The EuropeCrazy Holiday Hit List: Part 4

Summer 1999 and we returned to Paris. If 1998 had been a scorcher, then 1999 was equally so. as we hit the French capital in the first week of September...

"Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega was the European hit of the summer of 1999. However, Lou had to take second place to Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" which got stuck at the top of the French hit parade and refused to move. Some other songs I remember very well from that summer in Paris....
"Sing It Back" - Moloko
"Au Pays des Merveilles" - Cheb Mami
"Sitting Down Here" - Lene Marlin
"Papa Chico" - Jamalak
"Septieme Ciel" - Jane Fostin
"On Ne S'Aimera Plus Jamais" - Larusso
"Tomber La Chemise" - Zebda.

Our obsession with Paris was in full swing, so it was inevitable that we would return in the spring of 2000 for our spring holiday. Cue soundtrack!!!
"Too Much Of Heaven" - Eiffel 65: proving they were no one-hit wonders
"My Heart Goes Boom" - French Affair: despite the name, they weren't French
"Le Mot de Passe" - Patricia Kaas: another quality song from a quality singer
"Ces Soirees-La" - Yannick: Oh What A Night! In French!
"The Riddle" - Gigi D'Agostino: Nik Kershaw revival time!
"Des Cendres et de Terre" - Calogero: the beginning of a brilliant career
"Jeune et Con" - Saez: the beginning of another brilliant career.

Coming soon: Portugal and....Paris! Just for a change!

Prepare for the "Wurst" ....we're Berlin bound!!!!

After some considerable debate which saw the EuropeCrazy 2007 Summer Holiday Cup being contested between Nice, Pisa, Berlin and Dusseldorf, we finally reached a decision. Nice and Dusseldorf did very well to reach the semi-final, but our final decision on our summer holiday destination was made last night. Well done to Pisa for reaching the final two, but it was just edged out by Berlin. It will be the second year running that me and my faithful travelling companion spend our summer holiday in Germany: after a rather fab week in Cologne in 2006, we go further east to the once-divided city in 11 weeks' time. Can't wait!!!

Introducing...Mark Medlock

Mark Medlock is the latest winner of "Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar" (aka Idol) and his first single "Now Or Never" reached the top of the German singles charts. Written by Mr Modern Talking himself, Dieter Bohlen, it's typical Idol-winner-fodder, a big ballad with the inevitable big gospel choir finale. I didn't really follow the last series of DSDS but I get the feeling that this singer deserves better - just like many Idol winners of course.

This week's playlist.

Bit of a mixed bag this week....
Shine - Booty Luv: I doubt if any of this summer's dance anthems will top this one. "Boogie 2Nite" seemed to be around for ever but IMHO this is even better.
Leef - Mozaiek featuring Walter Grootaers: The theme tune to the original Netherlands version of Big Brother - and a song which still sounds great today.
Heavyweight Champion Of The World - Reverend and the Makers: not too much British new music around at the minute to get too excited about...until this came along. From Sheffield, and connected in some way to the Arctic Monkeys, we won't hold that against them however - this is a great record!
Work Of Art (Da Vinci) / Please Me - Måns Zelmerlöw: His album is providing the pop soundtrack to the summer at EuropeCrazy HQ and these are the two tracks which, pardon the pun, "pleased me" this week.
Set Me Free - Jaki Graham: Sparkly slice of 80s electro-soul which was good to hear again....
Another Step (Closer to You) - Kim Wilde & Junior: ... continuing the 80s vibe this week, a nice collaboration between Ms Wilde and one of the decade's finest young Brit-soul discoveries.
Beautiful Liar (remix) - Beyonce & Shakira: Fed up with the original version but I'm enjoying the remix now.
Mambo - Helena Paparizou: Bit late getting into this, but heard it again in Stockholm and now I can't stop playing it. A million times better than her Eurovision winner "My Number One".
Behind The Cow - Scooter: marvellous piece of techno nonsense from Deutschland's main exporters of that kind of thing.

