Over 600 pages with over 10,000 messages !
I have a feeling some ABBA members will be quite overwhelmed when they receive their copy of this unique book :)
More info will follow
My blog about ABBA and my ABBA collection
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Thank ABBA For The Music Book Update
The book of fan messages to ABBA thanking them for the music is ready for the printer !
Over 600 pages with over 10,000 messages !
I have a feeling some ABBA members will be quite overwhelmed when they receive their copy of this unique book :)
More info will follow
Over 600 pages with over 10,000 messages !
I have a feeling some ABBA members will be quite overwhelmed when they receive their copy of this unique book :)
More info will follow
'Dancing Queen' Inducted Into Grammy Hall Of Fame 2015 !
"The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame embodies the creative spirit and cultural significance of the greatest recorded music of all time."
Alice Cooper, Abba Songs Among 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees
Christopher Morris
Music Reporter
Alice Cooper, Abba Songs Among 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees
Christopher Morris
Music Reporter
Recordings ranging from a 1909 gospel recording to the Sex Pistols’ epochal punk album are among the 2015 inductees into the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame.
The 27 new inductees, which cut across the entire spectrum of musical genres, brings the total list of Hall of Fame titles (both albums and single recordings) to 987. Each year a special member committee determines a group of recordings, at least 25 years old, which exhibit qualitative or historical importance.
Hall of Fame titles are displayed in an interactive exhibit at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A. This year’s inductees will be commemorated in a collector’s edition book that will also focus on the Grammy Foundation’s Grammy Camp program and its preservation and archiving initiatives.
Recording Academy prexy and CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement, “This year’s Grammy Hall Of Fame entries not only represent a diverse collection of influential and historically significant recordings but also reflect the changing climate of music through the decades. These memorable, inspiring and iconic recordings are proudly added to our growing catalog — knowing that they have become a part of our musical, social, and cultural history.”
http://variety.com/2014/music/news/2015-grammy-hall-of-fame-inductees-1201380039/#
The complete list of 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame inductees can be seen here:
http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/press-release/the-recording-academy-announces-2015-grammy-hall-of-fame-inductees
Read my full take on the Induction on ABBAChat Forum here:
http://abbachat.com/thread/366/dancing-queen-added-2015-grammy?page=1#scrollTo=2294
The 27 new inductees, which cut across the entire spectrum of musical genres, brings the total list of Hall of Fame titles (both albums and single recordings) to 987. Each year a special member committee determines a group of recordings, at least 25 years old, which exhibit qualitative or historical importance.
Hall of Fame titles are displayed in an interactive exhibit at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A. This year’s inductees will be commemorated in a collector’s edition book that will also focus on the Grammy Foundation’s Grammy Camp program and its preservation and archiving initiatives.
Recording Academy prexy and CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement, “This year’s Grammy Hall Of Fame entries not only represent a diverse collection of influential and historically significant recordings but also reflect the changing climate of music through the decades. These memorable, inspiring and iconic recordings are proudly added to our growing catalog — knowing that they have become a part of our musical, social, and cultural history.”
http://variety.com/2014/music/news/2015-grammy-hall-of-fame-inductees-1201380039/#
The complete list of 2015 Grammy Hall of Fame inductees can be seen here:
http://www.grammy.org/recording-academy/press-release/the-recording-academy-announces-2015-grammy-hall-of-fame-inductees
Read my full take on the Induction on ABBAChat Forum here:
http://abbachat.com/thread/366/dancing-queen-added-2015-grammy?page=1#scrollTo=2294
Thursday, 18 December 2014
Revised, updated and expanded edition of ABBA - The Complete Recording Sessions in the works
http://www.carlmagnuspalm.com/blogs/abba-blog/revised-updated-and-expanded-edition-of-abba-the-complete-recording-sessions-in-the-works
Revised, updated and expanded edition of ABBA - The Complete Recording Sessions in the works
Published December 16, 2014
I'm delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of an updated edition of my very first ABBA book, ABBA - The Complete Recording Sessions. Originally published in 1994, this revised version will incorporate all the new information that has come to light since the book was first issued. It will also feature hitherto unpublished or long-forgotten facts and stories that I've unearthed during my ongoing research on ABBA and their music.
Even more exciting: Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson - and Polar Music International - have authorised me to listen to much more unreleased music than was possible in the analogue days of the early Nineties. When Björn, Benny, Michael Tretow and I spent a day listening to tapes back in 1993, none of the multi-track tapes or the alternate mixes were available in a digital format. Since then, however, all the tapes have been digitized, meaning that it's much easier to access the music. Needless to say, in 1993 I would have wanted to hear much more than I was able to hear during the six hours I spent together with Björn, Benny and Michael, so I'm excited to finally get this opportunity to really delve into the archives.
Moreover, the scope of the book will also be expanded in many other different ways, but without ever losing focus of ABBA's music. Perhaps even more importantly, the prose will be significantly improved - I'm basically re-writing the book from the ground up.
I am going to publish the book myself, so as not to be beholden to a publisher's requirements regarding design, deadlines and so on. I hope to be able to publish towards the end of 2016, but the date may change: making the book as good and as nice-looking as it can possibly be will be my main objective.
I've already begun work on the book, but in order to get it finished and printed I will need to finance the project with the aid of a crowdfunding campaign. The projected start date for the campaign is 28 January, 2015. It will then run for a month, ending on 28 February 2015.
If you're as excited as I am about this brand new and much-improved edition of ABBA - The Complete Recording Sessions, please support the crowdfunding campaign - if it fails, the book will not be written; simple as that. And please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested in the book, including Facebook groups and other social media - the more people who are made aware of the upcoming campaign, the greater the chance that it will succeed.
Between now and the launch of the crowdfunding campaign at the end of January, I will publish regular updates and reveal more information about the book here on my website. It's easy to be notified of the updates by following me on Facebook or on Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/carlmagnus.palm.3
https://twitter.com/carlmpalm
Revised, updated and expanded edition of ABBA - The Complete Recording Sessions in the works
Published December 16, 2014
I'm delighted to announce the forthcoming publication of an updated edition of my very first ABBA book, ABBA - The Complete Recording Sessions. Originally published in 1994, this revised version will incorporate all the new information that has come to light since the book was first issued. It will also feature hitherto unpublished or long-forgotten facts and stories that I've unearthed during my ongoing research on ABBA and their music.
Even more exciting: Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson - and Polar Music International - have authorised me to listen to much more unreleased music than was possible in the analogue days of the early Nineties. When Björn, Benny, Michael Tretow and I spent a day listening to tapes back in 1993, none of the multi-track tapes or the alternate mixes were available in a digital format. Since then, however, all the tapes have been digitized, meaning that it's much easier to access the music. Needless to say, in 1993 I would have wanted to hear much more than I was able to hear during the six hours I spent together with Björn, Benny and Michael, so I'm excited to finally get this opportunity to really delve into the archives.
Moreover, the scope of the book will also be expanded in many other different ways, but without ever losing focus of ABBA's music. Perhaps even more importantly, the prose will be significantly improved - I'm basically re-writing the book from the ground up.
