The Maltese final was held on February 12th at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. The semi-final was held the day before when 24 songs had been reduced to 16. The Maltese entry this year is “One Life” sung by Glen Vella who has three female backing singers and two male dancers. The visuals of this song are trying to be a bit Lady Gaga/Kylie/Pet Shop Boys with the backing singers in black coats and red glasses and the dancers with stage triangular kneed trousers and red full face visors.
The song is more or less a late ‘80s early 90’s Hi-NRG record. The intro to the song is very retro. I get the feeling it is trying to be modern but to me it feels very dated and old. The song contains a lot of stereotypical lyrics and doesn’t really go anywhere new. The chorus itself is actually very long and have lots of separate tunes and parts, and attention is lost quite quickly. In fact the whole song feels very short even though it lasts the whole 3 minutes. Will be interesting to know if the song undergoes any remixing or tweaking before it enters the semi final.
Glen is an OK singer. His voice is a little shrill at times and his diction is not always perfect, especially during the lower toned verses. In fact during the choruses, the quality of the backing singers just shows you where his flaws are. He is very enthusiastic and gets a lot of audience participation during his performance. It is definitely the type of song that will get the Eurovision crowd up on their feet. The song could have been done so much more justice by someone with a much rounder voice with a bit more soul.
A poor effort from Malta this year, do you agree?
SINGER – Glen Vella
SONG – One Life
MUSIC – Fleur Balzan
WORDS - Paul Giordimaina
Sunday, February 13, 2011
BELGIUM
The Belgian Final was held on February 12th at the Palais des Congrès in Liège. After a very complicated selection process involving money raising, internet voting and a hastily rushed semi final, the winning song was “With Love Baby” sung by the group Witloof Bay.
The performers are actually an acapella vocal group, something only seen once before in Eurovision. You can tell that through groups are obviously very well practised and understand their craft and so in terms of vocal performance it is very good May main criticism I have of their singing ability is that a couple of the singers have quite thick French accents which can feel a little odd. Also at times the singers sing over themselves and it can be hard making out what everybody is saying.
As a positive the band seem to be able to interact with each other, the audience the cameras and be able to walk around the stage with confidence as well as being able to do all of these whilst singing at the same time! The key change is done with style and expertise. What I would suggest is that the band gets a bit of a make over before the contest. I didn’t like the outfits and they certainly didn’t look like a group. Either they need to wear the same thing or they wear very different thing to emphasise the different roles they have in the making of the song.
The main downside is that the song itself is weak whether it is acapella or backing track. More of the beat boxing n the middle would be appreciated. It isn’t singable and there isn’t much of a hook.
Talented? Definitely! Will it get out of the semi? I’m not sure….
SINGER – Witloof Bay
SONG – With Love Baby
MUSIC – RoxorLoops, Benoît Giaux
WORDS - RoxorLoops, Benoît Giaux
The performers are actually an acapella vocal group, something only seen once before in Eurovision. You can tell that through groups are obviously very well practised and understand their craft and so in terms of vocal performance it is very good May main criticism I have of their singing ability is that a couple of the singers have quite thick French accents which can feel a little odd. Also at times the singers sing over themselves and it can be hard making out what everybody is saying.
As a positive the band seem to be able to interact with each other, the audience the cameras and be able to walk around the stage with confidence as well as being able to do all of these whilst singing at the same time! The key change is done with style and expertise. What I would suggest is that the band gets a bit of a make over before the contest. I didn’t like the outfits and they certainly didn’t look like a group. Either they need to wear the same thing or they wear very different thing to emphasise the different roles they have in the making of the song.
The main downside is that the song itself is weak whether it is acapella or backing track. More of the beat boxing n the middle would be appreciated. It isn’t singable and there isn’t much of a hook.
Talented? Definitely! Will it get out of the semi? I’m not sure….
SINGER – Witloof Bay
SONG – With Love Baby
MUSIC – RoxorLoops, Benoît Giaux
WORDS - RoxorLoops, Benoît Giaux
Saturday, February 12, 2011
ICELAND
The Icelandic Final took place n the 12th February at Rekjavik. The winners were Sigurjón's Friends with their song “Aftur Heim” (Back Home)
This song almost did not make the Icelandic heats. The writer of this song, Sigurjón Brink, (who was in last year's Icelandic final) was due to perform this song in the heats but died suddenly about a week before it was due to be sung. In memory, the song was sung by his friends in the heat, hence the bands name.
The song is a very happy go lucky song with lots of brass and banjo. The band itself it tight and the singers are very good. It is another summery number but with more of a Radio 2 tone. The ending of the song is quite clever as the chorus is sung twice in different speeds which would be emphasised more by a bit of movement. The band doesn’t really do that much, which is a bit of a shame. Maybe in Dusseldorf they might wear something a little bit brighter to make them more memorable.
The song may possibly be translated for Dusseldorf which sould possibly help its chances but the group may wish to sing the song as is as a full tribute to their songwriter
A nice song with a heartfelt sentiment – but is that enough to win?
SINGER – Sigurjón's Friends
SONG – Aftur Heim (Back Home)
MUSIC – Sigurjón Brink
WORDS - Sigurjón Brink
This song almost did not make the Icelandic heats. The writer of this song, Sigurjón Brink, (who was in last year's Icelandic final) was due to perform this song in the heats but died suddenly about a week before it was due to be sung. In memory, the song was sung by his friends in the heat, hence the bands name.