Bosson sings Magnus

Swedish pop star Bosson, best known for "One In A Million" (can it really be 7 years ago?) has been away for a while is now back with the interestingly titled "Future's Gone Tomorrow, Life Is Here Today", an album packed with typically Swedish electro-pop with many a falsetto interlude. If that sounds familiar....no I'm not hallucinating, I really did hear him sing "Live Forever". Yes he has done a cover version of Magnus Carlsson's recent hit and manages to make it sound even more camp than the original. Anyway I don't like his voice as much as I like Magnus'. Oh well I suppose it's a matter of taste - there may be some (or many) out there who may disagree with me. Nevertheless I've never really been a Bosson fan and I can't see this CD joining my collection any time soon.

Bald!

I am in shock, to discover that my other favourite Swedish Idol finalist and all round gorgeous person, Sebastian Karlsson, has gone and done a "Martin Stenmarck" - yes he's shaved all his hair off. Now we know his hairline was receding but did he have to shave it all off? Despite his indisputable loveliness, we at EC HQ have to say that he does not suit this new style at all. Add to that his increasingly questionable fashion sense (those neck scarves were, as Calvin Harris would say "Acceptable in the 80s" but today???) and we're now seriously worried that if he keeps on like this, he may be in danger of being relegated from our EuropeCrazy Hot Guys Hall of Fame!!

More Måns...

I feel like a stalker on this blog as I seem to be watching his every move!! Latest sighting was on TV4's "Nyhetsmorgon" this week, where he was interviewed and also performed fab acoustic versions of "Work Of Art (Da Vinci)" and "Cara Mia". He continues to look as if he's enjoying every minute of this, and so are we!!

Alejandro's not well (awwwww)

News recently reached us that our favourite little bundle of Spanish hunkalicious intensity, none other than Mr Alejandro Sanz, has had to postpone his summer tour of the USA on doctors' orders that he needs to rest although further details are not known.

We're not really surprised that he's run out of steam, thanks to what seems to be a constant recording/touring schedule which would wear anyone down. Add to that his recent marriage split and revelations regarding his personal life, and voila! Exhaustion and cancelled tour.

Hopefully he'll be back on track very soon, and if he needs anyone to help him recover.....we live in hope!!

Can it really be true?

Just read over at the Popjustice forum (www.popjustice.com) that the mighty Alcazar are rumoured to be reforming and will play a gig at a well (G) known (A) London (Y) nightclub in July, alongside none other than the almost equally mighty BWO. It would look to me however that the line up would probably be back to its original three members Andreas, Annikafiore and Tess, as Magnus is doing wonderful solo career-type things now.

Måns has arrived at EuropeCrazy HQ at last!!

...well at least his CD has, after a rather long wait! "Stand By For" was well worth the wait. Måns Petter Zelmerlöw has managed to produced a high quality debut album of Swedish pop which is already being played relentlessly at EuropeCrazy HQ. The young singer was discovered during the 2005 series of Sweden's "Idol" and then later that year appeared on - and won! - the first series of "Let's Dance" (Swedish version of "Strictly Come Dancing"). As if that wasn't enough, he was chosen to compete in 2007's Melodifestivalen with "Cara Mia". Although it didn't win, it has become one of this year's biggest Swedish hits (and the song I will always associate with my wonderful trip to Stockholm this year!).

His debut CD is a mix of catchy uptempo numbers and agreeable ballads, although there is little in the same vein as "Cara Mia" (apart from "Dreaming" and "Brother Oh Brother"). Still that's not such a bad thing: it's a versatile collection which stands up to repeated play. My favourite songs at the moment are of course "Cara Mia" and his new single "Work Of Art", and "Miss America".

Hidden track alert: The acoustic version of "Cara Mia" (the one I heard in Ahlens City in Stockholm and thought I was hallucinating!!) is the hidden track on the album and is rather sweet and very different from the original. Think Tomas Andersson Wij's reinvention of "Evighet" and you get the idea.