I am going to publish the book myself, so as not to be beholden to a publisher's requirements regarding design, deadlines and so on. I hope to be able to publish towards the end of 2016, but the date may change: making the book as good and as nice-looking as it can possibly be will be my main objective.
I've already begun work on the book, but in order to get it finished and printed I will need to finance the project with the aid of a crowdfunding campaign. The projected start date for the campaign is 28 January, 2015. It will then run for a month, ending on 28 February 2015.
If you're as excited as I am about this brand new and much-improved edition of ABBA - The Complete Recording Sessions, please support the crowdfunding campaign - if it fails, the book will not be written; simple as that. And please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested in the book, including Facebook groups and other social media - the more people who are made aware of the upcoming campaign, the greater the chance that it will succeed.
Between now and the launch of the crowdfunding campaign at the end of January, I will publish regular updates and reveal more information about the book here on my website. It's easy to be notified of the updates by following me on Facebook or on Twitter.
https://www.facebook.com/carlmagnus.palm.3
https://twitter.com/carlmpalm
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
ABBA Monopoly - Order Now !
Latest images for ABBA Monopoly.
Still seems to be on schedule for a December 8th release.
You can pre-order from the following sites:
ABBA The Museum Webshop:
http://www.abbathemuseum.com/en/shop-en
ABBA Fan Club Shop:
http://www.abbafanclubshop.nl/
Ginza:
http://www.ginza.se/product/abba-monopoly/61229/
And now also at Universal:
https://store.universalmusic.com/abba/
Still seems to be on schedule for a December 8th release.
You can pre-order from the following sites:
ABBA The Museum Webshop:
http://www.abbathemuseum.com/en/shop-en
ABBA Fan Club Shop:
http://www.abbafanclubshop.nl/
Ginza:
http://www.ginza.se/product/abba-monopoly/61229/
And now also at Universal:
https://store.universalmusic.com/abba/
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Thank ABBA For The Music
Hej!
Do you remember the THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC campaign?
We have received over 10.000 greetings from fans all over the world.
Only 4 books will be printed and delivered to the ABBA members!
We have received over 10.000 greetings from fans all over the world.
Only 4 books will be printed and delivered to the ABBA members!
THANK YOU ALL WHO SENT THEIR GREETINGS, we are sure the members will be happy receiving this!
More info will follow!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/ABBA?fref=nf
More info will follow!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/ABBA?fref=nf
Friday, 21 November 2014
Laleh Performs Chiquitita At UN Headquarters
See this video of Laleh performing Chiquitita Live at the UN Headquarters on 20 November 2014.
A nice speech by Bjorn at the end also :)
A nice speech by Bjorn at the end also :)
Laleh's version can be purchased on Itunes Sweden here:
or on Spotify.
All proceeds go to Unicef.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Frida Thanks Fans For Birthday Messages
Frida has a meesage to all the fans for their Birthday wishes - what a gorgeous woman she is :)
Message can be found on abbasite.com
Message can be found on abbasite.com
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Chiquitita Recorded By Laleh For Unicef
ABBA THE MUSEUM AND UNICEF SWEDEN COLLABORATE IN SUPPORT OF YOUNG GIRLS’RIGHTS. FIRST UP: LALEH.
UNICEF Sweden and ABBA The Museum have initiated a new long-term collaboration over the song “Chiquitita”in support of young girls worldwide. ABBA members, Frida Lyngstad Reuss, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, are all behind the collaboration and are donating their royalties from “Chiquitita,”as artists and rightholders, to the cause. The collaboration involves a number of activities both at the museum and online, including the launch of the pressplaytogive, an initiative that makes donating easy by simply playing the song. In order to reach an even more listeners, ABBA The Museum will be inviting several well-known artists to record their interpretation of “Chiquitita.”First up is Laleh. November 20 marks the 25th jubilee of the UN Convention on the rights of the child (UNCRC), on which date Laleh will perform her version of the beautiful ABBA-songat the UN General Assembly in New York to a global audience.
On November 17, 2014, a new collaboration will begin between ABBA The Museum and UNICEF Sweden, with “Chiquitita” as a starting point. The collaboration will continue until 2019, the year the song celebrates its 40th jubilee. ABBA is behind the collaboration, with all members of the group, as artists and rightholders, donating their royalties from “Chiquitita” to UNICEF. Universal Music Publishing and Polar Music also donates its proceeds from the song Chiquitita. November 17, 2014 will also mark the launch of pressplaytogive, an initiative that makes it easy to donate – simply by playing “Chiquitita” on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, etc.
- Our new initiative aims to make donating easy, while spreading the word about children’s rights. We encourage more people to listen and donate by pressing play, says Véronique Lönnerblad, Executive Director, UNICEF Sweden.
ABBA The Museum has initiated a number of activities to bring the project to life, including a new permanent side-exhibit at the museum about “Chiquitita,” through which visitors can donate.
- As a visitor you can choose to sing “Chiquitita” in one of the song booths or watch the music video. Every time you choose “Chiquitita” at the museum you will be contributing to UNICEF, says Mattias Hansson, CEO of the museum.
ABBA built the Polar Studio in Stockholm in 1978 and the first song to be recorded there was Björn and Benny’s “Chiquitita.” Parts of the studio have been reconstructed at the museum with many original objects and instruments from that time. Each year, renowned artists will be invited by the museum to the Polar Studio to record their version of “Chiquitita,” thereby reaching a new audience. Royalties from the new versions of the song by these artists will also go to UNICEF. The first artist to interpret her version of the lovely ABBA ballad is Laleh, the world premiere of which she will be performing in Stockholm today at the launch of the new collaboration at ABBA The Museum. The song is digitally released Tuesday 18 November.
- I think that “Chiquitita” can serve as a symbol for all the girls and young women around the world who are denied their rightful place in society. We can help educate them, enabling them to stand up to any cultural or religious patriarchy that holds them back. Laleh understands what I mean and I am proud and happy that she is supporting the cause with her great version of “Chiquitita, says Björn Ulvaeus.
This year marks the 25th jubilee of the UN child convention and while much has improved for children, many are still being denied their rights. Girls and young women are particularly at risk. The collaboration between ABBA The Museum and UNICEF Sweden over the song “Chiquitita” will help generate more discussion about the discrimination and abuse that girls are exposed to every day. The royalties from the song will go to designated UNICEF projects around the world. In November the UN child convention jubilee will be celebrated at the UN headquarters in New York. Björn Ulvaeus and Laleh have been invited to the gala at which Laleh will perform her version of “Chiquitita” for a global audience. In this way, ABBA has passed the baton on to the next artist to generate more funds through “Chiquitita” in support of girls’ rights worldwide.
MORE FACTS
Thirty-five years ago, ABBA donated part of their royalties for the song “Chiquitita” to UNICEF in support of children worldwide. Since then, “Chiquitita” is ranked as one of the highest contributing songs of all time to a philanthropic cause. Thanks to this donation, hundreds of thousands of children have been vaccinated – and got to go to school. The starting point for the collaboration between UNICEF and ABBA dates back to January 9, 1979, when ABBA participated in the inauguration of The International Year of the Child at a benefit concert at the UN General Assembly in New York. At the “The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song, many of the biggest names of the time performed, such as ABBA, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, Olivia Newton John, and Donna Summer in support of children around the world. ABBA performed the song “Chiquitita” at the benefit concert.
