ABBA International: Svenska, Deutsche, Español, Français (Sampler)

Hello all,
For today's post, I have assembled a collection of ABBA songs in four languages other than English (Swedish, German, Spanish, and French).
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Included is every (or so I hope) non-English recording by ABBA of songs they had originally recorded in English.
In addition, ABBA recorded a few songs in Swedish only ("Åh, Vilka Tider" and birthday songs for Görel Hanser and Stig Anderson), and those are also included.
"Hej Gamle Man," credited to Björn & Benny but featuring backing vocals by Agnetha and Frida, was the quartet's first hit, and was also recorded in a German version included here.
Furthermore, the individual members of ABBA recorded a few ABBA songs in Swedish as solo artists. In fact, Frida's Swedish version of "Fernando" was the original recording of the song, and its success prompted ABBA to record an English version as a group.
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All ten tracks from ABBA's 1980 album "Gracias Por La Música" are included here (tracks 2-11 on disc 2). "Gracias Por La Música" is notable as the only full-length studio album that ABBA recorded in a language other than English (Spanish), and was intended to be the group's big breakthrough into the Latin American market. Not only did the album succeed, but the Spanish version of Chiquitita proved a very popular song in Spanish-speaking countries (such as Mexico, where it was a Number 1 single for 30 weeks!).
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Included are five songs performed by artists other than ABBA (four by Lena Andersson and one by Mireille Mathieu).
Although not a member of ABBA, Lena Andersson performed backing vocals in their 1977 tour (she can be seen in "ABBA-The Movie"). Her one Swedish- and three German-language recordings featured the original ABBA backing tracks and were intended as the "official" recordings of those songs in their respective languages, hence their inclusion. If I remember correctly, all four are from Youtube and vary in sound quality.
Mireille Mathieu was of course not an ABBA member, but her French-language recording of "The Winner Takes It All" is included as it was produced by Björn and Benny and includes Frida in the backing choir.
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UPDATE: I realise I don't have the French/Swedish medley of "Waterloo" in my iTunes library, so I overlooked it. When I have a chance to re-rip my CD copy of the TYFTM box set (which is currently stored in another city) I will update the download links to include it.
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Disc 1: Germanic Languages

Swedish:

01. Hej Gamle Man! (Björn & Benny, 1970)
02. Det Ken Ingen Doktor Hjälpa (Björn & Benny, 1971)
03. En Karusell (Björn & Benny, 1972)
- Swedish version of "Merry Go Round."
04. Åh, Vilka Tider (ABBA, 1973)
- The only officially-released song credited to all four members that was never recorded in English.
05. Ring Ring (Bara Du Slog En Signal) (ABBA, 1973)
06. Waterloo (ABBA, 1974)
07. Honey, Honey (ABBA, 1974)
08. Hasta Mañana (Lena Andersson, 1974)
- This recording featured the original ABBA backing track and was (presumably) Stig-produced.
09. S.O.S. (Agnetha Fältskog, 1975)
10. Fernando (Frida, 1975)
- This recording predates the English-language ABBA version.
11. Mina Ögon (Agnetha Fältskog, 1975)
- Swedish version of "Disillusion."
12. Sång Till Görel (ABBA, 1979)
- Recorded for Görel Hanser's 30th birthday; released as a private-issue one-sided single (Rare!).
13. Hovas Vittne (ABBA, 1981)
- Recorded for Stig Anderson's 50th birthday; released as a promo single for those attending the party (Rare!).
14. Tivedshambo (ABBA, 1986)
- Live vocal version of Stig's first hit, recorded 16 January 1986.
- This public broadcast was ABBA's first and only reformation after their "split" in 1986, making it both rare and historically significant.

German:

15. Hey Musikant! (Björn & Benny, 1973)
- German version of "Hej Gamle Man!"
16. Ring Ring (ABBA, 1973)
17. Wer Im Wartesaal Der Liebe Steht (1974)
- German version of "Another Town, Another Train."
18. Waterloo (ABBA, 1974)
19. S.O.S. (Lena Andersson, 1975)
20. Hasta Mañana (Lena Andersson, 1975)
21. Fernando (...Und Der Himmel War Zum Greifen Nah) (Lena Andersson, 1976)
- Tracks 19-21 feature the original ABBA backing tracks and were (presumably) produced by Stig.

