Some fiascos you never quite see coming, do you? You see the preview, you listen to the song, you like it, you think it will do quite well.
And then it crashes and burns right in front of you. Like Regina from Slovenia did in Oslo in 1996.
It all looked very promising in the cute preview, where it all sounded very well and looked great and was a very appealing package.
Regina - Dan najlepših sanj (Slovenia 1996 preview)
Come Oslo, it looked and sounded like this:
Regina - Dan najlepšish sanj (Slovenia 1996)
I was too deeply into it back then to notice at first, but there is quite a difference between these two clips. Everybody seems a bit tired on stage. Regina looks like she has a bit of a headache coming on. She struggles a bit with some of the higher notes.
Eurovision can be exhausting enough with being eight months pregnant, that's for sure, and to add further to the exhaustion rumours have it that the Slovenian delegation had rather a turbulent week in Oslo, which must have added further to the general state of fatigue.
Maybe they were just pretty happy to go home, regardless of the outcome?
As a piece of trivia - Slovenia was extremely well prepared this year and offered the press the first ever ESC CD-ROM presentation. In a very orange packaging came a booklet along with an interactive disc containing biographies, video clips and a few extra songs by Regina.
Too bad that not at least a bit of all that ambition made its way into the stage presentation. But you can't think of everything, can you?
A fine song it is, anyhow, unfairly forgotten both on the night as well as by a large section of the eurofans. I salute Regina, who is an excellent vocalist, and proudly shout out my love for this.
If you do too - please say so in a comment.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
The 2011 review, part Nine
I have made my way through all thirty-eight semifinalists, and only the big five, already in the final, remian to be examined.
11. FRANCE
Amaury Vassili - Sognu (France 2011)
This is not the first time opera has been tried out at Eurovision, but it was a long time ago that we had such a pure piece of aria. Usually, the high notes have been baked into a more eurotypical pop cake before being served to the audience. Already from the opening notes, you understand what awaits: grandness, emotion, passion and some really impressive use of the old vocal chords.
Young Amaury really does his best, and he is rather easy on the eye as well, but for me this never takes off. It just isn't as passionate as it pretends to be. This isn't Carmen, it is rather an old backdrop left in the attic of the Opera house.
It is likely to impress a large part of the audience and could very well be the winner in the end. That would be great for France, but not so fantastic for the contest. A winner without chart potential isn't quite what Eurovision needs.
My grade: 3/5
12. ITALY
Raphael Gualazzi - Madness Of Love (Italy 2011)
If France had a typical attempt of breaking the ESC stereotype, then the Italian is almost violently atypical. Elegant jazz with more than a light hint of, well he said it himself, madness.
Raphael is a fantastic performer with a great presence and a great integrity, and he is certainly a dark horse in the running. This could also be a possible winner, but I don't think any person alive could appreciate the panic that would spread at RAI if that prospect came true.
My grade: 4/5
14. UNITED KINGDOM
Blue - I Can (UK 2011)
And here we go - at number 14 we find the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. At least if I have to select a winner beforehand, before having seen any rehearsals. This is the one song that will be obvious and understandable for most people after just one listening. It is perhaps not the best song, but the most instant.
And it comes in a very nice package with a modern arrangement and sung by an act many in the audience will remember.
It will be a tight race, of course, as there are somewhere around ten songs or so that stand a realistic chance of winning. Incredibly enough, four of them come from the big five countries.
My grade: 4/5
16. GERMANY
Lena - Taken By A Stranger (Germany 2011)
While the UK is my anticipated winner, then Germany is, for the second year running, my dream winner. Had Lena offered a Satellite-clone, I would have sighed an found the whole project completely pointless. Now this is something completely different.
The German song is more of a statement than a song. They know they have our full attention, so they put in a song that would normally stand no chance at all at the ESC. And what a fantastic song it is. Minimalist, sophisticated, clean-cut, artistic.
Not everybody's cup of tea at all, but many people will fall as madly in love with this as I have. And the people who understand nothing can't award it any minus points. It is not likely, but more than possible, that Germany takes a double this year. And I would really love them to.
My grade: 5/5
22. SPAIN
Lucia Perez - Que me quiten lo bailao (Spain 2011)
Had this been Andorra's entry I could have showed some indulgence and just been happy about their presence. As for Spain, with a fantastic pop environment and a large number of outrageously talented singers and songwriters, there is no excuse in the world to send in something as toothless and pointless as this.
A serious contender of becoming the first nul-pointer in a final since Jemini back in 2003.
In a year where all the other biggies defend their right to a free spot in the final, Spanish television only demonstrates their own grand disinterest in the whole thing.
Send them to the semis next year. Goodbye!
