When the Cheshire emerges...

I visited the iTunes store to try and redeem a gift card and noticed an ABBA special for their 40th anniversary.

Among the albums I was really surprised to see ABBA Gold but with the word Oro. I am way behind the eight ball - I had NO idea they recorded the album in Spanish. AMAZING.

Sampling the songs as you do, I couldn't believe how happy it made me feel when I heard the music. Fernando was beautiful - it sounded so natural. This came as a surprise to me because of my history with Spanish speakers - but ahead of my trip to South America, where I plan to have some Portuguese and a small bit of Spanish up my sleeve (it will happen, learning tools are ready to go), hearing familiar songs in a language I don't understand was both weird and wonderful.

I would actually buy this.

I guess it's proof of ABBA's massive firepower, that the group's songs bode well in more than one language. Their creativity pays off to anyone with a common understanding of love and life. On trying to find out if they all speak Spanish (I don't think so), this comment on a forum from 'Gniblett' really got what I'm trying to convey:

It is bad enough trying to remember the lyrics of a song in your native language but to do that in a foreign language, with all the feeling and so clearly that the words have deep meaning with no hint of it not being their native tongue. This has always amazed me .... as one who grappled with French at school and failed dismally. 

In fact ABBA's English lyrics are more easily understood than many today who were brought up speaking English as a first language.

Amen to that.

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On another note, I found out the Australasian version of ABBA Gold is different to the rest of the world because Ring Ring, Rock Me and I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do were bigger singles here. I've always wondered why people loved Super Trouper... guess I never knew it as a kid because it wasn't on my album. Go figure.

Does anyone else out there feel as much of a satisfaction as I do when rediscovering your music library?

I took that wonderful voyage after I volunteered to make a playlist for my work Christmas party last week.

At the paper there's not just the journos and sub-editors, but also the sales, advertising and accounts people. Men and women of all ages who like different styles of music. And we were in an open space in the bistro part of a pub, not a function room. So a little bit of extra thought had to go into it.

Going through all the playlists I'd previously made on iTunes, and then all the downloads I'd ever gathered, I found some awesome songs.

What mainly struck me was that I was definitely aware of Gotye's talent before his huge 2011 success. Problem is, like with other artists, I nowadays hear a song on the radio but never retain the connection of the song name or artist. So with my delight I found 'Eyes Wide Open', and fell in love with the song all over again. That was thanks to my brother for giving me Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2010 early last year.

I ended up with a real mixed bag to try and cater for all the different age groups, about half a year or two old and the other half a mix of 70s/80s/etc. I warned the manager of the place that it was diverse; I actually felt a bit anxious that people would complain and have it taken off.

But it didn't.

I got a comment from said manager which I didn't know how to take but let it go: "you weren't kidding, it really is a mixed bag" (I understand it was being streamed to the front outside area, and consequently that may have been after Wham's 'Last Christmas' played - I HAD to do it, what's a Christmas list without that song?!).

I was rather proud of myself. Assimilating into Dubbo life. Making my mark in the workplace.

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As a side note, listening to music as I cook has also revealed some forgotten gems on my iPod. Now depending on your musical preferences you may beg to differ, but I for one reason or another find the poppy songs resonate most of all.

The main one was 'Tell Me' by Christina Aguilera and P Diddy. What a strong, kick-arse r&b grind, totally love it. Then Holly Valance's 'Naughty Girl' at one point too. Wow, I could be vilified for admitting that. But this is her 'nice' song. Mellow.

To better Australian music, Killing Heidi's 'I Am'. That was used on the Spiderman soundtrack right? They were good. And I remember the song sounding a bit different for them at the time but it's great to listen to even now. Plus it makes you think of Spiderman swinging around the place ;)

What gems have you discovered on your iPod long hidden? Or have you found a song that you swear you don't know how it got there?