Måns is a very likeable performer who has a big, bright career ahead of him. According to his website he is due to appear this summer in Robert Wells' "Rhapsody in Rock", duetting with Sonja Alden; he is also scheduled to duet with Carola at Princess Victoria's birthday party and in October will co-present Sweden's "Lilla Melodifestivalen". As if that's not enough he is also due to appear in the hit Swedish stage show "Ladies Night" which has previously starred Martin Stenmarck. Well done Måns: you deserve it!

Danny plays it for the girls...

After the magnificent Euro-electro-pop wonderfulness of Swedish Idol finalist Danny Saucedo's "Tokyo", it was inevitable that his next single wouldn't be as good. "Play It For The Girls" is another electro-pop tune but it's a little on the bland and forgettable side on first hearing, maybe it will grow on me?

Dima Bilan: Timbaland goes all Russian

There is no place safe from all-conquering producer and man of the moment Timbaland, who has turned his attention to Russian Idol winner Dima Bilan's "Number One Fan" which is not as good as "Never Let You Go" and "See What I See". It's all rather bland and anonymous and Enrique-Iglesias-on-a-bad-day.

Belgium (Flemish) Charts Update

After about 30 years at the top of the charts (!) Fixkes are finally dethroned by....oh nooooo... the queen of Belgian schlager....Laura Lynn, and her version of the old Dutch singalong "Dans Je de Hele Nacht Met Mij". Idol winner Dean is the highest climber in the top 20 this week with "So Many Ways" whilst Udo is still doing well with "Ik Mis Je Zo", his Will Tura cover version. This comes from a top Flemish TV show "Zo er is maar een" which saw current stars doing cover versions of popular old hits by Flemish artists.

The EuropeCrazy Holiday Hit List: Part 3

We have reached 1998 and another new country - Norway. Strangely enough, I can't remember any songs linked with our trip that spring to Stavanger, although when I think of Norway I think of Espen Lind for some strange reason. His "When Susannah Cries" had been a big hit all over Europe the previous year, and I almost bought his album "Red" whilst in Stavanger, however by-passed this in favour of Tomas Ledin's "Sanger Att Alska Till" (Treason! Buying a Swedish singer's album in Norway. Oh well, this was in the days before the internet arrived at EC HQ and you had to take all the chances you could get...!)

Anyway, did you know that Espen Lind co-wrote Beyonce's "Irreplaceable"?? I only just found that out. He has also written songs for Ne-Yo, Elliot Yamin, Atomic Kitten, Rooster and Jessica Simpson. So he's not just a pretty face. And boy oh boy, he is one very pretty face (drooooool).

But I digress.

In August 1998, I visited Paris for the very first time ever with my faithful travelling companion. It was the holiday that changed everything for me, when I realised just how much I loved France .... and how I rediscovered my love of French pop music. The most played French songs on the radio (and TV - we had M6 - what a great TV channel with lots of French music) during that holiday were:

"La Tribu de Dana" - Manau
"Pourquoi" - Sandy Valentino
"Pata Pata" - can't remember who sang it, wasn't Miriam Makeba but was a big summer hit in France?
"Univers" - Jean-Louis Aubert

That summer I bought the "Fredericks Goldman Jones" tape, the one with "A Nos Actes Manques" and Mylene Farmer's "Anamorphosee" and "Ainsi Soit-Je". It wouldn't be the last time I would visit FNAC for my French music fix.

1999 saw yet another return to Ostend, as Belgium still figured largely in our travels. Once more I had my trusty radio by my side and yet again it was playing lots of Clouseau, whose latest CD "In Stereo" had just been released. After the rather rubbish "Adrenaline" which is to this day my least favourite Clouseau album, I was rather pleased that they had redeemed themselves with this new CD which of course I bought during a day trip to Bruges. Another purchase on this holiday was Mylene Farmer's "Innamoramento" which over the years has proved itself to be a rather great album, even if in the beginning I had my reservations about it. (Compare this with "Avant Que L'Ombre" if you catch my drift). "L'Ame-Stram-Gram" is a rather fab piece of electro-pop. Check the video out, with Mylene and her hair extensions in all their glory. It goes without saying that, of course, she rules.