The song is a very happy go lucky song with lots of brass and banjo. The band itself it tight and the singers are very good. It is another summery number but with more of a Radio 2 tone. The ending of the song is quite clever as the chorus is sung twice in different speeds which would be emphasised more by a bit of movement. The band doesn’t really do that much, which is a bit of a shame. Maybe in Dusseldorf they might wear something a little bit brighter to make them more memorable.
The song may possibly be translated for Dusseldorf which sould possibly help its chances but the group may wish to sing the song as is as a full tribute to their songwriter
A nice song with a heartfelt sentiment – but is that enough to win?
SINGER – Sigurjón's Friends
SONG – Aftur Heim (Back Home)
MUSIC – Sigurjón Brink
WORDS - Sigurjón Brink
Labels:
2011,
Aftur Heim,
Eurovision,
Iceland,
Sigurjón's Friends
NORWAY
The Norwegian Final took place on the 12th February at the Spektrum in Oslo The winner, after 4 semis, a second chance round and final, was Stella Mwangi with “Haba Haba (Little by Little)
“Haba Haba” is an African-influenced dance number with a very simple tune and progression. The song seems to tell the tale of the singer as a young girl being given advice from her Grandma about life and the world. The chorus of the song is in Swahilli. The music to this song is very summery and uplifting. It could definitely be a summer anthem over Europe as the chorus is easily chantable and memorable. It is also reminiscent of the huge World Cup song “Waka Waka”
Personally I would love to see much more ‘full on’ African dancing’ during the performance. Although Stella and the backing dancers do do some dancing it is more disco-ey and gesturing but I feel something a bit more ethnic would emphasise the power of the song much more.
A great fun song, definitely Eurovision, but with a bit of a twist. Will Eastern Europe get it?
SINGER – Stella Mwangi
SONG – Haba Haba
MUSIC – Stella Mwangi, Beyond51 and Big City
WORDS - Stella Mwangi, Beyond51 and Big City
“Haba Haba” is an African-influenced dance number with a very simple tune and progression. The song seems to tell the tale of the singer as a young girl being given advice from her Grandma about life and the world. The chorus of the song is in Swahilli. The music to this song is very summery and uplifting. It could definitely be a summer anthem over Europe as the chorus is easily chantable and memorable. It is also reminiscent of the huge World Cup song “Waka Waka”
Personally I would love to see much more ‘full on’ African dancing’ during the performance. Although Stella and the backing dancers do do some dancing it is more disco-ey and gesturing but I feel something a bit more ethnic would emphasise the power of the song much more.
A great fun song, definitely Eurovision, but with a bit of a twist. Will Eastern Europe get it?
SINGER – Stella Mwangi
SONG – Haba Haba
MUSIC – Stella Mwangi, Beyond51 and Big City
WORDS - Stella Mwangi, Beyond51 and Big City
FINLAND
The Finnish final took place on 12th February at the Caribia hall in Turku.
Paradise Oskar sings “Da Da Dam” (which he also wrote and composed) after gaining the highest number of televotes and SMS votes.
Now this is a song with some unusual qualities. First of all this is a very understated performance, very much akin to Tom Dice for Belgium last year. As this did well last year, maybe they are hoping to have the effect. He sits by himself with his guitar and strums away on his guitar. The song is very quiet and folky and does have a nice ring to it. The song does grow slightly but not too much. The chorus is very strong but you do have to listen very carefully to understand the sentiment. But most unusually this is a song has a conscience - it is a song about the environment.
Although I am not a big fan of 'la-la-la', 'do-do-do', 'ding dang dong', and oher nonsense eurovision lyrics, but in this case, the da-da-dam part, espeially at the end of the song, works really well and should possibly be pushed a bit more.
I am pleased to say that Finland are sending something decent this year, but is it a Eurovision song…?
SINGER – Paradise Oskar
SONG - Da Da Dam
MUSIC - Axel Ehnström
WORDS - Axel Ehnström
Paradise Oskar sings “Da Da Dam” (which he also wrote and composed) after gaining the highest number of televotes and SMS votes.
Now this is a song with some unusual qualities. First of all this is a very understated performance, very much akin to Tom Dice for Belgium last year. As this did well last year, maybe they are hoping to have the effect. He sits by himself with his guitar and strums away on his guitar. The song is very quiet and folky and does have a nice ring to it. The song does grow slightly but not too much. The chorus is very strong but you do have to listen very carefully to understand the sentiment. But most unusually this is a song has a conscience - it is a song about the environment.
Although I am not a big fan of 'la-la-la', 'do-do-do', 'ding dang dong', and oher nonsense eurovision lyrics, but in this case, the da-da-dam part, espeially at the end of the song, works really well and should possibly be pushed a bit more.
I am pleased to say that Finland are sending something decent this year, but is it a Eurovision song…?
SINGER – Paradise Oskar
SONG - Da Da Dam
MUSIC - Axel Ehnström
WORDS - Axel Ehnström
Friday, February 11, 2011
IRELAND
The Irish final took place on 11th February as a special Eurosong edition of “The Late, Late, Show” hosted by Ryan Tubridy. This year, RTE have tried to curb the recent run of poor performances of Ireland by introducing a new selection format with a slight x-factor twist. RTE have elected 5 mentors, all with music and entertainment experiences, whose job was to select an act, a song as well as getting them ready for the pre-selection performance.
The panel is presented – Marty Whelan, Cheryl Baker, Brian Kennedy and Marie Farrell.
Act 1 is mentored by Ronan Hardiman
Don Mescall – Talking With Jennifer
Don sings the song backed by a five piece male and female band, all singing live vocals. He is strutting about on the stage and stomping about a lot. The piano riff in the middle is quite catchy in the middle. The song sounds much better than the recorded version although the chorus is not quite clear enough. This would work very well on the radio and could be a hit.
A very favourable review from all the panel.
Act 2 is mentored by Caroline Downey Desmond
Jedward – Lipstick
The twins are dressed in red suits and huge quiffs and backed by two male and two female singers in black. It is quite clear they are not doing all the singing. The backing singers are doing some of the ends of the verses. It is very heavily choreographed but they do some very bad free styling during the verses. These guys are enjoying themselves but Europe will not get it.
The panel think that the song and performance is ‘joyous’, ‘energetic’ and ‘funny’
Act 3 is mentored by Willie Kavanagh
Bling – Shine On
They stand boy-girl-girl-boy behind microphones stands. The motown-esque start is really unusual. The start is far to choreographed and looks quite forced and contrived. As soon as they lose the stands and interact with each other it feels much more real. The group is really tight and the harmonies are very well sung. They seem really pleased with how it went.
The jury seem to agree that this worked much better live than on CD.
Act 4 is mentored by Liam Lawton
The Vard Sisters – Send Me An Angel
The three sisters are in Greek style white dresses with a pianist and 2 backing singers all in black. The song is well sung and is very clear. The theme and style of the song seems a little dated, although cleverly it does have a whiff of lots of other different songs and melodies i.e. “You raise me up” and Ellie Goulding’s version of “Your song”
The jury seem torn as to whether this is a Eurovision song or if it is contemporary enough.
Act 5 is mentored by David Hayes
Nikki Kavanagh – Falling
Nikki is joined by 2 male dancers, 2 male and 1 female backing singer. Her voice is very good and sounds very much like the recorded version. She walks around her mic stand with confidence and the movement does not affect her voice. The backing singers add a little something to the song. This is very contemporary and cold be played on the radio.
The jury does not like the dancers or the staging but say she has the best voice.
While the vote is taking place Tubridy talks to 2 former Irish hosts Cynthia Ní Mhurchu and Mary Kennedy.
Then they show a complication of ‘mistakes’ of Eurovision
The voting lines are shut and while the collate the votes, Bucks Fizz perform “Making your mind up”
The jury votes are added up first
Don Mescall 44
Jedward 62
Bling 32
The Vard Sisters 36
Nikki Kavanagh 66
The viewer points are added on
Don Mescall 48
Jedward 98
Bling 44
The Vard Sisters 54
Nikki Kavanagh 96
This means that Jedward with “Lipstick will be representing Ireland in Dusseldorf.
SINGER – Jedward
SONG – Lipstick
MUSIC – Lars Jensen And Martin Larson
WORDS – Dan Priddy
The panel is presented – Marty Whelan, Cheryl Baker, Brian Kennedy and Marie Farrell.
Act 1 is mentored by Ronan Hardiman
Don Mescall – Talking With Jennifer
Don sings the song backed by a five piece male and female band, all singing live vocals. He is strutting about on the stage and stomping about a lot. The piano riff in the middle is quite catchy in the middle. The song sounds much better than the recorded version although the chorus is not quite clear enough. This would work very well on the radio and could be a hit.
A very favourable review from all the panel.
Act 2 is mentored by Caroline Downey Desmond
Jedward – Lipstick
The twins are dressed in red suits and huge quiffs and backed by two male and two female singers in black. It is quite clear they are not doing all the singing. The backing singers are doing some of the ends of the verses. It is very heavily choreographed but they do some very bad free styling during the verses. These guys are enjoying themselves but Europe will not get it.
The panel think that the song and performance is ‘joyous’, ‘energetic’ and ‘funny’
Act 3 is mentored by Willie Kavanagh
Bling – Shine On
They stand boy-girl-girl-boy behind microphones stands. The motown-esque start is really unusual. The start is far to choreographed and looks quite forced and contrived. As soon as they lose the stands and interact with each other it feels much more real. The group is really tight and the harmonies are very well sung. They seem really pleased with how it went.
The jury seem to agree that this worked much better live than on CD.
Act 4 is mentored by Liam Lawton
The Vard Sisters – Send Me An Angel
The three sisters are in Greek style white dresses with a pianist and 2 backing singers all in black. The song is well sung and is very clear. The theme and style of the song seems a little dated, although cleverly it does have a whiff of lots of other different songs and melodies i.e. “You raise me up” and Ellie Goulding’s version of “Your song”
The jury seem torn as to whether this is a Eurovision song or if it is contemporary enough.
Act 5 is mentored by David Hayes
Nikki Kavanagh – Falling
Nikki is joined by 2 male dancers, 2 male and 1 female backing singer. Her voice is very good and sounds very much like the recorded version. She walks around her mic stand with confidence and the movement does not affect her voice. The backing singers add a little something to the song. This is very contemporary and cold be played on the radio.
The jury does not like the dancers or the staging but say she has the best voice.
While the vote is taking place Tubridy talks to 2 former Irish hosts Cynthia Ní Mhurchu and Mary Kennedy.
Then they show a complication of ‘mistakes’ of Eurovision
The voting lines are shut and while the collate the votes, Bucks Fizz perform “Making your mind up”
The jury votes are added up first
Don Mescall 44
Jedward 62
Bling 32
The Vard Sisters 36
Nikki Kavanagh 66
The viewer points are added on
Don Mescall 48
Jedward 98
Bling 44
The Vard Sisters 54
Nikki Kavanagh 96
This means that Jedward with “Lipstick will be representing Ireland in Dusseldorf.
SINGER – Jedward
SONG – Lipstick
MUSIC – Lars Jensen And Martin Larson
WORDS – Dan Priddy
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
semi-final 2 - Germany
1 A Million and One - written by Errol Rennalls and Stavros Ioannou
This is a very archetypal Lena song with that kind of talky feel to it. The backing music has more then a whiff of Kate Nash/Lily Allen about it. It seems to be quite a girly song. The verses are too long and chorus seems a little on the weak side but it does show off her upper range. The backing dancers are actually quite off-putting with their ballet-influenced dance.
2 Teenage Girls - written by Viktoria Hansen, Lili Tarkow-Reinisch and Yacine Azeggagh
This song starts off quite slow and quiet. However, the lyrics of this are far too playful and naughty and gets a little predictable (if not also offensive and rude). As the song goes I am waiting for the song to progress and get bigger but it doesn’t quite come. The chorus is a little weak with the do-do-do repetition. A very “Lena” song but would bomb at Eurovision.
3 Push Forward - written by Daniel Schaub and Pär Lammers
Another slow song for Lena that starts with a very simple ballad piano beat. This is a very simple, if not effective song. As the song goes on the backing grows the song gets more meaning. I feel that this song would favour a far more stronger vocalist. The chorus does not seem to suite Lena’s mockney accent. However there is a false ending which fools a few people!
4 At All - written by Aloe Blacc
Unfortunately this is no “I need a dollar –part 2” :o( This is another slowish jazzy track. The song does allow Lena to put a lot of performance into the look and sound of the song which makes it sound quite strong. She seems to be enjoying this song a lot. Once again this is a perfect Lena song but would get totally lost amid the hubbub of Eurovision.
5 A Good Day - written by Audra Mae, Todd Edgar Wright and Scott Simons
This is a slightly more up-tempos guitar based summery song. The song starts off quite Lena-ish but something feels a bit wrong. The tune of this song is all over the place. The chorus seems to yodel around from high to low notes and Lena hits a few bum notes during this part, which doesn’t help. This also makes the words to the song very hard to hear.
6 Mama Told Me - written by Stefan Raab and Lena Meyer-Landrut
A typical Raab arrangement with lots of brass in the backing music. The starts sound a little bit Motown/early disco and Lena’s dancing also put you in this frame of mind. Lena seems to be pushing her voice much more in this song (no favouritism I hope!!!)The chorus of this song is much catchier than anything we have heard this semi-final but is still no Eurovision song…
And the 3 songs through to the final on ARD next Friday are (in no particular order)… Push Forward, Mama Told Me and A Million And One.
This is a very archetypal Lena song with that kind of talky feel to it. The backing music has more then a whiff of Kate Nash/Lily Allen about it. It seems to be quite a girly song. The verses are too long and chorus seems a little on the weak side but it does show off her upper range. The backing dancers are actually quite off-putting with their ballet-influenced dance.
2 Teenage Girls - written by Viktoria Hansen, Lili Tarkow-Reinisch and Yacine Azeggagh
This song starts off quite slow and quiet. However, the lyrics of this are far too playful and naughty and gets a little predictable (if not also offensive and rude). As the song goes I am waiting for the song to progress and get bigger but it doesn’t quite come. The chorus is a little weak with the do-do-do repetition. A very “Lena” song but would bomb at Eurovision.
3 Push Forward - written by Daniel Schaub and Pär Lammers
Another slow song for Lena that starts with a very simple ballad piano beat. This is a very simple, if not effective song. As the song goes on the backing grows the song gets more meaning. I feel that this song would favour a far more stronger vocalist. The chorus does not seem to suite Lena’s mockney accent. However there is a false ending which fools a few people!
4 At All - written by Aloe Blacc
Unfortunately this is no “I need a dollar –part 2” :o( This is another slowish jazzy track. The song does allow Lena to put a lot of performance into the look and sound of the song which makes it sound quite strong. She seems to be enjoying this song a lot. Once again this is a perfect Lena song but would get totally lost amid the hubbub of Eurovision.
5 A Good Day - written by Audra Mae, Todd Edgar Wright and Scott Simons
This is a slightly more up-tempos guitar based summery song. The song starts off quite Lena-ish but something feels a bit wrong. The tune of this song is all over the place. The chorus seems to yodel around from high to low notes and Lena hits a few bum notes during this part, which doesn’t help. This also makes the words to the song very hard to hear.
6 Mama Told Me - written by Stefan Raab and Lena Meyer-Landrut
A typical Raab arrangement with lots of brass in the backing music. The starts sound a little bit Motown/early disco and Lena’s dancing also put you in this frame of mind. Lena seems to be pushing her voice much more in this song (no favouritism I hope!!!)The chorus of this song is much catchier than anything we have heard this semi-final but is still no Eurovision song…
And the 3 songs through to the final on ARD next Friday are (in no particular order)… Push Forward, Mama Told Me and A Million And One.
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
semi-final 1 - Germany
Normally I would not do semi reviews but as this situation is quite unique I feel it is important.
Last year’s winner Lena is once again singing the German entry, however each semi she will be singing the selected songs which will be narrowed down for the final. I feel it is important I listen and review all the songs and see if I feel the same about the entries.
