So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me

Our "Mad Abba-fan" friend John-John would never forgive me if I didn't acknowledge the fact that the creative eminence that is Benny Andersson blows out seventy-five candles on his cake today!

From one master of the musical arts to another pair of geniuses - a tribute by our eternal faves here at Dolores Delargo Towers, Erasure:

Erasure - S.O.S.

Where are those happy days, they seem so hard to find

I tried to reach for you, but you have closed your mind

Whatever happened to our love?

I wish I understood

It used to be so nice, it used to be so good

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me

S. O. S.

The love you gave me, nothing else can save me

S. O. S.

When you're gone

How can I even try to go on?

When you're gone

Though I try how can I carry on?

You seem so far away though you are standing near

You made me feel alive, but something died I fear

I really tried to make it out

I wish I understood

What happened to our love, it used to be so good

So when you're near me, darling can't you hear me

S. O. S.

The love you gave me, nothing else can save me

S. O. S.

When you're gone

How can I even try to go on?

When you're gone

Though I try how can I carry on?

Well I can dance with you honey if you think it's funny

A giant disco ball made from a cement truck.

I survived the office party. There may well be some rather embarrassed silences today, I surmise, however - judging by some of the inappropriate wine-fuelled conversations being had around that table...

Of course, I was a paragon of virtue - though it is a bit of a struggle trying to get my head in gear to get out and to work this morning. Hey ho, it is the end of the week, and our gang is off to the Panto at Wilton's Music Hall tonight ["Oh yes we are" "Oh no you're not!" ad infinitum].

It also happens to be the 70th birthday today of "the furry one" in Abba - Mr Benny Andersson! So, by way of an all-round celebration, and to get the party started (again) - here is Abba and the infectious Does Your Mother Know. Thank Disco It's Friday!

Abba - Does Your Mother Know

Sparkle, sweetie, sparkle!

Take it easy

Many happy returns to Mr Benny Andersson, who celebrates his 65th birthday today!

There is very little I really need to say about the genius behind the music of Abba, of Chess and of much, much more. Thus, let us instead celebrate the last weekend before the madness that is Xmas by slipping on our best white platforms and satin suits, and boogie along with this catchy number from the big man's repertoire...

Abba - Does Your Mother Know?

Thank Disco It's Friday!

Benny Andersson on Wikipedia