Disc 2: Romance Languages

Spanish:

01. Ring Ring (ABBA, 1973)
02. Gracias Por La Música (ABBA, 1980)
- Spanish version of "Thank You For The Music."
03. La Reina Del Baile (Reina Danzante) (ABBA, 1980)
- Spanish version of "Dancing Queen."
04. Al Andar (ABBA, 1980)
- Spanish version of "Move On."
05. ¡Dáme! ¡Dáme! ¡Dáme! (Amor Esta Noche) (ABBA, 1980)
- Spanish version of "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)."
06. Fernando (ABBA, 1980)
07. Estoy Soñando (ABBA, 1980)
- Spanish version of "I Have A Dream."
08. ¡Mamma Mia! (ABBA, 1980)
09. Hasta Mañana (ABBA, 1980)
10. Conociéndome, Conociéndote (ABBA, 1980)
- Spanish version of "Knowing Me, Knowing You."
11. Chiquitita (ABBA, 1980)
12. Andante, Andante (ABBA, 1980)
13. Felicidad (ABBA, 1980)
- Spanish version of "Happy New Year."
14. No Hay A Quien Culpar (ABBA, 1981)
- Spanish version of "When All Is Said And Done."
15. Se Me Está Escapando (ABBA, 1981)
- Spanish version of "Slipping Through My Fingers."

French:

16. Waterloo (ABBA, 1974)
17. Bravo, Tu As Gagné (Mireille Mathieu, 1981)
- French version of "The Winner Takes It All," produced by Björn and Benny with Frida in the backing choir.

Multilingual:

18. Ring Ring (ABBA, 1973)
- Medley of Swedish, Spanish, and German versions from the "Thank You For The Music" box set in 1994.
Bonus:
19. Tivedshambo (ABBA, 1981)
- Instrumental recording of Stig Anderson's first hit, included as the B-Side of the "Hovas Vittne" promo single.

Get Disc 1 here and Disc 2 here!

P.S. You can get a collection of ABBA covers in French here.

Enjoy!
And, as always, any comments are much appreciated. :)

Disco Meets Classic Rock, Pop, and Soul (Sampler)

As a follow-up to my "Disco Meets Classical Music" Sampler, here is a compilation featuring disco remakes of classic rock, pop, and soul songs.
The recordings here range from the successful ("Never Can Say Goodbye," "MacArthur Park," "Knock On Wood") to the less well-known to the more obscure.

Disc 1:

1. Do Wah Diddy Diddy (À La Carte, 1980 [3:41])

- Original recording by the Exciters (1963); Hit version by Manfred Mann (1964, #1 US, #1 UK).
- Also covered by Dutch disco girl group Dolly Dots in 1982.

2. If You Could Read My Mind (Viola Wills, 1980 [5:27])

- Originally recorded by singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot in 1971 (#1 Canadian Country Chart, #5 US, #30 UK).
- Viola Wills' version peaked at #2 on the US Disco Chart.

3. Never Can Say Goodbye (Gloria Gaynor, 1975, Moimix Version [8:38])

- Hit version by the Jackson 5 (1970, #2 US, #1 US Soul).
- Gloria Gaynor's version hit #9 US, #2 UK.
- This particular mix came from the Moimix blog.

4. Knock On Wood (Amii Stewart, 1978, Liebrand 12" Version [6:53])

- Original recording by Eddie Floyd (1966, #28 US, #1 US Soul).
- Amii Stewart's version reached #1 US & #6 UK in 1979, then a remixed version reached #7 UK in 1985.

5. Can't Take My Eyes Off You (Boys Town Gang, 1981 [9:32])

- Hit version by Frankie Valli (1967, #2 US).
- The Boys Town Gang's Hi-NRG version hit #1 in Holland in 1982.

