agnetha/ABBA official websites (etc.) occasionally re-use descriptive words such as 'aficionado' and 'siren'......Employed by this tiny blog (years ago).(Screen-cap image/example follows:)

(Continuing previously written text:)Necessary to know, up-front: Both ABBA singers together were essential for that band's success. No Frida and Agnetha = No ABBA. For many, the presentation (singing, etc.) of ABBA's songs was equally as important as the exceptional writing, producing. (A YT link to one fantastic (performing) example...)  (Update:) Easy prediction: In the popular music sphere I believe that these two ladies will be revered (more revered or acclaimed) for years to come. They were that special, together ...One sample link here to a beautiful ABBA ballad, featuring Frida's stellar lead...). Related: Singing with/skillfully harmonizing with other singers was clearly a major strength forMs. Fältskog(the main focus here; solo work). A sample link to one appealing post-ABBA example. (And another: A not-well-known one (during her ABBA days), from Sweden (link).Another lesser-known favorite....ooops, Not hers??) More: A much-too-cursory Frida appreciation is included here. (A beautiful recent, published picture of Frida is linked here.)   
And please see the end of this post for a 'bonus quotation' that nicely describes the two voices of ABBA. 

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nytorp/images/agfrconc2.jpg

(Nope: In case it's not obvious, I'm

not associated in any way with

 ABBA, Ms. Fältskog or their record companies.If you find that you're not convinced of certain findings here, pls. try some available videos on You Tube for a mesmerizing sample (Ms. Fältskog, solo). And consider what present-day viewers there are saying. Or: Why not read on in this blog and enjoy the many included links....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 'appreciations' or tributes have been independently created on-line (in several locations): A tremendous compliment to this performer. (And those similarly created for other ABBA members, the band itself, etc.)

(Continuing:) From not even knowing the names of ABBA's members and only a few of their hit songs (like many people in the U.S.), it's been good to gain a richer appreciation of the "mega" pop group and those associated. With millions of others I'll be enjoying recordings, etc. of the band, and especially from Ms. Fältskog. (Aside: None of it is Mozart, nor opera singing....But ABBA understood that.) Plus, of course the numerous, well-done tributes etc. on You Tube.... which seem to expand by the week. (And huge ABBA fan Sen. John McCain may unleash an impromptu karaoke retrospective at any moment, as we all know. Don't get me going re Vladimir Putin....Update: Or, NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg...?) ABBA exemplifies something not all too readily done, done very, very well. It is difficult not to respect and admire that....(Celebrated actress/voice artist Joanna Lumley says it succinctly with this recent quotation, displayed here (link). 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." ...)

Stop: BTW, is this blog (you're reading) one guy's way-late "head trip" (mainly) about a singularly talented, 1970's/80's Swedish singer?? (A performer with enough 'star-power' to motivate (inspire) this unprecedented effort (for me.) Answer: Possibly YES, at moments. (Don't think I was quite at this point, though (link).) However please read on, as you may well find that it's worth the trip back....Agnetha's appealing pop voice is reason enough.
(An appropriate ABBA song (title) for this 'trip'?? (Link, new window.) The two ABBA singers together: A dream, always...)

Until 2004, ABBA's state-of-the-art Polar Music Studios was located in this building in Stockholm.

({{Information |Description={{sv|1=Sportpalatset på Kungsholmen i Stockholm}} |Source=Uppladdarens egna verk (uploader's own work) |Author=Holger.Ellgaard |Date=2008 |Permission=yes |other_versions= }} 

As noted here and elsewhere, Carl Magnus Palm has written the definitive ABBA biography to date: Bright Lights, Dark Shadows. 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. Also, 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: http://abbaarticles.blogspot.com/

Some stories are largely made-up or just tabloid trash, but ABBA members did talk frequently and could be candid. In fact, though some publications unfavorably label Ms.Fältskog to be reclusive, uncooperative, etc., the truth is that she has spoken candidly with selected sources over many years. (See a few of the articles linked above.) This lengthy and detailed blog being read right now is completely based upon the singer's available public interviews, biography, published music, etc. The artist is generally publicity-shy (or was; pls. see 'late 2010 update' near the end of this post), but there is hardly a lack of information from/about the public Agnetha. (Just one example: A charming and candid short interview from 1981, via this 'ABBA4EVER' link (new window).

 ABBA has moved on and it's time for me to do so as well. I'll add more to the blog perhaps if an event of significance occurs (with the group or members) . But please check back for ongoing updates, enhancements and additions to the current entries. 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 original entries here are copyrighted. Thank you.

A closing word (or two) about talented Agnetha Fältskog, who -- along with many other fans -- I've quickly come to admire. (For reasons detailed above and elsewhere. There may be millions of us (Agnetha fans)...clearly we all have good acumen, perception, etc....) 1) 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 together were something like pop music magic, in my view. (Ref. this interesting forum discussion about the "third voice" that sometimes emerged. As also noted previously; rich-voiced, rock-solid Frida "carried it" on numerous ABBA songs; Agnetha more the dramatic accent. "Money Money Money"; one example.) Note: Volume is high on the following. Actually both vocalists are pretty impressive in this ABBA song/video version (mimed here; more about its singing linked here), which somehow magnifies Agnetha's high-note contributions...Plus: An even better song featuring the singers at their best together follows via this post.


(YT video link)
In other words they were attractive ladies who could sing, and sing well together. Not all that common of a combination, judging by how very few true "successors" (none?) have appeared in popular music since. They were hardly just "a couple of decorative Swedish babes", as a few (especially around these parts) may have once thought. To me, it is not going too far overboard to claim the two women together at their peak as one of the miracles of latter-20th-century pop music. (Yes, there were a few...(another) (+ another). A different one (link).)  E.g., Please enjoy this available YT performance (link) and tell me that it was not. (Ms. Fältskog especially, that time.) And if interested (ladies/vocalists): Try to (truly) match DQ's singing on your own/via karaoke. You'll likely find yourself impressed with A and A's effort...


A petition for overdue ABBA induction to the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" is here. Remember: The Bee Gees, Madonna, Dave Clark Five and other pop-oriented acts are already there. (And per the comment received below, it is appropriate to question that entity's validity, purpose, etc. ABBA is a 2002 Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductee.) 9/09 UPDATE: Click  for news of 2010 "Rock Hall" nominees. And know it right here, first: ABBA is IN in 2010. So many lesser acts have been inducted,  I don't see how the enduring pop 'supergroup' can be kept out of the Hall any longer....Vote in and follow a current poll for 2010 nominees, here. 12/09/09 update: Rumors are circulating today that ABBA will indeed be inducted in March, 2010. 12/15/09: Congratulations to ABBA and all associated. Long overdue....
A link to a 12/09 post about the announced induction (from this blog's perspective) is here.

2) Ms. Fältskog's clear, sweet voice, packed with emotion at times; is a gift. (Which also seems perpetually youthful-sounding at times, but there's more to it than that.) If not already underway, I predict a revival (or kindling) of interest and appreciation for this underrated singer's work. (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.) In the big-market United States, my continuing impression is that (the real) Agnetha remains sketchily known. (I don't think for a second that this matters any more to the successful artist. And she, of course, remains very popular in home Sweden and elsewhere. Also, a mention that in some (homophobe?) corners of the U.S., ABBA music, etc. is still disdained, per (supposed) popular appeal in the gay community (pages 501-2). I don't condone that but, at any rate.... At my age I chart my own path (heteros were attracted to the ABBA ladies ,too), and am mature enough to enjoy ABBA's qualities now, "bias-free".(Though definitely a "slow learner" ....☻. Brain-free too??: Follow this link for a tiny farce.)

As the private lady approaches her 60th birthday, it's a question as to whether we'll hear Ms. Fältskog again 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: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/arts/music/27tomm.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&em)

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: http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/Write/write.html
Maybe a single-song duet or something like that is still in the realm of possibility....

Agnetha Fältskog from 2004 (re "My Colouring Book"), as quoted on page 539, "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows", C.M. Palm, author. (Short passages used with permission.) :

"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."

There may have also been other reasons, but still, that was a nice one....

(More "nice lady": A link from the excellent http://www.agnetha-forever.de site to liner notes from Agnetha's 2008 compilation album, "My Very Best": http://www.agnetha-forever.de/ChangeLog/myverybest/myverybest.html  )

Whatever happens let's hope that this underprized singing star enjoys peace and satisfaction, and whatever else she wishes. My impression is that Agnetha remains a private person, quite settled with family, etc. now. As written (perhaps with a touch of envy and/or wistfulness; but not necessarily untruthfully) here: "...she’s mostly kept the silence of someone who’s conquered the world already." (Or, at least as much of it as desired(!).)  Late 2010 update: Or....perhaps NOT. Ms. Fältskog surprises with a number of recent public appearances plus a photo 'spread'/story in Sweden's (glossy) 'M-magazine'. Link to a translation (English) (incl. photos) from Mikory's ABBA blog. 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 prolific recording artist has earned that, or whatever she wants. But, Ms. Fältskog didn't completely "close the door"....
More: FWIW; possibly as a revealing  "glimpse inside", the Swedish star once wrote at the end of her 1996 As I Am biography that she had not "closed any doors". But also that: "...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." (Page 149)

(Continuing previous text:) Agnetha has (also reportedly) said that she did not aim to be "worshiped by loads of people". 

