ABBA - A Little Golden Book Biography

 On March 3rd, the new Little Golden Book Biography about our favorite foursome, written by Jeneanne DeBois and illustrated by Maike Plenzke was released, and thanks to pre-ordering it on Amazon, the book arrived that same day!

I feel like I've kind of cemented myself as being someone extremely critical of every ABBA and ABBA-related book release, always anticipating inaccuracies or alleged facts that haven't been proven so the book just ends up being another gossip mongering tale to add to all the other gossip-fueled stories, and at this point, I had kind of given up on the idea of their being an accurate telling of ABBA's story in book format.  

With this is a children's book with ~20 pages, and assuming it's targeted mostly at an American audience,, I wasn't anticipating there to be a lot of room for super detailed story telling, and, being a children's book, I expected the story to be extremely simplified, only acknowleding the songd featured on ABBA Gold at most, certainly making a big deal about Mamma Mia!, and barely going into details on the members life pre-ABBA. 

So I was extremely surprised and excited to find that the book went beyond my expectations.  The book dedicates one page to each ABBA member and their pre-ABBA work, presenting them in age order actually, like the first page is about Bjorn, next is Frida, followed by Benny, and then Agnetha.  The Hootenanny Singers and the Hep Stars are even acknowledged and illustrated as well!

 

Although the text is super simple and not overly detailed, not going into all the fine details of ABBA's story, the book acknowledges that the road to success after ABBA's Waterloo win was not easy, with the fear of being a one-hit wonder, and critics being a bit harsh.  Songs like Dancing Queen, SOS, and Mamma Mia, are mentioned as big hits, as well as I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, which is not a title you'd think of if you're someone only familiar with ABBA Gold.  The only studio albums discussed are ABBA and Arrival, but the book isn't really going in a linear, extremely biographical direction, but rather as an introduction to the band.

 The illustrations are super cute, and do a pretty good job representing the ABBA members and their ever-changing appearances throughout the years.  As someone who is obsessed with ABBA's costumes, I'm really happy to see that there is even a page dedicated to ABBA's outfits, and they're even drawn accurately, as well!

December 11, 1982, is mentioned as the date of their final performance, which is a super specific detail that I wasn't expecting the book to include.  After that, it writes that the members' went their separate ways, and doesn't go into any detail on their solo-work post-ABBA, which is fine since this book is dedicated to ABBA the band itself.  Then there's one page that shares a little bit on the success of ABBA Gold and the Mamma Mia! musical and films.  

Then, the book concludes with a page on ABBA the Museum, and to my pleasant surprise, ABBA's 9th and final album to date, Voyage, with an illustration of the ABBA members at the Voyage show premiere.  No mention of the Voyage show though.  Interestingly, the book doesn't acknowledge any other crucial players in ABBA's story, like Michael B. Tretow, or Stig Anderson, either.

I really really liked this book.  Without being overly detailed, the book manages to share ABBA's story in a way that feels fresh and new, yet also manages to include information that isn't super broadly known among the non-obsessed, casual ABBA listeners. 

Now, I know this is being super critical and this probably doesn't bother anyone other than me, and it also doesn't affect the story telling whatsover, but the outfit they drew Frida in on the cover isn't 100% accurate, as Frida never wore the skirt piece of the white 1979 tour with the blue thigh-high boots, and she only wore the blue thigh-high boots on the Japan leg of the tour when her hair was longer and styled differently than pictured on the cover.  Also, they forgot to give Bjorn a beard in the image of them in 1982, but again, this is just me being a quibbler. 

All in all, I'm actually quite impressed with this book, I'm happier than I expected to be.  It really felt like the author and illustrator know their stuff and share a love for this band, and they managed to translate that love into the text and drawings.  I can totally see myself someday reading this to my nieces as an introductory piece, and I suppose if there are children who read this book and want to know even more about the band, then that's where my children's book can come in and provide even more details. ;)

Major applause to Jeneanne DeBois and Maike Plenzke.

If I'm being super critical, I'd rate this book a 9.75/10, but I'm happy to round that up to a 10/10, and if you have young kids who you think would be interested in getting to know ABBA, then I highly recommend this book.

