tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85958121040503869342024-03-13T22:27:27.278-07:00Three Days in MayThe Eurovision Song Contest - love it or shove it, it will never die, and I *love* it!! Join me in my meanderings on the contest and maybe the odd interview with exciting people!!Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-63244774097161757682012-02-12T14:00:00.000-08:002012-02-12T14:00:57.971-08:00Iceland decides! And I don't agree!!So, Iceland also chose their song for Eurovision last night, and went for a male/female ballad! It's not awful or anything, but, gird yourself, it's another EUROTRAVESTI, for reasons that I will discuss later!<br /><br />Before that though, here's the actual song they did choose. The chap's called Jonsi, and went to Eurovision for Iceland before in 2004 with a neck-vein-popping performance, he seems to have calmed down a bit now! As he's so pretty, I haven't paid the female much attention, but she does a bit of violin strumming, which is sooooooo 2009!!! Here it is, anyway:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mepztXfP9_c?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Loads of fans are praising this to the hilt, and like I say, while it's not bad, there's one or two other songs that should have got the gig for Iceland instead. As in:<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ubqjg18G6lo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />This translates as "Never let me go" and is a much nicer, more memorable tune than the winner, and I think it would have done well in Eurovision, still, as I am starting to say a lot lately, we'll never know...!Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-74482591412145648112012-02-12T12:15:00.000-08:002012-02-12T12:15:48.872-08:00Tooji takes trophy in Norway!Next up is Norway who selected their Eurovision entry last night in an amazing final! Several really good songs competed for the right to sing for Norway at Eurovision in May and the one that emerged triumphant was this:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5ZEvqVD7SZs?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Now this has really divided the fans - you either seem to hate it ("it's a copy of Eric Saade's song for Sweden last year"/"it's for bed-wetting 10-year olds") or love it ("it's fab and catchy"/"it's a modern pop dance song that could be in the charts"), and I am firmly in the "love" camp!<br /><br />I think Norway have been very canny here, with a pop song with ethnic tinges, by an Iranian-born singer that will perform in Azerbaijan, Tehran is just next door! I think it's not just the Azeris will love Tooji either...<br /><br />But saying all that, it still qualifies as a Eurotravesty!!! I do like this song a lot, but it wasn't my favourite by a long chalk!! I *loved* this wee ballad and so did the juries! This was leading the vote after the juries had given their scores, but wasn't popular, it wasn't popular enough with the televotes to win the overall vote. Still I loved it, it's very like it could be off of a musical, or Disney film, but that's no bad thing!:<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xEXUL1Xk-5k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />*Sigh* I really do think this could have won for Norway at Eurovision, but we'll never know! What do you think?Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-5508046437248278362012-02-12T12:01:00.000-08:002012-02-12T12:01:25.599-08:00You can say it's all the same - HUNGARY DECIDES!Well, it's been a big old weekend for Eurovision this weekend, with three countries choosing their Eurovision songs for this year.<br /><br />By either accident or design, I spent last night round my mates Julie and Andrew's gaff just outside Cambridge and we watched Norway and Iceland choose their songs, but the first we are going to look at is Hungary. Most of the songs that Hungary had to choose from were rubbish, so of course the big fear is that there would be a EUROTRAVESTY and they'd choose one of the rubbish ones. <br /><br />But in a rare feat, Hungary chose the best song, although unfortunately the singer is somewhat "vocally challenged" and I can't quite bring myself to post the live version yet, so here's the studion version accompanied by come charming shots of riot, wars and famines and stuff: <br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bwqrTPXjc1w?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Now, I don't think this is bad at all, a bit Hurts-esque in terms of the music, and if the singer steps up to the plate it could do very well in Baku in May!! Hurray for Hungary, my second favourite entry chosen so far!! :)Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-85306470028583990982012-02-09T11:48:00.000-08:002012-02-09T11:48:51.594-08:00They'll be there for you, like they've been there before...Ireland have released the six songs that will compete for the right to represent the Emerald Isle in Baku, and well, let's just say that some of them (tedious Celtic Ballad, cheesy male/female duo, male solo soft rock) are there to make up the numbers... As soon as Jedward confirmed that they were going to try out for Ireland again, many thought that it was a foregone conclusion.