6. (The Best Part Of) Breakin' Up (Roni Griffith, 1982 [5:44])

- Originally recorded by the Ronettes (1964, #39 US); The Symbols' 1968 version hit #25 UK.
- Roni Griffith's Hi-NRG version hit #2 on the US Dance Charts in 1982.
- This song was used as the basis of the Folgers slogan "The best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup."

7. MacArthur Park (Donna Summer, 1979, Promotional Single Version [6:28])

- Jimmy Webb song, originally recorded by Richard Harris (1968, #2 US).
- Donna Summer's version hit #1 US.

8. One Way Ticket (Eruption, 1978, 12" Version [5:41])

- Originally recorded by Neil Sedaka in 1961.

9. The Letter (Deborah Washington, 1978 [4:53])

- Hit version by Box Tops (1967, #1 US, #5 UK).
- Disco covers include Deborah Washington (1978, #13 US Disco), Queen Samantha (1978), Amii Stewart (1979), and Dionne Warwick (1979).

10. Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Inner Life, 1981, Larry Levan Remix [10:27])

- Hit versions by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967, #19 US, #3 US Soul) and Diana Ross (1970, #1 US).

11. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Linda Clifford, 1979 [10:17])

- Originally recorded by Simon & Garfunkel (1970, #1 US, #1 UK).
- Linda Clifford's version hit #11 US Disco, #41 US, #28 UK.

Disc 2:

1. Medley: Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl (The Spinners, 1979 [6:05])

- Hit version of "Working My Way Back To You" by the Four Seasons (1966, #9 US).
- The Spinners' version of "Working MWBTY" hit #2 US, #1 UK (as a medley with "Forgive Me Girl," written by Michael Zager).

2. Band Of Gold (Sylvester, 1983 [3:50])

- Hit version by Freda Payne (1970, #3 US, #1 UK)

3. (In-A-)Gadda-Da-Vida (Boney M., 1980, 12" Version [8:57])

- Originally recorded by Iron Butterfly (1968 Album: #4 US; Single: #30 US).
- Disco covers include Disco Circus (1978), Hot R.S. (1978), and Boney M. (1980, #11 Germany).

4. Runaway (Eruption, 1981, Maxi Version [6:52])

- Hit version by Del Shannon (1961, #1 US, #1 UK).

5. Standing In The Shadows Of Love (Fever, 1978 [7:09])

- Hit version by the Four Tops (1967, #6 US).
- Disco covers include Deborah Washington (1978) and Fever (1978).

6. Light My Fire/137 Disco Heaven (Amii Stewart, 1978 [8:26])

- Hit version by the Doors (1967, #1 US).
- Disco covers of "Light My Fire" include Carol Douglas (1977), Lipstique (1977), Baccara (1978), Amii Stewart (1978), Victoria Abril (1979).

7. Baby I Need Your Loving (Gayle Adams, 1982 [5:08])

- Hit versions by the Four Tops (1964, #11 US) and Johnny Rivers (1967, #3 US).

8. La Vie En Rose (Grace Jones, 1977, 12" Promo Tom Moulton Mix [7:28])

- Signature song of Édith Piaf (1947, #23 US).
- Grace Jones's version charted in the top 5 in France and Italy.

9. Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Santa Esmeralda, 1977 [16:10])

- Hit version by the Animals (1965, #15 US, #3 UK).
- Santa Esmeralda's version hit #1 US Club Play in a Remixed Version; The single version hit #15 US.

10. Caribbean Disco Show (Lobo, 1981, Part 1 [11:09])

- Features upbeat covers of Calypso classics famously recorded by Harry Belafonte, such as "Day-O (Banana Boat Song)," which was a #5 US hit in 1957.

