I’ve never understood the fascination that my friends have for ABBA. My ABBA compilation, would be a 4 song EP. Their music is a piece of chalk marinated in vinegar. However, I have a soft-spot for the 1975 Frida ensam (“Frida Alone”) LP. Sung all in Swedish, it includes versions of Bowie’s “Liv på Mars?” (“Life on Mars?”), 10cc’s “Guld och gröna ängar” (“The Wall Street Shuffle”), the Beach Boys’ “Skulle de’ va’ skönt” (“Wouldn’t It Be Nice”), Gary Puckett & The Union Gap’s “Jag är mig själv nu” (“Young Girl”) – and for Abba freaks, her own version of “Fernando.”
– Pat Thomas is the author of Listen, Whitey! The Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975.