<br /><br />And it's a got tune!! I know that they'll be totally carried by their backing singers, but it's another catchy tune, but in a different way to their song from last year, have a listen!! :<br /><br /><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wbzd5LHq8uU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Not bad eh? Very US-sounding, like an updated version of "I'll be there for you" and as has been mentioned by fandom, very "High School Musical" too! Could do very good business for Ireland, this!<br /><br />The other song of note is Donna McCaul, who entered for Ireland in 2005, with her wee brother Joe, who's on her own know, and clearly channelling Lady Gaga:<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lmbeK6ptz0g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Reckon it will be between these two when Ireland choose their song, although it's difficult to see any other outcome than Jedward Jed-winning! :))) What do *you* think?Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-37437039495628086462012-02-05T04:46:00.000-08:002012-02-05T04:46:27.195-08:00Cyprus - La La La Love It! :)))The last catch up with all the Eurovision entries that have already been chosen comes from Cyprus. Cyprus more often than not choose *very* ethnic, "typically Cypriot" entries, which either don't qualify for the final or get overshadowed by the Greek entry. However this year they've gone for something a bit different:<br /><br /><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ldbDIgLdB7s?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />To me it has elements of Rihanna-lite, a bit Gaga, a bit Katy Perry, and I la la love it!! Well done to Cyprus for entering something credible and that sounds like it could be in the charts right now!<br /><br />We've not yet heard her sing this live yet though, which is mildly concerning at the moment, but as long as she carries it off live, I think this is sailing into the final! <br /><br />Hoorah for Cyprus, would love to go to Eurovision in Limassol next year! :))))Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-3234463631794105702012-02-05T02:51:00.000-08:002012-02-05T02:51:41.832-08:00France in "sends a splendid song to Eurovision-shocker!!"Blimey!! It's almost as if France *want* to win!! France TV have internally selected the singer and song this year, like the BBC did with Blue last year, the difference being that the singer they have chosen has had two number ones in France last year, so is a very successful contemporary artist!<br /><br />And the song is a belter! Stick with it, the intro lulls you into thinking that it will be something *completely* different:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5T2ZgdgRW0g?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Anggun is orginally from Indonesia, and came to France to find international stardom, having done very well in her homeland...<br /><br />Absolutely love this, it's catchy, modern and just a little bit bonkers! And could be performed very well on the Eurovision stage!<br /><br />Bonne chance, Anggun, Bonne chance la France!!Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-10614588239351034622012-02-05T01:22:00.000-08:002012-02-05T01:29:51.899-08:00Third time lucky - This was Kurt's night in Malta...So plucky wee Malta chose their song for Eurovision last night, and as Terry Wogan would say, the vote went down to the wire! <br /><br />The Maltese National final always seems to take about five hours, and it was very nearly a very awful and boring ballad that got the ticket to Baku, however the best song among a mediocre bunch won in the end, and so we'll be seeing Kurt Calleja at Eurovision this year with "This is the Night". I can't help thinking that the introduction to the song promises more than it delivers....:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eBVsAve6hrQ?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />You can't knock a tryer though, and this is Kurt's third attempt to represent Malta at the Eurovision, and the Maltese public always seem to reward those who if at first they don't succeed, try, try, and try again! <br /><br />Actually the more I listen to it, the more I like it, the English lyric is a bit simple and twee "Hey, look at me and you'll see that I'm into you" doesn't fit well with me, but I like the vibe! And it sure is better than their song last year! And I like his look :P What do you think?Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-44901686893319841882012-02-04T10:34:00.000-08:002012-02-04T10:34:24.890-08:00Oh Denmark, you should've known better!!So another country that have chosen their entry for Eurovision is Denmark, and this year's first real EUROTRAVESTY!! Oh yes dear reader, you may have to get used to there being an occasional EUROTRAVESTY, for I rarely agree with the choices of song that countries send to Eurovision!<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I kinda like their entry, it's a safe, MOR number sung by a cute girl with a quirky taste in fashion, and here it is:<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QXHSAFkZOnI?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />It's ok innit? Nothing special that grabs you by the wotsits, and I'm not certain it will get Denmark out of the semi-finals. NOT LIKE THIS WOULD HAVE DONE!!!:<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vPTgt-3YA1E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Oh my, but this is wonderful! "Overflow" by Ditte Marie didn't even come close to winning the Danish national final, and I love it!! I can just see Dame Kylie singing it, *sigh*... If only the BBC could be reading this - it would be the perfect entry for the UK!! Never mind, it's still fab! :))) Whaddya think?Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-35017968977857936282012-02-04T05:06:00.000-08:002012-02-04T05:15:38.481-08:00Sweden's songs for tonight! :)How exciting!!<br /><br />Sweden's selection process for selecting a song for Eurovision is always one of the most-awaited by Eurofans such as I! There are four heats with eight songs in each, the top two of which go straight to the final, or direkt til Globen as it is officially known. The third and fourth most popular songs from each heat all compete in a "Second Chance" round, the top two of which also join the other eight finalists. Are you still with me?<br /><br />Well, heat number one is held in Vaxjo tonight, and you can hear all the songs here:<br /><br />http://svt.se/melodifestivalen/20120204135219/lyssna_pa_alla_kvallens_latar<br /><br />Am loving Afro-dite (who performed at Eurovison for Sweden in 2002) and Loreen, fingers crossed girls! :)))Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-30313809864443678682012-02-04T04:01:00.000-08:002012-02-04T09:29:31.104-08:00Feel like taking a trip outside your head? It's Switzerland!!Switzerland are another country that this year underwent a mahoosive selection process to find their song for Eurovision this year. Before we look at their song for Eurovision, just wanted to discuss two real gems that *could* have (should have?) got the ticket to Baku:<br /><br />In the first stage of their selection, Switzerland posted hundreds of songs on the interweb for people to select their faves and it threw up a few names that raised my eyebrow at least... Including this one, it's only mildly-disturbing X-Factor sibling-combo Same Difference!!! Wanting to sing for Switzerland with this if you please!:<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CSxpAIKRiPU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Love it!!! Catchy chorus a-go-go, a dance routine just waiting to be created, and that "ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee-ee" bit that screams "choose me!!" to me! BBC! Steal it now, the Swiss don't want it, and we'll end up with Su Pollard and Biggins if we're not careful!!!<br /><br />Another Swiss Reject is this, remember Ultra Nate off of the 90s? You know, "You're Freeeeeeeeeee, to do what you want to dooooooo!!!" Well they only wanted to sing for Switzerland too, with this:<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wCkpsb2ngwQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Oh come on Switzerland!! What more do you want?? A catchy dance beat, bells, an "oh-oh-oh-oh" section, this one's got it all!! BBC! Steal it now, the Swiss don't want it, and we'll end up with Same Difference if you're not careful!<br /><br />Having said all that, the Swiss entry is rather good!:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B3vUIoqwHTM?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />They're called Sinplus and are brothers Ivan and Gabriel Broggoni, and not entirely unpleasing on the eye! ;-))))<br /><br />It's very reminiscent of the Killers' "sound", although I think it might be more of a grower and not instant enough to grab the televoters of Europe. If the juries that vote like a bit of poprock with their sherry though, it could, just *could* make the Saturday final in May! What do you think?Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-88268594109673225302012-02-04T03:31:00.000-08:002012-02-04T03:31:43.639-08:00Bodyformed for yooooooooooooou....So, I make it 5 countries that have already selected their entry for Eurovision this year, and Albania are always among the first to chose their entry. Can't help but think that I have heard it before though... Is it:<br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/asXw2a4kQLc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Well, I had to wonder... Mercy me, Albania, what have you done??? Albania have this massive selection process to choose their Eurovision entry which lasts, like, an entire weekend and usually has about 50 songs being performed. Of which, *this* was judged to be the best, oh boy...<br /><br /><iframe width="459" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dVvDxR8k5LY?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Now it will be a bit different by the time it is performed in Baku, it's too long (some would say by about 4 minutes!), and the Albanian entries always seem to undergo some transformation before they get to Eurovision, but blimey, the NOISE!!! Anyone can drag themselves backwards through a hedge and get up on a stage and scream, and indeed I'm sure some of us have!<br /><br />Where's the facepainted dwarves spinning on their heads, the flame-headed beauties surrounded by flames and the di-di-da choruses of yesteryear that the Albanians have sent to the contest...? I'm not a fan of this, as you might have guessed, although I have seen Eurofans loving it on the interweb - what do you reckon, leave a comment on FB or on the blog, I'd love to know what you think of it!Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-50580215164744948852012-02-04T02:44:00.000-08:002012-02-04T02:44:43.603-08:00Ok, ok, so I let it slide... I was kind of busy....Ta-dah!!! Yes, back with a big glitter explosion is my Eurovision Blog!!<br /><br />You may have noticed, although I'm guessing not (!), that my blog kinda just stopped last year... In the words of Baccara: "Where did you go, what did you do, who did you meet - tell me all about eet??" - well I went and got married, that's what, Baccara, and the planning for that took me away from my Euro-duties!!<br /><br />But I have returned, and before I start to look at the tunes selected for this year's contest so far (and what a bunch they are!!), here's the reason why we're off to a contest that is being held the furthest East it has ever been this year... The Eurovision this year is being held in Baku, because of the not-entirely-unexpected victory for Azerbaijan last year!! The Azeris have been threatening to win the contest ever since they debuted in 2008, their winning song came top on the preview party I held and it was staged *very* well. It didn't exactly set the music charts alight across Europe after it won, but here it is nonetheless, enjoy this final look back at last year!:<br /><br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fSnz-iF9Xps?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-13075703955590746972011-05-02T00:42:00.000-07:002011-05-02T00:44:21.129-07:00I really really *want* to like this....Oh Glen Vella, the chap who sings this is such a lovely Malteser, really he is! Cute as a button, he has such enthusiasm for the contest which comes across in all the interviews, he really wants to do well for Malta (he came second in their national final in 2010), and gives 110% in every performance. It's just such a shame that the song isn't stronger. We are into the mid-semi-one-lull, have a look and listen to this:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LIa_QV-LM8g?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Now, it's not *bad* and there are worse songs in the first semi-final, but oh my, it's dated and oh, oh my, it's a wee bit bland to my ears at least. Malta have such enthusiasm for the contest, and have come close to winning on a couple of occasions (few will ever forget the big Chiara vs Dana International stand-off in 1998!!) but I sadly don't think they'll come anywhere near the top of the tree this year:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 15<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?: </span>No. They've failed to qualify with better songs.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by:</span> <iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LnSehqYEEks" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> That's all I'm saying!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> "Is it time for a drink?"Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-77583787678919374362011-05-02T00:12:00.000-07:002011-05-02T00:14:24.495-07:00Da Da Dreary....So then, on to the Finnish song in this years Eurovision Contest of Song...<br /><br />Oh dear, from the moment Paradise Oskar starts to sing I really wish he would finish. Last year Belgium did really rather well with a song by a male singer with just him and his guitar, and this is a similar style but sadly without any of the charm... Have a listen to this:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aoDsA9PutU4?