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"Mamma Mia" by ABBA

6/19/202659 min

It's time for a second helping of ABBA, and how could we resist "Mamma Mia"? Kirk peels back the layers of one of the band's most beloved songs, revealing a carefully crafted concoction of melodies, countermelodies, stealthy synthesizers, and marimbas.

Written by: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Stig Anderson

Album: ABBA, 1975

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:

  • A Listener's Guide To Strong Songs Live
  • “Mamma Mia” by ABBA from featuring Siobahn McCarthy from the Mammia Mia! original cast recording 1999, and featuring Meryl Streep from the film adaptation, 2008
  • The Real Story of ABBA: Bright Lights, Dark Shadows by Carl Magnus Palm, 2001
  • Abba’s winning performance of "Waterloo" at 1974 Eurovision at the Brighton Drome (they beat Olivia Newton John!)
  • "Waterloo" by ABBA from Waterloo, 1974
  • "Dancing Queen" by ABBA from Arrival, 1976
  • “Chicago” by Sufjan Stevens from Illinoise, 2005
  • “The Bird Women of Golden Gate Park” by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009
  • A clip from Muriel’s Wedding, 1994

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