Abba

[Anita Bensoussane]

I very much like this video that someone on YouTube (Boekje) has put together for ABBA's Should I Laugh or Cry?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL9f6g5a ... 61050496BF" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's a clever compilation of images which suit the song perfectly, and I'm pleased that Boekje has included the lyrics because there were some that I'd never quite managed to catch before. The song is about a soul-destroying relationship with a pompous, ranting man who doesn't realise how ridiculous and alienating his behaviour is. I love the description of him towering over the bed demanding to be taken seriously "In the striped pyjamas that I bought... Trousers too short."

[Anita Bensoussane]

I've listened to ABBA's two new songs a number of times now and will be buying the album (Voyage) when it's released. Of the two songs we've heard so far, 'Don't Shut Me Down' is my favourite. It's a wonderful melody and speaks to the heart.

Recently I went to see my daughter and she was showing me the TV with some kind of voice-activated device that she and her housemates have got. She said she'd tell it to play some music and she asked me what I'd like to listen to, so I chose ABBA. "Play ABBA," she said, and 'Don't Shut Me Down' began playing. My daughter looked puzzled and said she thought she'd heard all of ABBA's songs but she didn't know this one. When I told her it was a new release she was surprised, having assumed it was something from their heyday because it was so good and so typically 'ABBA'. It just goes to show that ABBA have lost none of their magic almost 40 years after breaking up!

[Lucky Star]

Yes I like the songs too. I wait with interest to see how the virtual reality concert will unfold.

[Nick]

I felt a little emotional listening to their new material. I’m not really sure that I can put it to words why, but their new material was “so Abba“ that it was almost like rediscovering something magical from my childhood.

[Anita Bensoussane]

Having bought Voyage some weeks ago and listened to it about a dozen times, 'Don't Shut Me Down' is the outstanding song for me. It's beautifully arranged and is sung with such beauty and feeling by Agnetha. 'Bumblebee' is another favourite as it's a glorious melody. Frida's velvety tones suit it perfectly and her harmonies with Agnetha are exquisite. 'When You Danced With Me' is stunning too, catchy and Celtic, mixing bounce with nostalgia.

Those are probably my three favourite tracks but I like the whole album, though 'Keep an Eye on Dan' doesn't grab me as much as the others. It's amazing to have a new ABBA album after so many years!

There's only one ABBA song for tonight though, and that's one of their older ones - 'Happy New Year':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uo0JAUWijM

[Boatbuilder]

'Happy New Year' is one I have always played on this eve, ever since it came out, Anita. Now I can play your link.

[Katharine]

I received Voyage for Christmas, but haven't had a chance to listen to it yet.

Maybe I can play it tomorrow when I'm wading through the washing up that seems to have miraculously materialised in the last 24 hours!

[pete9012S]

There's only one ABBA song for tonight though, and that's one of their older ones - 'Happy New Year':
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uo0JAUWijM

A great choice Anita.
I have friends that go back a long, long, way that I still keep in touch with.

This song is one we always play tonight:


ABBA - The Way All Friends Do [Live at Wembley], 1979,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0CJGuuSyl4

[IceMaiden]

My favourite of the new Abba songs is Just A Notion. It's fabulously catchy, melodic, cheerful and up there with their best. I'm a massive fan of Abba, just hearing them instantly lifts the spirits. I wish radio 2 would play more of their lesser known songs though.

[pete9012S]

Ah, that's the song they had previously recorded (around 1979??) and went back and re-did I think the backing track.
Good choice IceMaiden.

[Anita Bensoussane]

I have friends that go back a long, long, way that I still keep in touch with.

This song is one we always play tonight:


ABBA - The Way All Friends Do [Live at Wembley], 1979,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0CJGuuSyl4

Ah yes - another beautiful song that suits the mood of the New Year.

[pete9012S]

R.I.P Abba's long term studio and live guitarist Lasse Wellander 1952-2023.

A very gifted musician.
You can see him playing in this superb 1981 live show - the last Abba ever performed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b00zV5ue_ME

[Anita Bensoussane]

RIP Lasse Wellander.

Thanks for the clip, Pete.

[Lucky Star]

RIP.

By the way has anyone seen the new show in London featuring avatars of the band?

[Anita Bensoussane]

I haven't, but I'd like to see it at some point. Judging by what I've read about the show, it's quite impressive.