"Thy voice is music..." — Shakespeare, Henry V, V-ii   (Ed. note: No...other parts of this quotation do not apply.)

(Agnetha Fältskog. Author: Daniel Åhs Karlsson, 4/7-2008. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported 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...)

One telling, final note, from the 2008 afterward of C.M. Palm's "Bright Lights, Dark Shadows" (page 540):

Re Agnetha in 2004 (and beyond), after releasing "My Colouring Book":

"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"."

 A 'bonus' quotation: I'm taking the liberty of including one special paragraph from Christopher Patrick's excellent book, ABBA: Let The Music Speak. A stellar description (page 142):

"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."

(Blog note: The last edit to this post was on March, 2012.)

Link to my full blog: http://star4abba.blogspot.com/

Agnetha and ABBA: 1975

 (This post is part of an unofficial website examining the music and public career of ex-ABBA star Agnetha Fältskog.)

A rare video from supergroup ABBA's heyday is currently up on You Tube (below). If you like it, please consider a silent appeal to higher powers (Don Kirshner?)... that it remains posted. (2011: So long, Mr Kirshner. And thanks...)

1975: Young ABBA at around their peak. (Songwriting became more sophisticated - and at times more melancholy - as the group matured.)

The radiant Ms. Agnetha Fältskog  [aŋˈneːta ˈfɛltskuːɡ] 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)).  (Note: This blog is focused upon Ms. Fältskog's career and music, so she is spotlighted.)

Let the video speak: 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.   
And watch the star shine in ABBA's big hit (at the time), "Waterloo", the last song performed. (The studio ovation seemingly energizes the green-caped wonder...)  As usual, the camera (cameramen) liked Agnetha too. A great example of the young blonde singer at her early-ABBA peak. A vision:

(No embedding of the YT video at this time. Pls.click on the screen cap below to link to the video via a new page/tab. Thanks to 'Mira6610' for posting:)

Link to YT video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=w--fKtTwjRg&fmt=18

Update: The Kirsher song videos linked above via the photo are criminally gone from YouTube.  Try this link for the 'Hey Hey Helen' performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSa86pFukDE&ab_channel=MichaelG., and here is another 'grainy' one for both songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QcE0ms2YcM&ab_channel=ABBA.FC

If general circumstances more or less "stayed like 1975" for Ms.Fältskog, perhaps she and ABBA would have played for quite a bit longer (beyond what they did)....

"Wouldn't it be nice" (link to great old vid.) if we were YOUNGER....or  could "turn back the hands of time"....

Bonus from '75: "On cuteness overload" video featuring the 25-year-old; four or so years junior to the other ABBA members...:

 Update: 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....

(link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9cvBVyLRY0&fmt=18

And, a note that 1975 was also the year that the busy Ms.Fältskog created and produced her fine, solo Swedish album, Elva kvinnor i ett hus. More about that album effort is available via this post (link).


Add'l 'bonus': Yes, it's from 1976, 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; an engaging on-camera performer. (Current link, new window) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYSSD0SVhN0&fmt=18    Update: Sorry....this video is now removed....Here may be another, working link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZsbMzSy59I&ab_channel=mkariobangi

Link to my full blog: http://star4abba.blogspot.com/

Note: This blog entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts here.

Three excellent forum posts re Agnetha's voice

© 2009-2014 (original portions only)

"...music, the most ineffable of all the arts." -- from several individuals, including this outstanding conductor.


Though many in the United States did not follow them when ABBA was performing -- or after -- that's not true for much of the rest of the world. (Many (others) in the large,diverse-market U.S. did follow, of course...)
One ongoing example: The excellent "abba4ever forum"(http://www.iphpbb.com/board/fs-30652567nx61610.html) features knowledgeable and experienced fans from all over the world.

