Well if your not then you may want to take a look at what is on tomorrow. Tomorrow from 1pm the Melodifestivalen songs will be appearing online. We are very much looking forward to seeing Timoteij.
Also more importantly for us Irish tomorrow we will hear all the songs in the National Final on The Mooney Show. You can listen to the show here on the RTÉ website. Click "Play now" in the What's on now tab. It will be broadcast at 3pm GMT/ 4pm CET. We aim to have some coverage of the show on Twitter. Follow us @besteuroblog. We look forward to seeing all the artists song but especially Jedward.
And if you're still not sick of Eurovision at this stage there is another show on in Germany. It is their quarter final of their Unser Star Fur Baku show so Raab may be very excitable.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Strongest Icelandic National Final In Years
Many Eurovision fans throughout the world have been surprised at the high quality of the Icelandic National selection compared with recent years. So as we are about to see their national final in action time to break out the reviews and cast the critical eye over Iceland:
Regína Ósk - An Icelandic R'n'b, which may or may not do well depending on how it is performed. It was performed well in the semi-final but I just think it lags a little in comparison to some of the other songs that are in the final. Grade: D+
Simbi og Hrútspungarnir - This reminds me of Father'n'sons in the first semi-final. But this has a much stronger Icelandic feel to it. It builds well and is pleasant to listen to. Grade: C+
Rósa Birgitta Ísfeld - Given the standard this just doesn't do it for me at all. It lacks a really tune, the singer does not covey anything that is required to make this stand out. Grade: E+
Blar Opal – As with many of the Icelandic song this one needs to be live to truly enjoy it. However I think it could be just a little unsophisticated for Eurovision. It is strong but in such a strong national final, will it stand out? Grade: B
Greta Salome & Jonsi - Starts deep and intense but then develops with what sounds like violins and thunder. Greta’s singing is very intense. This really proved itself when it was live. Given its position in the draw it has a strong chance of being the Icelandic entry. Personally I love this one. Grade: A
Heida & Gudron Árny - This is one of my favourites from Iceland. We have seen from earlier that all the artists are able to deliver vocally and I think this may be even slightly better than their other songs. The loss of Greta Sálome here may not be a good thing but she has decided to go with Jonsi on this one. There’s a vote of confidence in her song. But I would like to see the awkward moment when they get choosen for Eurovision and Gretá asks to rejoin them…..Grade: B+
Magni Ásgeirsson - A strange starting song that builds into something that you weren't quite expecting (not sure if that is a good thing). Parts of the song are really good but there are bits of music when he is not singing is not exactly keeping in line with the song and is a little surprising. Grade: D
Regína Ósk - An Icelandic R'n'b, which may or may not do well depending on how it is performed. It was performed well in the semi-final but I just think it lags a little in comparison to some of the other songs that are in the final. Grade: D+
Simbi og Hrútspungarnir - This reminds me of Father'n'sons in the first semi-final. But this has a much stronger Icelandic feel to it. It builds well and is pleasant to listen to. Grade: C+
Rósa Birgitta Ísfeld - Given the standard this just doesn't do it for me at all. It lacks a really tune, the singer does not covey anything that is required to make this stand out. Grade: E+
Blar Opal – As with many of the Icelandic song this one needs to be live to truly enjoy it. However I think it could be just a little unsophisticated for Eurovision. It is strong but in such a strong national final, will it stand out? Grade: B
Greta Salome & Jonsi - Starts deep and intense but then develops with what sounds like violins and thunder. Greta’s singing is very intense. This really proved itself when it was live. Given its position in the draw it has a strong chance of being the Icelandic entry. Personally I love this one. Grade: A
Heida & Gudron Árny - This is one of my favourites from Iceland. We have seen from earlier that all the artists are able to deliver vocally and I think this may be even slightly better than their other songs. The loss of Greta Sálome here may not be a good thing but she has decided to go with Jonsi on this one. There’s a vote of confidence in her song. But I would like to see the awkward moment when they get choosen for Eurovision and Gretá asks to rejoin them…..Grade: B+
Magni Ásgeirsson - A strange starting song that builds into something that you weren't quite expecting (not sure if that is a good thing). Parts of the song are really good but there are bits of music when he is not singing is not exactly keeping in line with the song and is a little surprising. Grade: D
And of course Jonsi & Greta Sálome are our favorites to win and we think they have a very good chance of it.
The Jedward Song Title Saga Goes On And On And....
