The Swing of Things

Imagine having the perfect view, but knowing you are in the wrong place... Yup. That's me today. I'm afraid I again have a case of the melancholies.

In times like these I turn back to music, which has always helped me when I am feeling down, and no music artist has ever served that purpose better than the band A-ha. Most people know the Norwegian rockers for their ultra-80s hit Take on Me-- in fact, many in North America might think that was all they had up their Swatch watch infested sleeves. But for me, and many others, the band has meant the world and continues to play an important part in our lives.

Delve a little deeper into A-ha's catalogue (which lasted for over 25 years) and you will find a perfect mix of melody and melancholy. I was hooked pretty early on: raised on the Beatles, I recognized a similar songwriting thread from this 80s band that was also influenced by the sound of the 60s. I wore out tapes of their first album Hunting High and Low, which perfectly mirrored the feelings of an introverted teen striving to break free. Their second album, Scoundrel Days, was even moodier, and showed the band's rougher side... this album also came out right before I lost my father. I could never thank the band enough for the support they gave me (through their music) during a very grey and challenging time.



I actually had the great fortune of interviewing the band in 2005 before they performed a sold-out concert in New York City's Irving Plaza. They were just about to release Analogue, one of their strongest albums, and seemed in good spirits-- especially to be back in the U.S. again, where their profile had basically disappeared through the years. I learned many things about their career: how their record company viewed them as difficult for not trying to duplicate their early pop hit; how they remained popular throughout much of the rest of the world, even setting a world record in 1991 for the highest-attended show in Rio de Janeiro... but above all, it was amazing to be sitting next to these artists who had created a body of work that has had such a lasting impact on me.

In 2010 the band decided to call it a day, after releasing another critically acclaimed album, Foot of the Mountain. They returned once again to the U.S., for a final string of shows, before playing around the rest of the world. I was fortunate to make it to each of the American gigs, but felt a little embarrassed that I hadn't quite managed to finish the documentary I had been working on about their music. Part of the delay was due to it being an independent project I had to fit in between regular work, but also... how do you accurately sum up the career of a band that has meant that much to you personally? I did manage to produce a rough version, which I shared with the band, some fans, and with members of the press, to promote their shows in North America. You can view several of the clips here.

2012 marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of A-ha-- they formed in Oslo, Norway back in September 1982, and became the biggest act ever to make it from the Scandinavian country. Artists such as Coldplay, Sondre Lerche, Keane, Kings of Convenience, Morrissey, and even U2 have cited them as an influence. Still, many people only know them for one or two songs in this country. I feel this is the year I need to finish this documentary, and share not only the band's story, but a piece of my own. As they sang back in 1986: Oh, have I come to the point where I'm losing the grip, or is it still time to get into the swing of things...