This may be a small surprise for many people, and if you've been counting on your digits, you will have figured out who my favorite song was for 2011.
Some people will agree, others won't - but thats why it my list...
Showing posts with label countdown 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label countdown 2011. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 August 2011
ESC 2011 #3: SERBIA - Caroban - Nina
[rating before - 4th; after - 4th]
The Serbs had a novel approach to selecting their song this year; a father and two daughters all wrote a song that could create the national final. The father, member of the band that sang for Yugoslavia in 1974, wrote a song called 'Ring ring ring'. Daughter number one, appeared at the Eurovision in 1991 as a backing singer for Baby Doll, wrote a rather dramatic song for herself. Daughter two, no ESC experience, wrote a pleasant ditty about a man.
To say that the three songs were interesting is an understatement. Other than the song from daughter number one who's song was quite a decent ballad, the songs seemed dated. She didn't win, because she looked like a vampire.
Caroban is a three minute piece of sheer joy. But in Dusseldorf, Nina was a little bit frightened and she was alittle all over the place. The background is too much and maybe something less striking was needed. But I love it. All the flaws and faults do not distract to the fact that this a sensation of a song.
The Serbs had a novel approach to selecting their song this year; a father and two daughters all wrote a song that could create the national final. The father, member of the band that sang for Yugoslavia in 1974, wrote a song called 'Ring ring ring'. Daughter number one, appeared at the Eurovision in 1991 as a backing singer for Baby Doll, wrote a rather dramatic song for herself. Daughter two, no ESC experience, wrote a pleasant ditty about a man.
To say that the three songs were interesting is an understatement. Other than the song from daughter number one who's song was quite a decent ballad, the songs seemed dated. She didn't win, because she looked like a vampire.
Caroban is a three minute piece of sheer joy. But in Dusseldorf, Nina was a little bit frightened and she was alittle all over the place. The background is too much and maybe something less striking was needed. But I love it. All the flaws and faults do not distract to the fact that this a sensation of a song.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
ESC 2011 #5 : LITHUANIA - C'est ma vie - Evelina Sasenko
[rating before - 19th; after - 3rd]
The Lithuanians chose to have a three semi-finals before the national final. Evelina won the ticket to Düsseldorf wearing the oddest collection of garments; some sort of black dress, a collection of golden hydrangeas on her right shoulder, a green curtain with a collection of random sunflowers.
Between February and May, Evelina squeezed herself into a decent dress, learned some sign language, and had her hair done. It made a distinct difference to the presentation. The song itself is wonderful and simple. This song was pitched at an adult audience, and has the elements of the theater. While many others had fireworks and dancers, Evelina had dry ice. I can say it is the one song that had me on the edge of my seat and hold my breath.
The Lithuanians chose to have a three semi-finals before the national final. Evelina won the ticket to Düsseldorf wearing the oddest collection of garments; some sort of black dress, a collection of golden hydrangeas on her right shoulder, a green curtain with a collection of random sunflowers.
Between February and May, Evelina squeezed herself into a decent dress, learned some sign language, and had her hair done. It made a distinct difference to the presentation. The song itself is wonderful and simple. This song was pitched at an adult audience, and has the elements of the theater. While many others had fireworks and dancers, Evelina had dry ice. I can say it is the one song that had me on the edge of my seat and hold my breath.
ESC 2011 #6 : GERMANY - Taken by a stranger - Lena
[rating before - 16th; after - 10th]
The Germans pipped everyone in naming an artist for the 2011 Eurovision - they named the winning artists to defend her title. I saw a short interview where Lena advised the reporter that she is performing for Germany again because she is an egoist. Every honest - very refreshing.
Germany held a Lena song contest and a number of songs were performed by Lena. In the end, a moody song called 'Taken by a stranger' was selected. I did not hear the other songs, so I cannot advise if it was the correct choice. I was surprised at the garments for the backing vocalist/dancers.