UPD: The Irish Independent and The Evening Hearld (Neither are an Irish paper of record), are reporting that Jedward's song title is in fact "Waterline". I would normally dismiss such rumours but given that they are quoting Linda Martin on this matter [who is their mentor] I am inclined to believe them. That is the nature of Irish Media where newspaper, political and celebrity circles are all friends with one another. We look forward to hearing Jedward and all the other entry's for Eurovision very shortly on The Mooney Show and I will post about that on Wednesday Night.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Silence of the UK Could Be Starting To Do Damage
The quietness of BBC Eurovision department is rather annoying for fans but more than that, it really is starting to do the UK Eurovision damage the UK's creditably and their entry. I have long argued that the UK has either one of two things: 1. They cannot find anyone worthwhile to send to Eurovision and are frantically trying to trying to find someone or 2. They have got someone really big and are keeping them under wraps. So what is the problem here? What are they doing?
The problem is simple. Last year the UK sent Blue to the Eurovision Song Contest and did very well for themselves coming 11th (I know some fans complain but given the song and the jury performance it was respectable). The BBC had sent out a flare to the rest of Europe. We're going to take this seriously and actually try and get a win in the next few years. Or so we thought. If they actually hadn't got a singer that would be a ery bad sign. However I think that the second theory is more than likely the correct one.
Last year many fans may remember that three names started to circulate around about the BBC Eurovision entry. Once we knew there was no national final, names started to appear and were quickly brought down to three suspects: Pixie Lott; Katherine Jenkins and Charlotte Church. In the end it was Blue. So what was the fuss all about?
Well this time last year the Beeb knew two certain things. 1. The Queen holds her {Those who know insert number here} anniversary on the throne. 2. Britain is to host the Olympics. 2012 really is the year that Britain has a huge opportunity to wedge itself toward the front of international recognition. They will not have this kind of chance again. So why not top it off with a Eurovision win while your at it? Ewan over on the podcast said at the time that many of the names in circulation were to big and would have to be booked a year in advance.
Exactly, a year in advance.
Could one of the big names be off to Eurovision for the UK. Did they sign the contract Based on the points above we suspect this is the case. However here is where the problems arise. While us romantic fans like to believe that it is all down to the way the song goes on the night of the contest is what is important, the reality is that promotion is always a good thing and generally will merit a song a higher place on the table than it could have got without promotion. This is where the UK's silence is really starting to hurt. If they had come, armed with a big artist and song in Janurary, they could have launched a whirlwind national final tour. Because they have delayed their press and promotion they have lost out just in being mentioned by people discussing Eurovision on TV.
So who could it be off the list? Katherine Jenkins is my favourite singer [Yes I have favourites outside of Eurovision] Well, I know for a fact that Katherine Jenkins quit ITV's show Popstar to Operastar [which happens around the time of Eurovision] claiming that it might get in the way of her tour. Here's the thing - there is no tour. She has a big gap in her calender from around March-Oct. this year with one engagement in June. She launched an album last year, so there is no real reason for such a gap.
Of course this is only speculation and I have no doubt you say the same about lots of Artists.
The problem is simple. Last year the UK sent Blue to the Eurovision Song Contest and did very well for themselves coming 11th (I know some fans complain but given the song and the jury performance it was respectable). The BBC had sent out a flare to the rest of Europe. We're going to take this seriously and actually try and get a win in the next few years. Or so we thought. If they actually hadn't got a singer that would be a ery bad sign. However I think that the second theory is more than likely the correct one.
Last year many fans may remember that three names started to circulate around about the BBC Eurovision entry. Once we knew there was no national final, names started to appear and were quickly brought down to three suspects: Pixie Lott; Katherine Jenkins and Charlotte Church. In the end it was Blue. So what was the fuss all about?
Well this time last year the Beeb knew two certain things. 1. The Queen holds her {Those who know insert number here} anniversary on the throne. 2. Britain is to host the Olympics. 2012 really is the year that Britain has a huge opportunity to wedge itself toward the front of international recognition. They will not have this kind of chance again. So why not top it off with a Eurovision win while your at it? Ewan over on the podcast said at the time that many of the names in circulation were to big and would have to be booked a year in advance.
Exactly, a year in advance.
Could one of the big names be off to Eurovision for the UK. Did they sign the contract Based on the points above we suspect this is the case. However here is where the problems arise. While us romantic fans like to believe that it is all down to the way the song goes on the night of the contest is what is important, the reality is that promotion is always a good thing and generally will merit a song a higher place on the table than it could have got without promotion. This is where the UK's silence is really starting to hurt. If they had come, armed with a big artist and song in Janurary, they could have launched a whirlwind national final tour. Because they have delayed their press and promotion they have lost out just in being mentioned by people discussing Eurovision on TV.