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />I think this could go one of two ways really, either it will do well like Belgium did last year, or, like me, televoters will kind of fall asleep. I'm sorry Paradise Oskar (real name Axel Ehnström), but I'm off refilling my glass before you're halfway through your charming tale of Peter trotting off around to the world to save our plane-et.<br /><br />As we are now less that two weeks away, and the contestants are rehearsing in the arena in Dusseldorf, here's the first rehearsal of this song too, uploaded onto the interweb by the really rather lovely folk of allkindsofeverything.ie :<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oM5xPK9KXKU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />And so to my scores on the doors for Finland 2011:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 22<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?:</span> No. Unless Europe takes leave of it's sanity, which let's face it has happened before! No, I'm staying with no.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by:</span> Let's bring back Fredi and his Friends to "Pump Pump" it up a bit!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> Something about the name "Da Da Dum" putting him in mind of "Diggi Loo Diggi Ley" and those Swedish boys in little golden boots.Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-15516287470930796102011-04-30T07:34:00.000-07:002011-04-30T07:34:30.599-07:00Georgia Porgia, Pudding and Pie....Well I don't know about you, but I'll be nipping up from viewing Semi One a week on Tuesday and helping myself to some pudding or pie, and more than likely another port and lemon too.<br /><br />Have a listen to this:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aFV0Tcy9OXc?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Maybe you like it? I'm afraid I can't say that I do! It's not *bad* but just a bit too unmemorable and a bit too noisy for me, and as for the rap, oy, oy oy...<br /><br />Georgia have yet to enthuse me at Eurovision to be honest, they debuted in 2007 with a truly awful banshee wailer of a song, they sent a Peace Anthem a year later, sung by a girl what was blind and rather than want to vomit as I did, the rest of Europe sent her into the final!! In 2009, they wanted to send a not-at-all-political song to their good "friends" in Russia called "We don't wanna Put In" (yes, I know), and last year they sent a song so unmemorable, the only thing I can remember about it is the fitty fitsters that were dancing along with her (they got their chests out and weren't wearing any shoes, not that I pay any attention to that kind of thing)!!!<br /><br />So given the fact that I've spent more time talking about other Georgian songs than their entry this year, my summary is sadly not positive:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> Oh, about seven!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?:</span> Difficult to call - Georgia have a good track record in getting out of the final, this could be the one that sees them going home early though!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by: </span>Frankly, anyone!! Maybe my old mum would sing it better...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> "Now this is the first year Georgia are in the contest, and I can't see it doing well". (He *never* got the hang of new countries entering Eurovision!!!Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-34893871151231948592011-04-30T00:40:00.000-07:002011-04-30T00:40:27.722-07:00They've been practising!! :-)))Blue appeared on a prime-time ITV show last night to perform "I Can", and gave their best vocal performance yet - hurrah!!<br /><br />Lee seems to be a bit more in control of his upper range, and when the sparkly fountain thing came down behind them, I had one of those Winning Moment Thoughts!!! <br /><br />See what you think - small interview with the lads afterwards too:<br /><br /><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DW5Zhg1F88g?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe>Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-42179903021528508562011-04-29T11:36:00.000-07:002011-04-29T11:37:19.617-07:00Just too cute!! Like a cute Swiss Button!!!Plucky Switzerland, they *do* try...<br /><br />2008 saw them send the not entirely un-attractive Paolo Meneguzzi with a nice enough song that he kind of stuffed up on the night, 2009 saw them send the not entirely attractive Lovebugs with a nice enough song that they stuffed up on the night and in 2010, well, you get the picture....<br /><br />This year sees Switzerland try to reach the final for the first time since 2006 with a nice enough song that hopefully Anna Rossinelli will perform very well indeed for it is a lovely gentle yet catchy tune! And she's only gone and done herself a proper professional video and everything!!!:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zeWuGahGBKM?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Oooh, but melikes this! I can just hear it on Radio 2 as Ken Bruce's song of the week or something, it's got a very contemporary vibe to it in a female-singersongwritery kind of way, hasn't it? Hasn't it?<br /><br />Anna has performed this song well in all the live performances of the song that I've seen on Tinternet, so I can only keep everything crossed that she will do well for Switzerland with this in a week or so's time! In summary then:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 77<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?:</span> Oh, I would love it to! However, my head is saying no, it's on early in the draw, and Switzerland can't seem to do well lately.... I've got everything crossed that Anna will buck the trend though as this deserves to be in the final in my opinion!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by:</span> I'd love to hear Lys Assia sing this - she won the first Eurovision ever, you know (and get's wheeled out every year like a museum exhibit for everyone to point/laugh at)!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> "Now this *should* do well, and not a cuckoo clock in sight!".Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-74558936622377134952011-04-29T11:11:00.000-07:002011-04-29T11:13:03.167-07:00Oooooh, get you! :-)))Following last year's effort of a guy sounding like Mr Bean singing about some dolly bird and "looking at her photo" (which was actually a picture of her drawn with a biro), Russia are BACK! Yay!!<br /><br />This year, I think Russia won't be needing to threaten to cut off any gas lines to get votes though as they are sending something really rather splendid! Have a look and listen at this:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_J4-T22p0y4?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />So obviously, Alex is pwetty. Very pwetty, so pwetty in fact that he's dropped the "w" and got into some petty bitchfests with this year's other pwettyboy that will be singing for Sweden. They're totally choreographed for publicity of course, but I can't help but love the fact that they'll be laying banana skins around for each other to trip the other up in Dusseldorf!<br /><br />But, more than that, there's the music of course, and I love, Love, LOVE this!!! A catchy pop song that's written and/or produced by the Swedish chappy that writes all Lady Gaga's hits, and it's got a fair smattering of "oh-oh-oh"s that can be chanted alongside Alexey's pwetty voice.<br /><br />He's made a bit of a fuss over gays hitting on him or something, although I'm sure he's realised by now that Dusseldorf will be a gay club for most of the first two weeks in May, and you know what they say about those who protest too much (hahaha, I wish!). But then he KISSES GIRLS!! EVEN WHEN HE SINGS!!! So he must be straight, ok? :-)<br /><br />So, the scores on the doors for Russia:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 83<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?: </span>One of the golden rules of Modern Eurovision is that Russia ALWAYS QUALIFY. They qualified to the final last year with a man who had bad facial hair and a dirty turquoise scarf, for chrissakes!!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by:</span> Eric Saaaaaaaade the Swedish guy, having crashed onto the stage after one too many Smirnoff Ices, and bitchslapped Alex with a cry of "Ha! Got you!!"<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> Something about Mother Russia cutting off gas (oops, just like me), and "keep an eye on the pretty girls in the front row of the audience!".Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-59808558726359491102011-04-29T10:43:00.001-07:002011-04-29T10:45:59.772-07:00Been on an impromptu-ish holiday!!Eeeks, so I went on a visit to my brother in the gorgeous Lake District in northern England, which means the reviews have stalled, but they will kick back in with two more tonight, and four, yes friends, four of this year's Eurovision songs reviewed tomorrow!!!<br /><br />I may even kick in with more than that, as the rehearsals for semi 1 start in Germany on Sunday! O mein gott!!! <br /><br />More to follow, I promise! :))))Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-62820888473426312402011-04-23T01:05:00.000-07:002011-04-23T01:05:50.193-07:00Oh, Oh, Oh, it's Magic(al)!!! Serbia in great song shocker!Serbia and I have had a tricky Eurovision relationship in the past... I knew "Molitva" would win as soon as I heard it, but then when they sent a comedy song about a pair of shoes in 2009 I don't think I was the only person in Europe to be suprised that they didn't qualify to the final! <br /><br />This year Serbia are sending this, and I LOVE IT!!!!:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dQtyCNa00tc?