FACTS LALEH
Laleh is one of the biggest artist in modern time in Sweden, Laleh is the well kept secret of Scandinavia, she just released her first EP in the USA called ”BOOM”. She has won multiple prizes over the years in Sweden. Among them multiple Swedish grammys "Artist of the Year", "Producer of the year" and "Rookie of the Year". She has also got National Radio P3 Gold: "Female Artist of the Year” and "Rookie of the Year” back in 2006 when she started making albums, by her self, producing engineering and writing her songs. Before releasing her first album back in 2005 she worked as an actress, playing Yasmin in the Swedish movie from 2000 called "Jalla! Jalla! ". Her latest album ”Colors” has passed Platinum in Sweden with over 80 000 sold copies, she was also voted this year's artist, composer, song of the year by the Swedish charts ”Svensk Toppen”. Her song ”Some Die Young” sold 14x Platinum and is included in her EP ”BOOM”. It was the most streamed song in Norway on Spotify and Wimp Norway.
http://pressplaytogive.com/#
http://www.mynewsdesk.com/abba-the-museum/pressreleases/abba-the-museum-and-unicef-sweden-collaborate-in-support-of-young-girls-rights-first-up-laleh-1084829
UNICEF Sweden and ABBA The Museum have initiated a new long-term collaboration over the song “Chiquitita”in support of young girls worldwide. ABBA members, Frida Lyngstad Reuss, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog and Björn Ulvaeus, are all behind the collaboration and are donating their royalties from “Chiquitita,”as artists and rightholders, to the cause. The collaboration involves a number of activities both at the museum and online, including the launch of the pressplaytogive, an initiative that makes donating easy by simply playing the song. In order to reach an even more listeners, ABBA The Museum will be inviting several well-known artists to record their interpretation of “Chiquitita.”First up is Laleh. November 20 marks the 25th jubilee of the UN Convention on the rights of the child (UNCRC), on which date Laleh will perform her version of the beautiful ABBA-songat the UN General Assembly in New York to a global audience.
On November 17, 2014, a new collaboration will begin between ABBA The Museum and UNICEF Sweden, with “Chiquitita” as a starting point. The collaboration will continue until 2019, the year the song celebrates its 40th jubilee. ABBA is behind the collaboration, with all members of the group, as artists and rightholders, donating their royalties from “Chiquitita” to UNICEF. Universal Music Publishing and Polar Music also donates its proceeds from the song Chiquitita. November 17, 2014 will also mark the launch of pressplaytogive, an initiative that makes it easy to donate – simply by playing “Chiquitita” on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, etc.
- Our new initiative aims to make donating easy, while spreading the word about children’s rights. We encourage more people to listen and donate by pressing play, says Véronique Lönnerblad, Executive Director, UNICEF Sweden.
ABBA The Museum has initiated a number of activities to bring the project to life, including a new permanent side-exhibit at the museum about “Chiquitita,” through which visitors can donate.
- As a visitor you can choose to sing “Chiquitita” in one of the song booths or watch the music video. Every time you choose “Chiquitita” at the museum you will be contributing to UNICEF, says Mattias Hansson, CEO of the museum.
ABBA built the Polar Studio in Stockholm in 1978 and the first song to be recorded there was Björn and Benny’s “Chiquitita.” Parts of the studio have been reconstructed at the museum with many original objects and instruments from that time. Each year, renowned artists will be invited by the museum to the Polar Studio to record their version of “Chiquitita,” thereby reaching a new audience. Royalties from the new versions of the song by these artists will also go to UNICEF. The first artist to interpret her version of the lovely ABBA ballad is Laleh, the world premiere of which she will be performing in Stockholm today at the launch of the new collaboration at ABBA The Museum. The song is digitally released Tuesday 18 November.
- I think that “Chiquitita” can serve as a symbol for all the girls and young women around the world who are denied their rightful place in society. We can help educate them, enabling them to stand up to any cultural or religious patriarchy that holds them back. Laleh understands what I mean and I am proud and happy that she is supporting the cause with her great version of “Chiquitita, says Björn Ulvaeus.
This year marks the 25th jubilee of the UN child convention and while much has improved for children, many are still being denied their rights. Girls and young women are particularly at risk. The collaboration between ABBA The Museum and UNICEF Sweden over the song “Chiquitita” will help generate more discussion about the discrimination and abuse that girls are exposed to every day. The royalties from the song will go to designated UNICEF projects around the world. In November the UN child convention jubilee will be celebrated at the UN headquarters in New York. Björn Ulvaeus and Laleh have been invited to the gala at which Laleh will perform her version of “Chiquitita” for a global audience. In this way, ABBA has passed the baton on to the next artist to generate more funds through “Chiquitita” in support of girls’ rights worldwide.
MORE FACTS
Thirty-five years ago, ABBA donated part of their royalties for the song “Chiquitita” to UNICEF in support of children worldwide. Since then, “Chiquitita” is ranked as one of the highest contributing songs of all time to a philanthropic cause. Thanks to this donation, hundreds of thousands of children have been vaccinated – and got to go to school. The starting point for the collaboration between UNICEF and ABBA dates back to January 9, 1979, when ABBA participated in the inauguration of The International Year of the Child at a benefit concert at the UN General Assembly in New York. At the “The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song, many of the biggest names of the time performed, such as ABBA, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, Olivia Newton John, and Donna Summer in support of children around the world. ABBA performed the song “Chiquitita” at the benefit concert.
FACTS LALEH
Laleh is one of the biggest artist in modern time in Sweden, Laleh is the well kept secret of Scandinavia, she just released her first EP in the USA called ”BOOM”. She has won multiple prizes over the years in Sweden. Among them multiple Swedish grammys "Artist of the Year", "Producer of the year" and "Rookie of the Year". She has also got National Radio P3 Gold: "Female Artist of the Year” and "Rookie of the Year” back in 2006 when she started making albums, by her self, producing engineering and writing her songs. Before releasing her first album back in 2005 she worked as an actress, playing Yasmin in the Swedish movie from 2000 called "Jalla! Jalla! ". Her latest album ”Colors” has passed Platinum in Sweden with over 80 000 sold copies, she was also voted this year's artist, composer, song of the year by the Swedish charts ”Svensk Toppen”. Her song ”Some Die Young” sold 14x Platinum and is included in her EP ”BOOM”. It was the most streamed song in Norway on Spotify and Wimp Norway.
http://pressplaytogive.com/#
http://www.mynewsdesk.com/abba-the-museum/pressreleases/abba-the-museum-and-unicef-sweden-collaborate-in-support-of-young-girls-rights-first-up-laleh-1084829
Sunday, 16 November 2014
Happy Birthday Frida !
Gorgeous Frida turns 69 today !
From the bottom of my heart, and with all my love for this most wonderful woman, I wish Frida a beautiful Birthday.
You entered the hearts of my entire family from the very first video clip on TV in Australia - and you have stayed there ever since.