Coming soon: another trip to Paris....and another trip to Belgium!

This is what they want!

Was eagerly looking forward to "Tiswas Reunited" on ITV tonight, and I was not disappointed. It was a fitting tribute to the greatest Saturday morning TV show, which ran from 1974 to 1977 in the ATV region (Midlands) EDIT: and then got a full UK airing later on (sorry for inaccuracies in my original post which stated that it ran from 1977 to 1982).

Tonight's show brought all of the great memories flooding back. Of course in these days of political correctness (yawn) it would probably never get commissioned by any TV company, so it was a joy to look back to the glory days of a truly great show. Lots of laughs and flan-flingingly great memories resurrected thanks to this show. Just one thing though: that wasn't the original Spit the Dog, was it? Or maybe he's just had a facial wax?

Saturday night.

Oh well here we are, it's Saturday night but things aren't the same as both "Any Dream Will Do" and "Grease Is The Word" have left our TV screens. Still, we did manage to get our Lee Mead fix as he appeared on the "National Lottery Draw" singing of course what else but "Any Dream Will Do". Very nice to see him again, but I'm a little distressed on reading that he's been fitted for a wig for the stage show. Yes, a wig. You could understand if he had rubbish hair, but a man with such glorious curls should be allowed to share them with the world. EDIT: Have now discovered that he will not be wearing a wig on stage and all his lovely curls will be displayed in all their glory.

Anyway, to fill the void there is "Britain's Got Talent", which promised a feast of variety, but only delivered a parade of sob stories and....children. People of a certain age in the UK will remember a TV talent show called "Junior Showtime" which showcased the alleged talents of kiddie performers in the 1970s. A nightmare from my TV childhood which has come back to haunt me, only it's now called "Britain's Got Talent". Please don't put your children on the stage. You only have to remember the tragic lstory of Lena Zavaroni, who won a UK TV talent show in the 1970s only to fall victim to the pressures of fame which in turn led to an all too early death from anorexia.

Talking of 70s retro TV, tonight sees the Tiswas reunion show. Tiswas was of course the best Saturday morning TV show EVER and again those of a certain age have many fond memories of the Phantom Flan Flinger, Trevor McDoughnut and Compost Corner!!

The EuropeCrazy Holiday Hit List: Part 2

My journey through the songs that, for whatever reason good or bad, remind me of past holidays, continues.

1996 - Ostend. For some reason, I didn't have a 'holiday song' for this springtime visit to Ostend, however I was listening to a lot of Marco Borsato at the time so possibly "Dromen Zijn Bedrog", three minutes of pure Dutch Edam if ever there was. Also around that time in the days before Sky Digital and you could get Dutch TV, there was the "Rabo Top 40" which in April 1996 featured "Ridin'" by Doop, a song so spectacular and unforgettable that I was on a mission to buy it. Flemish-speaking Belgium however was a Doop-free zone. Doop, if you recall, was a one-hit wonder in the UK with the very silly "Doop" but that was nothing compared to "Ridin'", lyrically and musically a true classic. The video is one of the greatest ever made.

1996 - Gothenburg. Ah, Sweden. Surely there would be lots of Swedish music on the radio? Um...no. 11 years ago, Swedish radio was in denial that there was actually any Swedish music. Don't think Svenska Favoriter existed back in the day, or I would have been listening to it. So anyway the most played song on the radio, during that holiday....."Champagne Supernova" by a little-known Swedish combo called Oasis. Hm.