There was a surprise that these were present dancers again. Such a distraction, but the while it was being performed - I was completely enthralled by not only the dancing, but the dancing on the screens as well. I think that the credit for the performance is Lena. Lena was moody, seductive and completely in control of this performance. She is completely spellbinding in her three minutes, that you could watch her for hours and days.
The Germans pipped everyone in naming an artist for the 2011 Eurovision - they named the winning artists to defend her title. I saw a short interview where Lena advised the reporter that she is performing for Germany again because she is an egoist. Every honest - very refreshing.
Germany held a Lena song contest and a number of songs were performed by Lena. In the end, a moody song called 'Taken by a stranger' was selected. I did not hear the other songs, so I cannot advise if it was the correct choice. I was surprised at the garments for the backing vocalist/dancers.
There was a surprise that these were present dancers again. Such a distraction, but the while it was being performed - I was completely enthralled by not only the dancing, but the dancing on the screens as well. I think that the credit for the performance is Lena. Lena was moody, seductive and completely in control of this performance. She is completely spellbinding in her three minutes, that you could watch her for hours and days.
ESC 2011 #7: AUSTRIA - The secret is love - Nadine Beiler
[rating before - 14th; after - 4th]
Welcome back Austria and what a song!
The Austrian started their search for an entrant with web-voting and this whittled the list down to a 10 song national final. A super-final of the top three songs on national final night ensured and The secret of love was the winner.
Nadine is remembered on ESC night for a few things:
Her song is exquisite - a wonderful celebration of fine music and song. At several points, it felt as if the song was going to become a dance number and half naked people were going to come forward and dance - but not so. It was lovely anyway.
Welcome back Austria and what a song!
The Austrian started their search for an entrant with web-voting and this whittled the list down to a 10 song national final. A super-final of the top three songs on national final night ensured and The secret of love was the winner.
Nadine is remembered on ESC night for a few things:
- She stood on a purply-black diamond on ESC final and night.
- She had the fringe of the night.
- Had one of the most outstanding singing voices of the night.
Her song is exquisite - a wonderful celebration of fine music and song. At several points, it felt as if the song was going to become a dance number and half naked people were going to come forward and dance - but not so. It was lovely anyway.
ESC 2011 #8: AZERBAIJAN - Running scared - Ell and Nikki
I can't remember how they chose Ell and Nikki. I don't even know how they chose this song to represent them. I don't even know if the guy is Nikki or Ell. I can look into it, but I don't care that much. The song was almost a quiet song compared to the big show and dance songs we've seen in the past from Azerbaijan.
How wonderful and refreshing it was for them to sing a nice pleasant song. How great it was to have two people who can come on stage a just sing the song with some simple steps. Perfect.
ESC 2011 #9: HUNGARY - What about my dreams - Kati Wolf
[rating before - 2nd; after - 29th]
The Hungarians want to do so well at the ESC - but maybe they were trying too hard. They chose a song that Kati was familiar with, and they gave her a decent clip. The fans loved it; a potential winner. Didn't happen that way, and we should all have realised that we never saw Kati sing it live.
The song is a winner. It is such a good song that non-ESC listening people ask what it is you are listening to. Kati is a wonderful looking woman; the film clip shows that she can perform choreography and if the performance was correct, Hungary could come close. Painfully, on two nights in May, the song did not stand up.
Kati looked uncomfortable, sounded uncomfortable and the whole thing was too big for poor Kati. The song is lively and difficult to sing, but Kati didn't move from her spot, no dance, no movement, no steps. She could not sing that song to the standard it needed, and she looked silly standing trying to force out sounds. Her dress was wrong for the song and the lights on the back up people was strange.
I wished that this would improve from the semi-final to the final, and remarkably it did somewhat. But not enough for a credible result. Sad.