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />It's going to be sung in Serbian on the night, and there is some debate in Fandom as to whether it should be performed in Dusseldorf in Serbian or English, but I wanted to share this rather wonderful English language version video with you! It's got fabulous backing singers with some groovy moves! It's got a chorus catchier than the flu! And most of all a singer that can really sing, hoorah!<br /><br />Serbia held a rather bizarre national final when three members of a family each entered a song, but from now on, it's all about Nina. The song was performed with a real 60s vibe to it when it was selected in Belgrade, and I hope they keep it that way for the Eurovision contest itself. It's my winner so far!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 78<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?:</span> Oh it should do!! Serbia qualify to the final more often than not, and it's a catchy pop song! Come on and vote for it, Europe!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by:</span> Duffy, Dusty, or other good female singers starting with D. Except Dido.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> "If they go for bounce, pizazz, and short skirts, it's gonna win!!"Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-43458724339898121522011-04-23T00:43:00.000-07:002011-04-23T00:43:49.174-07:00Hey there you with the sad face, come up to my place and live it...ohhh....So we crash on with the first semi final in this years Eurovision, and it's Turkey's turn at song number five!<br /><br />But, but, it's time for a Traditional Turkish Ethnopop song this year and they give us rock!!! I submit my evidence:<br /><br />2007: Ethnopop - you remember the wee small chappy being revealed from a big quality street wrapper with the song "Shake it up Sekerim", or whatever it was, right?<br /><br />2008: Turkish Rock - Mor ve Otesi sang the rock song "Deli" about their favourite place to buy a spot of lunch.<br /><br />2009: Ethnopop - Hadise took my favourite song of the year, "Dum Tek Tek" to Moscow and shook her tush like the Turkish Beyonce she is!<br /><br />2010: Turkish Rock - ManGa rocked Oslo with silver robot woman, sparks, epilepsy-inducing flashing lights and, oh yes, geetars!<br /><br />So there was I, looking forward to a bit of ethnopop from Turkey this year, and this is what I get!!! (well, what we all get tbh):<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/beVb1UCLUHA?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Where's the bellydancing, flowing fabrics and bongos???<br /><br />Having said that, I do like a bit of Turkrock, and this is a solid entry from Turkey. A fair bit of a grower though and I can't see a lot of people loving this from the outset. However it's Turkey and they always do well, so a Top 10 finish is likely.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 70<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?:</span> It's Turkey and so it's bound to...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by:</span> ManGa or Mor ve Otesi I guess!! :)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?: </span>"It's during a song like that that you really notice the set, don't you?"Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-17416753282025154222011-04-17T01:00:00.000-07:002011-04-17T01:01:30.696-07:00Emmy sings for Armenia, but no awards in sight sadly!So we crash on with our look at this years Eurovision tunes with this years entry from Armenia...<br /><br />Now this will get it's share of the votes, just you wait and see. The performer, Emmy is not only a big star in Armenia, but wikipedia says that she is a star in Russia and Turkey too, so it must be true! Emmy is one of a number of acts in this years contest that have tried to represent their country at ESC before, she came second in Armenia last year with a song that was endorsed by Ricky Martin if you please! This year, with no such endorsement, she got the ticket to Dusseldorf, make of that what you will :)))<br /><br />So, to the actual song:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h7ZNKO7rYDU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Hmmm, there's not a lot to it really, is there? IMO, it's a weak attempt at the Ethnic Pop Song, which often does well at Eurovision, and in it's favour, I do find myself singing "Boom Boom Chaka Chaka" at random moments of the day, but then I have heard the song approximately 326 times by now.<br /><br />It's difficult to see it winning, but you never know!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 52<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?:</span> It's bound to - Armenia always qualify as far as I can recall. As to whether it deserves to, that's a different matter...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by: </span>Boom Boom Chaka Chaka Khan of course!