Voyage - my thoughts and review

The moment has arrived.  I have listened to ABBA's new album, and let me just say I love it.  I actually caved in and listened to the album before midnight using a VPN, I'm sorry I couldn't wait anymore, and the first time I listened to the album in full, I didn't quite know how to react, if I liked it or not.  I'm the type of person who is resistant to anything new.  Like I remember when Sabrina Carpenter's 2nd album came out in 2016, and it was a different style to what I was used to, so I didn't like it at all.  And then her next album from 2018 came out and was a completely different style.  However after listening to her music enough times, I got used to it. 

I've always loved every single one of ABBA's songs, like I'm that rare breed that loves all of them, even songs like I Saw It In The Mirror and King Kong Song.  And I was afraid that I wouldn't like any of the new songs.  It had taken me a few listens to really fall in love with I Still Have Faith In You and Don't Shut Me Down, and thank goodness after three listens to the full Voyage album (I'm currently on my 4th listen now :') ), I can say that I love the album.  Of course I have favorite songs off the album, tracks I like even more than others, but I don't dislike any of the tracks.  I can officially say that I love every single ABBA song.

Here are my thoughts on all the songs:

1. I Still Have Faith In You

This song is the perfect into to the album.  I love this song, I love the chorus. I love B&B's backup vocals at the end.  I remember being so emotional hearing this song when it first played during the YouTube livestream.   I still get so emotional hearing it.  This song is the song that brought ABBA back, and I just love it so much.

2. When You Danced With Me

This song is such a fun little upbeat tune.  I heard it's inspired by Irish music, and it definitely gives that vibe.  It also for some reason reminds me a lot of two Ted Gardestad's songs, Regnbågen and Klöversnoa, and also for some reason also of The Piper.  I'm a sucker for happy sounding songs, so I like this one a ton.

3. Little Things

Okay, so I will admit, I was a little surprised when I heard there was gonna be an Xmas song on the album, since ABBA had never done Xmas songs (I mean original xmas songs, like this song).  Now I'm Jewish, so I like never listen to any holiday music.  I can't relate to the song at all, but I will admit that it gives off this very cozy and intimate vibe, and I do like it.  Ive never liked children singing for some reason, (Not talking about I Have A Dream - the kids sound great there) but aside from that, I do like the song.  Its very pretty. :)   (also every time I see the title of this song I think of Little Things by One Direction ahaha)

4. Don't Shut Me Down

I have listened to this song so many times, I can't even write a review for this song haha.  It's definitely one of my favorite ABBA songs ever dare I say.  So upbeat, so fun.  I love.

5. Just A Notion

So after hearing the entire album in full, I will say this song sounds almost a little out of place, however, I will never be angry that they included this song on the album because I freaking love this song, always have, always will.  And like I've said before, hearing ABBA in their prime again is just so comforting, and this song is just amazing. I love it.

6. I Can Be That Woman

This song reminds me very much of Agnetha's My Colouring Book album, and also a bit like Roxette, like from their Charm School era. (I'm thinking of No One Makes It On Her Own.)  It's such a sad song, but hopeful as well, and also Agnethas vocals are beautiful.  The chorus especially.  Frida's backup vocals.  Absolutely beautiful.  It might just be me, but I think there's some pitch correction on this track.  Not a bad thing, btw.  Like I may not like autotune, but I understand why artists use it and it's alright.  I love Tammy the dog, btw. 

7. Keep An Eye On Dan

THIS SONG IS ALSO SUPER DEPRESSING BUT SO GOOD AT THE SAME TIME.  ABBA's specialty - uptempo tunes with depressing lyrical content. (Like Knowing Me, Knowing You.)  Also that chorus is so catchy.  Like of all the songs, this chorus has been stuck repeating in my head.  And the synths after the chorus.  This song is just amazing.  Some instruments in the song remind me very much of As Good As New despite this song being completely different.  I also really like the boys' backup vocals.  I kind of wish they were in the other songs.  Like to me, the ABBA magic needs the boys' adding harmonies, and the lack of the boys' in the Spanish album is quite noticeable.  The little nod to SOS at the end is so cute too.  Very sweet.  Overall such a good song.

8. Bumblebee

This song is pretty slow, but I really like it, and the meaning as well.  There are parts of Frida's vocals in the chorus that remind me so much of Andante, Andante, not quite sure why, but that's what comes to mind.  And also the instruments remind me a lot of Bjorn and Benny's Träskofolket from 1971, and also the drums remind me of Fernando.  