The Hungarians want to do so well at the ESC - but maybe they were trying too hard. They chose a song that Kati was familiar with, and they gave her a decent clip. The fans loved it; a potential winner. Didn't happen that way, and we should all have realised that we never saw Kati sing it live.
The song is a winner. It is such a good song that non-ESC listening people ask what it is you are listening to. Kati is a wonderful looking woman; the film clip shows that she can perform choreography and if the performance was correct, Hungary could come close. Painfully, on two nights in May, the song did not stand up.
Kati looked uncomfortable, sounded uncomfortable and the whole thing was too big for poor Kati. The song is lively and difficult to sing, but Kati didn't move from her spot, no dance, no movement, no steps. She could not sing that song to the standard it needed, and she looked silly standing trying to force out sounds. Her dress was wrong for the song and the lights on the back up people was strange.
I wished that this would improve from the semi-final to the final, and remarkably it did somewhat. But not enough for a credible result. Sad.
ESC 2011 #10: DENMARK - New tomorrow - A friend in London
[rating before - 27th; after - 12th]
As usual, the Danes put on one national final of 10 songs and a fine song comes out the other end.
It is the anthem song of the song contest, the song for everyone to stand on their seat and cheer for something they believe in: Love. Marriage. Babies. Freedom. Joy. Lizards. There is not a bad thing to say, except big ball - big nonsense.
As usual, the Danes put on one national final of 10 songs and a fine song comes out the other end.
It is the anthem song of the song contest, the song for everyone to stand on their seat and cheer for something they believe in: Love. Marriage. Babies. Freedom. Joy. Lizards. There is not a bad thing to say, except big ball - big nonsense.
ESC 2011 #11: ALBANIA - Feel the passion - Aurela Gace
[rating before - 13th; after - 16th]
It was December when they selected Aurela Gace to represent her country. Short woman who looked awkward and sang the living daylights out of the song Kënga ime.
At the ESC, a very good translation in English was presented. She again sang the daylights out of the song, but I was concerned by the flames and the fangs and the nails and the things in her hair. But, ignoring all this, magnificent woman - shame she didn't make the final.
It was December when they selected Aurela Gace to represent her country. Short woman who looked awkward and sang the living daylights out of the song Kënga ime.
At the ESC, a very good translation in English was presented. She again sang the daylights out of the song, but I was concerned by the flames and the fangs and the nails and the things in her hair. But, ignoring all this, magnificent woman - shame she didn't make the final.
ESC 2011 #12: FINLAND - Da da dum - Paradise Oskar
[rating before - 18th; after - 11th]
As always the Finns chose some song that is generally not going to set the world on fire - unless of course it is Lordi. So, they went with a pleasant song for a second year in a row and this one succeeded in making this years final. Mr Oskar was very competent in his presentation and he really looked very unfazed by the attention of the ESC. He came along, sang his song and then moved on.
As always the Finns chose some song that is generally not going to set the world on fire - unless of course it is Lordi. So, they went with a pleasant song for a second year in a row and this one succeeded in making this years final. Mr Oskar was very competent in his presentation and he really looked very unfazed by the attention of the ESC. He came along, sang his song and then moved on.
ESC 2011 #13: SWITZERLAND - In love for a while - Anna Rossinelli.
[rating before - 10th; after - 15th]
It was December last year when they selected this little song in a border town between Switzerland and Germany. The punters thought it was a clever song, but nothing that would make a Eurovision final. They were wrong.
Switzerland making this year's final was one of the most fantastic stories of this year. Considering that they were one of the first songs selected for this contest, they watched everyone else find a song and still made the final. And why shouldn't it? Simple song, no fun and games, sung by a very competent woman with two blokes on sting instruments. So what it came last in the final and her performance was not up to the great one in the semi. Making the final itself was a major success.
It was December last year when they selected this little song in a border town between Switzerland and Germany. The punters thought it was a clever song, but nothing that would make a Eurovision final. They were wrong.
