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/

ABBA's 'Disillusion' (1973)

© 2009-2010 (original portions only)

A link is below to another worthwhile YT video tribute, featuring an underrated early ABBA song, "Disillusion".

The track is from the Ring Ring album, and is the only song-writing contribution from Agnetha Fältskog featured on any ABBA album. She wrote the melody, and I assume co-writer/husband Björn Ulvaeus either wrote or guided the lyrics, etc. (Credit: This source indicates that Bosse Carlgren wrote the words for the Swedish version of this song („Mina ögon“, link below. That version appeared on Ms.Fältskog's 1975, full-length solo album, Elva Kvinnor I Ett Hus ).)

As usual it's sung nicely, though Agnetha goes on to (even) better performances in later songs. (Pronounced [aŋˈneːta].) Aside from being her only released ABBA effort, 'Disillusion' is notable in some other ways: Another good example of how clear her singing voice is, and how "bright" it sounds - even in a forlorn song. (Young Agnetha adds inflection and employs her interpretive skills to render the appropriately "disillusioned" vocal.) Though overtly sadder than most, this effort is like many of ABBA's songs: Sad or melancholy in message; yet sparklingly delivered.

Also note how precisely the artist hits every sung note here. She's right on each one....(Heard even better on higher-fidelity recordings.)

And, of course, how the early-ABBA song seemingly portends what (apparently) was to come in the Fältskog/Ulvaeus marriage.....

Enough words: Please click on Ms. Fältskog's picture below for a link to the '2Shaymcn' You Tube video presentation/tribute. (Then please come back....)  
(Hope that it remains posted...2Shaymcn's videos are linked here with that YT channel creator's permission.)

(Photo: Agnetha Fältskog, ABBA, Ekeberghallen, Oslo, Norway, January 28th 1977. Author: Helge Øverås)
(Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNJBvfkL0s0&fmt=18   Updated note: A slightly higher-sound-quality tribute video is currently available here (no guarantees):) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7ZSboCx1XQ

P.S.: Sugar-sweet-voiced.... another Agnetha "trademark". Plus: Good volume in the refrain from the young singer....

A beautiful, clear, feminine voice...on display.

Bonus: YT link to the artist's Swedish version of this song ("Mina ögon"): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5retRoHsupg&fmt=18
(Thanks to 'ji61m' for posting/producing it.)
FWIW, I happen to prefer the more smoothly sung/recorded, slightly more subdued ABBA (English) version. UPDATE:"Mina ögon" has become quite a favorite (of mine) as well. It's worth a couple of listens... Sweetly done; also featuring (Agnetha's) one-of-a-kind plaintiveness. (Angst/wailing mourning in that amazing voice as well, via the refrain. A stellar rendition.)  Add'l update: I see that this Agnetha fan/expert offers high praise for the song effort (link): http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-9932-90.html


Finally, please enjoy YouTube commenter "'MsCaptainSensible"'s highly-rated observation, displayed below the (YT-linked) ABBA rendition (of this song). Says it well, re Ms.Fältskog the artist....




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

A diversion: Better than any ABBA

Sorry, ABBA, but what follows shows why you were ignored for 30+ years in my world. Not that this had any ill effect whatsoever, of course (on the band).

I really dislike the phrase "you rock". Because many who say it don't have much of an idea what it means or what they're talkin' about.

THIS 'rocks'. Watch your ears (and John Entwistle's thundering bass). Just in case: The 'crazy' windmill-arm dude is The Who's main man Mr. Pete Townshend:


Hope to god this stays posted.....(Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCNeVHv3Mlg&fmt=18 )


Bonus: Oh...look: More people who could play instruments/or sing. (On TV, no less. Different "genre" than above.): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkkeY5Pl8Pk&fmt=18

Even more of those type of people: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z1kLUP3ohg&feature=related&fmt=18
(For fans of this band's older roster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdD6L4cKKU8  )

A picture of Ms. Fältskog worth a thousand words

© 2009-2011 (original portions only)

Not to worry... not going to write 1000 words...this time. (Close.)

And be warned: I'm far from alone re this, but a bit of "retro-worship" is going to follow here. I obviously think that this singer was special in more ways than one. If you don't want to engage in any of that, please try some other, music-related posts here (link). Plus, it's further noted that Ms. Fältskog once stated that she didn't have any need or desire for people to "worship" her. (That said, she had lots of photos taken, back in the day....Possibly just "part of the job" though.)

(Proceeding:)

This blog has many words attempting to describe the difficult to describe: An inspiring performer, outstanding popular music, etc. Too many of those words at times.

Thankfully, many great (yes; nostalgic) photos exist of photogenic/telegenic/cybergenic Agnetha Fältskog. E.g., You Tube abounds with them inside tributes, etc.(Plus a link to "Andy's ABBA images"; picture web site; includes an excellent story about meeting Ms. Fältskog.)

