On the Border - Al Stewart (1976)

Don't know what inspired Al to write about gun smugglers but the picture he paints here coupled with Peter White's Spanish guitar gives me an incomprehensible chill, that's not to say goose-pimples. There are many Stewart songs that could make my list but this one is can't be ignored.

Mississippi - Pussycat (1976)

Missisippi roll along until the end of time' and 'Country music lost it's soul when the guitar turned to rock and roll' Pussycat toppled Abba on the charts with a similar warm glow sound sound.

Afternoon delight - Starland Vocal Band (1976)

...and I thought this song was about enjoying an ice-cream on a sunny afternoon on your way to the shops! But what was that about 'sky-rockets in flight, afternoon delight'? Maybe it was one of those weird lolly flavours that screwed your mouth when you bit into it...or something...no? OK, I didn't think about it too much, except that every time it came on the radio it gave me a strange sensation of pleasure. Oh it doesn't matter! Just loved those girly vocals and rocket sounds disappearing into the nether. How sad it is to grow up, and I wasn't even that young back in 1976. The vocals are very ABBAish, even the video showing the girl profiles.

Fernando - ABBA (1976)

By the time Fernando was released ABBA was already the most loved and hated band in the world. Maybe it was Europhobia or Eurofilia depending on your stance. So if you were a fan of eurodite pop or rock you may have been a little brave to declare your like for Fernando or any other ABBA song. I was a little shy about it myself but I have since come out and openly said : I like some ABBA songs. This is one of them. OK, it's a little safer these days.