Switzerland making this year's final was one of the most fantastic stories of this year. Considering that they were one of the first songs selected for this contest, they watched everyone else find a song and still made the final. And why shouldn't it? Simple song, no fun and games, sung by a very competent woman with two blokes on sting instruments. So what it came last in the final and her performance was not up to the great one in the semi. Making the final itself was a major success.
ESC 2011 #14: UNITED KINGDOM - I can - Blue
[rating before - 6th; after - 17th]
The UK chose song and singers and then a flash clip was presented. On ESC night, they came dressed from the occasion and they sang their hearts out - or as much as they could achieve anyway. The 4 screens seemed so arrogant with their faces on them and so conceited in their performance. I don't know. Worse - the screaming one (I dont know his name - the one who kept making lippy faces) couldn't hit his notes and for me, spoiled the experience.
The UK chose song and singers and then a flash clip was presented. On ESC night, they came dressed from the occasion and they sang their hearts out - or as much as they could achieve anyway. The 4 screens seemed so arrogant with their faces on them and so conceited in their performance. I don't know. Worse - the screaming one (I dont know his name - the one who kept making lippy faces) couldn't hit his notes and for me, spoiled the experience.
ESC 2011 #16: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - Love in rewind - Dino Merlin
[rating before - 22nd; after - 20th]
I like this, but I'm not a devoted go out and buy the CD fan. It has an interesting bouncing, it has kooky kind of people there, an odd looking gent with a trumpet and there is reference to a household implement - the humble sieve (sito!)
Dino Merlin is a legend in the Slavic countries. He wrote the national anthem of his country and would be considered a national icon and treasure of Bosnia and Herzegovina. So all I must ask is what the hell is the national treasure of this country doing in the Eurovision Song Contest? Please, roll out the red carpet, throw flowers at his feet, place yourself on your knees, give Dino the Grand Prix and lets see Sarajevo next year.
His eminence was selected to represent his country for a third time - first was 1993, and then in 1999. This year he had carte blanche and presented his song in a quirky, over the top rendition of his song. It is a refreshing, honest, innocent song. Not much over the top, no spangly contortionists and items that explode on the stage. Well done.
I like this, but I'm not a devoted go out and buy the CD fan. It has an interesting bouncing, it has kooky kind of people there, an odd looking gent with a trumpet and there is reference to a household implement - the humble sieve (sito!)
Dino Merlin is a legend in the Slavic countries. He wrote the national anthem of his country and would be considered a national icon and treasure of Bosnia and Herzegovina. So all I must ask is what the hell is the national treasure of this country doing in the Eurovision Song Contest? Please, roll out the red carpet, throw flowers at his feet, place yourself on your knees, give Dino the Grand Prix and lets see Sarajevo next year.
His eminence was selected to represent his country for a third time - first was 1993, and then in 1999. This year he had carte blanche and presented his song in a quirky, over the top rendition of his song. It is a refreshing, honest, innocent song. Not much over the top, no spangly contortionists and items that explode on the stage. Well done.
ESC 2011 #17: SWEDEN - Popular - Eric Saaaaade
[rating before - 9th; after - 18th]
In 2010, Eric went into Melodifestivalen with Manboy and sadly did not win, and they sent a brilliant song that did not make the Eurovision Song contest final for the first time ever.
In 2011, Eric went into Melodifestivalen with Popular and sadly did win. If we are to compare the two songs, Manboy, as stupid as the title is and ridiculous it is for any man to sing, was day to night superior to Popular.
Popular is still a clever song. The words, the idea, the method. Eric is a cheeky bastard and he could come out and sing the orbituary section of the newspaper and young girls, boys, and grannys will be salivating like he was the last chunk of ice cream in the hot desert.
I always wonder what some of these artist are doing between March and May, cause this is an exact copy of the performance in the semi-final. Possibly the only difference is there was one pane of glass broken versus three in Stockholm. Worse though is that there are steps from Manboy.
In 2010, Eric went into Melodifestivalen with Manboy and sadly did not win, and they sent a brilliant song that did not make the Eurovision Song contest final for the first time ever.
In 2011, Eric went into Melodifestivalen with Popular and sadly did win. If we are to compare the two songs, Manboy, as stupid as the title is and ridiculous it is for any man to sing, was day to night superior to Popular.
Popular is still a clever song. The words, the idea, the method. Eric is a cheeky bastard and he could come out and sing the orbituary section of the newspaper and young girls, boys, and grannys will be salivating like he was the last chunk of ice cream in the hot desert.
I always wonder what some of these artist are doing between March and May, cause this is an exact copy of the performance in the semi-final. Possibly the only difference is there was one pane of glass broken versus three in Stockholm. Worse though is that there are steps from Manboy.
ESC 2011 #18: NORWAY - Haba Haba - Stella Mwangi
[rating before - 7th; after - 19th]
I love the Norwegian songs - I've always loved them (except that thing with the Colombian boy with the Chicago Bulls shirt - poor). Haba Haba - interesting, exciting, joyful, pleasant - but it was definitely not my favorite song from Norway this year. I was hoping for 'Not that easy' or 'Dance tonight'. It didn't happen.
Stella, cheeky little minx, presented herself at the ESC. I expected this to make the final and I thought this because there was great enthusiasm for it in the hall and they threw glittery paper into the air. So when it didn't I was surprised much like everyone else. Oh well.
I love the Norwegian songs - I've always loved them (except that thing with the Colombian boy with the Chicago Bulls shirt - poor). Haba Haba - interesting, exciting, joyful, pleasant - but it was definitely not my favorite song from Norway this year. I was hoping for 'Not that easy' or 'Dance tonight'. It didn't happen.
Stella, cheeky little minx, presented herself at the ESC. I expected this to make the final and I thought this because there was great enthusiasm for it in the hall and they threw glittery paper into the air. So when it didn't I was surprised much like everyone else. Oh well.
ESC 2011 #19: FYRoM - Rusinka - Vlatko Ilievski
[rating before - 5th; after - 30th]
So, FYROM had a final that went for days, and in the end this was what came out. I must admit that the film clip had alot to do with me liking this song. The performance in the semi is why I like it less.
Other than Moldova, FYROM were the only other country that worse fancy dress to the ESC. I dont really know how they fit into the song seeing as Vlatko was dressed normally and the girl was somewhat normal as well. The performance was very clever, choreography was very lively, but at the expense the backing vocals were poor. It should have made the final.
So, FYROM had a final that went for days, and in the end this was what came out. I must admit that the film clip had alot to do with me liking this song. The performance in the semi is why I like it less.
Other than Moldova, FYROM were the only other country that worse fancy dress to the ESC. I dont really know how they fit into the song seeing as Vlatko was dressed normally and the girl was somewhat normal as well. The performance was very clever, choreography was very lively, but at the expense the backing vocals were poor. It should have made the final.
ESC 2011 #20: LATVIA - Angel in disguise - Musiqq
[rating before - 24th; after - 21st]
TOP 20! Wooooo
Two years in a row, the Latvians have come last in their semi final. Someone in Latvian TV must have thought that an effort was required. The Latvians do not have bad songs in their selection shows each year, it's just that the songs they have selected (something about a car crash in 2009 and some crap about God in 2010) were rubbish.
So this year - they had another selection of decent songs and the song selected is Angel in disguise. I'd like to mention Banjo Laura which came second and has now been translated into 50 languages, but I don't think it would have made the final.
Angel in disguise is a great song. The young man (he is in high school) who sings the song is very talented and has a wonderful tone. Everything about this song is decent, except the freakazoid who wrote the song, acts like an idiot through the singing of it and does a little rap. Why could he not stay behind the scenes like all good writers?