So who could it be off the list? Katherine Jenkins is my favourite singer [Yes I have favourites outside of Eurovision] Well, I know for a fact that Katherine Jenkins quit ITV's show Popstar to Operastar [which happens around the time of Eurovision] claiming that it might get in the way of her tour. Here's the thing - there is no tour. She has a big gap in her calender from around March-Oct. this year with one engagement in June. She launched an album last year, so there is no real reason for such a gap.
Of course this is only speculation and I have no doubt you say the same about lots of Artists.
You Wouldn't Want To Be Doing Anything On March 10th
- For those who are following National Final season (and if your not why are you reading this) will notice that we previously suggested that there may not be a Super Saturday this year as it looked previously, as many National Finals looked set to be held on a weekday. Now the inverse has occured. Every Saturday looks set to be Super Saturday. From now until the 10th March every Saturday looks set to deliver us 3-4 more songs each time. However the 10th March will bring at least 5 new songs. Sweden, Moldova, Portugal, Romania and Serbia will all either present or select their Eurovision Song. While this makes for exciting Saturday nights, as a lone blogger this will make life a little difficult trying to keep up with everything and I look forward to the challenge.
- For anyone who has not noticed Lise Karlnese has been chosen as the wildcard in MGP. We are not overly surprised by this decision. We suspected it would be her or The Canoes. Anyway well done to her. We have already begun working on the Norwegian reviews for the final.
- Finally we would like to extend our sympathies to the family of Noel Kelehan who was the conductor of many Irish Eurovision entries, including five winners. He will be sadly missed by Eurovision fans worldwide. May he rest in peace.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Review: Cyprus
After quite a lot of procrastination I finally sat down to write my review of the Cypriot song La La Love sung by Ivi Adamou. They will perform in the second half of the first semi-final.
Cyprus this year provided great excitement when they released the three songs in their National Final. When they did this we really had not heard any real high quality songs. Now that we have I really am bored by the Cypriot entry. The song feels very false and generic even when it is performed live. I think that it is the standard Fanwank, it lacks any notes that could be hard to sing or anything that would give this song a competitive advantage in Eurovision. I can't see anything in the song that would make a large enough proportion of Europe for it to make it through to the final. Ivi doesn't have a vast amount of charisma to add to the song and I felt that she was to focused on the audience than she was on the cameras.
The next problem is a production one: Why did Ivi not sing live? Whoever decided that it was best that Ivi should not sing live in the National Final was sadly unaware of how that would impact on how she would be perceived by fans. This decision does not fill me with confidence in her ability to sing well on the stage in Baku. Aside for these factors she ought to practice singing this song live. The only thing I would recommend is that she should keep the silver dress, it is far more interesting than the black one.
Verdict: A cheap and cheerful pop song that really has little hope of qualifying even in comparison to the other ESC entries already picked this is just not at the standard that is required to do well. I am not saying that I steer well clear of it. It is nice but just is too simple for Eurovision.
Grade: D
Cyprus this year provided great excitement when they released the three songs in their National Final. When they did this we really had not heard any real high quality songs. Now that we have I really am bored by the Cypriot entry. The song feels very false and generic even when it is performed live. I think that it is the standard Fanwank, it lacks any notes that could be hard to sing or anything that would give this song a competitive advantage in Eurovision. I can't see anything in the song that would make a large enough proportion of Europe for it to make it through to the final. Ivi doesn't have a vast amount of charisma to add to the song and I felt that she was to focused on the audience than she was on the cameras.
The next problem is a production one: Why did Ivi not sing live? Whoever decided that it was best that Ivi should not sing live in the National Final was sadly unaware of how that would impact on how she would be perceived by fans. This decision does not fill me with confidence in her ability to sing well on the stage in Baku. Aside for these factors she ought to practice singing this song live. The only thing I would recommend is that she should keep the silver dress, it is far more interesting than the black one.
Verdict: A cheap and cheerful pop song that really has little hope of qualifying even in comparison to the other ESC entries already picked this is just not at the standard that is required to do well. I am not saying that I steer well clear of it. It is nice but just is too simple for Eurovision.
Grade: D
Saturday, February 4, 2012
100 Tweets Later And We Have Song Six
Tonight after a marathon National Final we have reached the end of the Maltese selection. To explain how bored people were: You may notice sometimes during the dull part of a national final we will post up a Why not visit the blog? tweet [Our marketing department say it is a good idea]. Normally this generates 2/3 extra visitors. When I did it during Eurosong I got 15.
Anyway we all woke up just after midnight to see what was a rather entertaining voting. The ultimate winner was KURT CALLEJA who will sing This Is The Night for Malta in Baku. Full review will be out in a week or two but suffice to say I think it is a little average.
Moving on to other matters at hand Hungary and Lithuania had their semi-finals tonight also and I gather that they passed off without anyone watching them.
However most interestingly Sweden held their first Melodifestivalen semi-final which was a entertaining and as interesting as ever. I think people have finally gotten their heads around the "poor" songs and are now accepting that the songs are not normally seen in MF. This meant that we had one of the most intriguing contests in a long time. I know our predictions were out (badly) but Swedes are very changeable in their nature when it comes to Melodifestivalen. Sean Banan and Throston Flinck went to Anfra Chansen with Dead By April and Loreen advancing to the Final. I thoroughly enjoyed Melodifestivalen this week and look forward to next week.
Norway too held their ultimate semi-final. This one turned out to have a couple of surprises (most of them were very pleasant). The biggest surprise was Yaseen & Julie Maria coming third with their song Sammen. I didn't think very much of it and my mind is still unchanged but I think their performance highlights why the number of people on stage needs to be restricted. Tooji also made it through. He was the Norwegian answer to Eric Saade and the number of similarities was actually freaky. It turned into a bit of a spot the difference competition [He didn't wear leather gloves]. He deserves credit for an excellent performance however coming second means that he will be first to sing in the final which may not work in his favor. The best and most pleasant surprise was how well Bobby Bare and Petter Oien's song came across on the stage. Everything about it worked and Bobby was such a country gentleman. I was really impressed by what appeared to be the bond between the two men. It was real music.
Norway is expected to announce their wildcard on Thursday. We suspect it will go to the Canoes but also consider Minne-Oh, Lisa Stokke and especially Lise Karlnese to be in with a chance.
That brings this evening to a close. The next big event will be on Monday with Germany holding heat 5. However we tend to ignore Germany for the moment. We will be busy over the coming week preparing for the weekend so please be patient with us if things are quiet during the week.
P.S. We don't have a marketing department.
Anyway we all woke up just after midnight to see what was a rather entertaining voting. The ultimate winner was KURT CALLEJA who will sing This Is The Night for Malta in Baku. Full review will be out in a week or two but suffice to say I think it is a little average.
Moving on to other matters at hand Hungary and Lithuania had their semi-finals tonight also and I gather that they passed off without anyone watching them.
However most interestingly Sweden held their first Melodifestivalen semi-final which was a entertaining and as interesting as ever. I think people have finally gotten their heads around the "poor" songs and are now accepting that the songs are not normally seen in MF. This meant that we had one of the most intriguing contests in a long time. I know our predictions were out (badly) but Swedes are very changeable in their nature when it comes to Melodifestivalen. Sean Banan and Throston Flinck went to Anfra Chansen with Dead By April and Loreen advancing to the Final. I thoroughly enjoyed Melodifestivalen this week and look forward to next week.
Norway too held their ultimate semi-final. This one turned out to have a couple of surprises (most of them were very pleasant). The biggest surprise was Yaseen & Julie Maria coming third with their song Sammen. I didn't think very much of it and my mind is still unchanged but I think their performance highlights why the number of people on stage needs to be restricted. Tooji also made it through. He was the Norwegian answer to Eric Saade and the number of similarities was actually freaky. It turned into a bit of a spot the difference competition [He didn't wear leather gloves]. He deserves credit for an excellent performance however coming second means that he will be first to sing in the final which may not work in his favor. The best and most pleasant surprise was how well Bobby Bare and Petter Oien's song came across on the stage. Everything about it worked and Bobby was such a country gentleman. I was really impressed by what appeared to be the bond between the two men. It was real music.
Norway is expected to announce their wildcard on Thursday. We suspect it will go to the Canoes but also consider Minne-Oh, Lisa Stokke and especially Lise Karlnese to be in with a chance.
That brings this evening to a close. The next big event will be on Monday with Germany holding heat 5. However we tend to ignore Germany for the moment. We will be busy over the coming week preparing for the weekend so please be patient with us if things are quiet during the week.
P.S. We don't have a marketing department.
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