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Agnetha's album: NEWS from ABBAMAIL (January 2004) January 31, 2004 AGNETHA: PEOPLE ON LINE REPORT - Posted at 9:54 PM ABBA's Fältskog Ready for a Comeback STEPHEN M. SILVERMAN Just when you thought ABBA was best seen on Broadway, one of its singers is preparing for a return to the spotlight. Reclusive onetime ABBA singer Agnetha Fältskog has signed a new record deal that will lead to her first album in 17 years, reports Reuters. Warner Scandinavia said Wednesday that it would release the singer's CD "My Coloring Book" worldwide this spring. There's been talk of an album -- which is now described as having an acoustic sound and featuring an orchestra and band leader Anders Neglin -- since last year. Warner released Fältskog's last album, "I Stand Alone," in 1987. Since then, the media-shy singer, 53, has lived quietly on a secluded island outside of Stockholm. Fältskog shot to international fame and fortune three decades ago with other members of the ABBA quartet -- Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group disbanded in 1982 after recording such hits as "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo," but their old tunes form the score for the hit London and Broadway musical "Mamma Mia." Together, the group sold more than 350 million albums around the world. Apart, they still sold many millions more. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Jon Axelrod, Miami Beach, USA AGNETHA REPORT ON FORBES WEB SITE - Website Link Posted at 9:51 PM Here is another Agnetha article which has a tidbit of information regarding the album that I have not yet seen in other posts: Warner clinches ex-ABBA star Fältskog's new album STOCKHOLM, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Warner Music Scandinavia has signed a deal with Agnetha Fältskog of one-time Swedish pop sensation ABBA for her first album in 17 years, the company said on Wednesday. Warner, the music division of Time Warner Inc (nyse: TWX - news - people) said in a statement it would release the 53-year-old blonde's "My Colouring Book" under a worldwide recording agreement this spring. Last year Fältskog's company said the reclusive star would break her silence with a new record in March. Fältskog shot to global fame in the 1970s with other members of the ABBA quartet -- Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The group broke up in 1982 after recording such hits as "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo". Warner released Fältskog's last album, "I Stand Alone", in 1987. Since then the media-shy singer has lived in seclusion outside Stockholm. Warner described the new album as an acoustic set featuring a complete orchestra, co-produced by artist, pianist and band leader Anders Neglin and drummer Dan Stromkvist. The lead single "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind" was composed by John Cameron. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Agatha Mills , Dallas, Texas, USA EXPRESSEN: AGNETHA'S FEAR OF FLYING - Posted at 9:46 PM The fear of flying might stop the comeback Until now Agnetha Fältskog has received 150 offers, among them from USA's Grammy Awards. - But there is a problem, her record company says. She's very scared of flying. As soon as it became well-known that Agnetha's releasing her first record for 17 years the offers started to pour in from all over the world. Up to yesterday around 150 newspapers and TV-stations have been in touch. Among them were the prestigious Grammy Awards in USA. - Agnetha is to choose herself which offers she accepts. One problem is her fear of flying, says Helen Wigren at her record company. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson Stockholm Sweden AGNETHA: OZ CABLE TV REPORT - Posted at 9:44 PM Just saw a small item on Arena (an Australian cable TV channel) in the entertainment news about Agnetha's new CD. They mentioned the 30th Anniversary of Eurovision and that the CD will include covers of Barbra, Cilla and Dusty. Of course, the main focus was the question of whether ABBA will reform. Clips shown included Agnetha from The Winner Takes It All and The Day Before You Came and ABBA from the "Thank You For The Music" film clip. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Lynette Rawes Sydney Australia AGNETHA MAKES NY TIMES - Posted at 9:36 PM From the New York Times - Arts Pages - it has a great pic "from 1976" http://tinyurl.com/2zn8h STOCKHOLM: BACK FROM ABBA Breaking 17 years of recording silence, the reclusive Agnetha Fältskog, 53, once a member of the Swedish pop sensation Abba, has signed with Warner Music Scandinavia for a new album, Reuters reported yesterday. The company said it would release the recording, "My Colouring Book," in the spring. Ms. Fältskog achieved fame in the 1970's in Abba with Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. After hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Waterloo," the quartet disbanded in 1982. Ms. Fältskog's last album, "I Stand Alone," was released in 1987. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Dominic 'Ice' Wallis London, UK UK ITC AGNETHA REPORT - Website Link Posted at 9:34 PM The following is from the UK's Independent Television Company (producer of a number of Cilla Black programs): Abba singer to release Cilla Black song Agnetha Fältskog - otherwise known as the blonde one from Abba - is releasing a cover version of an obscure Cilla Black song. If I Ever Thought You'd Change Your Mind will be Agnetha's first single in seventeen years. The song took Cilla to number 20 in the charts back in 1969. But there is no truth in rumours that Agnetha has dyed her hair red and is adopting a scouse accent to sing it. The song is from an album called My Colouring Book - due for release in March or April, 2004. After negotiations with several record companies, Agnetha finally signed with Warner Music - the same label that issued her last album, I Stand Alone, in 1987. "Naturally, I am very happy and pleased that Warner Music will collaborate with Agnetha on her upcoming album," a spokesman said. "Just like my Warner colleagues the world over, I feel this is simply fantastic." Thanks to ABBAMAILer Dominic 'Ice' Wallis London, UK BIZARRE AGNETHA REPORT IN UK'S "GUARDIAN" - Posted at 8:52 PM Agnetha was the "Pass Notes" in The Guardian. It's a sidebar series, written as an imaginary conversation: Pass notes No 2,425 Agnetha Fältskog Friday January 30, 2004 The Guardian This fourth pint of Harp, that spinning mirror ball, that pounding, jangling Europop - I think I love you. I'm nothing special. In fact, I'm a bit of a bore. No, darling, you look fantastic in that skintight silver suit and those stackheeled boots. If I tell a joke, you've probably heard it before. Try me. Can you hear the drums, Fernando? Nope, don't get it. Must be funny! In a rich man's world. I know you. You're the dancing queen. Young and sweet, only 17? That's just the tribute. The real thing is about to take the stage. What? Abba?! No. Not Bjorn and Benny, the one with the beard and the funny-looking one who wrote the songs? No. Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the intense brunette chanteuse with the heavy eyeliner habit? Incredibly, wrong again. The other one? Agnetha Fältskog, the flaxen-haired, rosy-cheeked fourth of the former Swedish quartet has indeed signed with Warner Scandinavia to make her first album in 17 years. Hmm. The history book on the shelf is always repeating itself. It was Agnetha's ability to sing lines like that with sincerity that endeared her to the buyers of 350m Abba albums. Lines like that, and ... But is she remaining true to her Eurovision pop roots? Wait. And lines like "a-bang, a boom-a-boomerang. Oh bang, a boom-a-boomerang. Love is a tune you hum-de-hum-hum". Nul points. Precisely. What's she been up to all these years? She's been living a reclusive life on a secluded island in a lonely archipelago in the isolated seas off the remote city of Stockholm. What was the last album called? I Stand Alone. Do say: Thank you for the music. Don't say: You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only 53. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Sarah Marchant Kent, England January 29, 2004 AGNETHA RECORDS AT ATLANTIS - Website Link Posted at 7:40 AM According to a post on www.abbasite.com, the new Agnetha record has been recorded at Atlantis Grammofon situated in Karlbergsvägen in Stockholm. Also, according to this post, Agnetha has been spotted around these quarters. Here is a picture of where the studio is located: http://www.atlantisgramm.se/karta.gif Thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden AGNETHA IN EXPRESSEN: FULL TRANSLATION - Website Link Posted at 7:33 AM ABBA-Agnetha makes new record The shyest of all abbas is back in the spotlight. But Agnetha Fältskog's comeback after 17 years in exile from the pop world will surprise the fans. The secret making is huge around the release but we can reveal that "My colouring book" is a real adult record with old earrings from the old days in mature orchestra arrangements. The title melody was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb who wrote "New York! New York" and musicals like "Cabaret", "Chicago" and "Zorba". And the first single is Cilla Black's "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind" that will be premiered on radio somewhere in the middle of March. Later this spring the full-length CD will arrive. Almost ready - The record is almost ready and just some polishing is all what is left, says a person at the record company. - It will be released all over the world and has already got great attention in USA. Now this week we will discuss in what ways Agnetha herself will be participating in the release. Big band playing All material on the CD is, according to Expressen's sources, material from abroad and is performed in English by a big band under the conductor Anders Neglin's leading. The music is to be seen as a reaction to the disco pop on the latest record "I Stand Alone" from 1987. - It's about Agnetha Fältskog's own favourites. Yesterday they had discussions for hours at Warner Music in Stockholm to determine the song order. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden AGNETHA MAKES MAIN BBC NEWS PAGE - Website Link Posted at 7:29 AM Abba singer signs new record deal Abba singer Agnetha Fältskog has signed a new record deal that will lead to her first album in 17 years. Warner Scandinavia said it would be releasing the 53-year-old singer's album My Colouring Book around the world in the spring. It described the album as an acoustic record featuring an orchestra and band leader Anders Neglin. Fältskog was one of the founder members of Swedish group Abba, who sold millions of albums in 70s and 80s. Fältskog has led a reclusive life since releasing the 1987 album I Stand Alone. She lives on a secluded island outside of Stockholm. Eurovision winners Work on the new album began three years ago, but work came to a halt when sound engineer Michael Tretow suffered a stroke. The first single from the album will be the song If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind, which was composed by John Cameron. Abba - Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson - sprang to fame in 1974 when they won the Eurovision Song Contest with their first hit single Waterloo. They had nine UK number ones between 1974 and 1982. The group sold more than 350 million albums around the world, including many millions after they split in the early 1980s. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/music/3438077.stm Thanks to ABBAMAILer Cliff Docherty, London, UK January 28, 2004 SVT IN SECRET DISCUSSIONS ABOUT AGNETHA PERFORMING DURING MELODIFESTIVALEN - Website Link Posted at 8:40 PM An article from Aftonbladet: SVT IN SECRET DISCUSSIONS ABOUT A PERFORMANCE DURING THE MELODIFESTIVAL Agnetha Fältskog, 53, is discussing a comeback in Melodifestivalen - 30 years after ABBA's victory with "Waterloo". The sensitive discussions are extremely secret and SVT are being absolutely quiet. - Can we skip that question, says project leader Thomas Hall. Already four years ago, Aftonbladet revealed that Agnetha Fältskog was planning a comeback as a recording artist. The news spread like wild fire all over the world and one of the world's biggest - and shyest - superstars was in the spotlight once again.. Yesterday the record company Warner Music informed the press that they've signed a record contract with Agnetha Fältskog. The album is to be released this year, but the date isn't yet confirmed. - We hope to be able to release the 'release date' over the coming days. Her schedule of performances is supposed to be finalised over the coming weeks, says Helen Wigren at Warner. Might become a guest artist The offers are flooding in from all world - and also from SVT. For a while now, there have been discussions about the ABBA-star performing as a guest artist in Melodifestivalen's final part of the competition - 'The second chance' on the 14th of March where the thirds and fourth place getters from the first four semifinals will be competing for the final places in the final. The thought is that Agnetha Fältskog will perform a song that won't compete - 30 years after the ABBA-victory in Brighton in 1974. No reunion The final part of the competition already has an ABBA-connection as it will take place at the Hotel Rival in Stockholm that among others is owned by Benny Andersson. An ABBA reunion is denied by SVT however. Don't want to answer But Thomas Hall, the project leader for Melodifestivalen, doesn't want to deny or confirm whether discussions have been made with Agnetha Fältskog. - Can we skip that question? he asks. The discussions are very