"Agnetha's voice is angelic" is a (forum) comment (that I've) seen many times, and it succinctly sums up ex-ABBA singer Agnetha Fältskog's voice for many. (Pronounced [aŋˈneːta]. Here is a short, funny video...)
But fully describing something special is not often quick or easy. Looking over the posts included in this blog on the subject, several adjectives are employed to attempt description (for Ms. Fältskog's voice):
'Crystal-clear' (link, one example) and 'sweet' are invoked the most. Add 'bright' (very...). Feeling. (Or, 'emotion-packed' (at times).)  Plaintive (link is to one stellar example). Euphonious. Feminine. Sultry at times. Youthful-sounding. (Which may go along with clear and 'bright'...)
Also, brilliance, a noun and a vocal resonation/music expression term. (Or: brilliant (as an adjective; meaning #4). I'd bet Agnetha would enjoy that descriptor (in general)... ) And, a word or 'label' that's often overused (in general): Unique. Along with others familiar with her pristine voice, somehow I can immediately discern that the singer is Agnetha. 

The talented singer invokes quite a few, different adjectives. But if you wanted to ask this listener to succinctly describe Ms. Fältskog's voice/singing (not easily done), I'd offer these few descriptive phrases: Sweet (i.e., as in a sugar-sweet "overlay", or finish (at times)).... and bright. And, sweet and clear. Sweet and plaintive. Sweet and rangy. Sweet and with-a-smile-warmth (at times). (Another good, linked sample...) Sweet and....

Seeing a common "denominator" ....?

(Many to choose from, but one very good sweetness example (Swedish) is linked here. (Opens a new window:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4zeI-yPeg&fmt=18

Update: Though clear and crisp, the artist's singing (also) features nuanced subtleties as well. Agnetha was generally not a "belter".  (Aside: But how she produced her strong, "sharp-but-appealing-yell" backing vocals in ABBA's "Money Money Money", for example; I do not know. That one's nearly well-modulated screaming at moments (in the refrain)....)
It (therefore) often takes a few listens (via headphones) to hear various aspects of Ms.Fältskog's efforts, completely. One of many examples: This older song (in Swedish, link follows) displays a crisp and/or "metallic" quality in (or "around") her voice at times - which she beautifully softens at other points (in the song). She's unfailingly diligent with accenting appropriate syllables within lyrics, in general. (Although I don't know much Swedish.)  In-studio Agnetha is consistently "on" each music note, precisely.  
How she "infuses" that voice with incredible sweetness....is your guess: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiQkfs6WMRQ&fmt=18

(A quick, subjective aside:  Even Agnetha's speaking voice can be musical. Two linked samples: One where the singer briefly speaks, and another where she sings in a narrative style. Links are here (YT video now DELETED), and here . Note via the first link how her speaking voice seems to have two main components: A higher, musical/sweet quality, but also a prominent lower, resonant one as well. (There may have been some technical enhancement in this (TV show) example.) Remarkable.... Update: Another great example - both speaking and singing - is linked here. (It's from a 1976 Swedish radio broadcast. The ABBA demo song is 'Monsieur, Monsiuer'. (Update: *The original YouTube posting (for the old broadcast) is now gone. Another copy is available via the link (above)..... BTW, this site (link) also makes note of this particular interview/Agnetha's voice.)  Note the seemingly more open, un-guarded Agnetha, using her native language.... and the resonance in her speaking voice here. Contrasting to her sweet, high soprano voice in the accompanying song...)

Enough of my "take": The following three forum posts further describe special qualities of Agnetha Fältskog's voice, nicely. Excerpts are copied below: (Emphasis added by me.)


(Was she a siren'? (Definition 2.)    Photo: Agnetha Fältskog, ABBA, Ekeberghallen, Oslo, Norway, January 28th 1977. Author: Helge Øverås)

From forum member "Ainsley", posted on 9/7/09: "Agnetha? One can talk about range and accuracy, but these attributes no more define a great vocalist than a guitarist's ability to play fast makes them a great guitarist. It's about their innate tone, expression, interpretation and that certain little "something". Agnetha has these qualities in spades. Most modern vocalists seem interchangeable to me. I think they could well be made in a light engineering factory somewhere in L.A! (Don't even get me on to the subject of their cringeworthy "pole-dancing audition" style videos!....)"

And, from forum admin. "Johnny59" (8/24/09): (The excerpt is linked to his more complete, insightful article on his web site.)
"It’s the mysterious and wondrous magic of her voice. You fall in love with her voice. Not all people do that, and those who won’t, only will be able to see a talented singer, a blond cutie or even just a pin-up icon. But those who ever did, those who ever fell in love with that voice, never will shake loose again. They’ll be hooked for the rest of their life. It´s an addiction, but it´s a wonderful addiction."

And, from forum member "drimnagh"(8/25/09): "Being as objective as possible, one of the things I've noticed is that Agnetha's voice is often described as plaintive, etc and then there's the famous 'crying with her voice' adjective which is all true and great but one of the qualities which is mentioned much less often is the sheer punchy POWER in her voice when she chooses to 'belt' it out- I love this aspect of her voice and I wish she'd used it a little more often as it really packs a punch..." (Blogger note: What is this commenter referring to about "crying with her voice"? Agnetha produced a number of examples of that, but here is a YouTube link to (what I think is) one sample, within an ABBA song. (If possible, focus upon the higher-voiced singer, though it seems both ABBA vocalists are to varying degrees producing this effect.)) : (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?fmt=18&gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=Os_bSwg02J4
 
See? I'm not alone - even here in the U.S.

Update: Linking another great observation from Mr. Chris Tarrant, English broadcaster from that nation's recent, ITV ABBA TV special. Enjoy this "deep link' to a current YouTube segment on ABBA's 'SOS' (from the 2010 show). (And I'm certain Mr. Tarrant meant "hair standing up" ( re effect of Agnetha's voice) in the "good" way....) Agnetha's exquisite song-opening lead vocal/video presentation...

And one more great quotation:  According to another forum poster ("PFQ"), Agnetha author Brita Ahman described the singer's voice as "a golden thread" running through ABBA's recordings. 
I'd expand the (likely) intended meaning of "golden" here to (also) acknowledge the metallic quality that Agnetha's voice could feature, especially with ABBA. (Agnetha solo song example of this quality is linked here. It is present at moments here as well (link).) 11/09 update: I hope it's an allowable excerpt, but here is the paragraph that follows the above, from Ms. Ahman in the 1996 "As I Am" biography (page 127). Best paragraph in the book, IMO. (Re Agnetha's voice:)

"She has a very wide register and range. Occasionally, there's a kind of vulnerability in her tone, an exposed surface, which means that on some songs she hits people right in the gut. Her voice is a kind of portrait of herself."

The 1996 bio has its flaws but that is a superb description....

(And; pressing on with my own little figure of speech from above: That voice might perhaps be a "metallic-framed" 'portrait',in some instances....)

There's much more about the artist's special voice in this blog, including a few 'technical' details, beginning here (link): http://star4abba.blogspot.com/2009/06/agnethas-best-voice-one-way-love.html  


Also, a link to a YouTube playlist (unofficial) with sample songs from Agnetha Fältskog's solo career: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=F1E367911859E577
 

Blog note: This blog entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts here. It's actual creation date is 10/21/09. Last edited/updated, 2010.

Link to my full blog: http://star4abba.blogspot.com/

So why did I write all of this....

© 2009-2014 (original portions)

There are a lot of words written here (in this blog). Why bother? The "retro-fascinated" explain it a bit:

#1) What is Twitter? What's this 'microblogging'...?
  

#2) Any idiot with a web connection (+ free speech) can do this now, right??

- End of lame humor section -

The 'real' reasons, for those who may have interest: 

1. As should be apparent from the posts here, I'm pleasantly surprised to discover that 'supergroup' (i.e., exceptionally successful) ABBA was so good at what they did. It is a much-belated find for me, mainly through videos currently out on You Tube. (Record companies: I've been motivated to purchase your products after initial discovery via You Tube....) Like many I didn't pay them much mind in their day. Like others, I've learned that while it's not Beethoven, close to 400 million record sales (by ABBA) have occurred for some good reasons. (E.g., four talented members plus other important individuals/occurrences.)

And also that iconic front singer Agnetha (äng-NĒ-ə-tä) Fältskog was/is an all-around accomplished performer. Her partner Anni-Frid Lyngstad is, too. Catching up with (most of) the rest of the world has been an enjoyable experience, especially for a person who appreciates music. So much so that it provided motivation to research/write about it. (Sometimes of course with ABBA on the headphones...) If you look a bit, there is much public information available -- good or suspect -- about the legendary music group and the popular Ms. Fältskog. I've tried to link/credit my various sources.

