torsdag 18 januari 2018

AGNETHA FÄLTSKOG/ELVA KVINNOR I ETT HUS CLPS 351 (-75) SWEDEN

(eng. "Eleven Women In A House") First planned as her fourth regular solo LP with release 1973. But as she had to deal with expecting her and Björn Ulveaus child at the same time as ABBA started their international breakthrough it was put on ice for later. Originally thought as a theme album with songs about twelve women of different characters wrapped in a lavish fold/out sleeve showing pictures relating to the songs, but as Agnetha was too continuously busy with ABBA and baby matters Cupol label withdrew most funding and when studio work finally started they were down to ten original songs plus a last minute addition of "S.O.S." with Swedish lyrics in a simpler single sleeve. Even if stripped down from the original plan it could have been for the better. I guess any originally intended Cupol production would have come out much like in the schlager mode of her earlier LP:s. Now, as recorded at about the same time as the ABBA albums "Waterloo" and "ABBA", she got access to the whole ABBA crew, including Benny, Björn and Anni-Frid as well as production help and engineering from Michael B. Tretow. So, though a little lighter, I get about the same ambience here as from the quartet's surrounding LP:s. Apart from "S.O.S" all songs written by her and professional lyricist Bosse Carlgren. Not schlagers any more, most songs are in a contemporary pop style with part funny and sometimes cheeky lyrics by Carlgren and self-composed melodies showing on both ear and insight. Many surprisingly catchy hinting Benny Andersson wasn't the only good composer in the band. I especially like "Och Han Väntar På Mig" (And He's Waiting For Me) about an older woman and her feelings for a 15 y.o. admirer, "Tack För En Underbar, Vanlig Dag" (Thanks For A Wonderful Ordinary Day), "Doktorn!" about a woman wanting help to cure her burning urge for men and "Mina Ögon" (My Eyes) a Swedish version of the ABBA song "Disillusion". Vocals and backing top notch and I guess if sung in English it could have been embraced internationally. Now only released in Sweden, also on cassette (CK 351). To my knowledge never issued like this on CD though all songs can be found on various later compilations. Premiere vinyl had label as shown here and thin fully laminated cover. (SCÄ*)(CCÖ*)(FÄV*) (ÄBBÖ*) (ÄGFÅ*)

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