secret. Not even Agnetha's advisor Staffan Lindé knows anything about it. - I don't know about that, he says. The secrecy around the comeback is important. All involved fear that publicity would make the world star pull out - and no one would like that. Might be pre-recorded SVT is said to be willing if Agnetha says yes. A likely scenario would be that her performance is recorded in advance and broadcast during the live broadcast. Special thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson from Stockholm, Sweden for the translation. AGNETHA FOR MELODIFESTIVALEN! - Website Link Posted at 8:21 PM I am so rusty but basically Aftonbladet is saying that secret negotiations are underway for a guest performance on the final Melodifestivalen show on 14 March. Not as a contestant but probably the intermission entertainment. There is a lot of padding in the article repeating stuff we already know about the album. It looks like they did contact Warner and a spokesperson said that a release date for the album should be known over the next few days. Staffan Lindé has said that he knows nothing of any plans to appear on Melodifestivalen. Aftonbladet speculate that it will be a pre-recorded performance. I don't have time to do a full translation but I believe the above to be the important points. Bear in mind that Aftonbladet is a tabloid newspaper but it could be true. Obviously Agnetha will make some TV appearances to promote her album so why not Melodifestivalen. The most exciting news is that a release date is imminent (if that bit is true). Thanks to ABBAMAILers Grant Whittingham from Sydney, Australia and Mary Lee from Philadelphia, USA. AGNETHA PRESS RELEASE FROM WARNERMUSIC.SE - Posted at 12:38 AM Press release Warner Music Scandinavia Signs Agnetha Fältskog Former ABBA member to Release My Colouring Book Album in Spring 2004 Jonas Siljemark, President of Warner Music Scandinavia, announced today that the company has signed a worldwide recording agreement with Agnetha Fältskog for the release of her first recorded material in 17 years. Warner Music is overjoyed to work with an artist of the stature of Agnetha," Siljemark said. Thanks to Warner Music's Bo Frölander we have a successful history with Agnetha and look forward to tremendous success with this much-anticipated comeback project. It is the Swedish superstars first album since the 1987 Warner Music release I Stand Alone. That album was produced by former Chicago front man Peter Cetera. The album an acoustic set featuring a complete orchestra is co-produced by Agnetha with pianist and bandleader Anders Neglin and drummer/producer Dan Strömkvist. The lead single from the album is If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind, a song composed by John Cameron. Agnetha Fältskog's new album comes at a time when the Mamma Mia! musical continues to expand its phenomenal march around the world and the 30th anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision Song Contest victory with Waterloo. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden January 27, 2004 AGNETHA MAKES INTERNET MOVIE DATA BASE! - Website Link Posted at 2:16 PM From the Internet Movie Database news ABBA Recluse Returns After 17 Years Reclusive former ABBA star Agnetha Fältskog has fueled rumors the 70s supergroup are on the verge of reforming after signing up to record her first album in 17 years. The Swedish singer has signed a worldwide deal with Warner Music Scandinavia and has returned to the studio to record an album of cover songs. Tracks on the album include Cilla Black's "If I Thought You'd Change Your Mind" and songs recorded by Barbra Streisand and Dusty Springfield. The album, My Colouring Book, will be released later this year, but the new activity has prompted Abba fans to hope that she'll consider teaming up with her ex- bandmates and former husband Bjorn Ulvaeus for a string of concerts to mark the 30th anniversary of the pop group's Eurovision Song Contest success in 1976. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Trent Nickson, Sydney, Australia There's some Agnetha-stuff in Swedish gossip magazine Se&Hör. Nothing new, just about the new album and about Gert. Some pictures, and old facts. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden AGNETHA SONGWRITER HAPPY - Posted at 1:47 PM There's been some confusion on some websites/mailing lists (not ABBAMAIL) about the composer of "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind". The composer is John Cameron, while "My Colouring Book" was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb. I've been in contact with John Cameron who wrote the lead single from Agnetha's album, and he had hitherto been unaware that Agnetha has recorded the song. This was his response to the news: 'Thanks for letting me know about Agnetha Fältskog's new single. I've been buried in Film & Theatre music for some time now, with the odd "cross-over" recording for artists such as Jose Carreras, so this came totally out of left field. I'm absolutely delighted, I'm sure she'll record an amazing version of the song, and I can't wait to hear it!' Thanks to ABBAMAILer Paul Carter London, UK January 25, 2004 AGNETHA STORY IN DANISH NEWSPAPER - Website Link Posted at 8:56 AM Agnetha article brought in yesterdays Danish newspaper "BT": AGNETHA WITH NEW ALBUM Now there's great news for all ABBA fans - Agnetha finally releases her long awaited album. The Garbo of pop she has been called - the ABBA girl Agnetha Fältskog. The shy Agnetha has lived a withdrawn life in a wealthy suburb of Stockholm and has hated the press and media ever since ABBA broke up at the beginning of the 80's. Her latest album was released 17 years ago, in 1987, and was called "I Stand Alone". According to Billboard, Agnetha's new album "My Colouring Book" will be released in second quarter this year - which means between 1 April and 1 July on the Warner label. First single, "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind", was originally recorded by Cilla Black. The title song, "My Colouring Book", has previously been recorded by such prominent artists like Barbra Streisand, Brenda Lee and Dusty Springfield. A FEW NEW SONGS It is reported the album mainly consist of cover versions, which through the years have inspired the youngest member of ABBA. But Agnetha has always been glad and pleased to both produce and write songs, so she is co-producer and has written some new songs for "My Colouring Book". Also Frida makes herself felt. She should have recorded a record with three new songs, which are being sold through ABBA's German Fan Club. ABBA can this year celebrate it is 30 years ago they won the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo". At the same time the musical "Mamma Mia!" is going from strength to strength around the world. 10 productions present this musical and this year 3 more will see the light of day. Written by Frodi Holm Knudsen Translated into English by Jan Bach Thanks to ABBAMAILer Jan Bach, Copenhagen, Denmark January 22, 2004 Agnetha on Ananova.com - Website Link Posted at 10:43 PM Abba's Agnetha announces new single Former Abba singer Agnetha Fältskog is to release a version of minor Cilla Black hit If I Ever Thought You'd Change Your Mind as her first new single in nearly two decades. She recorded the song, which Cilla took to No. 20 in the UK chart in 1969, for her first album in 17 years, reports Billboard. The album of covers will be released by Warner Music Scandinavia in the Spring. There are no other details of any of the other tracks on the album which is called My Colouring Book, according to Warner's webpage. Fältskog recorded 22 songs for the album although the final CD will contain only 14 or 15, according to reports in Sweden. Agnetha released her last album, I Stand Alone, in 1987. This April marks the 30th anniversary of Abba's win with Waterloo in the Eurovision Song Contest. Story filed: 09:55 Thursday 22nd January 2004 http://www.ananova.com/entertainment/story/sm_858232.html Thanks to ABBAMAILer Sarah Marchant, Kent, UK MORE DETAILS ON SONG FOR NEW AGNETHA SINGLE - Posted at 6:06 PM Agnetha's new single will be "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind". A beautiful song and it should be interesting to hear how Agnetha handles it. "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind" was a single for Cilla Black. It was released in November 1969 and reached number 20 on the UK charts. Not Cilla's biggest hit but still respectable. Good to see that Agnetha is not just picking obvious songs. She must be picking songs that really mean something to her. If you want to hear a 35 second clip of Cilla's version, you will need Real Player: http://www.cillablack.com/iityecym.ram Here are the lyrics: IF I THOUGHT YOU'D EVER CHANGE YOUR MIND (John Cameron) I will bring you flowers in the morning Wild roses as the sun begins to shine Sweet perfume in tiny jewelled caskets If I thought you'd ever change your mind I would take you where the music's sweetest Feed you winter fruits and summer wines Show you things you've only read in story books If I thought you'd ever change your mind I will bring you happiness Wrapped up in