1a. It's often a good exercise to try writing about things or people that interest you, are inspiring, etc. That is part of the effort here: To try an describe things that are not easily put into words. E.g., great popular music songs, a beautiful voice, etc. It certainly helps to also have the opportunity to link to available video performances and to include a few photos. Sometimes words are best however, to fully express comments, reactions, analysis, insights.  

And, as an additional point, I believe that Ms. Fältskog is both an underrated singer/performer, and not widely known (in much detail) in the United States. It's been enjoyable (for me, anyway) to learn a little more about her music-related efforts and to write (publicly) about them. (A blog obviously allows planned integration of descriptive links, videos, etc.)  I know I'll never meet the Swedish singer and that she also does not look at websites such as this. But finding out more about the artist through research (of her public career) possibly brings us all slightly closer to the person. Provides us with a (long-distance) way to "meet" the singer, and/or perhaps offers insight and understanding about this performer.

(One more brief - "old dude" - aside possibly for a younger reader or two. (Thank you for taking a look (back) here...): Finely-crafted popular music from the 1960s and '70s was followed seriously by many listeners (at the time). (Including young Agnetha Fältskog, BTW.)     
(Insert: Back then you sometimes were identified or even defined  - to a degree - by your (vinyl) record collection...)

 Lighter "fare" such as (early) ABBA songs had plenty of competition 'back in the day' but still received much (radio) air-play.  (AM radio play: A reason why non-progressive/rock ABBA may have been unfairly dismissed during that time period, by some...) 
Money surely was one motive then, but contrast that with many of the "ka-ching"-first, video-centric "products" passed off as music entertainment today.  (One notable exception: Grammy-winning Adele, a singer with "the goods". (A voice.))

In short, especially for certain older people the art of popular music was/is a passion. We admire those who really worked at producing outstanding music... and particularly those whose efforts seem to stand the test of time.  
(In a very real way popular artists from the period almost HAD to create something first-rate. Competitors were many, and often capable. If you did not produce (quality) someone else would. (Competition was (also) fierce for listeners, etc.) 
Plus the whole video performance aspect ("requirement") was only starting to emerge...)
 
We (all) now know those 20-25 years offer(ed) a treasure of finely-written and -performed music.) 

(Continuing previous text:) "Mea culpa": A few of the earlier entries in this blog are a bit over the top with the "discovery" of alluring Agnetha. It's a little embarrassing at times, in retrospect. (I.e., I'm 'owned'  (was)....by a lady I never met?!?) But I'll endure that (and leave most posts intact) : Her natural star power was enough to unleash those, even as a 30-or-so-year echo from the past. (Huh?? OK; try this link to a 1979 YT vid. to see a little of what I'm talking about. (Note: Nearly three million views for this long-ago video performance, now...) Both ABBA ladies are fantastic here. (To playback & somewhat blurry.) But check out multiple-camera-tracking Agnetha's sexy "pounce", from around the 4:18 mark. (I.e., right at the "take it now or leave it" line...(Just slay me right now...))  Likely no one told or directed her to do that for us. Looked good from any angle. 
For me - once again - (and for others), Agnetha (has the unusual ability to)  "get through the (viewing) screen" (throughout this video).
 Update: Link to a much clearer version of this performance, presently on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzwYcn1N9-c&fmt=18)

(With that keyboard pic....Can't resist throwing in this YT link to an edgy 1985 song/video from Agnetha's TV special: 'Click Track' (link). Decent '80s video actually. Agnetha pulls it off....)

Readers can decide how well that I did. I think that my efforts improved a bit as I learned more and got used to writing the entries. The initial enthusiasm in early posts is good, but some actual knowledge works its way in later in the more recent entries. BTW: If someone able to foretell the future had informed me back a year-plus ago that I would produce a 60-post blog about ABBA ("nooo...") and Ms. Fältskog ("who"??)....I would have inquired as to which alternative reality they just warped in from. Would probably have also questioned their ancestry.

(YT video link)


Last note: I have much to say about certain things, and (clearly) will "go the long way around (the barn)" to do it at times. Not sure this blog effort helped much with that, but I actually did try to "reign it in", occasionally. At least a few sentences here and there did get edited out. I mean....can you imagine.... (i.e., otherwise; without those feeble edits)?? And, there's even a summary post.  And a condensed summary. 
   
Thank you to any readers, for taking the time.




Link to full blog: http://star4abba.blogspot.com/


Note: This post entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts. It's actual creation date is 6/21/09. - Mr. D. Tails