We finally got to the theater to see “Mamma Mia”. In case you haven’t seen it, it’s a movie musical which is based on the play by the same name. It features all music which was sung by ABBA, the great Swedish group of the 80’s. Now, I’m not here to give movie reviews, but I thought “Mamma Mia” was great. I’m a big fan of ABBA and even though they only had one number one song (“Dancing Queen”), I have loved all of the songs they did.

I told my wife as we were leaving the theater that I could turn right around and go watch it again, right that minute. I hardly ever want to see movies twice – usually only after several months have gone by. And I must comment on Pierce Brosnan’s singing. Every review of this movie I read said that Brosnan shouldn’t have been in the movie since he couldn’t sing. I’m here to tell you that I think he does a decent job. It’s obvious he’s not a trained singer, but he was on key and pleasant to listen to. I think he did an outstanding job for someone who doesn’t sing for a living.

But this blog is about music, so let’s talk about ABBA for a minute. The name is from a combination of the first letters of their names, Anni-Frid (Frida), Benny (married for a time), Bjorn and Agnetha (also married for a time). They are the biggest selling quartet in music history. They are in fourth place for number ones in Britain (behind the Beatles, Elvis and Cliff Richards). It was said they were Sweden’s largest money maker. They were responsible for more money being brought into Sweden than any other commodity.

“Dancing Queen” was number one for just one week in April of 1977. It was the start of the disco era and that song fit right in. Jimmy Carter was President and his brother Billy was brewing beer. (Man, I wish I had a couple cans I could put on eBay.) We picked up a Russian fishing boat for violating the 200 miles limit that foreign boats were to stay away from our shores.

As regular readers know, I love to look at prices in the past. Well, in 1977, you could buy a Lazy Boy Chair for $118. Dillard’s was selling a Slow-cooker for $9.99. And, you won’t believe this but while researching this article, I discovered a “Mama Mia” restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Now how’s that for a cool coincidence. On TV we watched “Police Story” and “Kojak” and “Gunsmoke” which by this time had been on about a million years.

Go see “Mamma Mia” at your local theater. And while you’re waiting, here’s Abba: