|
|
Post by Libby on Sept 3, 2013 20:01:25 GMT
I've never heard the song before, but I enjoyed it, and I think Hayley sounded great singing it.  I am amazed that you are not familiar with ABBA's songs like SOS. I think you have a wonderful treat in store, Get yourself a copy of their greatest hits, preferably on DVD and watch them sing, (Watching videos and listening to music while seated at a computer just ain't right) Maybe you will understand why they captured the hearts of millions of people all over the world...They were brilliant. Have a look at Fernando on YouTube, the video is a bit dated now but the voices will be part of music history forever. I bought each of their singles as they were released and entered the UK chart, Their last single while they were still active was only available on 12" vinyl at the time of it's release, I think we knew at the time it was to be their last single, ABBA had broken up, disintegrated completely.  What a great loss to music lovers everywhere. I don't know why it's such a big deal that I'm not very familiar with them. I can only have heard of what I was exposed to as a kid, and I've never heard of the group, so how am I going to think to look them up on my own? I think the first time I heard of the group was when I saw Hayley mention liking them one time. I've heard the Dancing Queen song.. is that by them? One time somebody on American Idol sang one of their songs... though I don't remember what it sounded like. Comet, have you never heard of Brandi Carlile? Really?? I can't believe it! Go look her up right now, you don't know what you're missing. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
|
|
|
Post by martindn on Sept 3, 2013 21:29:46 GMT
Well Libby, there is America and there is the rest of the world. The rest of the world plays soccer. America plays baseball (a form of rounders) and American Football, which some would say is a softer version of Rugby football. Some unkind people suggest that America invents its own games because they cannot compete at games like soccer, rugby and cricket.
I'm amazed you have never come across Abba either. I first came across them when I lived in their home country of Sweden, long before they won the Eurovision Song Contest with "Waterloo" and became world famous (but perhaps not America famous, that is America's loss).
They were amazing. Hit after hit after hit. And those girls were very decent singers. You should get their greatest hits album, I'm sure it would be a revelation if you don't know them. One of the greatest pop groups of all time without a doubt.
But for me, the impressive thing about this video is that Hayley, at 17, could sing that song better than the original. She has always been brilliant at taking other singers ongs and making them her own. Singers as diverse as Annafrid, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Paton and Vera Lynn and Celine Dion. And often sing their songs better than the original. Is there anything she can't do?
Martin D
|
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Sept 3, 2013 22:49:33 GMT
Martin, what on earth does sports have to do with any of this? I don't see how American football could be described as soft, either.
I was not around when their songs were hits, and I never lived in Sweden, so give me a break people! I said I enjoyed what Hayley sang, so what more do you want? I'm not suddenly going to buy their album because of it. Even after falling in love with Mario Frangoulis' performance of Nights in White Satin hasn't inspired me to buy any Moody Blues songs.
I grew up hearing all kinds of so-called "oldies music", because my mom used to have an "oldies" station on every day. I heard Beatles, Beach Boys, Temptations, BG's, Diana Ross, and a whole bunch of other artists I couldn't name, but I'm still familiar with lots of oldies. My brother listened to Janet Jackson, and then eventually horrible heavy metal music. I heard worship music on a Christian station. I heard dance beat music at dance class. I discovered Christian rock bands through going to youth group. I danced to a Neil Diamond song. My sister danced to Great Balls of Fire (ugh). I discovered Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman through watching figure skating. Most people my age know lots of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston songs, and I hardly know any, so even people my age would think I'm nuts for not knowing them.
As I said, I can only be familiar with what I've heard and been exposed to, and I can hardly be blamed for it. No need to be so shocked and horrified about it.
I'll buy their album when somebody here buys one of Brandi Carlile's albums, just because I told you should. Even though you've probably never heard of her, and might not even like all of her songs. But buy it anyway, because I like her a lot, all of her songs, and can't imagine how anyone could dislike her. 'Kay?
|
|
|
|
Post by martindn on Sept 3, 2013 23:52:24 GMT
Err.. don't American footballers wear all that padding? Rugby players are only allowed padding on their shins. And it is a very similar game.
