We continue....
Latvia - Musiqq "Angel In Disguise"
There were a number of decent quality songs in the Latvian selection this year - shame the televoters chose to send this one. Lauris Reniks must have thought that his "Banjo Laura" would win easily, as did everyone else. This, however, will definitely be joining the list of DNQs that Latvia have racked up in recent years (another country who cannot afford to host I suspect).
Qualify? Don't think so
Lithuania - Evelina Sasenko "C'est Ma Vie"
A very strong effort, if Evelina can carry this off live then she will qualify with no difficulty. Lovely song.
Qualify? If it sounds as good as the studio version then certainly.
FYR Macedonia - Vlatko Ilevski "Ruslinka"
This shouty rock effort will definitely stand out, but wont be enough for it to qualify.
Qualify? Nope.
Malta - Glen Vella "One Life"
The Maltese NF was chock full of quality songs, and I am still at an utter loss why this one was the choice of the televoters. He's a pretty-boy and nothing else. This convinces me that Malta will never win ESC, maybe they don't want to.
Qualify? Doubtful.
Moldova - Zdob si Zdub "So Lucky"
The only people who will be so lucky are those that are only tuning in for the final. This is dreadful *covers ears*. Is this really the best Moldova could offer? Wretched.
Qualify? Never.
Netherlands - 3Js "Never Alone"
Didn't think this was the strongest entry they could have sent, however it has grown on me considerably the more I listen. Been a long time since the Dutch last qualified, must stand a good chance with this effort.
Qualify? I hope so.
Norway - Stella Mwangi "Haba Haba"
Another entry that has distinct echoes of another song, Shakiras "Wakka Wakka" in this case. That said it is a very strong and dynamic entry indeed, and must have a very good chance of winning the whole thing. Qualification, and a top 5 finish assured.
Qualify? Easily. Possible winner.
Poland - Magdalena Tul "Jestam"
Wasn't my winner on the night of their NF, but a decent singer / song nevertheless. Good chance of qualifying, but will finish mid-table on the night.
Qualify? Probably.
Portugal - Homens da Luta "Luta E Alegria"
Any respect I have ever had for Portugal has gone flying out of the window with this piece of utter EuroPap. I live in hope that one year they do actually win, having been in the contest since the mid 60s, and underachieved considerably. DNQ and no mistake.
Qualify? Not a hope in hell.
Romania - Hotel FM "Change"
This is one song that could do rather well. A proper pop song, and nice message as well. Should qualify with ease, and assured a shed-load of votes in the final. Big chance.
Qualify? Of course.
Russia - Alex Sparrow "Get You"
If the televoters are teenage girls then Alex Sparrow should win easily. The song is not brilliant, average boy-band stuff, but if performed well in Düsseldorf should be at the business end of things.
Qualify? Should do.
San Marino - Senit "Stand By"
Another song that has grows on me with each listen. Not sure if will qualify, would be nice for San Marino to be a part of finals night. Senit is an excellent singer in any case.
Qualify? Maybe.
Serbia - Nina "Caroban"
Comes across as a bit of a back-in-the-day Eurosong. Tuneful enough, but not sure if it is quite good enough to qualify.
Qualify? Doubtful.
Slovakia - TwIInS "I'm Still Alive"
Liked this one when I first heard it, getting a little bored of it now to be honest. The best of the two twin-outfits in this years contest by a distance, their song is beginning to sound a tad ordinary now. Thought they would qualify easily at first listen, jury is out now!
Qualify? Not sure.
Monday 14 March 2011
2011 Winners - An Appraisal Part 2
Now here is part 2...
Cyprus - Christos Mylordos "San Aggelos S'agapisa"
At the risk of sounding hard to please, I don't fancy this one much either! Utterly forgettable, not a patch on Jon Lilygreens song from last year. It will qualify, of course it will, however will be an also-ran on finals night.
Qualify? I would imagine so
Denmark - A Friend In London "New Tomorrow"
This song rips off so many others that I'm staggered it was allowed to compete. More than a passing resemblance to "Sing For Me" by Andreas Johnson. Doesn't deserve to qualify.
Qualify? Not if I had my way.
Estonia - Getter Jaani "Rockefeller Street"
One of my favourites, liked this from the first listen. Certain qualifier and one of Estonias better efforts in recent years. Looks set for decent finish in the final as well.
Qualify? Without a doubt.
Finland - Paradise Oskar "Da Da Dam"
Shame that Finland have given up trying to win since Lordi triumphed in Athens. There were a few better options in the Finnish selection than this piece of nonsense. Probably qualify on the strength of the "pretty-boy" vote, but don't like it.
Qualify? Highly likely.
France - Amaury Vasilli "Sognu"
This guy can definitely hold a tune, and if the televoters/juries go for something a bit different then France will not be far away on the big night. High quality entry, outstanding. Top 5 finish not out of the question.
Qualify? Doesn't need to.
Georgia - Eldrine "One More Day"
If Eldrine sounds as tuneless as she did in the NF then this song will sink without trace. Not keen on the rapper either. No chance.
