[August 01, 2011] 'ABBA the Concert' infectious if not wholly effective Tweet HYANNIS, Aug 01, 2011 (Cape Cod Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The 1970s music of the record-breaking Swedish pop group ABBA is always infectious, but the Swedish tribute band performing "ABBA The Concert" Sunday night at the Cape Cod Melody Tent seemed to have a little trouble spreading the energy. The voices were fine, especially that of the singer portraying Anni-Frid Lyngstad, who wowed the crowed with her rendition of "The Winner Takes it All." And the lead guitarist and singer who played Bjorn Ulvaeus showed off some fancy footwork in his 6-inch-high platforms and spandex jumpsuits. Having two original members of ABBA on saxophone and drums was terrific. But still, some of the details that turn back the clock to 1979 just weren't working as they have in previous years. For starters, it was hot. And foggy, thanks to a machine at the edge of the stage which was either pumping out ABBA's atmospheric smoke (which hung heavily) or cooling the stage and keeping those poor musicians from melting permanently into their 70s-era synthetic fabrics. The singer portraying Agnetha FAnltskog had a platinum blonde wig that looked precariously close to slipping. On the positive side, the instrumentals were great and the vocals encouraged singing along. Formed in 1996, "ABBA The Concert" has done more than 1,000 shows in more than 20 countries, including playing at the tent in past years. But, as of press time, the psychedelic light show of flowers and peace signs wasn't working and, well, it takes a lot to bring back the '70s. The 13-person show started promptly at 8 p.m. and went for a full hour, starting with "I Am the Tiger" and moving on to more familiar hits including "Money, Money, Money" "The Name of the Game?," "Chiquitita," "Take a Chance on Me" and more. Perhaps to boost the energy, the band came back after a 25-minute break with the volume turned up, which was too bad since the first set had a great balance of instruments and vocals. It's not every night you can hear every word at the tent. Band members encouraged the audience -- filling about three-quarters of the tent -- to sway and clap along. On "Fernando," they actually extended their microphones to the audience and asked for an a cappella chorus. They got it. Many members of the audience -- myself included -- grew up with the original ABBA and a night of "Dancing Queen" is always fun. But Sunday's show wasn't as inspiring as past performances. To see more of the Cape Cod Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.capecodonline.com. Copyright (c) 2011, Cape Cod Times, Hyannis, Mass. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]