My grade: 0/5
11. FRANCE
Amaury Vassili - Sognu (France 2011)
This is not the first time opera has been tried out at Eurovision, but it was a long time ago that we had such a pure piece of aria. Usually, the high notes have been baked into a more eurotypical pop cake before being served to the audience. Already from the opening notes, you understand what awaits: grandness, emotion, passion and some really impressive use of the old vocal chords.
Young Amaury really does his best, and he is rather easy on the eye as well, but for me this never takes off. It just isn't as passionate as it pretends to be. This isn't Carmen, it is rather an old backdrop left in the attic of the Opera house.
It is likely to impress a large part of the audience and could very well be the winner in the end. That would be great for France, but not so fantastic for the contest. A winner without chart potential isn't quite what Eurovision needs.
My grade: 3/5
12. ITALY
Raphael Gualazzi - Madness Of Love (Italy 2011)
If France had a typical attempt of breaking the ESC stereotype, then the Italian is almost violently atypical. Elegant jazz with more than a light hint of, well he said it himself, madness.
Raphael is a fantastic performer with a great presence and a great integrity, and he is certainly a dark horse in the running. This could also be a possible winner, but I don't think any person alive could appreciate the panic that would spread at RAI if that prospect came true.
My grade: 4/5
14. UNITED KINGDOM
Blue - I Can (UK 2011)
And here we go - at number 14 we find the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. At least if I have to select a winner beforehand, before having seen any rehearsals. This is the one song that will be obvious and understandable for most people after just one listening. It is perhaps not the best song, but the most instant.
And it comes in a very nice package with a modern arrangement and sung by an act many in the audience will remember.
It will be a tight race, of course, as there are somewhere around ten songs or so that stand a realistic chance of winning. Incredibly enough, four of them come from the big five countries.
My grade: 4/5
16. GERMANY
Lena - Taken By A Stranger (Germany 2011)
While the UK is my anticipated winner, then Germany is, for the second year running, my dream winner. Had Lena offered a Satellite-clone, I would have sighed an found the whole project completely pointless. Now this is something completely different.
The German song is more of a statement than a song. They know they have our full attention, so they put in a song that would normally stand no chance at all at the ESC. And what a fantastic song it is. Minimalist, sophisticated, clean-cut, artistic.
Not everybody's cup of tea at all, but many people will fall as madly in love with this as I have. And the people who understand nothing can't award it any minus points. It is not likely, but more than possible, that Germany takes a double this year. And I would really love them to.
My grade: 5/5
22. SPAIN
Lucia Perez - Que me quiten lo bailao (Spain 2011)
Had this been Andorra's entry I could have showed some indulgence and just been happy about their presence. As for Spain, with a fantastic pop environment and a large number of outrageously talented singers and songwriters, there is no excuse in the world to send in something as toothless and pointless as this.
A serious contender of becoming the first nul-pointer in a final since Jemini back in 2003.
In a year where all the other biggies defend their right to a free spot in the final, Spanish television only demonstrates their own grand disinterest in the whole thing.
Send them to the semis next year. Goodbye!
My grade: 0/5
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The 2011 review: part Eight
Four songs are all that remain from the second semi, and they are a varied bunch indeed.
16. BELARUS
Anastasiya Vinnikova - I Love Belarus (Belarus 2011)
For Portugal, I wrote something similar to this: For a cat exhibition, you enter a cat. For a baking competition, you enter a cake. For a song contest, you enter a song. Belarusian television must have got it all wrong, as they think this is the Eurovision Propaganda Contest.
I am trying really hard not to get political in these reviews, but with this song there is no way around it since the entry in itself has absolutely nothing to do with music. This is a statement from a regime that rigs elections, throws opposition in prison and states that democracy makes people ill.
This entry has many fans online, celebrating its kitsch and camp value. I can hardly even judge it as a song, outside the political context. All I know is that the EBU rule stating that no entry may bring the ESC into disrepute is worth nothing since this one got the green light.
And for the record - I really like Belarus. I think their people would deserve better than this.
Qualifyer:
No. I really hope not. (And I don't really think so either, in all honesty.)
My grade: 0/5
17. LATVIA
Musiqq - Angel In Disguise (Latvia 2011)
Latvia has a very interesting music scene and has an impressive eurovision record with three placings in the top five since their debut in Stockholm 2000. The last few years have been more inconsistent and two rather original entries have been left last in their respective semi finals.
This year's entry is less original. A lot less original. And unfortunately not very good either. Another one of those entries that keep going and going, where nothing happens, where three minutes feel very long.
Qualifyer:
No. It would be about time that Latvia entered a real contender again. I miss them in the final.
My grade: 1/5
18. DENMARK
A Friend In London - New Tomorrow (Denmark 2011)
My first reaction to this was that it's a shame that when Lise Cabble (one of my favourite Danish songwriters and one of the women behind Denmark's wonderful entry back in 1995) finally scores a victory, it is with a relatively weak song.
A few listenings later, I realise that it's not as weak as I thought at first, it just doesn't measure up to her former production. But Europe won't know that. And the lead singer of A Friend In London makes up for it really well, him being the real asset in this package.
Pleasant and airy, and the last chorus is really effective.
Qualifyer:
Yes, and with a bit of luck Denmark will find themselves in the top ten again.
My grade: 3/5
19. IRELAND
Jedward - Lipstick (Ireland 2011)
I don't know where to start, really. The 2011 Irish entry is like a hysterical disaster movie on wheels that will roll through the Eurovision Song Contest and create hysteria and disorder wherever it shows up. And I mean this in a very positive sense.
Jedward are the X-Factor offspring that are loved by their fans, ridiculed by media and generally seen as a passing phenomenon that will be forgotten sometime really soon. This has all ingredients of a real drama in other words - will it be the revenge of the underdogs or the last dance of the has-beens?
I'm all for them. I think their song is one of the best of the year, full of hooks and modern sounds, and the twins themselves are totally loveable in their own little right. Also, for Ireland this song constitutes a smaller revolution, being the first really modern entry they send in. Ever.
Qualifyer:
Yes! Unless it all goes horribly wrong and falls apart on stage. But that would really be a shame.
My grade: 4/5
16. BELARUS
Anastasiya Vinnikova - I Love Belarus (Belarus 2011)
For Portugal, I wrote something similar to this: For a cat exhibition, you enter a cat. For a baking competition, you enter a cake. For a song contest, you enter a song. Belarusian television must have got it all wrong, as they think this is the Eurovision Propaganda Contest.
I am trying really hard not to get political in these reviews, but with this song there is no way around it since the entry in itself has absolutely nothing to do with music. This is a statement from a regime that rigs elections, throws opposition in prison and states that democracy makes people ill.
This entry has many fans online, celebrating its kitsch and camp value. I can hardly even judge it as a song, outside the political context. All I know is that the EBU rule stating that no entry may bring the ESC into disrepute is worth nothing since this one got the green light.
And for the record - I really like Belarus. I think their people would deserve better than this.
Qualifyer:
No. I really hope not. (And I don't really think so either, in all honesty.)
My grade: 0/5
17. LATVIA
Musiqq - Angel In Disguise (Latvia 2011)
Latvia has a very interesting music scene and has an impressive eurovision record with three placings in the top five since their debut in Stockholm 2000. The last few years have been more inconsistent and two rather original entries have been left last in their respective semi finals.
This year's entry is less original. A lot less original. And unfortunately not very good either. Another one of those entries that keep going and going, where nothing happens, where three minutes feel very long.
Qualifyer:
No. It would be about time that Latvia entered a real contender again. I miss them in the final.
My grade: 1/5
18. DENMARK
A Friend In London - New Tomorrow (Denmark 2011)
My first reaction to this was that it's a shame that when Lise Cabble (one of my favourite Danish songwriters and one of the women behind Denmark's wonderful entry back in 1995) finally scores a victory, it is with a relatively weak song.
A few listenings later, I realise that it's not as weak as I thought at first, it just doesn't measure up to her former production. But Europe won't know that. And the lead singer of A Friend In London makes up for it really well, him being the real asset in this package.
Pleasant and airy, and the last chorus is really effective.
Qualifyer:
Yes, and with a bit of luck Denmark will find themselves in the top ten again.
My grade: 3/5
19. IRELAND
Jedward - Lipstick (Ireland 2011)
I don't know where to start, really. The 2011 Irish entry is like a hysterical disaster movie on wheels that will roll through the Eurovision Song Contest and create hysteria and disorder wherever it shows up. And I mean this in a very positive sense.
Jedward are the X-Factor offspring that are loved by their fans, ridiculed by media and generally seen as a passing phenomenon that will be forgotten sometime really soon. This has all ingredients of a real drama in other words - will it be the revenge of the underdogs or the last dance of the has-beens?
I'm all for them. I think their song is one of the best of the year, full of hooks and modern sounds, and the twins themselves are totally loveable in their own little right. Also, for Ireland this song constitutes a smaller revolution, being the first really modern entry they send in. Ever.
Qualifyer:
Yes! Unless it all goes horribly wrong and falls apart on stage. But that would really be a shame.
My grade: 4/5
Monday, April 25, 2011
The 2011 review: part Seven
Halfway through the second semi final, time to have a look at starting positions 11 - 15.
11. FYR MACEDONIA
Vlatko Ilievski - Rusinka (FYR Macedonia 2011)
Another one of these entries that we have a few too many of this year. It is not exactly bad, it is just rather pointless and goes nowhere. When the first minute is through, nothing more of importance happens until it ends. Unexpected that a good composer like Grigor Koprov would put his name on a song this weak.
Vlatko is probably doing the best he can, but I can't help wondering what happened to the edge and wit that FYR Macedonia used to contribute with some years back? Where is Karolina Goceva when we need her?
Qualifyer:
No. Just like the last two years, they will get enough points from their good neighbours to avoid the very bottom of the ranking, but this will not be a heavy scorer.
My grade: 1/5
12. ISRAEL
Dana International - Ding Dong (Israel 2011)
Dana International is very brave to come back after winning Eurovision. Fellow winners Charlotte Perrelli and Niamh Kavanagh could tell her a thing or two about how ungrateful the audience can be when you offer them your company. Also, she could have been in need of a more direct entry, a real smash hit.
Her song this time around is a mature and elegant song, which is rather fitting as Dana herself has transformed from sharp dressed showgirl into a warm and motherly presence. I'm very fond of her and cross my fingers for Europe to warm to her as well.
Qualifyer:
Hopefully. But I fear the song isn't catchy enough and that too many people will be disappointed by the fact that this is not Diva part 2.
My grade: 3/5
13. SLOVENIA
Maja Keuc - No One (Slovenia 2011)
I must admit that my unconditional love for Slovenia has been slightly strained for the last few years. I used to love whatever they sent in, but the opera, string and yodel experiments has made me wonder what we first saw in each other.
Maja is a step in the right direction, but this song is more difficult than anyone would have asked it to be. I thought it would be easier to find a melody line to hold on to once the lyrics were changed into English, now I find myself longing for the Slovenian version instead. Maja works and works, but it doesn't help. This ballad is complicated rather than good.
Qualifyer:
No, unless Maja pulls off the performance of a lifetime and qualifies on the strength of her vocal abilities only.
My grade: 2/5
14. ROMANIA
Hotel FM - Change (Romania 2011)
Given the usual standard of Romanian entries, this entry is a complete let-down. It starts out nicely, but the chorus is as flat as a pancake and the whole thing sounds more like a jingle on children's television than a eurosong.
Then it doesn't help that the lead singer is charming, the whole thing just annoys me. The silly lyrics don't help much either.
Qualifyer:
Yes. Romania has a strange ability of making their stuff work when they need it the most.
My grade: 1/5
15. ESTONIA
Getter Jaani - Rockefeller Street (Estonia 2011)
I have been very keen on most Estonian entries since their debut back in 1994, and I am very happy to see them back in form. Young Getter really shines and delivers this ingenious and clever piece of pop candy in a most convincing way, and I can understand that most eurofans salute this one as one of the best songs of the year.
I don't quite share the sentiment. It is very good, yes. But not one of the best. Somehow there is a little bit too much calculation and too little heart in it for my taste, but all in all this is a very good year for the Ugric.
Qualifyer:
Yes, unless something goes very wrong during rehearsals and the whole thing falls apart in Düsseldorf, just like Iceland's entry in Kyiv 2005. But that seems quite unlikely to happen.
My grade: 4/5
11. FYR MACEDONIA
Vlatko Ilievski - Rusinka (FYR Macedonia 2011)
Another one of these entries that we have a few too many of this year. It is not exactly bad, it is just rather pointless and goes nowhere. When the first minute is through, nothing more of importance happens until it ends. Unexpected that a good composer like Grigor Koprov would put his name on a song this weak.
Vlatko is probably doing the best he can, but I can't help wondering what happened to the edge and wit that FYR Macedonia used to contribute with some years back? Where is Karolina Goceva when we need her?
Qualifyer:
No. Just like the last two years, they will get enough points from their good neighbours to avoid the very bottom of the ranking, but this will not be a heavy scorer.
My grade: 1/5
12. ISRAEL
Dana International - Ding Dong (Israel 2011)
Dana International is very brave to come back after winning Eurovision. Fellow winners Charlotte Perrelli and Niamh Kavanagh could tell her a thing or two about how ungrateful the audience can be when you offer them your company. Also, she could have been in need of a more direct entry, a real smash hit.
Her song this time around is a mature and elegant song, which is rather fitting as Dana herself has transformed from sharp dressed showgirl into a warm and motherly presence. I'm very fond of her and cross my fingers for Europe to warm to her as well.
Qualifyer:
Hopefully. But I fear the song isn't catchy enough and that too many people will be disappointed by the fact that this is not Diva part 2.
My grade: 3/5
13. SLOVENIA
Maja Keuc - No One (Slovenia 2011)
I must admit that my unconditional love for Slovenia has been slightly strained for the last few years. I used to love whatever they sent in, but the opera, string and yodel experiments has made me wonder what we first saw in each other.
Maja is a step in the right direction, but this song is more difficult than anyone would have asked it to be. I thought it would be easier to find a melody line to hold on to once the lyrics were changed into English, now I find myself longing for the Slovenian version instead. Maja works and works, but it doesn't help. This ballad is complicated rather than good.
Qualifyer:
No, unless Maja pulls off the performance of a lifetime and qualifies on the strength of her vocal abilities only.
My grade: 2/5
14. ROMANIA
Hotel FM - Change (Romania 2011)
Given the usual standard of Romanian entries, this entry is a complete let-down. It starts out nicely, but the chorus is as flat as a pancake and the whole thing sounds more like a jingle on children's television than a eurosong.
Then it doesn't help that the lead singer is charming, the whole thing just annoys me. The silly lyrics don't help much either.
Qualifyer:
Yes. Romania has a strange ability of making their stuff work when they need it the most.
My grade: 1/5
15. ESTONIA
Getter Jaani - Rockefeller Street (Estonia 2011)
I have been very keen on most Estonian entries since their debut back in 1994, and I am very happy to see them back in form. Young Getter really shines and delivers this ingenious and clever piece of pop candy in a most convincing way, and I can understand that most eurofans salute this one as one of the best songs of the year.
I don't quite share the sentiment. It is very good, yes. But not one of the best. Somehow there is a little bit too much calculation and too little heart in it for my taste, but all in all this is a very good year for the Ugric.
Qualifyer:
Yes, unless something goes very wrong during rehearsals and the whole thing falls apart in Düsseldorf, just like Iceland's entry in Kyiv 2005. But that seems quite unlikely to happen.
My grade: 4/5
Songs only I like: Austria 1979
This one usually provokes a deep sigh from most eurofans. Too slow. Too long. Boring and depressing. Pathetic and pretentious. It's not that I don't see what they mean.
Christina Simon - Heute in Jerusalem (Austria 1979)
It is indeed too slow to be a hit in Eurovision. Had this been a bike, it would fall over before the first verse is over, due to the lack of speed.
And sending a song to Jerusalem, urging for peace, trying to be the voice of reason? Rather a cheap trick, isn't it?
But I can't help being very touched by the whole thing. I think Christina Simon is sincere, I think she means what she is singing. And she sings it beautifully. There is an air of honesty and dignity around the whole thing that the juries ignored completely.
To add insult to injury, it wasn't only shared last with Belgium, it was also beaten by at least one truly awful song. (If that was the best Monaco could cough up in 1979, they did us all a favour by withdrawing.)
But in many ways it is better to be last than 16th out of nineteen. You are more visible in the history books if you end in last place. And time has been kind to Christina and her song. If you like them too, please say so in a comment.
Christina Simon - Heute in Jerusalem (Austria 1979)
It is indeed too slow to be a hit in Eurovision. Had this been a bike, it would fall over before the first verse is over, due to the lack of speed.
And sending a song to Jerusalem, urging for peace, trying to be the voice of reason? Rather a cheap trick, isn't it?
But I can't help being very touched by the whole thing. I think Christina Simon is sincere, I think she means what she is singing. And she sings it beautifully. There is an air of honesty and dignity around the whole thing that the juries ignored completely.
To add insult to injury, it wasn't only shared last with Belgium, it was also beaten by at least one truly awful song. (If that was the best Monaco could cough up in 1979, they did us all a favour by withdrawing.)
But in many ways it is better to be last than 16th out of nineteen. You are more visible in the history books if you end in last place. And time has been kind to Christina and her song. If you like them too, please say so in a comment.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
The 2011 review, part Six
Part six out of nine, reviewing all 43 entries of the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, and we are going through the second semi final.
6. UKRAINE
Mika Newton - Angels (Ukraine 2011)
I have no idea just how they do it. Maybe they get special classes at school, maybe they have a secret button on their remote controls. But Ukraine has a fantastic ability of making their entries come to live when they have to.
Followers of this blog will know how unimpressed I was with the entire national selection in Ukraine, as it turned into a farce for the second year running. How I would have preferred another song, the one that actually recieved the larger number of votes. And here we stand with the song I had labelled as dull and pointless, and I have to admit that it is actually rather good.
Above all, Mika Newton is a sensational performer, the kind that seems to be growing out of each and every bush in Ukraine. Where do they find all these talented people? When she nails all the notes and fixes the camera with her eyes, this song could rise even further and the votes will flow in from all over. Again.
Qualifyer:
Yes. No doubt in my mind that this will look fantastic and sound great. Then you easily forget that the song is maybe not all that to start with.
My grade: 3/5
7. MOLDOVA
Zdob si Zdub - So Lucky (Moldova 2011)
Maybe it is something in the water? Or how do you otherwise explain the sense of sheer madness that often lives and thrives in the Moldovan entires? This is completely bonkers, hard to make head or tail of, and yet it is so entertaining.
Best described (perhaps) as an etno-punk version of Petula Clark's "Don't sleep in the subway" with a breathtaking instrumental break that sound remotely similar to the end of the world, this must be distinct enough to make it to the final. At least if good old Europe has any sense of humour.
Qualifyer:
Probably. It is a mess, but a very entertaining one.
My grade: 3/5
8. SWEDEN
Eric Saade - Popular (Sweden 2011)
Young master Saade had a bit of bad luck in the draw. Had he entered stage after the succession of Austria - Netherlands - Belgium - Slovakia - Ukraine, he would have seemed to young and potent and popstar-like that most viewers would have just fallen over and surrendered. Now Moldova steals his thunder a tiny bit, but that should constitute no large problem.
A much bigger problem is the fact that the song is so obviously aimed at the youngest segments of the audience. I believe the vast majority of the audience is older than seventeen, and they may not necessarily understand the greatness in this. I don't think the juries will swallow this with hook and all either, they could be looking for something slightly more sophisticated.
Qualifyer:
Yes. This snappy young pop singer will have enough fans to make it to the final rather easily. But then there is always the risk that he pulls a Perrelli there. Which, given Sweden's recent track record, wouldn't be so bad.
My grade: 3/5
9. CYPRUS
Christos Mylordos - San aggelos s'agapisa (Cyprus 2011)
In all fairness, I didn't fall head over heels when I heard this the first time. I thought it sounded like a reject from some local musical, but after repeated listenings and a very direct recommendation from a friend whose taste I respect, I found my way inside this pretty complicated construction of a song.
Once you get a grip on it, it is a delicate little piece of drama, sensibly performed by young Christos, whose soft voice really marries the entirety of this song. That won't help much, though. If I needed ten listenings, determined there was something to be found somewhere if I listened carefully enough, then hardly more than a fragment of the audience will find that certain something by accident.
Qualifyer:
No. But it is a pleasant praline for the precious few who will understand the craft.
My grade: 3/5
10. BULGARIA
Poli Genova - Na inat (Bulgaria 2011)
Many people claim that the second semi final is way stronger than the first, but I would not be so sure. Possibly these people are confused by the impressive amount of very distinct performers in this bunch. Poli Genova is another one of those really energetic and enigmatic young people who will just blow up in your face and leave you wondering who they are and why they are not on your screen more often.
Bulgaria's own P!nk has a song that is both demanding and accessible at the same time, but maybe the aggressive song will prove a bit too aggressive in the end.
Qualifyer:
Possibly. Bulgaria has had a hard time convincing Europe of their talent, despite putting on many impressive entries. This is running the risk of being another good Bulgarian effort left in the semis.
My grade: 3/5
6. UKRAINE
Mika Newton - Angels (Ukraine 2011)
I have no idea just how they do it. Maybe they get special classes at school, maybe they have a secret button on their remote controls. But Ukraine has a fantastic ability of making their entries come to live when they have to.
Followers of this blog will know how unimpressed I was with the entire national selection in Ukraine, as it turned into a farce for the second year running. How I would have preferred another song, the one that actually recieved the larger number of votes. And here we stand with the song I had labelled as dull and pointless, and I have to admit that it is actually rather good.
Above all, Mika Newton is a sensational performer, the kind that seems to be growing out of each and every bush in Ukraine. Where do they find all these talented people? When she nails all the notes and fixes the camera with her eyes, this song could rise even further and the votes will flow in from all over. Again.
Qualifyer:
Yes. No doubt in my mind that this will look fantastic and sound great. Then you easily forget that the song is maybe not all that to start with.
My grade: 3/5
7. MOLDOVA
Zdob si Zdub - So Lucky (Moldova 2011)
Maybe it is something in the water? Or how do you otherwise explain the sense of sheer madness that often lives and thrives in the Moldovan entires? This is completely bonkers, hard to make head or tail of, and yet it is so entertaining.
Best described (perhaps) as an etno-punk version of Petula Clark's "Don't sleep in the subway" with a breathtaking instrumental break that sound remotely similar to the end of the world, this must be distinct enough to make it to the final. At least if good old Europe has any sense of humour.
Qualifyer:
Probably. It is a mess, but a very entertaining one.
My grade: 3/5
8. SWEDEN
Eric Saade - Popular (Sweden 2011)
Young master Saade had a bit of bad luck in the draw. Had he entered stage after the succession of Austria - Netherlands - Belgium - Slovakia - Ukraine, he would have seemed to young and potent and popstar-like that most viewers would have just fallen over and surrendered. Now Moldova steals his thunder a tiny bit, but that should constitute no large problem.
A much bigger problem is the fact that the song is so obviously aimed at the youngest segments of the audience. I believe the vast majority of the audience is older than seventeen, and they may not necessarily understand the greatness in this. I don't think the juries will swallow this with hook and all either, they could be looking for something slightly more sophisticated.
Qualifyer:
Yes. This snappy young pop singer will have enough fans to make it to the final rather easily. But then there is always the risk that he pulls a Perrelli there. Which, given Sweden's recent track record, wouldn't be so bad.
My grade: 3/5
9. CYPRUS
Christos Mylordos - San aggelos s'agapisa (Cyprus 2011)
In all fairness, I didn't fall head over heels when I heard this the first time. I thought it sounded like a reject from some local musical, but after repeated listenings and a very direct recommendation from a friend whose taste I respect, I found my way inside this pretty complicated construction of a song.
Once you get a grip on it, it is a delicate little piece of drama, sensibly performed by young Christos, whose soft voice really marries the entirety of this song. That won't help much, though. If I needed ten listenings, determined there was something to be found somewhere if I listened carefully enough, then hardly more than a fragment of the audience will find that certain something by accident.
Qualifyer:
No. But it is a pleasant praline for the precious few who will understand the craft.
My grade: 3/5
10. BULGARIA
Poli Genova - Na inat (Bulgaria 2011)
Many people claim that the second semi final is way stronger than the first, but I would not be so sure. Possibly these people are confused by the impressive amount of very distinct performers in this bunch. Poli Genova is another one of those really energetic and enigmatic young people who will just blow up in your face and leave you wondering who they are and why they are not on your screen more often.
Bulgaria's own P!nk has a song that is both demanding and accessible at the same time, but maybe the aggressive song will prove a bit too aggressive in the end.
Qualifyer:
Possibly. Bulgaria has had a hard time convincing Europe of their talent, despite putting on many impressive entries. This is running the risk of being another good Bulgarian effort left in the semis.
My grade: 3/5
The 2011 review: part Five
Are you all ready? Take a deep breath and we will dig into the second semi final. Here is the first bite!
1. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Dino Merlin - Love In Rewind (Bosnia-Herzegovina 2011)
The rhythm of this song reminds me of the Bosnian eurosong from exactly thirty years ago (representing Yugoslavia in Dublin 1981), just proving that the musical tradition goes like a red thread through most of the Bosnian contributions. Many things have changed with time, and these days Bosnia-Herzegovina are often considered top contenders with their quirky but catchy entries.
It would surprise me if this would turn out to be their first winner, though. It is probably a bit too demanding for the average voter, but what a fantastic entry it is. Artistic, ambitious, surprising. This one has everything you could ask for, in addition to a very appealing melody line. A firm favourite of mine.
Qualifyer:
Yes. Dino Merlin is a superstar in the Balkans, but this is also a super song.
My grade: 4/5
2. AUSTRIA
Nadine Beiler - The Secret Is Love (Austria 2011)
I have really missed Austria in Eurovision and would really love to love this one. This girl is so sweet and is so talented, she sings so well, and the gospel chorus really provides a lift towards the end.
And yet, the whole thing is just so predictable and nice. Nice in a bad way. Nice in a dull way. Nice as in elevator music. Thinking how much Trackshittaz or Klimmstein would have stood out in this semi, it is a shame how Austria threw away a great chance. Then again, many people are fond of this genre and not all hope is lost.
Qualifyer:
Probably not. Coming on as song number two, not including more memorable moves than this one does, even the people who liked it will remember it well enough when it is time to cast the decisive votes.
My grade: 2/5
3. NETHERLANDS
3JS - Never Alone (Netherlands 2011)
Not only is this one just as nice as Austria, it also begins with the worst lyrical faux pas I know. Anyone who rhymes "heart" with "start" gets about one hundred points deducted at once in my book, but after that the song actually takes quite a nice turn.
Indeed, it is a pleasant little pop number, tailormade for the softer radio stations, well performed by this Duth Jan Johansen and his clones. Yet, it faces the same problem as the Austrian entry. Who will remember this one long enough to vote for it?
Qualifyer:
Possibly, if the Dutch would have the kind of luck they have not had since 2004. But I seriously doubt it.