Qualify? No
Germany - Lena "Taken By A Stranger"
The defending champion returns with a very highly regarded effort. All her pre-selection songs, from her new album "Good News", were out of the top drawer. Whether it will be enough for her to bring home gold for the hosts again, hmmm not sure. There will be one out there to beat I reckon.
Qualify? Doesn't need to.
Hungary - Kati Wolf "What About My Dreams"
I really, really like this. Great singer, great song. If she decides to sing it in English, Hungarian or the bi-lingual version it will matter not. Has the potential to match the placing of Frederika in their debut year of 1994. Obvious qualifier.
Qualify? Without a shadow of a doubt.
Iceland - Sigurjons Friends "Aftur Heim"
I suspect there will be publicity a plenty surrounding the Icelandic entry, in the light of Sigurjon Brinks untimely passing. The song isn't all that bad, and will surely qualify. Wont win, but should finish mid-table on finals night.
Qualify? Of course.
Ireland - Jedward "Lipstick"
Ireland are another country who have long since given up trying to win. They cannot afford to host being the most obvious reason why I would imagine. By sending this bigger-turkey-than-dustin there is a huge chance of non-qualification (they are not helped by the UK being unable to vote in their semi). Had Nikki Kavanagh been the representative then a top 10 finish would have been assured. Not with this rubbish though.
Qualify? Doubtful.
Israel - Dana International "Ding Dong"
The second previous winner in this years line-up. Nowhere near as good as "Diva", if it does qualify it would be on the strength of her reputation as Eurovision Royalty and little else.
Qualify? Possibly, who knows.
Italy - Raphael Gualazzi "Follia d'Amore"
I was so pleased to hear that Italy were coming back, long overdue. Absolutely love this song, it is easily in my top 10 this year. Can't see it winning, but will surely justify the Italians returning.
Qualify? Doesn't need to.
Cyprus - Christos Mylordos "San Aggelos S'agapisa"
At the risk of sounding hard to please, I don't fancy this one much either! Utterly forgettable, not a patch on Jon Lilygreens song from last year. It will qualify, of course it will, however will be an also-ran on finals night.
Qualify? I would imagine so
Denmark - A Friend In London "New Tomorrow"
This song rips off so many others that I'm staggered it was allowed to compete. More than a passing resemblance to "Sing For Me" by Andreas Johnson. Doesn't deserve to qualify.
Qualify? Not if I had my way.
Estonia - Getter Jaani "Rockefeller Street"
One of my favourites, liked this from the first listen. Certain qualifier and one of Estonias better efforts in recent years. Looks set for decent finish in the final as well.
Qualify? Without a doubt.
Finland - Paradise Oskar "Da Da Dam"
Shame that Finland have given up trying to win since Lordi triumphed in Athens. There were a few better options in the Finnish selection than this piece of nonsense. Probably qualify on the strength of the "pretty-boy" vote, but don't like it.
Qualify? Highly likely.
France - Amaury Vasilli "Sognu"
This guy can definitely hold a tune, and if the televoters/juries go for something a bit different then France will not be far away on the big night. High quality entry, outstanding. Top 5 finish not out of the question.
Qualify? Doesn't need to.
Georgia - Eldrine "One More Day"
If Eldrine sounds as tuneless as she did in the NF then this song will sink without trace. Not keen on the rapper either. No chance.
Qualify? No
Germany - Lena "Taken By A Stranger"
The defending champion returns with a very highly regarded effort. All her pre-selection songs, from her new album "Good News", were out of the top drawer. Whether it will be enough for her to bring home gold for the hosts again, hmmm not sure. There will be one out there to beat I reckon.
Qualify? Doesn't need to.
Hungary - Kati Wolf "What About My Dreams"
I really, really like this. Great singer, great song. If she decides to sing it in English, Hungarian or the bi-lingual version it will matter not. Has the potential to match the placing of Frederika in their debut year of 1994. Obvious qualifier.
Qualify? Without a shadow of a doubt.
Iceland - Sigurjons Friends "Aftur Heim"
I suspect there will be publicity a plenty surrounding the Icelandic entry, in the light of Sigurjon Brinks untimely passing. The song isn't all that bad, and will surely qualify. Wont win, but should finish mid-table on finals night.
Qualify? Of course.
Ireland - Jedward "Lipstick"
Ireland are another country who have long since given up trying to win. They cannot afford to host being the most obvious reason why I would imagine. By sending this bigger-turkey-than-dustin there is a huge chance of non-qualification (they are not helped by the UK being unable to vote in their semi). Had Nikki Kavanagh been the representative then a top 10 finish would have been assured. Not with this rubbish though.
Qualify? Doubtful.
Israel - Dana International "Ding Dong"
The second previous winner in this years line-up. Nowhere near as good as "Diva", if it does qualify it would be on the strength of her reputation as Eurovision Royalty and little else.
Qualify? Possibly, who knows.
Italy - Raphael Gualazzi "Follia d'Amore"
I was so pleased to hear that Italy were coming back, long overdue. Absolutely love this song, it is easily in my top 10 this year. Can't see it winning, but will surely justify the Italians returning.
