LATVIA

The Latvian Final was held on February 16th at the Juras Varti Theatre House in Ventspils, hosted by Martinš Meiers, Madara Botmane & Anta Aizupe. Before the final there were two semi-finals where the list of 24 was reduced to 12. The winner was chosen in two rounds - one to select the top 3 and then another to select the winner. The voting in both rounds was a 50/50 mixture of televoting and and jury and the winner was the group PeR with the song "Here we go".

The three members of Per are alone on stage and provide all the vocals and vocal tricks themselves. The lead singer is dressed in a silver suit but topless whilst the other two are in spangled black outfits. They look a little bit odd and not cohesive. The background is interesting and I like the way some of the words of the song appear there, although I'm not sure the phrase 'made in Latvia' will go down quite as well in Malmo. Maybe think of some Swedish ones to curry favour with the locals...

The song is a fun party number with a very repetitive and infectious chorus. It is just a shame they couldn't write the rest of the song. The verses are all in rap and cheapens the song that it almost becomes comical (memories of Kølig Kaj come to mind) and you don't know whether to laugh with them or laugh at them. We get a semblance of normality after 2 minutes when the beat boxing starts, however the backing track is so loud you don't hear its benefit, and the call and response with the audience takes us to the end.

The boys are really energetic and work well as unit but I think they need a lot of direction and work. They can't just run about, fall of their knees and point at stuff for three minutes. They are going to need either significant singing lessons or a number of backing singers to make the power of the song clearer. Plus they are going to have to be styled extremely carefully and choreographed within an inch of their lives.

Right now it is embarrassing but with some work it could be stunning.

Artist - PeR

Song - Here we go
Music - Ralfs Eilands, Arturas Burke

Lyrics - Ralfs Eilands
 

AUSTRIA

The Austrian Final was held on February 15th at the ORF TV Studios in Vienna, hosted by Mirjam Weichselbraun & Andi Knoll. The winner, chosen by televoting (50%) and an "expert" jury (50%), was "Shine" sung by Natália Kelly.

The Austrian stage was very simple although the background features were simple but effective. The set up for this song is very simple. Natália is joined by 5 backing singers whose first job is to supply the 'oh-oh' part to the very heavy beat and baseline. Most of the time they are dimly lit while the spotlight is  The performance is relatively static although Natália does some walking up and down the catwalk and some moving about at the end. Natália's outfit also isn't very flattering, although probably practical.

Unfortunately the song is weak - in fact what lets this down in the chorus. the song starts off ands ends so strongly that the middle 2 minutes is really a bore. It sounds like they have tried a little too hard to make a version of "Rolling in the deep" that Adele would not sue them for. What makes this even more disappointing is that Natália is very good singer and the song doesn't really do her justice. One would hope that the Austrian team are making changes to the performance and the production of the song to make it much better.

Shine is not exactly typical Eurovision fayre and I am not quite sure that the song, as it stands, will get enough votes in the semi. The song either needs to soul out or rock up and her wardrobe needs to reflect this. It would be nice if it became a bit rockier and you could have the backing singers a little more involved, without taking over. Natália is one of the best singers (and prettiest) I've heard up to now but I don't think she and the song will be staying on Saturday...

On another note, I am also fed up of Eurovision songs called "Shine" - can this be the last now? I am sure you can use other words, you know !

Artist - Natália Kelly

Song - Shine
Music - Andreas Grass, Nikola Paryla, Alexander Kahr

Lyrics - Andreas Grass, Nikola Paryla, Alexander Kahr

 

GERMANY

The German Final was held on February 14th at the TUI Arena in Hannover, hosted by Anke Engelke. The winner was chosen by radio voting (1/3), an "expert" jury (1/3) & televoting (1/3). The winner was "Glorious" performed by Cascada.

 

The whole show was well done by the Germans with every dong having a very distinct feel and look on the huge stage. For this song Natalie, the lead singer, is posed at the top of a flight of stairs flanked by wafting sheets. She is wearing a black basque with a short skirt and a big plume of net coming out of her arse. Below her are two backing singers who do very little. The camera angles help a lot as they focus in on the singer as well as the whole stage - makes it look like more is going on than there actually is.

 

The song is quite typical Cascada fayre but this is what you would expect. Natalie is a good singer and performer and her voice is not bad live. You can tell she has sung live many times before and seems to know the limitations of the voice/dance balance. The structure of the song is well balanced too. A mix of slow and fast beats give the song direction and ensures change of direction throughout. The song is quite predictable but this is needed in any Eurovision entry.

 

As I write there are reservations by the song - even to the point where the German broadcasters have seemingly employed a musicologist to see how close the similarities are to Loreen's "Euphoria". I would say that they are similar but not  to the point that the song will be disqualified. This said the runner up song by LaBrassBanda was the overwhelming favourite with the radio juries but was seemingly underscored with the 'expert' jury. So would *this* actually be a more popular choice...?

Watch this space...

 

Artist - Cascada

Song - Glorious
Music - Yann Peifer, Manuel Reuter, Andres Ballinas, Tony Cornelissen

Lyrics - Yann Peifer, Manuel Reuter, Andres Ballinas, Tony Cornelissen

 

CYPRUS

On the 14th February CYBC, the Cypriot broadcaster, officially presented their internal selection for Eurovision 013. Going to Malmo is the singer Despina Olympiou with the song "An me thimase" (If you remember me)

The presentation was not live and done in the form of a music video. This is a shame as I think judgements about a live singing competition can be done much more fairly when a live version is used. Even a mimed performance can give some insight into performance and visual values of the song. Therefore this review may be a little tricky...

The song is a ballad entirely in Greek. However it is  not really a ballad with many Greek influences, which is no bad thing. It starts a cappella, just like the Cypriot entry of 2004. The song follows quite a straightforward structure however the beat in the background comes in and out a fair but making the song seems faster and slower in parts. The chorus though is very weak and although it is repeated a fair few times, because of the changes of beat you never quite see or hear it coming and it sounds different each time. During the second half of the song, there are too many chord changes and you don't have that familiar feeling about it even after a number of listens.

Despina is quite a well known artist in Greece and Cyprus and I would therefore think that performing live will be second nature to her. As for staging I could see her alone on stage or maybe to add some extra power to the song she might have some extra backing singers with her. I don't think the video (including the subliminal advertising) gives us any clue about what might be in store - unless this is part of some grand plan...

I think this is a bold choice by Cyprus. I admire the fact that they have stayed in Greek and gone for something they have some faith in. It is a well structured ballad which may curry favour with the jury members (especially if this is the kind of thing if this fits the criteria for their voting patterns). However I think Messrs. Joe Bloggs, Jan Jansen, Max Mustermann or Chichiko Bendeliani sitting at home, or their wives. will not find any reason at all to vote for this. Shame.

Artist - Despina Olympiou

Song - An me thimase (If you remember me)
Music - Andreas Giorgallis

Lyrics - Zenon Zindilis

 

SLOVENIA

On the 14th February RTVSLO, the Slovenian broadcaster, officially presented their internal selection for Eurovision 2013. Going to Malmo will be the American singer Hannah Mancini with her self-penned song "Straight into love".

The presentation was a very simple affair with Hannah alone on stage with only flashing lights as a back up. I think the song would benefit from much more movement on the stage in terms of dancers as it would also help with the power of the song. Hannah is wearing a very short sparkly dress with strangely large shoulder bits. I think she could do with something a little more flattering for Malmo.

The song starts with a frankly pointless breakdown section which sets a bit of a false setup to the rest of the song. The song itself is well structured with quite a predictable sequence which is always a good thing for Eurovision ears. The chorus is very repetitive in terms of words and tune and within a listen or two you have the chorus in your head.

The song is very easy on the ears (apart from the breakdown parts) and is very much a decent song. It has a modern feel and Hannah is a good singer and performer and hopefully this will come across onto the Eurovision stage. This would easily find its way onto radio playlists and clubs all the way across Europe and so even if it doesn't win the song, or even this singer, might get a lot of publicity. My only worry is that it is a decent song but is it a Eurovision song...?

To be honest, I was not expecting much of this and it has surprised me at how good it is. Right now, I do not see this as a winner but from the Slovenian point of view they are probably more interested in getting into the final and I hope this has a very good chance of doing that. The other worry is that Hannah was miming during this presentation - can she produce this kind of vocal live and under pressure?

Artist - Hannah Mancini

Song - Straight into love
Music - Hannah Mancini

Lyrics - Hannah Mancini

 

NORWAY

The Norwegian Final was held on February 9th at the Spektrum in Oslo, hosted by Jenny Skavlan & Erik Solbakken. Before the final there were 3 semi-finals. The winner was chosen in two rounds of voting. In the first round, televoting alone decided the top 4, then in the second round the regional juries and televoting chose the overwhelming winner which was Margaret Berger with "I feed you my love"

This is a very modern song in all senses of the word. Yes, it does have traces of Euphoria in it but sounds different enough not to be suggested as bandwagon following. Margaret for this performance seems only to be joined on stage by a drummer, however heavy backing vocals can be heard so she will have to be joined on stage by others at some point.

Margaret look very striking on stage and have great presence. She does not dance but does do some very clever on the spot moving about, posing and armography. She is dressed in an extremely long, tight white gown and almost looks like a sexy version of a storm trooper. But this very striking image really fits the song.

The song is basically what "Euphoria" might have sounded like if Depeche Mode had written it for the Violator album with Robyn on guest vocals. It has a very dark feeling but the tune is very clear and repetitive. The lyrics are very mysterious, and quite violent at times, but it all works. Margaret also has a very individual voice. She, like the Danish entrant, seems to have a bit of a lisp, but Margret also has this Bjork-like squeakiness and pronunciation which makes it engaging.

This will go big in the hall - and that is not just because as a neighbouring country the hall will be full of Norwegians - because this is already turning into a fan favourite. This should be an easy qualifier and as it stands this is a very individual entry which will really stand out on the night. I wonder if the countries yet to select are watching closely...?

Artist - Margaret Berger

Song - I feed you my love
Music - Robin Lynch, Niklas Olovson, Karin Park

Lyrics - Robin Lynch, Niklas Olovson, Karin Park

 

FINLAND

The Finnish Final was  held on February 9th at Barona Areena in Espoo, hosted by Anne Lainto & Ile Uusivuori. Before the final there were 3 semi-finals. The winner was chosen by televoting (50%) and an "expert" jury (50%) and was announced as "Marry Me" performed by Krista Siegfrids.

As the title suggests the song an performance set up is all about weddings and Krista is dressed in a particularly puffy (and low cut) wedding dress and very clumpy pick platform school whilst her dancers are dressed as grooms. I am not quite sure what her two backing singers are dressed as but whatever it is they look embarrassed to be there. There is also a plethora of extras on the stage too - far too many for the Eurovision stage. It will be interesting to see how they get around adding in all the vocal and visual tricks with just 5 extra people on stage. She will need a lot of vocal help in the chorus but the visual gags will keep her memorable.

The song is extremely cliché and too, too over the top even for Eurovision standards. The song is quite a standard ESC pop song in structure however the 'oh-oh ding ding' refrain after the chorus - and the complementary stomping on the spot dance routine - is just cringe worthy. The breakdown part in the middle is just unnecessary and has just been put in to make the song sound more modern than it actually is.

In summary - I really dislike this song and in particular I actually find some of the lyrics of the song quite distasteful - if I could whiff a sense of irony maybe I would not feel so bad but I cannot see it at all. Knowing my luck with will win by a mile in May but if it were up to me it would be a most definite DNQ.

 

Artist - Krista Siegfrids

Song - Marry Me
Music - Krista Siegfrieds, Erik Nyholm, Kristofer Karlsson, Jessika Lundström

Lyrics - Krista Siegfrieds, Erik Nyholm, Kristofer Karlsson, Jessika Lundström

 

 

MALTA

The Maltese Final was held on February 2nd at the Malta Fairs & Convention Centre in Ta' Qali, hosted by Elaine Saliba, Gordon Bonello & Rodney Gauci. Before the final there was a semi-final where the cast of 24 was reduced to 16. The winner was chosen by a mixture of an "expert" jury (7/8) and televoting (1/8). The winning song was "Tomorrow" sung by Gianluca Bezzina.

The song, at first listen, appears to be a nice, gentle jolly ditty which has two powerful ingredients
1) a repetitive oh-oh ear worm and 2) a ukulele.
This must also be the first Eurovision song to include the name 'Jeremy' and the phrase 'risk assessments and investments'. Comedy comments aside, the song merrily goes along telling the story of a man who is looking for her ideal girl  in his boring world - the idea being he will find her tomorrow. The story idea is a good one but unfortunately due to many reasons, this is lost.

Firstly the oh-oh earworm part of the song it the only part that is at all memorable. The tune is quite weak, especially in the chorus which is too high for Gianluca, and you cannot always quite follow the story because parts of it are said so quickly. Secondly Gianluca's live performance was a bit on the ADHD side. Not quite sure he was supposed to move about and visit his fellow musician around the stage so much but it was very off putting. Setting the whole thing out much more intimately so he can just look and reach out for his band will be much more effective. Either that or he needs to meticulously choreograph every sing step around the stage, Guildo Horn style, so that the movement has has an impact on the viewer.