a box and tied with a yellow bow I will bring you summer rain And rainbow skies to make your garden grow And in the winter snow My songs will keep you from the cold But what use of flowers in the morning When the garden they should grow in is not mine And what use is sunshine if I'm crying And my falling tears are mingled with the wine I will bring you happiness Wrapped up in a box and tied with a yellow bow I will bring you rainbow skies And summer rain to make your garden grow And in the winter snow My songs will keep you from the cold I will bring you flowers in the morning Wild roses when the sun begins to shine Winter fruits and summer wine Sweet perfume and columbine If I thought you'd ever change your mind If I thought you'd ever change your mind Thanks to ABBAMAILer Grant Whittingham Sydney, Australia NEW AGNETHA SINGLE TITLE!!! - Posted at 4:50 PM From Billboard: ABBA's Agnetha Fältskog Inks Record Deal With the "Mamma Mia!" musical going strong in 10 worldwide productions (three more will premiere this year) and the impending 30th anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision Song Contest victory, group member Agnetha Fältskog has signed a worldwide deal with Warner Music Scandinavia for her first album in 17 years. The news that Fältskog had returned to the studio to record an album of cover songs sparked intense courting by several interested record companies. WMS president Jonas Siljemark says the album, titled "My Colouring Book," will be released in the second quarter of 2004, preceded by a single. WMS has distributed Fältskog's recordings since she left the ABBA camp. "It is a thrill that we at Warner Music will work with an artist as fantastic as Agnetha," Siljemark said. "We are pleased that she will continue her relationship with Warner as Bo Frolander, our Scandinavian marketing director who was instrumental in securing the deal, was involved in her last album, [1987's] 'I Stand Alone'." Fältskog has co-produced the upcoming set with Anders Neglin and Dan Stromkvist. The first single, "If I Thought You'd Ever Change Your Mind," was originally recorded by Cilla Black. The title cut was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb and has been recorded by artists such as Brenda Lee, Sandy Stewart, Barbra Streisand and Dusty Springfield. Written by Jeffrey de Hart Thanks to ABBAMAILer Cathy Olds, Newcastle, Australia AGNETHA IN MUSIKINDUSTRIN - Website Link Posted at 7:40 AM Article in MI. Thanks to Carl Magnus Palm for pointing it out. http://www.musikindustrin.nu/mi/smpage.fwx?page=198&NYHETER=3991 After many and lengthy negotiations with a string of interested record companies, Warner Music has finally won the battle to release Agnetha Fältskog's new album. Last autumn, the news broke that the former ABBA member was in the studio and recording new material together with Anders Neglin and Dan Strömkvist. Since then the tug of war has been going on and Warner Music will now release the album this spring. - I am of course very happy and overjoyed that we at Warner Music will get to work with Agnetha and her forthcoming album. The company has had a long relationship with Agnetha, not least through Bo Frölander. Just like my Warner colleagues from around the world, I think this is fantastic news, says Warner Music Scandinavia's CEO Jonas Siljemark, who is now confirming the collaboration. Right now the finishing touches are being made in the studio and the planning for the release is underway at Warner Music. -------------------------------------------------------------- Interesting point that the record company guy is saying that Warner Music bods around the world are excited about the news. Maybe it will be released internationally after all. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Grant Whittingham Sydney, Australia January 21, 2004 AGNETHA TO HAVE OFFICIAL WEBSITE - Website Link Posted at 12:15 AM Agnetha will have her own official website and the address will be http://www.agnetha.se According to the domain records the name is registered to Agnetha Fältskog Produktion AB and Staffan Lindé (Agnetha's representative). Interestingly, the former Agnetha site that called itself "official" (which was run by an American fan) has now dropped the word "official" from its site and is now to be known as agnetha.net Thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden (and ABBAMAIL's Ian Cole in Sydney, Australia) January 19, 2004 AGNETHA MENTIONED IN WASHINGTON GAY MAG - Website Link Posted at 1:09 PM THE FIRST ‘A’ IN ABBA... There are still queens out there who play ABBA’s Gold: Greatest Hits at every gathering at their house, or who unabashedly blast “Dancing Queen” from their car stereo. But even those with a more temperate interest in the sunny Euro-candy music of ABBA may be in for a treat next year. Agnetha Fältskog, the blonde of the quartet, is putting the finishing touches on her first album in sixteen years. Due in March -- at least in Europe, since an American label deal has yet to be confirmed -- with a first single planned for release in January, the album will be comprised of English-language covers of pop standards that inspired Fältskog. Obviously, the jury’s out as to how much it will sound like ABBA of yore, especially since it's reported to be a collection of fifteen acoustic tracks recorded with a full orchestra. No other ABBA member is involved in the album... From Washington Gay Magazine Metro Weekly (on line edition) Thanks to ABBAMAILer s Claes Davidsson and Jason Swan, USA January 18, 2004 AGNETHA IN PEOPLE ON-LINE - Posted at 6:28 PM ABBA'S AGNETHA IS ON WAY BACK ABBA legend Agnetha Fältskog is to bounce back in March with her first album for 17 years, The People can reveal. "My Colouring Book" will feature 15 tracks recorded in English. Agnetha, 53, who founded ABBA in the 1970s (pictured right) with fellow-Swedes Anni-Frid, Benny and Bjorn, had massive hits with Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen. She withdrew from the limelight in 1987 but has been tempted back by record giant Warner Music. A spokesman said: "We're thrilled to release this." Thanks to ABBAMAILer Cliff Horrocks, UK January 17, 2004 TITLE TRACK FOR AGNETHA'S NEW ALBUM - Posted at 7:57 AM From Metro: Agnetha honours with colour "My Colouring Book", the title track of Agnetha's new album, is written by John Kander and Fred Ebb. The same people who wrote the musicals 'Chicago' and 'Cabaret. The song has been recorded by Sandy Stewart, Brenda Lee, Barbra Streisand and Dusty Springfield. What version the ABBA-star liked most is yet a secret. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Robin Andersson, Stockholm, Sweden January 16, 2004 BITS AND PIECES FROM THE NET - Posted at 10:25 AM ABBAMAILer James O'Brien has been surfing the net intensely yet again and has come up with these interesting snippets: Agnetha Fältskog Quotes http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/agnethafal132939.html Thanks to ABBAMAILer James O'Brien Surry Hills Sydney, Australia January 14, 2004 AGNETHA ALBUM - AFTONBLADET STORY TRANSLATION - Posted at 9:14 AM Now it is time. - She has signed for Warner, says the man closest to her, Staffan Lindé. It was Sweden's most secret record project. The work on Agnetha Fältskog's new record has be surrounded by enormous secrecy. And the news that the former ABBA member is recording a new record echoed across the world. Now has yet another step been taken. In the last few days Fältskog signed a record contract with Swedish Warner Music. - I can confirm that she has signed for Warner, says her economic advisor, Staffan Lindé. The advance chat has talked about that it is a matter of English language pop. The ABBA star has already recorded 22 songs in total, 14-15 will be on the record. The work on the record already started three years ago. But when ABBA's long-time sound engineer suffered a stroke the recordings were interrupted. Now Dan Strömstedt is in instead as the sound engineer. Story by Claes Petersson, Aftonbladet http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/noje/story/0,2789,418251,00.html =================== Warner mentions Agnetha's new album: http://www.warnermusic.se/artistContent.jsp?pagetype=men2_num1_news&id =&topic=men2#350234 12/1 Agnetha Fältskog back with new album! Agnetha Fältskog's upcoming album is called "My Colouring Book" and will be released during March or April. "My Colouring Book" is the first album that Agnetha has released since 1987. The album is a tribute to all the artists that have inspired Agnetha over the years as an artist. An enormously eagerly awaited disk from one of Sweden's absolutely most interesting artists to look forward to. Thanks to ABBAMAILers Cathy Olds in Newcastle, Australia and Grant Whittingham, Sydney, Australia AGNETHA ALBUM DEFINITE - Website Link Posted at 9:13 AM I found an article at http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/noje/story/0,2789,418251,00.html Agnetha has recently signed a contract with Warner Music Sweden, and that she recorded a total of 22 songs. Fourteen or fifteen of them will make it into her new album. Thanks to ABBAMAILer Juan Carlos Laye, Montevideo URUGUAY |