Qualify? Doesn't need to.
2011 Winners - An Appraisal Part 1
The 43 entries are just-about finalised, so I thought I would have a listen to all of them, and offer a quick appraisal of each. Here is the 1st part.....
Albania - Aurela Gace "Feel The Passion"
When I heard this in it's native tongue when it won the Albanian NF I wasn't over impressed. English improves it somewhat, however Aurela is still too shouty for me.
Qualify? Maybe
Armenia - Emmy "Boom Boom"
Don't know what I hate most about this, Emmys whining voice or the nonsense "Boom Boom Chakka Chakka" lyrics. Considering that "Apricot Stone" was sublime, I was expecting better.
Qualify? No chance.
Austria - Nadine Beiler "The Secret Is Love"
Much more like it, the song and Nadine are excellent, and was a clear winner for me in their highly entertaining NF. I'm delighted that Austria are back with this high quality effort. A certain qualifier, and a top 10 finish beckons.
Qualify? Easily.
Azerbaijan - Ell & Nikki "Running Scared"
This was the NF with the bored audience, the never ending rounds of singing and the contrived finish. No televoting, and a jury deciding that two of the participants would perform a duet instead of there being one winner. That said, the studio version of this entry has surprised me. If they can pull it off live then it is a certain qualifier (just added it to my IPod as well, a ringing endorsement of any EuroSong)!
Qualify? If it sounds as good live then surely.
Belarus - Anastasia Vinnikova "Born In Belorussia"
If the rumours are true then Anastasia wont even be on the plane to Düsseldorf as this moderate, but supposedly over-political effort is due to be disqualified. Might be for the best actually as the song is rubbish and would sink without trace in the semi final/
Qualify? You must be joking. No!
Belgium - Witloof Bay "With Love, Baby"
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am with Belgium. After last years highly successful internal selection of both Tom Dice and his song I was expecting a lot better than this swing-effort. Not my sort of music at all, and I struggle to sit through the whole 3 minutes. Painful.
Qualify? Maybe, who knows. Not for me.
Bosnia & Herzogovina - Dino Merlin "Love in Rewind"
Another song that I find quite ordinary, even after a couple of listens. Cannot see this qualifying, not good.
Qualify? No.
Bulgaria - Poly Genova "Na Inat"
One of my more favourite entries is this one. Great singer, great song. Will need to be a little more tuneful at contest time perhaps, but I really like it. Hope she qualifies.
Qualify? I hope so.
Croatia - Daria Kinzer "Break A Leg"
I have heard a lot worse this year than this one, even if the title is a bit rubbish. Daria is an excellent singer, and she should qualify comfortably.
Qualify? Yes.
Albania - Aurela Gace "Feel The Passion"
When I heard this in it's native tongue when it won the Albanian NF I wasn't over impressed. English improves it somewhat, however Aurela is still too shouty for me.
Qualify? Maybe
Armenia - Emmy "Boom Boom"
Don't know what I hate most about this, Emmys whining voice or the nonsense "Boom Boom Chakka Chakka" lyrics. Considering that "Apricot Stone" was sublime, I was expecting better.
Qualify? No chance.
Austria - Nadine Beiler "The Secret Is Love"
Much more like it, the song and Nadine are excellent, and was a clear winner for me in their highly entertaining NF. I'm delighted that Austria are back with this high quality effort. A certain qualifier, and a top 10 finish beckons.
Qualify? Easily.
Azerbaijan - Ell & Nikki "Running Scared"
This was the NF with the bored audience, the never ending rounds of singing and the contrived finish. No televoting, and a jury deciding that two of the participants would perform a duet instead of there being one winner. That said, the studio version of this entry has surprised me. If they can pull it off live then it is a certain qualifier (just added it to my IPod as well, a ringing endorsement of any EuroSong)!
Qualify? If it sounds as good live then surely.
Belarus - Anastasia Vinnikova "Born In Belorussia"
If the rumours are true then Anastasia wont even be on the plane to Düsseldorf as this moderate, but supposedly over-political effort is due to be disqualified. Might be for the best actually as the song is rubbish and would sink without trace in the semi final/
Qualify? You must be joking. No!
Belgium - Witloof Bay "With Love, Baby"
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am with Belgium. After last years highly successful internal selection of both Tom Dice and his song I was expecting a lot better than this swing-effort. Not my sort of music at all, and I struggle to sit through the whole 3 minutes. Painful.
Qualify? Maybe, who knows. Not for me.
Bosnia & Herzogovina - Dino Merlin "Love in Rewind"
Another song that I find quite ordinary, even after a couple of listens. Cannot see this qualifying, not good.
Qualify? No.
Bulgaria - Poly Genova "Na Inat"
One of my more favourite entries is this one. Great singer, great song. Will need to be a little more tuneful at contest time perhaps, but I really like it. Hope she qualifies.
Qualify? I hope so.
Croatia - Daria Kinzer "Break A Leg"
I have heard a lot worse this year than this one, even if the title is a bit rubbish. Daria is an excellent singer, and she should qualify comfortably.
Qualify? Yes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)