I like buying CDs

 So... I've been on a bit of a CD buying spree as of late, mostly because I wanted to complete my ABBA Studio Album CD collection (even though I have it all on vinyl already hahahahaha) but also because I just really enjoy buying CDs.  So here are some of my recent purchases, all courtesy of Discogs. xD

All nine studio albums together.  (I know some of them are in digipacks, others in jewel cases, and yes it does bother me a little, but I'm trying to get over that. xD)

First we have The Album, originally from 1978.  When picking out which versions of these albums to buy, I chose to get the remastered versions from 2001 I think it was, and I really enjoy the sound quality of the tracks.

Next is Voulez-Vous, aha!

Then Super Trouper,

And last but not least, the Visitors!

I also got myself some other ABBA related CDs, like the Chess soundtrack,

This lovely compilation of some of Frida's early work,

Frida's first post-ABBA (though technically it was released while ABBA were still a thing in 1982) solo album on CD.  I actually got this because I wanted to watch the documentary included on the DVD that was made about her album, and until this point I'd only ever seen clips of it.

A collection of some of Agnetha's greatest English language hits over the years from 1998, including the newly discovered The Queen Of Hearts demo.  

And last but absolutely not least, Benny's Piano album from 2017!

I also have ABBA Oro on the day, but it has yet to arrive. :)  Over all I'm happy with my latest CD haul, and now that I've entered the realm of getting their solo work on CD, I'll probably have to get the rest of the albums on CD at some point hahaahaha. 

A year ago today....

ABBA announced their new album, a new concert, the two new songs, and the start of a new voyage...  I remember sitting their, anticipating the live stream event, wondering what ABBA could possibly have up their sleeves.  And then the even started.  We got to hear I Still Have Faith In You for the first time ever, and I remember I didn't quite know how to react at first.  Agnetha and Frida sounded so different yet so familiar.  Then came the announcement that ABBA decided to do one more album.  The moment Benny said it was available for pre-order on the website, I jumped straight onto their site and of course it hadn't even been launched yet and i couldn't get on.  I reloaded the page a million times until like 20 minutes later, I finally got on and pre-ordered the album on record and 2 CDs because I had no idea what was what.  Honestly it was one of the best moments of my life, and I still can't believe I got to live through that, experience and witness it all.  For the first time in my life, I got to really be a part of ABBA history instead of just reading about it.  When Don't Shut Me Down played, I was so ecstatic.  That song really have off the same ABBA vibes we all knew and loved, and after a few more listens, both songs quickly became my favorites.  

I remember being a bit unsure of the whole ABBA-tar project, quite skeptical of how it would work.  I didn't really like the costumes, they took a lot to get used to, but ultimately everything worked out for the best.  The Voyage show just played it's 100th show, and people show up night after night to see ABBA perform in their custom built arena.  I've only seen clips, fan footage, and I have yet to go myself, but, even though I still have my opinions and concerns, I love this show with my entire heart and soul and I cannot wait to see it for myself someday.

Gosh, I'm just so happy. We're living in a world where ABBA came back together, released an amazing album that I listen to all the time, and made a ground-breaking show that they will be playing for years to come.   And then they all got together PUBLICLY at the ABBA voyage premiere, at what will probably be their last appearance ever as a group.  I still remember what it was like before the two songs came out, always wondering if and when we'd ever get to hear the new songs.  I never game up hope, I remained optimistic about everything, the delays, the ABBAtars, and ABBA gave us so much more than we'd ever expected.

Thank you ABBA, for everything.  This last year has been incredible, and I could never have asked for anything better.