We'll forgive you for not knowing ABBA of course Libby. But they are worth knowing believe me. Over here they are as big as the Beatles.
Pretty much all the artists you mention are American. Some of them are very good I agree. But the rest of the world exists too, which I'm sure as a Hayley fan, (and a Mario fan) you well know. Could Sweden have a world class pop group? Absolutely!
I have loved ABBA since I first heard them, back in the early 1970s. I think this performance by Hayley is fabulous, but no less than we would expect from her.
Martin D
|
|
|
|
Post by Bamafan on Sept 3, 2013 23:54:38 GMT
I've known about Abba for quite some time. Most everyone down here knows Dancing Queen, but nothing beyond that. However, The Winner Takes It All is one of my favs. I have their greatest hits album on cassette in my car.  -Taylor i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
|
Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,700
|
Post by Dave on Sept 4, 2013 1:26:02 GMT
Hi Libby, well I for one will! It's not surprising that you haven't heard of them as according to the Billboard website, the best they did in the US was one no. 1 single and that was a very long time ago (though 20 have entered the hot 100). Their highest album was no. 36 (only 3 have ever charted in the Billboard 200). However, in the UK Abba have had: 9 no. 1 singles (28 in the top 40) 9 no. 1 albums (20 in the top 100) One of only three albums in history to sell more than 5 million copies (the others by The Beatles and Queen). In Europe and most other places they have had similar success - but that's not the US. Here's a better copy of Hayley with Frida, from the video:  Hayley Westenra and Frida (Abba) in 2005I think they are grrrrreat and would recommend: Abba GOLD.  Cheers, Dave |
|
|
|
Post by Richard on Sept 4, 2013 7:18:18 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Sept 4, 2013 20:38:11 GMT
Err.. don't American footballers wear all that padding? Rugby players are only allowed padding on their shins. And it is a very similar game. We'll forgive you for not knowing ABBA of course Libby. But they are worth knowing believe me. Over here they are as big as the Beatles. Pretty much all the artists you mention are American. Some of them are very good I agree. But the rest of the world exists too, which I'm sure as a Hayley fan, (and a Mario fan) you well know. Could Sweden have a world class pop group? Absolutely! I have loved ABBA since I first heard them, back in the early 1970s. I think this performance by Hayley is fabulous, but no less than we would expect from her. Martin D If you're sure I'm aware the rest of the world exists, why are you telling me? I feel so much better now that you've forgiven me, because I certainly needed forgiveness, didn't I?  The Beatles aren't American, neither are the Rolling Stones, are they? Aren't the BG's British? I don't know. I forgot the group's name, but there's another British group. The guy's name is Peter Noonan or something. That guy has been a mentor on AI, so I know for a fact he's British. Hmm...The Who? Yeah, I've heard of them, mostly because their songs are used in the CSI programs. Who are you, who, who, and Teenage Wasteland, and some other song, too. I've heard of Queen, too. I've heard of Ellie Goulding, I've heard of Adele (how could I not?), One Direction, The Wanted, Susan Boyle, Annie Lennox, Emilie Sande, Jessie J, Charlotte Church, Mary-Jess, I could go on for a long time. Especially with all the artists that I see John H likes on FB. Oh, and I don't know any Swedish artists, do I? Well, I don't know the group's name, but there's a recent pop song with idiotic lyrics that I hear a LOT. It's a very stupid song, but it's kind of catchy, I guess. I actually thought they were British, because their accents are so pronounced in the song, but I saw somewhere that the girls were actually Swedish. The song says "I don't care, I love it!" Very intelligent, isn't it? I'd also say it's a bad influence on young people, going by the rest of the lyrics. And Taylor, those 2 songs you mention by Abba are the only ones that I know, and I think I already said I did (though I wasn't sure of the title of the 2nd one). However, there are tons of songs I've heard but don't know the artist, so it's entirely possible that I've heard more of their songs and just didn't know it. I doubt my parents know Abba very well, either, or they at least didn't care about their music enough to play it and educate their poor, ignorant children. Believe me, I wasn't suffering without hearing their music until yesterday...  