With much to choose from I still really like this simple, black and white one from 1977. (Below.) I like it because I feel it 'says' much about the performer. As written elsewhere here, both ABBA front singers were excellent presenters and performers whenever the lights came on.

 Rarely "holding back" (video link to a quick take of her pure voice); doing what she does best: Singing. "Living" the song....as she often did.

This photo currently graces the "Wikipedia" entry for Agnetha Fältskog:
("...She was blindingly beautiful...")

(Agnetha Fältskog, ABBA, Ekeberghallen, Oslo, Norway, January 28th 1977. Author: Helge Øverås (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). It's inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of this website, expressed or implied.)


As always, a bonus: So many great pictures to choose from but here are a couple more faves. An attractive woman, at different ages.... and, will leave the rest to the (various-sized) pics.

By gburris1

OK; even more beauty follows:  I mean, are you kidding me? Just exactly how did many of us in the USA (hailin' from the '70s &'80s) somehow miss this lady.... at her utmost...? Agnetha slipped by some of us.  (OK, I'm 'owned' (a bit) -- via echoes of the past no less (of this lady).
Not alone....
(Aside: While we're on it, cant' resist this either: "Oowwnzz! Oowwnzzz!" (link))

Of course this blog includes some suggestions about that, e.g.; posts here and here. If anyone cares I myself would not go near (an) ABBA (song); intent upon exploring various rock music genres at the time -- like many of my peers. (ABBA didn't fit that.) And obviously -- for a few reasons -- not enough (or ineffective) "promo" was done in the U.S. (for ABBA). (Ref.:"Bright Lights, Dark Shadows" by C.M. Palm, pages 380-81, 384, 387.) Also, with proper promotion, the "right" songs, etc., Agnetha (herself) likely could have been as "big" as she wanted to be in North America. (Maybe all the Americas...)  Home, family and privacy (apparently) took precedence, however.  
Aside: One interesting observation re ABBA (not) 'conquering' the American market is linked here.

(2011 comment: An intriguing photo, above from long ago. (Screen cap; source.) Apparently from a 'bare shoulders(?)' session Agnetha did, but this particular photo is different from others (published from it). Almost seems 'backstage'; candid. 
One interpretation:  Agnetha is posed (poised?) for a kiss...What is on her mind here?....And what might her eyes be 'saying'? (Hint: Not much?? Those dewy lashes 'speak volumes'... Agnetha: Once again showing an ability to "come through the screen" - whether in video or via photographs.)
A fetching photo. (How did the photographer manage to hold on to the camera?  I think a lot of us would not have been able to...☻ ) Sultry/sexy (of course), but vulnerability seems to show too. 
Actually, this pic. might be a poster for sexy/vulnerable....

Anyone know more about it? Pls. comment below. (Note: A sharper version of the photo above is available via this forum link.)

Last pic. source, edited: http://www.abbafanclub.nl/about_abba/the_band.html

Source for most (other) photos: http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-3747.html and http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-1512-3090.html

A few more old-but-sensational shots, from the "abba4ever" forum (link, right-click): http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-3747-2400.html

And I've only scratched the surface. (Lots of pictures were done...a photogenic subject ...) Go here (link below) if you'd like to: a) torture yourself more or, b) enjoy "retro"-rapture (I guess). Many images submitted there. (Plus here is another source for many pics; an excellent site.) And, remember:  The lady (originally) from Jönköping is really talented also.  (Plus: She even played some hoops once in awhile...)

Ms. Fältskog is a proud grandmother nowadays.....(And makes public appearances now and then.)

Link: http://www.iphpbb.com/board/ftopic-30652567nx61610-1512.html

(By the way, as incredible as it may seem this amazing lady might not have thought herself beautiful. I have not verified the quotation nor the date of it, but included is a link to a web page that ends with the following, attributed to Agnetha: 

 "I am not beautiful and not sexy", says Agnetha in the book "Forebilder". 

On the contrary. I have a complex about my body..."

A link where the full quotation may be seen: http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/huntington/108/id18.htm

Much of the rest of the world would disagree...

 (Ms. Fältskog: Often a pragmatic, self-effacing person, but one who might have been a little less hard upon herself -- at least in the younger days. Her too-harsh (attributed) observation also - of course -  ignored other attributes. (And the fact that endless photos were requested/taken of the beautiful singer...) E.g.: Men tend to prefer a pretty face (link). They really can't help themselves (link)!
Though Agnetha herself might not necessarily agree with such words, have another beauty - Vanessa Angel - sum things up nicely from the 1996 movie Kingpin:
YouTube video snippet... bad language soon after the 1:07 mark - after Vanessa's aphorism (link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrt2dMocQ5g&#t=55s)

(Continuing) One additional link, showing the natural beauty looking good with no "slap". (Make-up.)
http://img9.imageshack.us/i/notd.jpg/