Love your giving nature, your effervesence, your beauty, your glorious voice, your fabulously energetic dancing
- your open heart and your graciousness with the fans. You have my admiration and respect and loyalty - and I truly appreciate that you have been a part of my life for over 40 years.
With love, always and forever, from Australia xxx
From the bottom of my heart, and with all my love for this most wonderful woman, I wish Frida a beautiful Birthday.
You entered the hearts of my entire family from the very first video clip on TV in Australia - and you have stayed there ever since.
Love your giving nature, your effervesence, your beauty, your glorious voice, your fabulously energetic dancing
- your open heart and your graciousness with the fans. You have my admiration and respect and loyalty - and I truly appreciate that you have been a part of my life for over 40 years.With love, always and forever, from Australia xxx
Saturday, 15 November 2014
Frida Lyngstad Records New Song
Dan Daniell has confirmed the he and Frida have recorded a new song.
The song celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Matterhorn's first ascent in 1865 - the attempt ended in tragedy with 4 members of the climbing party being killed.
The Matterhorn is a stunning looking mountain towering over Zermatt but is treacherous too and claimed many lives over the years. This song is just a part of Zermatt's events in recognition of the anniversary.
Frida and Dan have worked together previously in 2003 when they recorded 2 songs together: 'I Have A Dream' (a new version) and 'Lieber Gott' which Dan wrote. The song was described as a Prayer Song.
These 2 songs along with a third recorded by Dan alone 'Wenn Ich Dann Gehen Muss', were released on CD single and sold in Limited numbers with all proceeds going to charity to aid children in war.
The new song will be released for the anniversary in 2015.
In this video:
Mammut Key Visual shooting in Zermatt for the 150 years jubilee in 2015 of the first ascent of the Matterhorn.
In this video:
Frida and Dan 'Lieber Gott':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0d4bFc4mbI&list=PLOljPiNfQ36Mql2cMexoISzlTBJvMKtth&index=7
The song celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Matterhorn's first ascent in 1865 - the attempt ended in tragedy with 4 members of the climbing party being killed.
The Matterhorn is a stunning looking mountain towering over Zermatt but is treacherous too and claimed many lives over the years. This song is just a part of Zermatt's events in recognition of the anniversary.
Frida and Dan have worked together previously in 2003 when they recorded 2 songs together: 'I Have A Dream' (a new version) and 'Lieber Gott' which Dan wrote. The song was described as a Prayer Song.
These 2 songs along with a third recorded by Dan alone 'Wenn Ich Dann Gehen Muss', were released on CD single and sold in Limited numbers with all proceeds going to charity to aid children in war.
The new song will be released for the anniversary in 2015.
In this video:
Mammut Key Visual shooting in Zermatt for the 150 years jubilee in 2015 of the first ascent of the Matterhorn.
In this video:
Frida and Dan 'Lieber Gott':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0d4bFc4mbI&list=PLOljPiNfQ36Mql2cMexoISzlTBJvMKtth&index=7
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
Bjorn Ulvaeus Interviewed For Countdown Documentary
ABC TV has announced the dates it will screen eagerly awaited documentary Countdown: Do Yourself A Favour, a comprehensive exploration of the iconic program's humble beginnings and wild successes, hosted by Julia Zemiro.
Starting from November 16, the two-part retrospective jumps back to 1974, following Countdown and its young, then-inexperienced host Molly Meldrum as the program finds itself becoming a cultural phenomenon. It features interviews with a broad range of performers and fans of the show, from ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus, Suzi Quatro and Hush's Les Gock to John Paul Young and a youthful, charismatic Mark Holden, as well as Kylie Minogue, Kate Ceberano, INXS' Kirk Pengilly, Uncanny X-Men's Brian Mannix, and Anthony Field and Jeff Fatt of The Wiggles.According to a synopsis of part one, which covers the years 1974-80, the show quickly outgrew its intended function as an eight-half-hour-episode show as Meldrum's ebullience and personality "shot through television sets all over the country in a way Australians had never seen before". It lasted until 1987, changing the Australian music landscape irreversibly in its wake.
Guests in those early years included eventual icons such as John Paul Young, Skyhooks, Sherbet, John Farnham, Marcia Hines and even Iggy Pop and the rambunctious rascals in AC/DC. Among it all, this era of Countdown played a massive role in the dissemination of ABBA's international hit Mamma Mia, while a 1979 performance from the irrepressible Iggy Pop opened up another whole world for many young Australians.
Be sure to relive the glory days when part one of Countdown: Do Yourself A Favour hits ABC1 at 7.30pm on Sunday, November 16.
http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2014/10/27/abc-announces-airdate-for-two-part-countdown-throwback-special/
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/countdown-do-yourself-a-favour/
Watch the trailer here:
http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/countdown-do-yourself-a-favour/MP1445H218C00DT1
A nice write up here:
http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2014/10/airdate-countdown-do-yourself-a-favour.html
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
ABBA Gold 40th Anniversary SteelBox Edition
Well, it's soon to be released and it looks very interesting - especially with the 3D card !
ABBA Gold 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Steelbox !
For Australians, this can now be pre-ordered from JB Hi-fi here:
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/music/browse/pop/gold-40th-anniversary-steelbook-edition/643085/
And check out the great video advertisement on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENukFOGY43w&list=PLOljPiNfQ36NvUIAkkDReQtIUdIgx3YAq&index=20
ABBA Gold 40th Anniversary Limited Edition Steelbox !
For Australians, this can now be pre-ordered from JB Hi-fi here:
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/music/browse/pop/gold-40th-anniversary-steelbook-edition/643085/
And check out the great video advertisement on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENukFOGY43w&list=PLOljPiNfQ36NvUIAkkDReQtIUdIgx3YAq&index=20
Thursday, 16 October 2014
ABBA Monopoly Board Game - It's Coming !!
An extremely exclusive ABBA product, namely its own Monopoly. The product is sold in a limited edition and the whole game is created by ABBA classic brand.
Instead of streets to buy the band's albums and playing pieces consist of classic ABBA modified products such as a money bag (money money money), a dance shoe and Napoleon hat. The game language is English to reflect the international status of the band have and to not exclude any consumer.
www.ginza.se/product/abba-monopoly/61229/
369 kronor - which is about $59.00AUD - plus postage from Sweden
Release date 5 November 2014
Bengans now also have it listed with release date of 20 November:
http://www.bengans.se/Product.aspx?skivkod=1134838
Saturday, 11 October 2014
ABBA Live At Wembley Arena Review
A great review of Live At Wembley by 'Tune In':
http://www.knoxnews.com/knoxville/music/tuned-in-review-live-proves-abbas-strengths-beyond-studio_53794019
http://www.knoxnews.com/knoxville/music/tuned-in-review-live-proves-abbas-strengths-beyond-studio_53794019
‘Tuned In' review: ‘Live' proves ABBA's strengths beyond studio
Thursday, 9 October 2014
New ABBA Collection Item - LIve At Wembley Vinyl !
I received my vinyl copy of ABBA Live At Wembley Arena - and it is just beautiful !