Martin, why are you going on about football and rugby? It has nothing to do with anything. Yes, Martin, they wear padding, because they need it! And yet they still get horribly injured, anyway! Why do people wear helmets to ride motorcycles? Hmm, probably because people get concussions, brain injuries, or even die, if they don't. When they first started playing football in the 1800s, they probably didn't wear helmets or what you call "padding" (I think it's a little harder than a pad, just by looking at them). Why do you think they started wearing it. Well, people probably got very badly injured from it. So, the reason our players wear protection is they have the good sense to protect their bodies as best they can. Small wonder. Out of curiousity, how many rugby players do you know who have become quadraplegic? I wouldn't know, since I never pay attention to rugby unless Hayley is singing. I don't even watch football, and I still hear about the horrible injuries the football players get. If it's such a soft game, why are there no women's teams in the NFL? Oh yes, women do play it, sometimes only to entertain men (with very little protection anywhere, if you know what I mean). But women play basketball, softball (not baseball??), tennis, volleyball, etc. Oooh, ooh, Martin, you'll never believe it, but there was a girl I knew in my high school choir class who played rugby for our school!! Can you believe it, Martin?? I hope you don't faint. I apologize to Richard and Dave and Joe for continuing this silly off-topic discussion. I still have no idea why Martin brought it up, but it feels as though he thinks America is soft and dumb because we don't know all the bands he knows, and prefer football over rugby. |
|
|
|
Post by John H on Sept 4, 2013 21:51:20 GMT
But women play basketball, softball (not baseball??), tennis, volleyball, etc. Oooh, ooh, Martin, you'll never believe it, but there was a girl I knew in my high school choir class who played rugby for our school!! Can you believe it, Martin?? I hope you don't faint. I apologize to Richard and Dave and Joe for continuing this silly off-topic discussion. I still have no idea why Martin brought it up, but it feels as though he thinks America is soft and dumb because we don't know all the bands he knows, and prefer football over rugby. Apologies for continuing the off-topicness (is that a word i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif ) but ex-Angel Laura Wright plays rugby |
|
|
|
Post by martindn on Sept 4, 2013 22:08:19 GMT
Libby,
I'm not attacking you or America. Just pointing out that America does things its own way. If you take a global perspective they are just different cultures. Perhaps that is why other countries' artists struggle to be accepted there. Yes the Beatles and Rolling Stones, both of which started off singing American music. The Who, well, there is a lot more to them than the few songs you mention. Tommy, Quadrophenia and my favourite album of theirs "Who's Next". I'm not sure The Who had any hits in America at the time, after all the Mod culture they stood for was a very British thing that I ca't imagine would mean anything to Americans.
Hermans Hermits, whom I think you mentioned did a bit there too. Lots of other UK bands never did. OK, some were rubbish I admit.
The point is I think that the UK artists that made it in America performed American music to get established. American sports are important in America and nowhere else. Games like Soccer and Cricket are for the rest of the world, American football and baseball are for America and not much beyond that. That's where the relevance is. America does its own thing. Nothing wrong with that.
It is not really in any way inferior, just different and rather parochial. So it is not surprising that artists who do not adopt an American style struggle to become successful in America. You either have to become American or you don't succeed there. KJ was Welsh, not American. Hayley is NZ, not American.
Celtic Woman was perhaps an exception, because of the strong Irish American population.