9. No Doubt About It

I think this might be my favorite song on the whole album.  When I hear this song, I hear Shine era Frida and I love it.  Frida just sounds incredible on this album.  So powerful.  I LOVE.  Such a fun song, super upbeat.  I can't even put into words how ABBA this song is for me.  Not saying the other songs aren't ABBA, just this song makes me thing of ABBA in the Super Trouper era with Elaine.  (Also I used to bite my nails a lot so hahaha I relate)

10. Ode To Freedom 

This song is such a beautiful ending to the album.  It almost doesn't match up with the other songs, but also ABBA's albums have never been overly cohesive, so no complaints from me.  It reminds me a lot of Benny's work after ABBA, like Klinga Mina Klocker, like something he and Bjorn would write for BAO.  Very very pretty though.  Also kinda gives me  Arrival song vibes, also The Piper.  Very haunting. 

(Guess what, I've looped the album again hahahah)

Overall, I love this album.  To me, this album is proof that ABBA can sing in legitimately any style and they will always pull it off.  I like variety of styles in each song, and I like that there's a nice even handed amount of songs for the ladies.  Like Agnetha and Frida each kind of have a slow and a fast song.  (Slow: Bumblebee/I Can Be That Woman - Fast: No Doubt About It/Don't Shut Me Down)  And then the rest of the songs are mostly sang by the both of them together.  I love Bjorn and Benny's backup vocals as heard on I Still Have Faith In You and Keep An Eye On Dan.  I really wish they were heard more in all the other songs, but it's okay.  I'm just happy we have new ABBA songs in 2021.  A new album!  It doesn't sound real! :O  

Now I know when people think of ABBA, the first thing that comes to mind is Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, "bubblegum" pop as you will, and this album definitely isn't that.  There's a more mature sound to this album, a followup to The Visitors almost.  ABBA have never really stuck to the same style, like every single album is different, sounds different.  Say for example, when you compare Ring Ring to Voulez-Vous, they're very, very different.  Yet there's always that familliar ABBA sound, and ABBA have still managed to keep that same sound despite how many years it's been and how much their style has changed for this album. 

Okay, so I kind of wish there were more songs where the ladies sang together, or if there was a song where one sings one verse, and the other sings the other, kind of like The Way Old Friends Do, or more songs with harmonies like there are in the verses of Chiquita and Fernando.  But I really have no complaints about this album.  I just love it so much.  And I am just so excited to get my physical copies of the album, on record and CD.  I'm especially excited to hear it on the record player.  

Anyways, my hands are dying from all this typing. (I'm in the midst of doing Nanowrimo, and all that typing plus this review is giving my fingers quite the workout >.< ), but I think I will enjoy listening to this album on repeat for the next while, and I figure I need to now make updates to some of my older compilations, like songs that include seasons (Summer in Bumblebee), songs that include names (Tammy the dog and Dan) and also places (Kilkenny in When You Danced With Me.)

I'm just so happy.  I've devoted half my life to this band, and I'm so grateful for everything ABBA has given me.  Thank you so much ABBA, for the music and for the generous love and all the fun.  This has absolutely been the best treat, and it has been so special.  Thank you for letting me experience what it feels like waiting for an ABBA album to come out.  Even though no one likes waiting for things, I enjoyed anticipating this album.  Thank you ABBA for this last, beautiful album.  I couldn't have asked for anything better.  

I hereby give this album a 10/10, 5 stars out of 5, 100%, A+.

I have been waiting for these visitors...

I don't know if I've talked about it much, but in recent years, a lot of ABBA's later albums are starting to become my favorites. I always have trouble choosing a favorite album since honestly I love them all, but among my top favorites would be Voulez-Vous and The Visitors.  I got Voulez-Vous for $1 a a year ago at a convention and that was pretty cool.  But two years ago, in 2016, I had been at yet another convention where I saw the Visitors for sale for $5 which is awesome, but because I didn't have any cash on hand I didn't buy it.  (Stupid me, haha.)

From my instagram when I saw the Visitors for $5.

Just this Monday actually, I had a random idea to go look for records on Ebay and I happened to come across The Visitors again, this time for $7. Compared to the other 2 records that I've managed to find for $2 and less, this is more expensive, but $7 for a record is a great price so I grabbed it. :)  And today it arrived in the mail. :D

Honestly I was a bit scared about ordering records from online since I've heard horror stories of how records can break in transit, but this one arrived in great condition and it arrived really quickly too!!  Definitely a great first experience for buying records online. :)

And now here is my current collection of LPs.  I'm absolutely delighted to have them in order, from The Album to the Visitors.  this means I currently have 4/8 studio albums.  Now I just need to get the first half.... xD

One of the things I was a bit concerned about was that my copy of The Visitors has this printed on the front...  :S  thankfully I've been reassured that there's nothing wrong with my owning this record, haha.