Vinyl is my favourite format - and this release certainly does not disappoint :)
Vinyl is my favourite format - and this release certainly does not disappoint :)
Monday, 6 October 2014
Trundle ABBA Festival 2015
Tickets go on sale for the Trundle ABBA Festival 2015 in November.
The Festival, held each year, will be at the beginning of May 2015.
Features Bjorn Again performing - plus much much more !
This Festival is growing bigger every year - and I intend to make it there in 2015. Should be lots of fun !!
As featured in the 'Bang A Boomerang' documentary :)
http://www.trundleabbafestival.com/default.html
The Festival, held each year, will be at the beginning of May 2015.
Features Bjorn Again performing - plus much much more !
This Festival is growing bigger every year - and I intend to make it there in 2015. Should be lots of fun !!
As featured in the 'Bang A Boomerang' documentary :)
http://www.trundleabbafestival.com/default.html
Sunday, 5 October 2014
A Scania Truck Dedicated To ABBA
Mamma mia that truck, would say looking at the Scania R 520 Topline Streamline the trucking company Swiss Müller Ermensee, inspired by the Swedish group Abba. The occasion is the fortieth year of the group that is an evergreen. And green is the dominant color of this decoration.
It is not the first truck that Müller dedicated to celebrities. For example, one reminds the driver Jo Siffert, who died in 1971 at the Grand Prix of Switzerland. Obviously, to celebrate a Swedish musical group, the driver wanted a Swedish truck and chose the flagship of Scania. In addition, this livery debuted in Swedish Elmia festival, where it won the first prize in its category. "We have received many compliments," says Müller.
The decoration on the side shows the portraits of the members of Abba's Björn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Fältskog on the left, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad on the right. The front, however, shows the message The Winner Takes It All, which is the title of one of the most popular songs of the group. On the back we find all four musicians in a collective portrait. The livery was designed by Marcel Gerber and Urs Christen Hirzel, which took two months to complete the work.
We can see this Scania also on our roads, because Müller is using it to transport food between Switzerland and Italy. The company, in fact, is specialized in the transport of products at a controlled temperature. 2015 will be produced also a model.
www.trasportoeuropa.it/index.php/component/content/article/51-notizie-camion/11460-uno-scania-dedicato-agli-abba
New ABBA Collection Item - Uncut Trading Card Sheet
The latest and most exciting addition to my collection:
New Zealand uncut trading card sheet !
I never would have thought I would find one of these - having the Australian blue trading card sheet seemed like a once in a lifetime find.
But now I have 2 card sheets !
The New Zealand cards were the same as the Australian blue set - except the poster on the back was black and white - and the image is the same as the Australian pink set of cards (which is different to the Australian blue set).
I am over the moon about this new collectible - the trading cards have always been very special to me.
Now I just need an Australian uncut pink sheet - anyone know of one anywhere ??
New Zealand uncut trading card sheet !
I never would have thought I would find one of these - having the Australian blue trading card sheet seemed like a once in a lifetime find.
But now I have 2 card sheets !
The New Zealand cards were the same as the Australian blue set - except the poster on the back was black and white - and the image is the same as the Australian pink set of cards (which is different to the Australian blue set).
I am over the moon about this new collectible - the trading cards have always been very special to me.
Now I just need an Australian uncut pink sheet - anyone know of one anywhere ??
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Mamma Mia! Son of Abba remasters pop beat in Live at Wembley Arena
Ludvig Andersson was born too late to hear his dad's band, Abba, perform live.
The son of Abba member Benny Andersson and his second wife, Mona Norklit, the younger Andersson was born in January, 1982, just a few months ahead of the Swedish pop group drifting apart at the end of 1982.
So, when the chance came up to select and remaster live recordings from Abba's 1979 tour of Europe, Japan and North America for a new album, the 32-year-old didn't hesitate.
A son of Benny Andersson and his second wife, Mona Norklit, has remastered some of Abba's best live tracks. Photo: Reuters
"I think I did it for me, because I wasn't born at the time, so I never really got to hear this," says Andersson, who performs in his own band, Atlas, and works as a music producer.
The result of Andersson's efforts is Abba – Live at Wembley Arena, a collection of 25 tracks recorded on November 10, 1979, at the last of Abba's seven sold-out concerts at the British venue.
Unlike the band's previous live album, Abba Live, for which the original recordings were extensively reworked before release in 1986, the recordings for the Wembley album have been digitalised but left more or less untouched.
Bjorn Ulvaeus, left, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson are reborn again in a new album. Photo: AP
The album captures the frenzied excitement and energy that surrounded the band on the tour; something that fans who caught their 1977 Australian tour concerts will be familiar with. Its solid performances also help put paid to the myth that Abba's members were somehow stilted when playing live.
Along with standards, such as Dancing Queen, Waterloo, SOS and Fernando, is a previously unreleased song, I'm Still Alive, written and performed by band member Agnetha Faltskog.
While each of Abba's members approved the album, Benny Andersson was most closely involved in its production.
Toni Collette stars in the popular Muriel's Wedding, which features Abba's music.
Now 67, avuncular and friendly, he says he is pleased the performances have aged so well.
"This is just exactly how it was," he says. "And I'm surprised that we sing so well. The playing is OK. I'm very brave. I don't remember me being brave."
While it is easy to understand why Ludvig Andersson should be interested in his father's band days – it is, after all, family history – a more intriguing question is why so much of the wider world should share his interest.
Anne Wood, Jennifer Vuletic and Lara Mulcahy star in the stage production of Mamma Mia in Australia. Photo: John Woudstra
Despite 2014 marking 40 years since Abba made their international breakthrough, singing Waterloo at the 1974 Eurovision song contest, there is no shortage of evidence that we remain enamoured with Andersson, Faltskog and bandmates Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Bjorn Ulvaeus.
In Stockholm, Abba: The Museum, a permanent collection of band memorabilia and interactive exhibits, has overshot projected visitor numbers by 30 per cent since opening in 2013 and is expecting its 500,000th guest this year. Mamma Mia, the stage musical Andersson and Ulvaeus wrote around Abba songs continues to draw strong crowds worldwide. Earlier this year, it became the ninth longest-running Broadway musical of all time.
Benny Andersson attributes Abba's ongoing popularity to a mix of good luck and good management.
After a slow period in the middle 1980s, recording label Polygram united the licences for Abba's songs, allowing the release of Abba Gold in 1992, an album that would go on to sell more than 28 million copies. British band Erasure's popular covers of Abba songs in 1992 also helped things along.
"Then [in 1994] there was a movie made called Muriel's Wedding, a really good film that was actually based on a girl being really into Abba music," Benny Andersson says, referring to the Australian hit, starring Toni Collette. "And then somebody had this idea of making a musical with the songs as the core. So it all started to roll.
"I would [also] like to think that in the original recordings there is a certain quality, sound-wise and also in the songs and lyrics, everything put together. I would like to think because it's good enough."
Carl Magnus Palm, a respected Abba biographer, believes the band's often talked about attention to detail is a big part of the durability of their sound.
"The reason the music is around today is that they put such attention into recording each and every song," he says.