My grade: 2/5
4. BELGIUM
Witloof Bay - With Love Baby (Belgium 2011)
A capella doesn't have to be a bad idea. Latvia did it quite nicely in 2006, and the entry by Ba'Six in the 2001 Danish final is really sweet. What they both had was a good tune to begin with. This is just an unsufferable display of what fantastic sounds (according to themselves) a group of singers can make using no instruments.
Great. We know. But why didn't you bother writing a song? Now all we get is a very smug performance without a trace of charm anywhere.
Qualifyer:
Probably not. But it does have one advantage compared to Austria and the Netherlands: you will not forget this one. It moves into your head and stays there, even though you just want it to leave.
My grade: 1/5
5. SLOVAKIA
TWiiNS - I'm Still Alive (Slovakia 2011)
Same case as Austria - I would really want to like this one more than I do. It reminds me quite a lot of Azerbaijan's entry, but unlike that one this never really takes off. It keeps going, wagging along, without any major surprises or climaxes. The twin sisters really do their best, and maybe they can make this one light up the sky on stage, but they had really bad luck getting drawn so tightly together with a whole bunch of other midtempo songs.
Qualifyer:
No. I'm afraid not. I would really want Slovakia to have some success in order for them to want to stay in competition, but this is pretty unlikely to happen.
My grade: 2/5
1. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Dino Merlin - Love In Rewind (Bosnia-Herzegovina 2011)
The rhythm of this song reminds me of the Bosnian eurosong from exactly thirty years ago (representing Yugoslavia in Dublin 1981), just proving that the musical tradition goes like a red thread through most of the Bosnian contributions. Many things have changed with time, and these days Bosnia-Herzegovina are often considered top contenders with their quirky but catchy entries.
It would surprise me if this would turn out to be their first winner, though. It is probably a bit too demanding for the average voter, but what a fantastic entry it is. Artistic, ambitious, surprising. This one has everything you could ask for, in addition to a very appealing melody line. A firm favourite of mine.
Qualifyer:
Yes. Dino Merlin is a superstar in the Balkans, but this is also a super song.
My grade: 4/5
2. AUSTRIA
Nadine Beiler - The Secret Is Love (Austria 2011)
I have really missed Austria in Eurovision and would really love to love this one. This girl is so sweet and is so talented, she sings so well, and the gospel chorus really provides a lift towards the end.
And yet, the whole thing is just so predictable and nice. Nice in a bad way. Nice in a dull way. Nice as in elevator music. Thinking how much Trackshittaz or Klimmstein would have stood out in this semi, it is a shame how Austria threw away a great chance. Then again, many people are fond of this genre and not all hope is lost.
Qualifyer:
Probably not. Coming on as song number two, not including more memorable moves than this one does, even the people who liked it will remember it well enough when it is time to cast the decisive votes.
My grade: 2/5
3. NETHERLANDS
3JS - Never Alone (Netherlands 2011)
Not only is this one just as nice as Austria, it also begins with the worst lyrical faux pas I know. Anyone who rhymes "heart" with "start" gets about one hundred points deducted at once in my book, but after that the song actually takes quite a nice turn.
Indeed, it is a pleasant little pop number, tailormade for the softer radio stations, well performed by this Duth Jan Johansen and his clones. Yet, it faces the same problem as the Austrian entry. Who will remember this one long enough to vote for it?
Qualifyer:
Possibly, if the Dutch would have the kind of luck they have not had since 2004. But I seriously doubt it.
My grade: 2/5
4. BELGIUM
Witloof Bay - With Love Baby (Belgium 2011)
A capella doesn't have to be a bad idea. Latvia did it quite nicely in 2006, and the entry by Ba'Six in the 2001 Danish final is really sweet. What they both had was a good tune to begin with. This is just an unsufferable display of what fantastic sounds (according to themselves) a group of singers can make using no instruments.
Great. We know. But why didn't you bother writing a song? Now all we get is a very smug performance without a trace of charm anywhere.
Qualifyer:
Probably not. But it does have one advantage compared to Austria and the Netherlands: you will not forget this one. It moves into your head and stays there, even though you just want it to leave.
My grade: 1/5
5. SLOVAKIA
TWiiNS - I'm Still Alive (Slovakia 2011)
Same case as Austria - I would really want to like this one more than I do. It reminds me quite a lot of Azerbaijan's entry, but unlike that one this never really takes off. It keeps going, wagging along, without any major surprises or climaxes. The twin sisters really do their best, and maybe they can make this one light up the sky on stage, but they had really bad luck getting drawn so tightly together with a whole bunch of other midtempo songs.
Qualifyer:
No. I'm afraid not. I would really want Slovakia to have some success in order for them to want to stay in competition, but this is pretty unlikely to happen.
My grade: 2/5
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