Bonus: "Devastatingly beautiful" is how one Internet commenter referred to Agnetha from the earlier days. Interesting. An attractive person over many years, my favorite "Agnetha look" of all (thanks for asking!) is from the mid-1970's with her magnificent long blonde hair and nice,straight eyebrows. (Furrowed, as appropriate. Note: You can even enjoy a "favorite Agnetha look" poll, here.) The screen cap/YT link below is from 1975, (camera-shot "dissolve" mode), as she also sings my favorite ABBA song (where she leads). Plus: Another good example (video) of how Ms. Fältskog often looked for and "played to" the live camera. Along with her great gaze and smile, she could connect with viewers this way. Note: Both ABBA singers regularly achieved this....

(low-res screen cap/edit)

February, 2010 update: An amazing picture is here, at "Mikory's ABBA blog" (link, right-click). Don't think that (pregnant) Agnetha was a trouper? How high is that ladder (look at the man holding it for perspective)? What exactly were they all thinking? (If there was any thinking....) Why didn't they just lower the "elevator" (it's on a forklift or something)? Think soon-to-be-ex-husband Bjorn didn't hear about this stunt a bit when poor Agnetha reached the top?

Another bit of humor, more recent:  "That's what happens when you sit next to her ... you look dumb in comparison..."  -- Quip from the 'abba4ver' fan forum on an ABBA-era photo featuring beauty Agnetha. (From 'TheNumberOneJumpJack'.) Link (new window) to the forum page/comment (to enjoy). 


Aside: Notice the watch(es) in many of Ms.Fältskog's photos (above)? I'm sure watch companies were happy to provide her with some, but one report long ago insisted that this performer also liked to be punctual for rehearsals, engagements, etc. (Ref. page 321.)

 
 Image source: http://imageshack.us/f/39/89693806uj6cpia.jpg/

(Blog note: This post entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts as displayed here. It's actual creation date is 7/8/09. Updated: 10/20/09, Feb., 2010, Nov., 2011 and March, 2012. - Mr. D. Tails) Link to my full blog: http://star4abba.blogspot.com/



(YT video link)

Singing Sirens: ABBA's 'The Day Before You Came'

© 2009-2013 (original portions). Slightly updated, 2013.


(Original text:) It wasn't always easy to tell with some ABBA songs how adept, how talented the two ABBA front singers were. (Agnetha (äng-EH-tä) Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.) However, not with the pensive "jewel" that follows. (Embedded video is below.)

To me, the last minute-plus of "The Day Before You Came" perhaps comes close to what Odysseus (Ulysses) might have heard, lashed to the mast, his rowers' ears covered with beeswax. Well; fairly close, I imagine.... Here we have Anni-Frid Lyngstad's finest* single moment with ABBA: Her haunting solo vocal line, backing this song. (Termed "operatic" here.) It seems to emanate straight from the fjords of her birthplace. Combined with Benny Andersson's skillfully accompanying instrumental: The striking voice line and the synth finally "resolved" together at the very end. (FWIW: Some listeners contend that part of "Frida's" backing solo is actually Benny's synth. I believe that the instrument may 'take over' for just a very short portion (of it)...)
Incongruous and relentless snare drum/synth percussion steps us through the entire, dreary proceedings. (Page 97. The same author has noted that Åke Sundqvist played snare drum on this recording.)

(*A worthwhile aside, briefly: Frida's rich lead vocal in ABBA's "Knowing Me, Knowing You": Another "best". Also; nice lead in "One Man, One Woman".  "Super Trouper", as well. A bit difficult to pick out, but magnificent Frida at moments on "If It Wasn't For the Nights". Most stellar Frida: "Our Last Summer" and the lovely "Gonna Sing You My Love Song". Absolute velvet (-voiced) Frida: Her lead in "The King Has Lost His Crown" (must-see video linked). Tiny comment: Might have featured her even more .. Though her sonorous harmony contributions in "The King..." are...."awesome" . Please enjoy music expert Christopher Patrick's (much) more sophisticated observations about this "understated treasure" (ABBA song)... here (link). And one more worthwhile suggestion while we're here: Learn much about Frida and ABBA in general via this outstanding "101 videos" (ABBA) list. Excellent, comprehensive work by a very knowledgeable fan. (Link to list.))
(One more for Frida: Not ABBA's top song but Frida's clear, bright lead on catchy "You Owe Me One" - very enjoyable. (Along with Agnetha's intertwined, high harmonies...) Can't stop: Nice, quick YT birthday tribute (for Frida) by aficionado '2Shaymcn'; link, new window. Please enjoy a bit more of "prime" Frida via the embedded video at the end of the post...))



(Continuing previous text:) And, of course, gloomily mundane "The Day Before..." is a match for Ms. Fältskog's interpretive abilities. Her perfect, feminine voice appealingly smooths the hour-by-hour drag.

(And more, re video: Lip-synched by Agnetha in beautiful close-up, below; issuing a few of the saddest gazes possible....Lips that "say it all"....Dressed in stand-out red, but with black gradations (etc.); a good color scheme. (W/appropriately dark suits for the others.) Plus, (more) incredible looks (from Agnetha) on the train, etc. in the brief, included"official" video segment (at the end; excellent. Sorry about the "crawl", though..). A good actress...almost too alluring.)

(Resuming:) ABBA's finest complete song...it's beyond "pop", and its writers/producers deserve much credit. But siren singing/presenting, as well. (I.e., beguiling.)

All grown up now (although grown apart); we witness the 'super-group''s last recorded song. Amazing: Right from the "snow globe-opening" start, there's that big, old, slightly kitschy 'ABBA' sign sparkling behind the group....      as a somber masterpiece is doled out: 

("Wait...where's ABBA?")

"Dancing Queen" we are no longer....

A decent-quality video follows. Thank you to "ABBADiego" for producing, and for allowing embedding. (Headphones suggested.)


(Link to this YT video if needed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GAPAvev-os&fmt=22)

(Plus: A link to the full, official video for this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HnOFwqpLRQ  )





(screen cap; link/video are below)

Bonus: The ABBA song described above
has a more-than-decent 'B' side.  
(Also happens to continue a mythic 'theme' touched upon above (independently, of course). (Cassandra of Troy...)) 
This song is yet more ABBA "vocal magic" on display. A brilliantly arranged song, beautiful harmonies; but where listeners can at times (also) "compare and contrast" the two singers' voices. Frida has the wonderful lead, of course, but Agnetha's "crying voice" high harmonies/melody take-overs comprise some vintage Ms. Fältskog (of ABBA). Typically (i.e., remarkably) skillful in harmony through much of the song... but her final two chorus melody-appropriations (refrains beginning: "Sorry Cassandra I misunderstood..."): Prime, "Agnetha in a 'nutshell'" (vocally) from her ABBA days.... at least to this listener. It's a distinguishing "sample": (Current YT link)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_bSwg02J4

(Further credit to ABBA's producers and especially engineer Michael Tretow for vocal-enhancing work on Cassandra. Also, FWIW: To this listener, Agnetha's voice seems just slightly "pinched" or tense within the first chorus of this recording. (I realize that she is 'holding back' a bit, early in the song.) That seems to diminish the 'next time(s) around' (for the chorus)....)

2013 update: An excellent current YT production of 'Cassandra' (1982) followed by 'Under Attack'. Thank you to 'Fafner888' for producing and permitting embedding. Both singers are wonderful (recorded), but Frida's lead in 'Cassandra' comes through beautifully (in this production), as her intricate harmonies also do in 'Under Attack': 

(video link)

Update: ↑GONE....Try this sample song link instead:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaS-4edJ_t8&ab_channel=ABBA-Topic

  For this post also ref.:  Bright Lights, Dark Shadows: The Real Story of ABBA, 2008 edition, Carl Magnus Palm, author, pp. 456-58.
If interested also please ref. pages 93-95 in Christopher Patrick's ABBA: Let the Music Speak for more complete (and learned) analysis of Cassandra.and Under Attack

 
(Blog note: This post entry is backdated to better fit within the order of posts as displayed here. It's actual creation date is 6/29/09. Updated, 2010. - Mr. D. Tails)

Link to 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

ABBA fan Sen. John McCain gettin' sarcastic

FWIW, I don't always agree with U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate John McCain. But he's a huge ABBA fan. Despite that ;) ...he's a good man and a strong leader. The U.S. would always benefit from more like him. (12/09 update/commentary: After his obstructing performance during the recent U.S. health care debate, not so sure anymore....)

It's awhile ago now, but I enjoy the following quotations from Sen. McCain re ABBA and his affinity for them. I (now) agree. They were very good and despite widespread popularity (mainly outside the U.S.) , they're still underrated:

“Dare I say ABBA. Everybody says, ‘Ehhh, ABBA.’ Why is that? ABBA was the largest selling (recording act ever). Nobody likes them but they sold more records than anybody in the history of the world, including the Beatles. But everybody hates them. (But) you’re a no-class guy if you like ABBA. Why does everybody go see ‘Mamma Mia?’ Hypocrisy! Rank hypocrisy! I’m not embarassed to say I like ABBA, ‘Dancing Queen.’”
More from McCain. If elected, “the background music would be ABBA in the elevators all over the White House.”

Source: Ken Herman 10/17/07 article, Austin American-Statesman

Image from LIFE photo archives


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

Note: This blog entry is backdated to better fit within the listing of all of my posts. Its actual creation date is 6/14/09. - Mr. D. Tails