1 Good news - written by Audra Mae and Ferras Alqaisi
The song starts of quietly and builds slowly. The song has a kind of old fashioned 20/30s feel to it. It almost feels like it could do with being a little faster. Lena seems to be struggling with some of the lower notes. The tune is not really catchy enough for Eurovision.
2 Maybe – written by Daniel Schaub and Pär Lammers
This song is a little more like Lena’s style but the verses seem quite quick and garbled. The bridge section is far too low. The chorus is actually quite catchy and with some additional hand claps could be a catchy one! Lena looks a little lost and confused on stage and the dress really doesn’t suit her.
3 I like you – written by Rosi Golan and Johnny McDaid
Lena starts singing along with just an acoustic guitar. The song is much clearer to listen to and the harmony with the backing singers is very nice. I am not so sure about the simplicity of the chorus, it feels weak compared to the verses. However the set up of the song looks good. Not memorable enough for ESC.
4 That again – written by Stefan Raab
Another mid-tempo jazzy number. Lots of trumpets, drums and bass. Lena is strutting about on stage and seems to be enjoying this number. Once again the backing seems to loud and Lena’s vocals don’t sound too good. The verses build up but this isn’t followed through into the chorus. A bit strange.
5 Taken by a Stanger - Gus Seyffert, Nicole Morier and Monica Birkenes
This is more of a mysterious minimalist electropop-jazz style. It certainly sounds very interesting and engaging. She is also joined by 4 dancers who actually help sell the song. Lena seems to be getting into this. There is quite a long instrumental part which is a bit too long. Certainly not a archetypal Eurovision song but very interesting.
6 What happened to me - written by Lena Meyer-Landrut and Stefan Raab
Back to the mid-tempo jazz. Sounds like the opening sequence from a brand new comedy series. Lena is enjoying herself and is getting into the ‘acting’ of the song. Although it’s a perfectly good song that would be heard on many a radio station it is just a little bit predictable and that is not good.
The 3 songs through (in no particular order) are… Maybe, Taken By A Stranger and What Happened To Me
Last year’s winner Lena is once again singing the German entry, however each semi she will be singing the selected songs which will be narrowed down for the final. I feel it is important I listen and review all the songs and see if I feel the same about the entries.
1 Good news - written by Audra Mae and Ferras Alqaisi
The song starts of quietly and builds slowly. The song has a kind of old fashioned 20/30s feel to it. It almost feels like it could do with being a little faster. Lena seems to be struggling with some of the lower notes. The tune is not really catchy enough for Eurovision.
2 Maybe – written by Daniel Schaub and Pär Lammers
This song is a little more like Lena’s style but the verses seem quite quick and garbled. The bridge section is far too low. The chorus is actually quite catchy and with some additional hand claps could be a catchy one! Lena looks a little lost and confused on stage and the dress really doesn’t suit her.
3 I like you – written by Rosi Golan and Johnny McDaid
Lena starts singing along with just an acoustic guitar. The song is much clearer to listen to and the harmony with the backing singers is very nice. I am not so sure about the simplicity of the chorus, it feels weak compared to the verses. However the set up of the song looks good. Not memorable enough for ESC.
4 That again – written by Stefan Raab
Another mid-tempo jazzy number. Lots of trumpets, drums and bass. Lena is strutting about on stage and seems to be enjoying this number. Once again the backing seems to loud and Lena’s vocals don’t sound too good. The verses build up but this isn’t followed through into the chorus. A bit strange.
5 Taken by a Stanger - Gus Seyffert, Nicole Morier and Monica Birkenes
This is more of a mysterious minimalist electropop-jazz style. It certainly sounds very interesting and engaging. She is also joined by 4 dancers who actually help sell the song. Lena seems to be getting into this. There is quite a long instrumental part which is a bit too long. Certainly not a archetypal Eurovision song but very interesting.
6 What happened to me - written by Lena Meyer-Landrut and Stefan Raab
Back to the mid-tempo jazz. Sounds like the opening sequence from a brand new comedy series. Lena is enjoying herself and is getting into the ‘acting’ of the song. Although it’s a perfectly good song that would be heard on many a radio station it is just a little bit predictable and that is not good.
The 3 songs through (in no particular order) are… Maybe, Taken By A Stranger and What Happened To Me
Monday, January 31, 2011
NETHERLANDS
The Dutch final was held in Hilversum on 30th January. 3JS (pronounced three-jays) were internally selected by the Dutch Broadcasters. The song was to be chosen using a 50% jury and 50% televote system. All 5 songs had been produced by the band themselves.
The 3JS, to be frank, look like the Jonas Brothers Dad’s band. They have been in the business a fair while now and seem quite tight. I guess TROS will be hoping that this experience will pay some dividends on the night. Another note to be made is that the stage seems quite small and sparse. Whatever the band does tonight will need to be highly magnified and thought out before getting it to the Eurovision stage. But I am getting ahead of myself- Lets get on with the show…
The show starts with a compilation of old Eurovision hits. Then the jury is introduced. The band is introduced with a short video including pictures of when they were young.
Ga Dan Neit (Don't go then) This is a slightly country based song with a very floaty quality. The chorus is not very strong for Eurovision. Might be a great record for the radio, but not Eurovision. I am also not quite sure if Dutch suits this style of song. Very strange ending too. The audience also does not look that impressed.
De Stroom (The stream) The guys are joined by male and female backing singer .This song starts much more upbeat. The audience starts clapping immediately. The bridge before the chorus rally builds up the tension and anticipation for the next part. The chorus is very catchy, especially with the oh-oh-oh bit at the end. Sounds like Stargirl by McFly. Quite a lot.
Toen ik jou vergat (When I forgot you) The band now revert back to the slow numbers. This is a very slow tempo number with a quite rocky guitar, a bit like “Days of our lives” by Queen. The tune of the chorus is actually clever but the tune seems to be too low for the singer although he seems to be gesticulating quite passionately throughout. The audience are motionless.
Weelderig Waardeloos (Luxuriously worthless) This is more a folk tune on acoustic guitar. They are all sat on stools and the whole performance is very gentle and quiet. The song is actually reminiscent of a children’s lullaby. I actually think that this song is stunningly beautiful however I am unsure if this would be too quiet for Eurovision or stand out because of it.
Je Vecht Nooit Allen (You will never fight alone) The backing singers once again appear on stage. The song starts off quite quiet however the audience are clapping. The bridge kicks in and the audience start really get into it The chorus grows even more in the music and the repetitive lyrics make it quite memorable. I think this may be the audience favourite!
After another compilations tape including some faves in the studio (Marscha and Marlayne to name just two) The jury reveal their rankings -
1st "Je vecht nooit alleen”
2nd "De stroom"
3rd "Ga dan niet"
4th "Toen ik jou vergat"
5th "Weelderig waardeloos"
Then the televote results are announced
"Ga dan niet" 5th (1%)
"De stroom" 2nd (25.5%)
"Toen ik jou vergat" 4th (3.9%)
"Weelderig waardeloos" 3rd (5.8%)
"Je vecht nooit alleen" 1st (63.8%)
This means that “Je Vecht Nooit Alleen” will be the song 3JS sing in Dusseldorf.
SINGER – 3JS
SONG – Je Vecht Nooit Alleen (You will never fight alone)
MUSIC - Jaap Schilder, Jan Keuken, Jaap Kwakman
WORDS – Jaap Schilder, Jan Keuken, Jaap Kwakman
The 3JS, to be frank, look like the Jonas Brothers Dad’s band. They have been in the business a fair while now and seem quite tight. I guess TROS will be hoping that this experience will pay some dividends on the night. Another note to be made is that the stage seems quite small and sparse. Whatever the band does tonight will need to be highly magnified and thought out before getting it to the Eurovision stage. But I am getting ahead of myself- Lets get on with the show…
The show starts with a compilation of old Eurovision hits. Then the jury is introduced. The band is introduced with a short video including pictures of when they were young.
Ga Dan Neit (Don't go then) This is a slightly country based song with a very floaty quality. The chorus is not very strong for Eurovision. Might be a great record for the radio, but not Eurovision. I am also not quite sure if Dutch suits this style of song. Very strange ending too. The audience also does not look that impressed.
De Stroom (The stream) The guys are joined by male and female backing singer .This song starts much more upbeat. The audience starts clapping immediately. The bridge before the chorus rally builds up the tension and anticipation for the next part. The chorus is very catchy, especially with the oh-oh-oh bit at the end. Sounds like Stargirl by McFly. Quite a lot.
Toen ik jou vergat (When I forgot you) The band now revert back to the slow numbers. This is a very slow tempo number with a quite rocky guitar, a bit like “Days of our lives” by Queen. The tune of the chorus is actually clever but the tune seems to be too low for the singer although he seems to be gesticulating quite passionately throughout. The audience are motionless.
Weelderig Waardeloos (Luxuriously worthless) This is more a folk tune on acoustic guitar. They are all sat on stools and the whole performance is very gentle and quiet. The song is actually reminiscent of a children’s lullaby. I actually think that this song is stunningly beautiful however I am unsure if this would be too quiet for Eurovision or stand out because of it.
Je Vecht Nooit Allen (You will never fight alone) The backing singers once again appear on stage. The song starts off quite quiet however the audience are clapping. The bridge kicks in and the audience start really get into it The chorus grows even more in the music and the repetitive lyrics make it quite memorable. I think this may be the audience favourite!
After another compilations tape including some faves in the studio (Marscha and Marlayne to name just two) The jury reveal their rankings -
1st "Je vecht nooit alleen”
2nd "De stroom"
3rd "Ga dan niet"
4th "Toen ik jou vergat"
5th "Weelderig waardeloos"
Then the televote results are announced
"Ga dan niet" 5th (1%)
"De stroom" 2nd (25.5%)
"Toen ik jou vergat" 4th (3.9%)
"Weelderig waardeloos" 3rd (5.8%)
"Je vecht nooit alleen" 1st (63.8%)
This means that “Je Vecht Nooit Alleen” will be the song 3JS sing in Dusseldorf.
SINGER – 3JS
SONG – Je Vecht Nooit Alleen (You will never fight alone)
MUSIC - Jaap Schilder, Jan Keuken, Jaap Kwakman
WORDS – Jaap Schilder, Jan Keuken, Jaap Kwakman
Labels:
2011,
3JS,
Eurovision,
Je Vecht Nooit Alleen,
Netherlands
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
ROMANIA
New Years Eve saw Romania choose their entry for Dusseldorf in the TVR Studios inBucharest. This also doubled up as their New Year's Day celebrations. Luckily, I have TV Romania on my satellite dish so this was the first final was able to see this year :o)
Opening dance sequence. The dancers seem to be wearing Doce’s cast outs from 1982.
Ovi and Paula Selling present the show. They came second last year with their catchy tune “Playing with fire”. Shame they have not put forward another collaboration again this year.