TOP 20! Wooooo
Two years in a row, the Latvians have come last in their semi final. Someone in Latvian TV must have thought that an effort was required. The Latvians do not have bad songs in their selection shows each year, it's just that the songs they have selected (something about a car crash in 2009 and some crap about God in 2010) were rubbish.
So this year - they had another selection of decent songs and the song selected is Angel in disguise. I'd like to mention Banjo Laura which came second and has now been translated into 50 languages, but I don't think it would have made the final.
Angel in disguise is a great song. The young man (he is in high school) who sings the song is very talented and has a wonderful tone. Everything about this song is decent, except the freakazoid who wrote the song, acts like an idiot through the singing of it and does a little rap. Why could he not stay behind the scenes like all good writers?
Monday, 8 August 2011
ESC 2011 #21: ITALY - Madness Of Love - Raphael Gualazzi
[rating before - 26th; after - 7th]
Madness of love was a song that came out of the young people's part of the Sanremo festival. The song that won Sanremo this year was a geriatric who spoke through the entire song and there wasn't a musical tone in his voice ever, and may have dropped mid song.
So, Italy. They came back and to make things much more interesting, came second. Raphael is very talented and I'm guessing that he can present this song in his sleep. I find this very strange that it came second, but I find it dreadfully bland and would rather run for the hills than listen to it one more time.
Madness of love was a song that came out of the young people's part of the Sanremo festival. The song that won Sanremo this year was a geriatric who spoke through the entire song and there wasn't a musical tone in his voice ever, and may have dropped mid song.
So, Italy. They came back and to make things much more interesting, came second. Raphael is very talented and I'm guessing that he can present this song in his sleep. I find this very strange that it came second, but I find it dreadfully bland and would rather run for the hills than listen to it one more time.
ESC 2011 #22: CYPRUS - San Aggelos s'agapisa - Christos Mylordos
[rating before - 26th; after - 22nd]
The Cypriots had come sort of televised contest that selected the performer to represent Cyprus September 2010. The winner was Christos Mylordos. I dont really know anything about the writing of the song, but it's suppose to suit Christos.
Well, he sang the ditty quite well, moody as it is. I'm not sure how the lady with the ball of light fits in I'm not sure. Believe me there is no reference to demon woman in the lyrics.
The Cypriots had come sort of televised contest that selected the performer to represent Cyprus September 2010. The winner was Christos Mylordos. I dont really know anything about the writing of the song, but it's suppose to suit Christos.
Well, he sang the ditty quite well, moody as it is. I'm not sure how the lady with the ball of light fits in I'm not sure. Believe me there is no reference to demon woman in the lyrics.
ESC 2011 #23: RUSSIA - Get you - Alexey Vorobyov
[rating before - 26th; after - 27th]
Along comes another internally selected song from Russia. They kept it under their hat for a while, but it leaked out. Anyway, lively, excitable, upbeat... and if it was left alone it may have done very well.
So along comes a Russian language introduction, some over the top gymnastics and what should have been a credible contender became a farce. Personally, Mr Vorobyov seemed to treat this like a joke. What started out as a sincere piece of Russian was followed immediately by 'do you feel my heart beat you rope?' No, afraid not. I intermittent 'yeah' in though the song didn't encourage me either. I kind of felt Alex seemed to think he was better than everyone and that just ain't true.
Along comes another internally selected song from Russia. They kept it under their hat for a while, but it leaked out. Anyway, lively, excitable, upbeat... and if it was left alone it may have done very well.
So along comes a Russian language introduction, some over the top gymnastics and what should have been a credible contender became a farce. Personally, Mr Vorobyov seemed to treat this like a joke. What started out as a sincere piece of Russian was followed immediately by 'do you feel my heart beat you rope?' No, afraid not. I intermittent 'yeah' in though the song didn't encourage me either. I kind of felt Alex seemed to think he was better than everyone and that just ain't true.
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