Tunes Du Jour Presents AᗺBA

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For many, the name AᗺBA conjures images of glittery costumes, infectious pop hooks, and the undeniable charm of Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Their music, a potent blend of catchy melodies and sophisticated production, dominated the airwaves in many countries in the 70s and 80s, selling over 400 million albums. But beyond the undeniable pop success, AᗺBA’s legacy extends to their innovative approach to songwriting and a surprising depth woven into seemingly lighthearted tunes.

Take “Dancing Queen,” for instance. On the surface, it’s an exuberant celebration of a night out, but listen closer and you’ll find lyrics that transcend mere frivolity. The song champions self-expression and finding joy in the moment, a message that resonates across generations. This ability to infuse catchy melodies with emotional intelligence is a hallmark of AᗺBA’s work. Songs like “The Winner Takes It All” and “Knowing Me, Knowing You” explore the complexities of love and loss with surprising maturity. Tracks like “S.O.S” and “Take a Chance on Me” weave vulnerability and hope into catchy melodies, reminding us of the universal human experience.

AᗺBA’s influence extends far beyond catchy tunes. Their innovative use of synthesizers and layered vocals helped shape the sound of modern pop. They also embraced a multilingual approach, singing in English, Swedish, French, and even German. This defied the conventions of the time and helped broaden their appeal across international borders.

While AᗺBA disbanded in 1982, their music continues to resonate today. Their music continues to bring people together, a testament to their enduring legacy.

So, the next time you hear “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” or find yourself humming along to “Waterloo,” remember, there’s more to AᗺBA than meets the eye. They were, and are, a truly innovative and impactful band. Now, crank up the volume and hit play on the playlist – it’s time to celebrate the enduring magic of AᗺBA!

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Produced by Mike Chapman

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You may not know the name Mike Chapman. Then again, maybe you do. Chances are I don’t know you, so I have no idea what familiarity you may have with the name Mike Chapman. Even if I do know you, I don’t know everything that you know. I mean, I don’t know how much familiarity you have on certain subjects. Of course, you know things I don’t. Where am I going with this? I forgot. I’ll start over.

Mike Chapman. Even if you don’t recognize the name, chances are you recognize his hit songs. He produced Blondie’s Parallel Lines album. He produced Get the Knack. He produced lots more, some of his earlier efforts with his former business partner Nicky Chinn. The Chapman-Chinn team is also credited with writing many hit songs, as is Chapman without Chinn. Have you ever heard Toni Basil’s “Mickey?” Of course you have. It was written by Chapman and Chinn. Do you know Tina Turner’s “Better Be Good to Me?” That was written by Chapman and Chinn with Holly Knight.

Today’s playlist consists of nineteen songs on which Mike Chapman has a production credit, with Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz” as a bonus track. Chapman didn’t produce that, though he and Chinn wrote it, as they did Sweet’s hit “Little Willy.” I love both of those records! Chapman and Chinn also wrote but didn’t produce the Huey Lewis and the News hit “Heart and Soul.” It’s no “Ballroom Blitz.” If you want to listen to it, you’re on your own.

Today may be Mike Chapman’s birthday. Then again, maybe it isn’t. It depends on what website you look to to get your information. Either way, the man is responsible for so many great hits, and that’s reason enough to post a playlist of some of his finest work (plus Rod Stewart’s “Love Touch,” which Rod agrees isn’t his finest, but whatevs). Included are the original versions (produced by Chapman) of the previously-mentioned hits for Toni Basil and Tina Turner.

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Winston + Agnetha 002

Endorsed By Lennon, Townshend, Cobain, Davies And Sex Pistols

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Winston + Agnetha 002
Today Tunes du Jour celebrates the birthday of Agnetha Fältskog, one of the two women in ABBA.

Our playlist kicks off with “SOS,” a favorite of John Lennon, Ray Davies and Pete Townshend, who called it “the best pop song ever written.” It inspired the main riff of The Sex Pistols’ “Pretty Vacant.” My favorite piece of trivia about the song – it is the only record to hit the Hot 100 where both the song title and the artist performing the song are palindromes.

Enjoy this playlist of tunes on which Agnetha handled lead vocals.