Palm says Andersson and Ulvaeus would spend weeks writing a single song, only to discard some 90 per cent of their efforts as not good enough.
Songs that made the grade were painstakingly reworked as the backing track and vocals were laid down and throughout the mixing. Even then, the finished product could be rejected by the band.
Mattias Hansson, chief executive of Abba: The Museum, says while the institution's marketing target audience is "43-year-old mums", visitors come from a wide demographic and younger people are continually discovering the band.
"I think we've come to the conclusion that the quality of the songs is eternal," he says. "People keep on rediscovering Abba the same way that they continue to discover Mozart, Beethoven – and Elvis Presley for that matter."
Abba – Live at Wembley Arena is available as a 25-track album set and on 180gm triple vinyl.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/mamma-mia-son-of-abba-remasters-pop-beat-in-live-at-wembley-arena-20140930-10nvy3.html#ixzz3F8DznzNl
The son of Abba member Benny Andersson and his second wife, Mona Norklit, the younger Andersson was born in January, 1982, just a few months ahead of the Swedish pop group drifting apart at the end of 1982.
So, when the chance came up to select and remaster live recordings from Abba's 1979 tour of Europe, Japan and North America for a new album, the 32-year-old didn't hesitate.
A son of Benny Andersson and his second wife, Mona Norklit, has remastered some of Abba's best live tracks. Photo: ReutersUnlike the band's previous live album, Abba Live, for which the original recordings were extensively reworked before release in 1986, the recordings for the Wembley album have been digitalised but left more or less untouched.
Bjorn Ulvaeus, left, Agnetha Faltskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson are reborn again in a new album. Photo: APAlong with standards, such as Dancing Queen, Waterloo, SOS and Fernando, is a previously unreleased song, I'm Still Alive, written and performed by band member Agnetha Faltskog.
While each of Abba's members approved the album, Benny Andersson was most closely involved in its production.
Toni Collette stars in the popular Muriel's Wedding, which features Abba's music. "This is just exactly how it was," he says. "And I'm surprised that we sing so well. The playing is OK. I'm very brave. I don't remember me being brave."
While it is easy to understand why Ludvig Andersson should be interested in his father's band days – it is, after all, family history – a more intriguing question is why so much of the wider world should share his interest.
Anne Wood, Jennifer Vuletic and Lara Mulcahy star in the stage production of Mamma Mia in Australia. Photo: John WoudstraIn Stockholm, Abba: The Museum, a permanent collection of band memorabilia and interactive exhibits, has overshot projected visitor numbers by 30 per cent since opening in 2013 and is expecting its 500,000th guest this year. Mamma Mia, the stage musical Andersson and Ulvaeus wrote around Abba songs continues to draw strong crowds worldwide. Earlier this year, it became the ninth longest-running Broadway musical of all time.
Benny Andersson attributes Abba's ongoing popularity to a mix of good luck and good management.
After a slow period in the middle 1980s, recording label Polygram united the licences for Abba's songs, allowing the release of Abba Gold in 1992, an album that would go on to sell more than 28 million copies. British band Erasure's popular covers of Abba songs in 1992 also helped things along.
"Then [in 1994] there was a movie made called Muriel's Wedding, a really good film that was actually based on a girl being really into Abba music," Benny Andersson says, referring to the Australian hit, starring Toni Collette. "And then somebody had this idea of making a musical with the songs as the core. So it all started to roll.
"I would [also] like to think that in the original recordings there is a certain quality, sound-wise and also in the songs and lyrics, everything put together. I would like to think because it's good enough."
Carl Magnus Palm, a respected Abba biographer, believes the band's often talked about attention to detail is a big part of the durability of their sound.
"The reason the music is around today is that they put such attention into recording each and every song," he says.
Palm says Andersson and Ulvaeus would spend weeks writing a single song, only to discard some 90 per cent of their efforts as not good enough.
Songs that made the grade were painstakingly reworked as the backing track and vocals were laid down and throughout the mixing. Even then, the finished product could be rejected by the band.
Mattias Hansson, chief executive of Abba: The Museum, says while the institution's marketing target audience is "43-year-old mums", visitors come from a wide demographic and younger people are continually discovering the band.
"I think we've come to the conclusion that the quality of the songs is eternal," he says. "People keep on rediscovering Abba the same way that they continue to discover Mozart, Beethoven – and Elvis Presley for that matter."
Abba – Live at Wembley Arena is available as a 25-track album set and on 180gm triple vinyl.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/mamma-mia-son-of-abba-remasters-pop-beat-in-live-at-wembley-arena-20140930-10nvy3.html#ixzz3F8DznzNl
Thursday, 2 October 2014
New ABBA Collection Items - Australian Pencil Case
Latest additions to my ABBA collection.
Firstly, this great little pencil case from Australia - not in perfect condition, but very hard to find these days:
And two more jigsaw puzzles from the UK. I think I am only missing one from the set now :)
Firstly, this great little pencil case from Australia - not in perfect condition, but very hard to find these days:
And two more jigsaw puzzles from the UK. I think I am only missing one from the set now :)
Frida On Skavlan - Behind The Scenes
A nice little behind the scenes video from Skavlan which Frida appeared on - this was from the photo sessions for the show :)
ABBA Live At Wembley - Ludvig Talks On TV4
Ludvig was on TV4 in Sweden talking about ABBA Live At Wembley Arena :)
ABBA Gracias Por La Musica Deluxe Edition !
Getting closer to the release date now - ABBA Gracias Por La Musica Deluxe Edition:
Saturday, 27 September 2014
ABBA's SOS May Be A Baby Saver !
ABBA’s SOS may be a baby lifesaver when it comes to CPR
Research by the Royal Women’s Hospital has revealed that the tune provides the perfect pace for doctors and nurses to deliver CPR to newborn babies.
The Deputy Director of Newborn Research, Dr Jennifer Dawson, said playing music could ensure that clinicians give the right number of cardiac compressions to ventilation.
The hospital’s Professor Peter Davis and Dr Charles Christoph Roehr had previously found that a German march, which was 110 beats a minute, helped workers deliver better CPR.
Dr Dawson said their team sought to find songs that people would be more familiar with, but had a similar beat.
“If you are doing co-ordinated resuscitation, you need to get 120 beats per minute so it made sense to have a piece of music that kept the same time,” she said.
In the UK, the Bee Gees hit, Stayin’ Alive, which is 105 beats a minute, is used to teach members of the public the correct pace.
Dr Dawson said the songs they trialled were Gloria Gaynor’s I will Survive, Jingle Bells and SOS— all 120 beats a minute. She said babies needed much faster chest compressions than adults, because their heart beat faster naturally at their age.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/abbas-sos-may-be-a-baby-lifesaver-when-it-comes-to-cpr/story-fni0fit3-1227070816824
- From: Herald Sun
- September 25, 2014
SWEDISH pop stars ABBA may have created a lifesaver with their hit, SOS.
The Deputy Director of Newborn Research, Dr Jennifer Dawson, said playing music could ensure that clinicians give the right number of cardiac compressions to ventilation.
The hospital’s Professor Peter Davis and Dr Charles Christoph Roehr had previously found that a German march, which was 110 beats a minute, helped workers deliver better CPR.