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> "A whiff of the souk!"Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-59865073212038269262011-04-14T08:11:00.000-07:002011-04-14T08:12:40.151-07:00Third up in Semi One... Review - Albania 2011 - "Feel The Passion"Oh it's a bit manic and scary.<br /><br />Albania are all or nothing as far as I am concerned, they are the ultimate hit or miss nation of Eurosong.<br /><br />When they get it right, they present moments of Eurovision Gold, from the “I'm queeeeeeen of the wooooooorld of maaaaaake believe” in “Image of you” or the dancing dwarves and scary sequin gimp-mask-guy of “Carry me in your dreams” to the scene-stealing backing singer-mommas of “It's all about you” from last year.<br /><br />However, when they get it wrong, it can be shocking, and they end up sending something like this:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0bpOngv520I?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Oh dear Albania.<br /><br />There are some small nuggets in this, firstly while Aurela is clearly as mad as a bucket of frogs, she comes across in interviews at least as A Loveable Diva. In an interview over on esctoday.com I loved her quote: “My name is Aurela Gaçe and I love my face!”. Not sure how this will come across on the telly when she is performing in the first semi though!!<br /><br />Also, the video has had a wee bit of money spent on it, it's just a shame that the song itself is such a mess... To me it's just a three minute dirge, sorry Aurela. I can't help but be scared that she'll visit me in the small hours and put a bat up my nightdress if she ever read this... So on to the summary!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Danpoints out of a hundred:</span> 24<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Is it getting out of the Semi Final?:</span> With an early draw and better and more memorable songs around either side of it, I don't think so...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Would be better sung by: </span>Aurela herself has said that when she wears black hair, people think she is Liza Minelli!! Now there's a version of “Feel the Passion” I'd like to hear!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What Would Terry Wogan Say?:</span> “Does her own hair, and wearing something her mother made out of a pair of curtains...”Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-7549042675712917232011-04-14T05:39:00.000-07:002011-04-15T04:44:18.603-07:00London Eurovision Party - the excitement mounts!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsAaJZ7_eIM/Tabrd02LtKI/AAAAAAAAABQ/SH_zZ-p4nSo/s1600/index_image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qsAaJZ7_eIM/Tabrd02LtKI/AAAAAAAAABQ/SH_zZ-p4nSo/s320/index_image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595418484689056930" /></a><br /><br /><br />This weekend in London is all about this year's London Eurovision Party! Held at the Shadow Lounge in the heart of Soho on Sunday evening, six of this years Eurovison artists have confirmed attendance, Poli Genova from Bulgaria, Glen Vella from Malta, Hotel FM from Romania, Raphael Gualazzi from Italy, Anna Rossinelli from Switzerland and the one I would most love to have a glass of something sparkly with, Senit from San Marino!<br /><br />And I've just seen that Dame Emily Reed who was narrowly beaten by Jemini in the UK National Final in 2003 will be there!!! Oh my days, she is *bound* to sing "Help Me" - I might actually cry!<br /><br />I wish I could be there, family commitments are keeping me from attending, but that should not keep you!<br /><br />For more information, and to buy tickets for the event, go to<br /><br />www.londoneurovision.com<br /><br />On Season Rocks!!! :)))Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8595812104050386934.post-18115770313905929272011-04-14T05:36:00.000-07:002011-04-14T05:52:26.175-07:00Something smashing before the reviews start today...How exciting!! Oh, it's truly lovely to have an entry in Eurovision that is having more than £3.50 spent on promoting it!! Those lovely boys in Blue have only gone and done another, *second*, video for their UK Eurovision entry, "I Can"!!<br /><br /><br />As if the video that was sent to the EBU with Our Boys prancing around a London rooftop waving Union Jacks with "I Can" being written in the skies in other languages wasn't enough, we now get this!!!:<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hPuDbaOBDsc?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br /><br />Reasons why it's better?: You did see the bit when they got all wet at the end, right? Poor little The Anthony still keeps his top on though, bless...<br /><br />Oooh, the more time passes the more I dare to dream that the UK are gonna do it this year!!Dan Cobbetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04348422092718583677noreply@blogger.com1