ABBA AERIE

How can one explain the resurgence of interest in ABBA, a dismissed and discredited 70's bubble gum group? One big contribution was the release in 1993 of a greatest hits compilation, "ABBA Gold." Many knowledgable fans would argue that the resurgence really stems from the use of ABBA music and iconography in the Australian movies "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" and "Muriel''s Wedding."

However one tried to explain it, then or now, a resurgence happened, it was real, and it was huge. ABBA entered a period of welcome reassessment by music critics and fans alike, which reflected something much more than mere kitsch or camp. This modern interest in ABBA does not arise from scandal, death, remarriage, or rehab. The success of the musical stage show "Mamma Mia!" despite its whispy plot suggests that it can be nothing but the music itself which so captivates. There has been enough interest in ABBA to spawn the publication of several new books about the group, and several re-packagings of their catalog. Perhaps the last of these, The Definitive Collection, is currently available in U.S. sale bins for $6.95.

If you find ABBA and listen to the music, its sparkling optimism can win you over. If you look a bit deeper, into the history of the group, you encounter the snobbishly negative reviews by contemporary music critics who criticised the group as "commercial", shallow, icy, and slick. It is, in fact, one purpose of this site to examine these conclusions, particularly
as they were applied to lyrics.

Casual fans, new and old, may not be aware of the creative paths which each of the members followed after the disbanding of the group. There are whole websites devoted to these: B&B's two theatrical musicals, the solo singing careers of Agnetha and Anni-Frid. This site does not attempt to duplicate that coverage. Although this site touches on these achievements from time to time, it more seriously seeks to introduce and discuss some of the Swedish musical acts which descend from ABBA and the small but muscular musical community in Sweden which has descended from Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.

There has been no official release of a fully produced ABBA song since "I Am the City" was included on the compilation More ABBA Gold. It seems clear that the resurgence of interest in ABBA and its music has crested. It is almost 7 years since Anni-Frid Lyngstad released her magnificent album of new material (in Swedish) Djupa Andetag. Rumors that reclusive Agnetha is working on a new album, which surfaced in 2001, are resurfacing now with added details that raise one's hopes that the project may actually reach fruition, including an alleged release date of March, 2004. If the rumors are true, this album will be in English.

In general, these pages avoid dramatic graphics in order to speed page-loads. This site tries to emphasize substance, and contains pointedly critical writing. I wish to thank the many contributors, from around the world, who have given permission for the use of their material. They are credited on the pages on which their contributions appear.

Contents

Musings: Thoughts on ABBA lyrics and books and more
The Occidental Tourist in Sweden
Related Acts: Some of What ABBA has wrought

Except as otherwise noted, texts are © 1998-2003 Kenneth Paul Adler.