Martin D
|
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Sept 4, 2013 22:39:58 GMT
Oh, come on, Martin, do I need to mention every Who song before you're satisfied? I've only heard the 3 songs on the TV shows, and I've heard them on the radio too. I don't know a single other song they've done, because there were only 3 CSI shows. Is that my fault? Good grief, Martin, I'm familiar with all kinds of American artists, and don't know all of their songs, either. You've heard of Josh Groban, haven't you? Does that mean you know all of his songs? No! Of course not! But please don't get into your limited knowledge on anything JG, because I don't have the patience for it (besides we already went through that on the OF). |
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Sept 4, 2013 22:43:18 GMT
But women play basketball, softball (not baseball??), tennis, volleyball, etc. Oooh, ooh, Martin, you'll never believe it, but there was a girl I knew in my high school choir class who played rugby for our school!! Can you believe it, Martin?? I hope you don't faint. I apologize to Richard and Dave and Joe for continuing this silly off-topic discussion. I still have no idea why Martin brought it up, but it feels as though he thinks America is soft and dumb because we don't know all the bands he knows, and prefer football over rugby. Apologies for continuing the off-topicness (is that a word i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif ) but ex-Angel Laura Wright plays rugby Ah! See? Did she wear "padding", I wonder? If girls play rugby, even in the US  yet they don't play American football, what does that tell you? And they wear protection in A football but not in rugby? To me, that makes it sound like rugby is the softer sport. Or, just that the NFL care more about the safety of the players than whoever creates the rules of rugby. |
|
Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
Posts: 7,700
|
Post by Dave on Sept 5, 2013 0:46:04 GMT
Hi everyone, I'll just say that the US is more able to do its own thing in music and sports because it's so big (among the advanced Countries) and could if it wanted manage perfectly well without any involvement at all with any other countries! Nothing wrong with that, but of course, it mainly applies to just a few sports. The US Open Tennis that's on right now is a good example of complete integration with everywhere else and there are plenty more examples of that. But the off-topicness  has gone a bit too far off topic now so if anyone wants to continue discussing American music or sport versus elsewhere, I'd prefer it to be done in a new thread in... Off Topic! To move a discussion from one thread to another, it's easy enough to hit quote on the post you want to reply to, copy all the code and text that appears, and then paste it into a new post in a new or existing thread somewhere else. Cheers, Dave |
|
|
|
Post by Libby on Sept 5, 2013 5:23:17 GMT
Fine with me, I'm done talking about sports. All this because I said I didn't know the song. Crazy. Guess I'd better keep such things to myself from now on, otherwise all hell will break loose. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
|
|
|
Post by tireman on Sept 7, 2013 3:23:52 GMT
Libby, I'm not attacking you or America. Just pointing out that America does things its own way. If you take a global perspective they are just different cultures. Perhaps that is why other countries' artists struggle to be accepted there. Yes the Beatles and Rolling Stones, both of which started off singing American music. The Who, well, there is a lot more to them than the few songs you mention. Tommy, Quadrophenia and my favourite album of theirs "Who's Next". I'm not sure The Who had any hits in America at the time, after all the Mod culture they stood for was a very British thing that I can't imagine would mean anything to Americans. Hermans Hermits, whom I think you mentioned did a bit there too. Lots of other UK bands never did. OK, some were rubbish I admit. The point is I think that the UK artists that made it in America performed American music to get established. American sports are important in America and nowhere else. Games like Soccer and Cricket are for the rest of the world, American football and baseball are for America and not much beyond that. That's where the relevance is. America does its own thing. Nothing wrong with that. It is not really in any way inferior, just different and rather parochial. So it is not surprising that artists who do not adopt an American style struggle to become successful in America. You either have to become American or you don't succeed there. KJ was Welsh, not American. Hayley is NZ, not American. Celtic Woman was perhaps an exception, because of the strong Irish American population. Martin D Martin I couldn't disagree any more with you. The Celtic Woman success was not limited to Irish influence at all. They were accepted because Americans appreciate all types of exceptional talent. No artist makes it easy in the U S and that includes native Americans. Talent is not enough here the artist needs a good management team to promote them and they must be willing to be patient. Of course it helps to adopt a bit of an American style without compromising who you are. Don't you think Hayley makes it a point to adopt some of the moires of the Asian countries she visits? I've been to many concerts in the U K and don't see a great deal of difference from British and American artists. Also American sports are popular in other countries. Baseball is big in Japan. Soccer is getting bigger every year in the states. Our colleges have rugby teams. Look ate the number of countries that participate in basketball in the Olympics. We are not as you infer living on another planet. Larry |
|
What a great loss to music lovers everywhere.
yet they don't play American football, what does that tell you? And they wear protection in A football but not in rugby? To me, that makes it sound like rugby is the softer sport. Or, just that the NFL care more about the safety of the players than whoever creates the rules of rugby.