Get Disc 1 here and Disc 2 here.
Enjoy!
And, as always, any comments are much appreciated. :)

A Few ABBA-Related Downloads

Hello all,
Just a quick post for today. I'd like to highlight a few ABBA-related downloads from around the internet.
As many of these are bootlegs, in some cases the sound quality is quite poor, I wouldn't recommend any of these if you are only a casual fan. Start with the officially-released studio albums, and if they leave you wanting more, by all means... :)

The "ABBA Just Like That" blog has a post chock-full of ABBA bootlegs. My favourites are:
- Live in London (from the original BBC Transcription Disc; GREAT sound quality)
- The Polar Music Vaults, Vol. 1 & 2 (full of rarities in GREAT sound quality)
- "Sång Til Görel" and "Hovas Vittne," both of which are VERY rare
- Live in Japan
- Live in Milwaukee (wonderful sound for a bootleg fan recording, and full of energy)
- Live in Sydney
- Agnetha 12" Remixes
- Odds & Ends

You can find a review of ABBA covers in French at "Reprises des Chansons d'ABBA en Français," and if you scroll down the page you can download an album containing most of the songs. Some of the renditions are ABBAsolutely splendid (others less so, but such can be expected).

At the "bTd ABBA MIDI Archive" you can find a good number of MIDI files of ABBA songs.

Also, Mikory's ABBA Blog is updated daily with an "ABBA Pic of the Day" and other interesting posts.

Finally, you are more than welcome to check out my ABBA posts:
- Random ABBA Info
- ABBA-esque Sampler

Have an ABBAsolutely awesome day :)
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And, as a bonus, here is a video of Mireille Mathieu singing (lip-sync) "Bravo, Tu As Gagné," the French version of "The Winner Takes It All."

The Byrds Sing Bob Dylan (Dylan Sampler #2)

A quick (and unrelated) update to note that the post "Batman Score & Soundtrack Sampler" is my first to reach over 100 views!
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Anyway, for today's post, here is the third Dylan post (find the first two here and here).
This is the second sampler of Dylan covers, and the focus here is on the Byrds' recordings of Dylan songs, including the classics "Mr. Tambourine Man" (#1 US & UK), "All I Really Want To Do" (#40 US, #4 UK), and "The Times They Are A-Changing." As the Byrds are quite possibly the best-known ambassadors of Dylan's music (although Joan Baez recorded more of his songs), I thought it only natural that an exploration of Dylan covers should include a look at the Byrds' covers. I have used the 2002 release "The Byrds Play Dylan," which I own on CD, as the starting point for this compilation. I cut out some songs whose inclusion would be redundant, and added another Byrds cover from "The Very Best of the Byrds" as well as two solo recordings from the "Easy Rider" soundtrack performed by Roger McGuinn, who was a founding member of the group.
The songs are in chronological order, and all of them were recorded between 1965 and 1971, with the exception of "Paths of Victory," which was recorded in 1990 by the reunited Byrds.
I have only included one version of each song, so in cases where there are multiple recordings of the same songs, I chose one "definitive" version. Perhaps the choice of the choir-less alternate version of "Lay Lady Lay" seems odd, given that the choir-infused single version is the better-known version, but I (and many others) think the single version of that track is the only misfire in their otherwise perfect Dylan covers catalogue.
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Here is the track listing:
01. Mr. Tambourine Man (1965)
02. Chimes Of Freedom (1965)
03. All I Really Want To Do (1965)
04. Spanish Harlem Incident (1965)
05. Lay Down Your Weary Tune (1965)
06. The Times They Are A-Changin' (1965)
07. My Back Pages (1966)
08. You Ain't Going Nowhere (1968)
09. Nothing Was Delivered (1968)
10. This Wheel's On Fire (1968)
11. Lay Lady Lay (1969, Alternate Version)
12. It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding (1969, Roger McGuinn Solo)
13. It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (1969)
14. Ballad Of Easy Rider (1969, Roger McGuinn Solo)
15. Positively 4th Street (1970, Live Version)
16. Just Like A Woman (1971)
17. Paths Of Victory (1990)
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Enjoy!
As always, any comments are appreciated :)
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And, as a bonus, here are the Byrds performing live vocals to the studio backing track: