Abba

Abba started in the mid seventies and after a period of “uncoolness” post spilt is now enjoying a renewed popularity. Abba’s tunes are unique and until the appearance of “Steps”, their sound was not found anywhere else. Just why their music is so good is hard to describe but it does have an intense emotional quality to it. This probably came about because of the relationships within the band, the fact that they were all married within the band resulting in this.  Towards the end of Abba’s career when the members were divorcing the emotional tension within the group resulting in some of the most moving music in the later 20^th Century. This is particularly evident in songs like “The Winner Takes It All” and Mama Mia”. There has recently opened in London a musical of the same name written by the ‘Abba men’ that tells the story of Abba. The men of Abba also wrote the musical “Chess”, however the women are sadly very different story with the ‘Blonde one’ becoming a virtual recluse. (I apologise for the lack of actual names regarding Abba but I was only just born when they split).

Ace of Base

This Swedish group started in the early nineties with a classic called “All That She Wants” this was soon followed up by an album with a few good songs on it but the rest was complete pants (I know this cause I bought it). It was there that everyone thought that the band had disappeared into pop history; to be remembered only in the context of ‘whatever happened to.....’. However, a few years ago in 98 or 97 they reappeared with completely new and fantastically fresh  material .

Alisha’s Attic

I don’t really know that much about this band. They are two sisters and decided on the name of he band because she was an imaginary friend one of them had when they were young. Their first album was quite good, but as neither my friends nor I have heard the second one, so I have no idea what it was like.   

Allanis Morisette

This artist is yet again another I don’t know that much about; however, her first album, which was inspired by a long-term relationship that ended badly, is a work of pure genius. However what I have heard of her second album hasn’t inspired me to go out and buy it so I assume that it is a very disappointing sequel to a brilliant debut album.

Julie Andrews  (Yes Julie Andrews as in “Sound of Music”)

Strictly speaking, Julie Andrews shouldn’t be here as she is an actress, but she has a fantastic voice that sounds fantastic in all her films. My Mum once saw her play the lead role in “My Fair Lady” in the West End and yet she wasn’t chosen to play the role in the film (which came later) the reason why completely escapes me. Sadly as the result of a major throat infection, she may never be able to sing again.

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was a great trumpeter who died in the sixties, his career however, started in the twenties or thirties. His music is fantastic with classics like “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” and “Moon River”. Some interesting facts about Louis include that he smoked pot all his life; was very happily married and faithful to her; and that he continued to work on his music for as long as he was able before his death.  His music tells the story of his life with his earlier work being very elemental, and as he mellowed his music did so too. Personally, I prefer his later work as it more laid back and easier to work to.