1) Adi Cristianu- One by One
The stage is covered with a horrid green sheet (whatever for!)
Ado is joined by one backing singer and 4 dancers who seem to be dressed as funny coloured bushes. The song is a bit strange although not unpleasant. The chorus uses his falsetto range quite a lot, which he seem unconfident with, and this part of his voice certainly isn’t strong. No punch to this song at all
2) Dalma – Song for Him
Dalma seems to wearing a short wedding dress and is sitting underneath an abandoned piece of garden furniture. Oh dear. The song starts out sweet and innocent and suddenly she proclaims “Who am I kidding?” The song has a kind of Meredith Brooks “Bitch” twinge to it. Dalma’s voice is not strong and the ending is just plain, plain weird.
3) Leticia – Dreaming of you
Another a country style record. Leticia is standing on a pedestal surrounded by dry ice. The beginning of the song sounds hopeful. The background music is quite bassy and guitary and has a dream like feel to it, however a chorus consisting of “I’m dreaming of you” repeated 4 times is plain lazy. Very disappointing after an interesting start.
4) Silvia Stefanescu – I can’t breathe without you
First ballad of the night, with a bit of a rock edge. Silvia is sporting the Morticia Addams look tonight, although she actually gets away with it! The song itself is actually a bit of a grower and Silvia obviously has confidence in her song and herself and it shows. Best performance up to now, but that really isn’t that difficult.
5) Blaxy Girls – It’s so fine
Oh dear. And I thought Vanilla Ninja were annoying. These girls take it to a new level. You can also tell the singer is trying very hard to ‘do a Lena’ and talk with a funny cockney accent. Another boring chorus “It’s so fine” repeated 9 times in each chorus *yawn* This is exactly the kind of thing I’d expect at Junior Eurovision NOT normal Eurovision.
Ovi and Paula now sing a selection of their songs.
What followed this looked like the Romanian version of Mini-pops doing Eurovision classics (this is so wrong I cannot tell you…) Starting to think if I have accidentally started watching re-runs of 3,2,1…
6) Claudia Pavel – I want U to want me
This song definitely has a touch of “Bleeding Love” about it. The Backing track is quite bassy but also have a lot of fast microbeats in the background. Gets off to a bad start as Claudia shows us here vocal dexterity... out of tune. She continues the theme by screeching out the top notes in the chorus. Would be a fantastic song…. For someone who could sing it properly.
7) Laurentiu Cazan – We can change the world
A slightly more ‘mature’ performer singing a very eighties styled rock song. He seems very comfortable about the song but something isn’t quite right. The staging needs far more action as it is all very static. Furthermore he doesn’t seem very loud and it isn’t always clear as to what he is singing. The strange ending also doesn’t help matters.
8) Dan Helciug – My Facebook girl
Aside Dan are a boy and girl playing away on their PCs, as well as doing some backing singing... The song is a very strange one. With such a modern title I was expecting something electronic and funky and quirky but it is actually just one guy and his guitar (pardon the pun) with a bluesy style song. The lyrics are actually quite twee and it seems to go on forever…
9) Distincto, Ianna and Anthony Icuagu – Open your eyes
This is a more ethereal type song with operatic overtones. Although it starts off well, I find the choruses a little bit grating. When they all sing together is seems like they are fighting against each other, rather than blending or complementing each other - especially Ianna- whose voice is a little shrill at times. In Eurovision terms this would definitely stand out
Another break A Romanian folk trio are doing a folk version of “Playing with fire” The woman in the band plays the guitar in the most bizarre way, with it under her arm, like a set of bagpipes with the arm of the guitar pointing out. Strange.
Then another (pointless) dance montage.
10) Directia 5- Cinema Love
Another case of ‘good song but wrong singers’. The look and movement of the band just doesn’t suit the song. The backing track has lots of interesting riffs and beats which are ignored by this performance. The song is also full of clichéd filmic references which are also ignored in the production of the song. I like it but something about it is mis-matched.
11) Rallsa - Take me Down
OMG Aska from Yugoslavia has comeback from1982. This so wants to be “We no speak Americano” or “Why don’t you” by Gramophonedzie. I have to give the writers and singers of the song for producing something so original and interesting. Unfortunately the girls’ English is very poor as are their singing voices and their co-ordination. Could have been AMAZING.
12) Hotel FM – Change
OMG Arvingarna are back from1993 ! The band are joined by 2 dancers who use different styles to mirror the music styles. They also play the trumpets XD The singer is very confident and sings with conviction. The song is a bit ‘stereotypical Eurovision’ with obligatory key change! Could do with more interaction between all the people on stage.
13) Mihai Alexandru, B-Body and Soul – Bang Bang
Another interesting song where lots of styles of song and dance are played around with and mixed together. Like previous participants Rallsa, it plays with the sounds of old style songs and movies. I could imagine with wild styling that this song would be very interesting to watch. Although the two main male singers are definitely singing live, I am not so sure about the girls…
Johnny Logan now appears singing “What’s another year” and “Hold me now”.
Eventually we get to the voting. Distincto, Ianna and Anthony Icuagu win the jury vote but only scored 5 with the telvote. However Hotel FM's 10 points from the jury and first place with the viewers give them the ticket to Germany in May.
SINGER - Hotel FM
SONG - Change
MUSIC- Gabriel Băruţă
WORDS - Gabriel Băruţă, Alexandra Ivan
Opening dance sequence. The dancers seem to be wearing Doce’s cast outs from 1982.