The song doesn't really go anywhere and the ending it a little abrupt and sudden. Would be mush better if they were able to slow it down for the last line or something and make it a bit melancholy. All in all this is not  bad song but needs a lot of work. I am really not sure if this is a qualifier right now.

Artist - Gianluca Bezzina

Song - Tomorrow
Music - Boris Cezek, Dean Muscat

Lyrics - Boris Cezek, Dean Muscat

 

ICELAND

The Icelandic Final was held on February 2nd at Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, hosted by Þórhallur Gunnarsson & Guðrún Dís Emilsdóttir. Previous to the final there were 2 semi-finals. The winner was chosen in 2 rounds of voting - the first to select the top 2 (50/50 televote/expert jury ) and a second (televote alone) to select the winner. The winner of the ticket to Malmo is Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson singing "Ég á líf" meaning "I have a life"

The song is a slow, building Celtic style ballad with lots flittle musical touches. It starts of quiet and Eyþór's voice takes centre stage. During verse 2 you can hear the sound of balalaika, or something of that ilk, in the background. During the bridge it becomes more orchestral then during the next chorus the sound is very Celtic with violins and penny whistles. Near the end it has a military feel with strong drums. The ending, although a little predictable, is memorable and in its own little way dramatic - will they be able to copy this in Malmo?  Eyþór's voice is almost flawless, having heard it several times sung live his voice is so strong and professional it is hard to see any weakness.

 

Eyþór sings the song alone on stage and has a lot of vocal strength and stage presence. Eyþór has a striking appearance and I am guessing he was probably Iceland's participant in the 'best Justin Lee Collins Lookalike competition 2008". I really suggest that Eyþór gets a really good stylist before Malmo and get him dressed and presented in a manner which will make him stand out - and not for the Barbara Dex prize.

Like all the songs in the Icelandic final, it was sung in Icelandic. Like too many an Icelandic entry before, this will probably be translated into English - unnecessarily. Although the song does sound gobbledygook-ish the repetition in the chorus means you have the "Ég á líf" hook and tune in your head after no time at all - even if you have no idea what you are saying. The breathy tones of the Icelandic language really suit this song and I fear that an English translation will change the tone and of the song and make it less powerful.

I think this song has a lot to give and could be a strong contender - that is as long as the other countries left to choose don't also choose a Celtic ballad...

Artist - Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson

Song - Ég á líf (I have a life)
Music - Örlygur Smári, Pétur Örn Guðmundsson

Lyrics - Örlygur Smári, Pétur Örn Guðmundsson
 

 

DENMARK

The Danish Final was held on January 26th at the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, hosted by Sofie Lassen-Kahlke, Louise Wolff & Lise Rønne. There were 2 rounds of voting - one to select the top 3 and another to select the winner. The voting was a mixture of televoting (50%) and an "expert" jury (50%). The winner was Emmelie de Forest with the song "Only Teardrops".

The song has a mish-mash of styles - the penny whistle gives it a Celtic feel while the drumming gives it a military edge. She has edges of Ellie Goulding and Dido on her voice and she also has a Toyah-esque lisp which can sound a little distracting. She is joined on stage by 3 backing singers and 2 drummers one of which also dabbles on the penny whistle. She starts on the floor and then gets up and basically does a lot of arm wafting at her fellow musicians. She is dressed very plainly in what can only be described as a half finished diaphanous negligee which she needs to be careful getting up on (or we will see more of Miss de Forest that one would care to). She is also barefoot. The one thing that does confuse me is that the song is called "Only Teardrops" yet the background screen is of fire... 

As for the performance, the first few times I heard this I found it very annoying. Her voice is very memorable but could polarise a lot of people being on the edge of individual/annoying. This said the song is very good. It is well structured it has A LOT of repetition and by the end of the song you have at least one line stuck in your head. I do have a few concerns that the last part of the song could be a little too high for her and she could stumble.

It is still early days but this is one of the few songs I can say will more than likely get themselves in the final, if not a bit further up the scoreboard.

Artist - Emmelie de Forest
Song - Only Teardrops
Music - Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, Thomas Stengaard
Lyrics - Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen, Thomas Stengaard