Recording
Recording began in the Polar Studios, Stockholm, on February 15, 1982 and continued until March 31. Earth Wind & Fire's horn players (the Phenix Horns) - also an important part of the Face Value album - came to Stockholm for a two day visit. Strings, orchestra, and harp were later recorded at Sir George Martin's Air Studios in London in the attendance of both Martin and Paul McCartney. Produced at a time when most commercial recordings still used only analog technology, the album was one of the few to be both digitally recorded and mixed.
At the time of recording Something's Going On Frida wanted to distance herself from the "typical ABBA pop sound," (according to Lyngstad herself). She wanted to break away from being associated with the group and make a fresh start both as an artist and as an individual. The new songs, new musicians, and new producer gave Frida a new identity. Collins' production and especially his unique gated drum sound heard throughout the album as well as the rough and raw guitar riffs of the lead single "I Know There's Something Going On" made it perfectly clear this was no lightweight ABBA record. All backing vocals were sung by Frida and Phil. The album closes with their duet "Here We'll Stay."
Swedish Television, SVT, documented this historical event, by filming the whole recording process. From day one in the studio to the releaseparty when the album was completed. The result became a one hour TV-special, including interviews with Frida and Phil, Björn & Benny from Abba, as well as all the musicians on the album. This documentary is included in Frida - The DVD.
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Famous quotes containing the word recording:
“Too many photographers try too hard. They try to lift photography into the realm of Art, because they have an inferiority complex about their Craft. You and I would see more interesting photography if they would stop worrying, and instead, apply horse-sense to the problem of recording the look and feel of their own era.”
—Jessie Tarbox Beals (1870–1942)
“He shall not die, by G—, cried my uncle Toby.
MThe ACCUSING SPIRIT which flew up to heaven’s chancery with the oath, blush’d as he gave it in;—and the RECORDING ANGEL as he wrote it down, dropp’d a tear upon the word, and blotted it out for ever.”
—Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)
“I didn’t have to think up so much as a comma or a semicolon; it was all given, straight from the celestial recording room. Weary, I would beg for a break, an intermission, time enough, let’s say, to go to the toilet or take a breath of fresh air on the balcony. Nothing doing!”
—Henry Miller (1891–1980)