Abba zabba

I like to think of myself as a pretty eclectic listener. And yet I could never squeeze much enjoyment out of Abba. If there's a variety of cheese I can't gobble up, it's them. So imagine my happy surprise when I recently stumbled on singer Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad's post-Abba solo album, produced by Phil Collins, and bearing nearly all of his early-'80s hallmarks that I enjoy entirely without reservation. The album is a mixed bag of pop approaches, most of which are weirdly flawed. But as batches of half-successes go, it's a pretty addictive listen. Especially this tasty niblet of regatta de blanc, with groovy guitar/organ call and response and Collins's very airdrum-worthy turn at the kit. God bless that man's left foot.

Frida — I See Red

Message in a birthday

Well, it's my birthday, and I'm going to indulge a longtime personal favorite. Sting's absurd career notwithstanding, I maintain the utmost loyalty to the Police's brief and excellent discography. I continue to be awed by the supercharged push of Stewart Copeland's drumming, Andy Summers's cool/understated guitar wisdom, and even Sting's attitude, pre-pompous assitude. This song captures the best of their hooks and subtle fanciness in one piece of pop magic. Great for both karaoke belting and jumping around the bedroom solo. Here it is live, exhilarating and seemingly on the verge of collapse the whole way through. Maybe even powerful enough to blow out those 34 birthday candles in my mind.

The Police - Message in a Bottle (live)