 

I have yet to play this on the record player, but I really look forward to hearing it on the record player.  I'm definitely quite happy with how easy it was to buy this album through ebay, so I definitely plan on trying to complete my ABBA record collection and getting the first 4 albums on record now... wish me luck. :'D

ABBA in the studio

These photos were shared on ABBA's official instagram page this morning. It honestly makes me so happy seeing my favorite band in the studio again. :')  They all look so good and in their element and it makes me super excited to hear their new songs later this year.  I still can't believe this is happening! :D

Super-per Trouper-per

This is actually really funny. The day after I took pictures of my whole collection, I stopped by Goodwill and decided to randomly look through the record selection that they have.  Normally I never do that since whenever I go to Goodwill I'm more interested in looking for nice clothes and toy ducks.  :P  (I have a slight obsession with ducks if you didn't notice, haha.)  Since there were no ducks and I already have too many clothes, I decided to check out the records and what do I find: Super Trouper.  :O  So of course I grabbed it and brought it home.  And even better, it was only $2!  Talk about my lucky day! :D

Also later that day I played it on my dad's record player, and the audio is sooo clear!  Of course  CD audio is clear as well, but there's something so unique and special about listening to it straight from the record.  :')  I never expected to get Super Trouper next in my collection (it's not one of my favorite albums, shhhhhh...), but I am so happy with it, and hey, now I have 4 ABBA albums on record and they're in order too: The Album, Greatest Hits Vol.2, Voulez-Vous, and Super Trouper. :D

First ABBA costume of 2018!

Guess who finally made a new ABBA costume for my dolls? :D

For a more detailed post, you can check out my sewing blog Sew Amazing!

ABBA Live in Eskilstuna Audio Rework

The fan recordings of ABBA performing live in Eskilstuna, 1975 have always been among my favorites since it gives us a chance to hear what ABBA was like performing live before the 77 and 79 tours.  Of course there are the few live TV performances, but in my opinion these have a "richer" sound if you know what I mean.  (Especially the few flubs that they have when performing live.  I personally think those are beautiful, lol!)  The recordings we have access to, however, are a bit low in quality as they are amateur recordings, plus the speed and tempo are a bit off on several.  So I decided to challenge myself to fixing up the audio as best as I can and this is the end result.  I can't say it's perfect, but I think it sounds pretty good.  I hope you enjoy it and if anyone has access to the recording of "Sitting in the Palmtree," please let me know!  :D

Benny's Solo Album

In case you hadn't heard, Benny is working on a solo piano album in honor of his 70th birthday! :D  I'm super hyped for it since I love Benny's piano playing and I've always wanted an album like this!  You can read the article about it here!

Pictures from yesterday

I really hope that a video of the performances will be put up at some point, but for now, enjoy a bunch of pictures from last night! ^^

Good Evening Europe Grand Opening

A cool video from the opening of the new "Good Evening Europe" Exhibition! :D

King Gustaf's 70th birthday

Frida and Bjorn attended King Gustaf's 70th birthday party on Saturday! :D  They look fantastic!

Every time that you...

Walk in the room! :D  You guys should totally take a listen to this rare alternate version of Agnetha's "When You Walk In The Room"!  It's fantastic! :D

ABBA in 1977 - Rare Photos!!

Many thanks to all-about-abba on tumblr for finding these super rare photos!  I have literally been trying to find these photos for YEARS and now here they are! ^^

Recent photos of Agnetha

I meant to post these earlier, but I've been a bit sidetracked lately.  Some recent photos of Agnetha.  So good to see her out and about again. :)

Rare performance: S.O.S Toppop

a slightly different performance than the one we're all used to. :) 

The best of ABBA: The Millennium Collection

I'm typing this all down with super-glue covered fingers...  What exactly is one supposed to do when your clay figure's head falls off...?  Anyways, a few weeks ago I got this awesome CD from a second hand shop!  And it was only $1!  How about that?  :D

I do not know why the picture is upside down.  :S  I did try to fix it....