Live: Abba

Abba's success was, without a doubt, partly down to studio trickery--yet if this is the case, then why are Live's sonics so shimmering, so magical? The drum sound is heavy and full, the overall effect crystal clear and pristine. Harmonies are immaculate, melodies melt in your heart. Has "Does Your Mother Know" ever sounded so powerful? Was "Dancing Queen" really this infectious? The applause between tracks definitely helps the atmosphere, while both the opening, stuttering start to "Take a Chance on Me" and the piano-backed, over-the-top production on "Thank You for the Music" are simply spine tingling. --Everett True