Ovi and Paula Selling present the show. They came second last year with their catchy tune “Playing with fire”. Shame they have not put forward another collaboration again this year.
1) Adi Cristianu- One by One
The stage is covered with a horrid green sheet (whatever for!)
Ado is joined by one backing singer and 4 dancers who seem to be dressed as funny coloured bushes. The song is a bit strange although not unpleasant. The chorus uses his falsetto range quite a lot, which he seem unconfident with, and this part of his voice certainly isn’t strong. No punch to this song at all
2) Dalma – Song for Him
Dalma seems to wearing a short wedding dress and is sitting underneath an abandoned piece of garden furniture. Oh dear. The song starts out sweet and innocent and suddenly she proclaims “Who am I kidding?” The song has a kind of Meredith Brooks “Bitch” twinge to it. Dalma’s voice is not strong and the ending is just plain, plain weird.
3) Leticia – Dreaming of you
Another a country style record. Leticia is standing on a pedestal surrounded by dry ice. The beginning of the song sounds hopeful. The background music is quite bassy and guitary and has a dream like feel to it, however a chorus consisting of “I’m dreaming of you” repeated 4 times is plain lazy. Very disappointing after an interesting start.
4) Silvia Stefanescu – I can’t breathe without you
First ballad of the night, with a bit of a rock edge. Silvia is sporting the Morticia Addams look tonight, although she actually gets away with it! The song itself is actually a bit of a grower and Silvia obviously has confidence in her song and herself and it shows. Best performance up to now, but that really isn’t that difficult.
5) Blaxy Girls – It’s so fine
Oh dear. And I thought Vanilla Ninja were annoying. These girls take it to a new level. You can also tell the singer is trying very hard to ‘do a Lena’ and talk with a funny cockney accent. Another boring chorus “It’s so fine” repeated 9 times in each chorus *yawn* This is exactly the kind of thing I’d expect at Junior Eurovision NOT normal Eurovision.
Ovi and Paula now sing a selection of their songs.
What followed this looked like the Romanian version of Mini-pops doing Eurovision classics (this is so wrong I cannot tell you…) Starting to think if I have accidentally started watching re-runs of 3,2,1…
6) Claudia Pavel – I want U to want me
This song definitely has a touch of “Bleeding Love” about it. The Backing track is quite bassy but also have a lot of fast microbeats in the background. Gets off to a bad start as Claudia shows us here vocal dexterity... out of tune. She continues the theme by screeching out the top notes in the chorus. Would be a fantastic song…. For someone who could sing it properly.
7) Laurentiu Cazan – We can change the world
A slightly more ‘mature’ performer singing a very eighties styled rock song. He seems very comfortable about the song but something isn’t quite right. The staging needs far more action as it is all very static. Furthermore he doesn’t seem very loud and it isn’t always clear as to what he is singing. The strange ending also doesn’t help matters.
8) Dan Helciug – My Facebook girl
Aside Dan are a boy and girl playing away on their PCs, as well as doing some backing singing... The song is a very strange one. With such a modern title I was expecting something electronic and funky and quirky but it is actually just one guy and his guitar (pardon the pun) with a bluesy style song. The lyrics are actually quite twee and it seems to go on forever…
9) Distincto, Ianna and Anthony Icuagu – Open your eyes
This is a more ethereal type song with operatic overtones. Although it starts off well, I find the choruses a little bit grating. When they all sing together is seems like they are fighting against each other, rather than blending or complementing each other - especially Ianna- whose voice is a little shrill at times. In Eurovision terms this would definitely stand out
Another break A Romanian folk trio are doing a folk version of “Playing with fire” The woman in the band plays the guitar in the most bizarre way, with it under her arm, like a set of bagpipes with the arm of the guitar pointing out. Strange.
Then another (pointless) dance montage.
10) Directia 5- Cinema Love
Another case of ‘good song but wrong singers’. The look and movement of the band just doesn’t suit the song. The backing track has lots of interesting riffs and beats which are ignored by this performance. The song is also full of clichéd filmic references which are also ignored in the production of the song. I like it but something about it is mis-matched.
11) Rallsa - Take me Down
OMG Aska from Yugoslavia has comeback from1982. This so wants to be “We no speak Americano” or “Why don’t you” by Gramophonedzie. I have to give the writers and singers of the song for producing something so original and interesting. Unfortunately the girls’ English is very poor as are their singing voices and their co-ordination. Could have been AMAZING.
12) Hotel FM – Change
OMG Arvingarna are back from1993 ! The band are joined by 2 dancers who use different styles to mirror the music styles. They also play the trumpets XD The singer is very confident and sings with conviction. The song is a bit ‘stereotypical Eurovision’ with obligatory key change! Could do with more interaction between all the people on stage.
13) Mihai Alexandru, B-Body and Soul – Bang Bang
Another interesting song where lots of styles of song and dance are played around with and mixed together. Like previous participants Rallsa, it plays with the sounds of old style songs and movies. I could imagine with wild styling that this song would be very interesting to watch. Although the two main male singers are definitely singing live, I am not so sure about the girls…
Johnny Logan now appears singing “What’s another year” and “Hold me now”.
Eventually we get to the voting. Distincto, Ianna and Anthony Icuagu win the jury vote but only scored 5 with the telvote. However Hotel FM's 10 points from the jury and first place with the viewers give them the ticket to Germany in May.
SINGER - Hotel FM
SONG - Change
MUSIC- Gabriel Băruţă
WORDS - Gabriel Băruţă, Alexandra Ivan
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