ABBA Live [LIVE] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

ABBA

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 16, 1999)
• Original Release Date: 1986
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live, Original recording remastered
• Label: Polydor / Umgd
• ASIN: B00000768A
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #44,535 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #71 in

  Music > Pop > Euro Pop > Swedish Pop

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Abba's success was, without a doubt, partly down to studio trickery--yet if this is the case, then why are Live's sonics so shimmering, so magical? The drum sound is heavy and full, the overall effect crystal clear and pristine. Harmonies are immaculate, melodies melt in your heart. Has "Does Your Mother Know" ever sounded so powerful? Was "Dancing Queen" really this infectious? The applause between tracks definitely helps the atmosphere, while both the opening, stuttering start to "Take a Chance on Me" and the piano-backed, over-the-top production on "Thank You for the Music" are simply spine tingling. --Everett True

Product Description
24 bit digitally remastered reissue of their 1986 live albumwith three bonus tracks: 'Money Money Money', 'Name Of The Game/ Eagle' and 'On And On And On'. 14 tracks total, also featuring hits like 'Waterloo', 'Dancing Queen', 'Take A Chance On Me', 'Fernando' and 'Does Your Mother Know'. All tracks are from 1977, 1979 & 1981. 1997 Polydor release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD proves that ABBA were more than just great studio musicians, October 28, 2005

By	E. Valero "Eterno" (Woodbridge, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't think I have ever heard a POP band sound so hard-core LIVE on stage.

Ever.

It doesn't surprise me because I alway knew the 4 members of ABBA were truly talented individuals. But this CD may surprise those ABBA detractors who love to hate them and brand them as a "sugary" pop band.

Anybody who is an ardent ABBA fan will know that they covered various styles of music throughout their 10 year career but for those close-minded critics who listen to track's like MAMMA MIA and DANCING QUEEN and state that ABBA was only capable of executing bouncing pop ditties underestimates the talent of this group and not many artists are able to pull off a LIVE recording CD so successfully.

ABBA LIVE only proves that ABBA could rock even better than most rock bands.

These were truly skilled musicians and there talents is evidenced on this recording. From the girls solid vocals to the blistering guitars and the hard-core drums.

Frida's vocals are superb during her solos- I HAVE A DREAM, FERNANDO, SUPER TROUPER and MONEY MONEY MONEY. Her voice is soulful and strong and when combined with Agnetha's unique sound, the result is sublime.

And speaking of Agnetha, her voice rocks during her solo in TAKE A CHANCE ON ME, GIMME GIMME GIMME and her lovely intro to CHIQUITIA is gorgeous but her rendition of THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC is where she reigns supreme. The live version is almost as good as the studio recording.

Several of the songs are given a harder edge, making them sound less ABBA-esque but still retain their original charms due to the girls unique sound. Most notably WATERLOO, THE NAME OF THE GAME/EAGLE and ON AND ON AND ON. The latter especially is quite different from the studio version. The pace and beat is faster, the sound is edgier and the girls hard vocals makes this one of the standouts of the album.

The vocal harmonies are also outstanding. Agentha's harmony on Fernando is spot on and the acapella intro to SUPER TROUPER is spine-tingling.


This is a great CD and I encourage everyone, not just ABBA fans to purchase this CD. It is a rare opportunity to listen to one of the greatest pop bands that ever graced the world stage on top of their game.

I also recommend getting their LIVE DVD's, ABBA LIVE (some of the songs are featured here) and ABBA-THE MOVIE. ABBA didn't need any hi-teck pyro-technic's and on stage special effects or lavish stage set's. Aside from some colourful costumes, it was just their music and voices that made their live shows exciting.

This CD only proves what us ABBA fans knew all along, that ABBA rocks and their music is unparralled.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE for TRUE ABBA fans!!, February 18, 1999

By	Edward Hirsch (Cotati, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Before I bought this CD I read a review saying that this Album sounded too crisp and "prerehearsed" to be considered a live album. Being a true fan, I still bought this CD and I tell you I don't regret it. Yes, the recordings are crisp and clear, but that is the beauty of the Album. The crowd noise can still be heard in the backgroud, but does not take away from the beautiful vocals which made this group famous. You can almost see the smiles on the singers faces just by listening to the joy they express in their songs. My favorite "Take a Chance on Me" is a joy to listen to live. Alas I am too young to have ever experienced AbbA in person myself, this album allows me to share what so many others were able to in the late 70's. 4 out of 5 stars only because it left me wanting more.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brrrrrrrrrr....., April 26, 2001

By	J. Torrez (New Mexico) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD gives me the chills everytime I listen to it. I feel like I am right there in the audience seeing ABBA on stage. If you are contemplating buying this CD, buy it now! You won't regret it one bit.