Dr Dawson said their team sought to find songs that people would be more familiar with, but had a similar beat.
“If you are doing co-ordinated resuscitation, you need to get 120 beats per minute so it made sense to have a piece of music that kept the same time,” she said.
In the UK, the Bee Gees hit, Stayin’ Alive, which is 105 beats a minute, is used to teach members of the public the correct pace.
Dr Dawson said the songs they trialled were Gloria Gaynor’s I will Survive, Jingle Bells and SOS— all 120 beats a minute. She said babies needed much faster chest compressions than adults, because their heart beat faster naturally at their age.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/abbas-sos-may-be-a-baby-lifesaver-when-it-comes-to-cpr/story-fni0fit3-1227070816824
Frida Interview On Skavlan !!
Frida appeared on Skavlan on Friday 26th September 2014 !!
For a partial English translation of the interview, check out:
http://abbaofficial.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/frida-loneliness-is-natural-for-me/
For a partial English translation of the interview, check out:
http://abbaofficial.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/frida-loneliness-is-natural-for-me/
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
ABBA Gracias Por La Musica Deluxe Edition - Order Now !
The upcoming release of Gracias Por La Musica Deluxe Edition can now be pre-ordered from Amazon.
This is a Deluxe Edition of CD/DVD and the release date is 10 November 2014.
What a shame it is not in LP format.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gracias-Por-La-Musica-Abba/dp/B00NPJYCIE/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1
Also can be ordered from Universal Music here (cheaper than Amazon):
http://store.universalmusic.com/udiscover/*/*/Gracias-Por-La-Musica-Deluxe-Edition/3HVG0000000
This is a Deluxe Edition of CD/DVD and the release date is 10 November 2014.
What a shame it is not in LP format.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gracias-Por-La-Musica-Abba/dp/B00NPJYCIE/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1
Also can be ordered from Universal Music here (cheaper than Amazon):
http://store.universalmusic.com/udiscover/*/*/Gracias-Por-La-Musica-Deluxe-Edition/3HVG0000000
Sunday, 21 September 2014
ABBAChat ABBA Forum
Don't forget to check out my new ABBA Forum - ABBAChat.
I am working on it - updating features - and getting it set up for ease of use - with all the great features we expect from a forum these days.
Come join other members and start chatting now !
http://abbachat.com/
I am working on it - updating features - and getting it set up for ease of use - with all the great features we expect from a forum these days.
Come join other members and start chatting now !
http://abbachat.com/
ABBA Live At Wembley Arena - Nearly Time !!
It's nearly time !!!
Getting very exciting now especially seeing these new images of the CD and LP sets !
Getting very exciting now especially seeing these new images of the CD and LP sets !
Saturday, 20 September 2014
Pop Story By Björn Ulvaeus - Pre-order Now !
POP STORY
By Björn Ulvaeus
Preorder. Release mid October
WHO WERE the four people behind Sweden's biggest pop group? How did they meet, fall in love and write such wonderful music?
In Pop Story, Björn Ulvaeus tells a fun and action packed tale of flying beetles, lobster racing, trolls, and, above all, the love of music.
All royalties will be donated to the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation.
An ABBA The Museum Exclusive.
http://www.abbathemuseum.com/en/shop-en
Around $27.00AUD
By Björn Ulvaeus
Preorder. Release mid October
WHO WERE the four people behind Sweden's biggest pop group? How did they meet, fall in love and write such wonderful music?
In Pop Story, Björn Ulvaeus tells a fun and action packed tale of flying beetles, lobster racing, trolls, and, above all, the love of music.
All royalties will be donated to the Swedish Childhood Cancer Foundation.
An ABBA The Museum Exclusive.
http://www.abbathemuseum.com/en/shop-en
Around $27.00AUD
Sunday, 14 September 2014
New ABBA Chat Forum
I think we've all heard the sad news that the abba4ever chat forum will be closing down permanently in early October after 8 years of service to the ABBA fan community.
There are a few Facebook pages and groups that are dedicated to ABBA, but Facebook isn't quite the same as a forum, as many would agree.
Many in the fan community enjoy a Forum environment - I personally feel that a Forum is much more organised and informative than a Facebook group - and I believe the community needs a Forum.
I had considered starting a forum a few years ago - but realised that only one worldwide forum was really needed - and we already had abba4ever.
But now, with the closure of abba4ever, I have decided to go ahead and create a new forum.
My new ABBA forum is called ABBAChat :)
It can be found here:
www.abbachat.com
It is in the very early stages of development - but it is fully functional and ready for members.
If you are a member of abb4ever please feel free to copy your old posts from there and add to ABBAChat - but please also include the original date of your post on abba4ever so it's easier to work out timelines for events etc.
So come on over and check it out - if you like what you see, sign up, start posting, make suggestions and help it to grow !
And last, but not least, share the news ! :)
There are a few Facebook pages and groups that are dedicated to ABBA, but Facebook isn't quite the same as a forum, as many would agree.
Many in the fan community enjoy a Forum environment - I personally feel that a Forum is much more organised and informative than a Facebook group - and I believe the community needs a Forum.
I had considered starting a forum a few years ago - but realised that only one worldwide forum was really needed - and we already had abba4ever.
But now, with the closure of abba4ever, I have decided to go ahead and create a new forum.
My new ABBA forum is called ABBAChat :)
It can be found here:
www.abbachat.com
It is in the very early stages of development - but it is fully functional and ready for members.
If you are a member of abb4ever please feel free to copy your old posts from there and add to ABBAChat - but please also include the original date of your post on abba4ever so it's easier to work out timelines for events etc.
So come on over and check it out - if you like what you see, sign up, start posting, make suggestions and help it to grow !
And last, but not least, share the news ! :)
Thursday, 11 September 2014
ABBA Gracias Por La Musica Gets The Deluxe Treatment !
Gracias por la música Deluxe Edition – ABBA’s Spanish recordings on CD and DVD
The celebrations of ABBA’s 40th Anniversary year of 2014 continue with the latest release in the acclaimed ABBA Deluxe Edition series. In April of this year, Waterloo Deluxe Edition was released, attracting 4-star reviews in the music press, and in November, ABBA’s Spanish-language 1980 album Gracias por la música will receive the Deluxe Edition treatment. The original album has been expanded with 5 bonus tracks, plus a 40-minute DVD featuring vintage promo clips and previously unreleased television material. Gracias por la música Deluxe Edition will be released November 10, 2014.
Proof reading the booklet !
ABBA’s Spanish adventure began in 1979, when it was suggested that the group should record a Spanish-language version of their latest hit single, ‘Chiquitita’. This was in order to facilitate a breakthrough in Latin America, where ABBA hadn’t yet achieved success on the level of the Abbamania that gripped the rest of the world. The results of this single release were astounding: ‘Chiquitita’ rushed to the top of the charts all over Latin America, and became the biggest hit in 25 years in this part of the world.
In 1980, an entire album of Spanish-language ABBA songs was recorded. Appropriately entitled Gracias por la música (“Thank You For The Music”), this also became a huge hit – even entering the charts in the not-very-Spanish-speaking Japan! Since then, ABBA have been consistently popular in Latin America.
The first disc in the 2-disc Deluxe Edition of Gracias por la música is a CD, which features the original album plus five bonus tracks. The bonus selections are the remaining Spanish tracks recorded by ABBA, four of which were originally included on the albums Super Trouper and The Visitors in Spanish-language territories. The DVD features the five official promo clips ABBA did for ‘Estoy soñando’ (“I Have A Dream”), ‘Conociéndome, conociéndote’ (“Knowing Me, Knowing You”), ‘Gracias por la música’ (“Thank You For The Music”), ‘Felicidad’ (“Happy New Year”) and ‘No hay a quien culpar’ (“When All Is Said And Done”). Additionally, there are three previously unreleased TV items: two performances of ‘Chiquitita’ from 1979, plus a 1980 interview with the group made for Spanish TV, which also features a unique – in every sense of the word – performance of ‘Dame! Dame! Dame!’ (“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! [A Man After Midnight]”).
The package also includes a 20-page illustrated booklet featuring a personal greeting from Frida, as well as an essay on the making of the album. The essay includes brand new insights from Buddy & Mary McCluskey, who instigated the Spanish-language recordings and wrote the Spanish lyrics for ABBA, and Ana Martinez del Valle, who coached Agnetha and Frida in the studio. In the booklet, Frida’s greeting and the essay are featured in both Spanish and English.
Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of an often overlooked part of ABBA’s glorious career!
Great youtube video by AbbaVEVO of ABBA performing Gracias Por La Musica on the Applauso 100 TV special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do1EGAs_UNQ&feature=youtu.be&list=UUa_4DcdTB9QfK0LY9-7qWuQ
GRACIAS POR LA MÚSICA – DELUXE EDITION
Disc 01, CD:
1. Gracias por la música
– Thank You For The Music
2. Reina danzante
– Dancing Queen
3. Al andar
– Move On
4. Dame! Dame! Dame!
– Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)
5. Fernando
6. Estoy Soñando
– I Have A Dream
7. Mamma Mía
8. Hasta Mañana
9. Conociéndome, Conociéndote
– Knowing Me, Knowing You
10. Chiquitita
Bonus tracks
11. Ring ring
12. Andante, andante
13. Felicidad
– Happy New Year
14. No hay a quien culpar
– When All Is Said And Done
15. Se me está escapando
– Slipping Through My Fingers
Disc 02, DVD:
1. Chiquitita (300 millones, TVE)
2. Chiquitita (Aplauso, TVE)
3. Estoy soñando (promo clip)
4. ABBA On Spanish TV (Especial Aplauso 100, TVE)
SONGS PERFORMED:
Conociéndome, conociéndote (promo clip)
Gracias por la música (promo clip)
Dame! Dame! Dame!
5. Felicidad (promo clip)
6. No hay a quien culpar (promo clip)
7. International Sleeve Gallery
http://www.abbasite.com/banners2/gracias-por-la-musica/
The celebrations of ABBA’s 40th Anniversary year of 2014 continue with the latest release in the acclaimed ABBA Deluxe Edition series. In April of this year, Waterloo Deluxe Edition was released, attracting 4-star reviews in the music press, and in November, ABBA’s Spanish-language 1980 album Gracias por la música will receive the Deluxe Edition treatment. The original album has been expanded with 5 bonus tracks, plus a 40-minute DVD featuring vintage promo clips and previously unreleased television material. Gracias por la música Deluxe Edition will be released November 10, 2014.
Proof reading the booklet !
ABBA’s Spanish adventure began in 1979, when it was suggested that the group should record a Spanish-language version of their latest hit single, ‘Chiquitita’. This was in order to facilitate a breakthrough in Latin America, where ABBA hadn’t yet achieved success on the level of the Abbamania that gripped the rest of the world. The results of this single release were astounding: ‘Chiquitita’ rushed to the top of the charts all over Latin America, and became the biggest hit in 25 years in this part of the world.
In 1980, an entire album of Spanish-language ABBA songs was recorded. Appropriately entitled Gracias por la música (“Thank You For The Music”), this also became a huge hit – even entering the charts in the not-very-Spanish-speaking Japan! Since then, ABBA have been consistently popular in Latin America.
The first disc in the 2-disc Deluxe Edition of Gracias por la música is a CD, which features the original album plus five bonus tracks. The bonus selections are the remaining Spanish tracks recorded by ABBA, four of which were originally included on the albums Super Trouper and The Visitors in Spanish-language territories. The DVD features the five official promo clips ABBA did for ‘Estoy soñando’ (“I Have A Dream”), ‘Conociéndome, conociéndote’ (“Knowing Me, Knowing You”), ‘Gracias por la música’ (“Thank You For The Music”), ‘Felicidad’ (“Happy New Year”) and ‘No hay a quien culpar’ (“When All Is Said And Done”). Additionally, there are three previously unreleased TV items: two performances of ‘Chiquitita’ from 1979, plus a 1980 interview with the group made for Spanish TV, which also features a unique – in every sense of the word – performance of ‘Dame! Dame! Dame!’ (“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! [A Man After Midnight]”).
The package also includes a 20-page illustrated booklet featuring a personal greeting from Frida, as well as an essay on the making of the album. The essay includes brand new insights from Buddy & Mary McCluskey, who instigated the Spanish-language recordings and wrote the Spanish lyrics for ABBA, and Ana Martinez del Valle, who coached Agnetha and Frida in the studio. In the booklet, Frida’s greeting and the essay are featured in both Spanish and English.
Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of an often overlooked part of ABBA’s glorious career!
Great youtube video by AbbaVEVO of ABBA performing Gracias Por La Musica on the Applauso 100 TV special:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do1EGAs_UNQ&feature=youtu.be&list=UUa_4DcdTB9QfK0LY9-7qWuQ
GRACIAS POR LA MÚSICA – DELUXE EDITION
Disc 01, CD:
1. Gracias por la música
– Thank You For The Music
2. Reina danzante
– Dancing Queen
3. Al andar
– Move On
4. Dame! Dame! Dame!
– Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)
5. Fernando
6. Estoy Soñando
– I Have A Dream
7. Mamma Mía
8. Hasta Mañana
9. Conociéndome, Conociéndote
– Knowing Me, Knowing You
10. Chiquitita
Bonus tracks
11. Ring ring
12. Andante, andante
13. Felicidad
– Happy New Year
14. No hay a quien culpar
– When All Is Said And Done
15. Se me está escapando
– Slipping Through My Fingers
Disc 02, DVD:
1. Chiquitita (300 millones, TVE)
2. Chiquitita (Aplauso, TVE)
3. Estoy soñando (promo clip)
4. ABBA On Spanish TV (Especial Aplauso 100, TVE)
SONGS PERFORMED:
Conociéndome, conociéndote (promo clip)
Gracias por la música (promo clip)
Dame! Dame! Dame!
5. Felicidad (promo clip)
6. No hay a quien culpar (promo clip)
7. International Sleeve Gallery
http://www.abbasite.com/banners2/gracias-por-la-musica/
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