1997 - Toronto. Now this was a strange one as it was possibly the only time I didn't take a radio with me, and had to rely on what was played on the music channels and in shops. Maybe it was just as well, as I would have been even more sickened than I already was by Elton John's gooey remake of "Candle In The Wind", three weeks after Diana's death of course.

1997 - Ostend. With a jaunt over the border to the Calais hypermarket. This holiday being notable for buying Eros Ramazzotti's Greatest Hits and Mylene Farmer's "Live at Bercy". It was one of those occasions where a song hits Europe first and then the UK later. Run DMC's "It's Like That" was a hit in Belgium long before it reached the UK charts and therefore got lots of airplay and it always reminds me of that holiday.

Coming soon: The French years, and .... Norway!

Nouvelle Star: Julien wins. No surprise there then.

So after all these weeks, France's "Nouvelle Star" is over and the winner has been chosen. As predicted, Julien has won this year's title although we at EC HQ refuse to recognise this fact, as Pierre was clearly the best of this year's contestants and his eviction several weeks ago remains a mystery.

Still can't see Julien having any kind of recording career, unless the French record-buying public want to hear his Marilyn Manson tribute version of "Tainted Love" for example.

With "Idol" (Belgium), "Any Dream Will Do" and "Grease Is The Word" (UK) and "Nouvelle Star" now over, my next assignment is to find me a reality singing contest somewhere in Europe in between now and September/October when of course it will be time for the 7th "Star Academy" and Swedish version of "Idol". "Star Academy" remains my favourite of them all, of course.

Gregory Lemarchal: the tributes continue

Next week will see the release of "La Voix d'un Ange", the final album by the late Gregory Lemarchal, who recently died after losing his battle with cystic fibrosis. His family have set up a foundation in his memory and all funds raised from sales of the album will go to this foundation to provide assistance to those also suffering from this illness.

The album inclues five previously unreleased tracks and some of his best loved numbers which he sang on "Star Academy" including "Con Te Partiro" and what became his signature tune, "SOS d'un Terrien en Detresse".

Corneille - From French to English!

Just found out that Corneille will soon be releasing a new album "The Birth of Cornelius", which will be his first recorded in the English language. The soulful singer, who has achieved massive success in the French-speaking world in recent years, is best known for hits such as "Parce Qu'On Vient de Loin", "Avec Classe" and "Les Marchands de Reves".

Grease Is The Word: We have a result!!

Four contestants were left, battling for the role of Danny and Sandy in the new West End show. Anthony "Me-Me-Me! I used to be Kavana" Kavanagh, and Danny B (our favourite), then Susan "Sister of Brian, but it's not as if I mention it much" McFadden, and Michelle, who improbably reached the final at the expense of the better Vicky and Alison.
Anthony & Danny: "Sandy" - Ant is tooooo confident.
Michelle & Susan: "Hopelessly Devoted to You" - Round one to the McFadden, with The Chin a long way behind.

Anthony: "You Get What You Give" - up a wee bit in our estimations as it's one of our fave songs ever. If gold medals were given out for self confidence, he's be on top of the podium everytime.

Danny: "I'm Your Man" - effortless performance which proves he would make a good Danny Zuko.

Michelle: "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" - dreary. That's all.

Susan: "One Moment in Time" - pleasantly subtle performance of a song which is always in danger of becoming overblown.

Anthony/Susan/Danny/Michelle: "Summer Nights". Good to hear another song from Grease. Danny & Susan still our faves.

During the week the final four were then set the challenge of performing to the co-stars already cast for the musical - which includes - OMG! The mighty Siobhan from "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria"!! Good to see her again and glad she's making her way in musical theatre.

Results

Sandy....... IT'S SUSAN !! (cue shots of cheering by The Brother who is there tonight with Delta Goodrem)

Danny ....... IT'S.......... DANNY B !!!!!! Justice is done!!!!

We at EuropeCrazy feel that the right choices were made for Danny and Sandy. Despite only being 19 years old, Danny B has the maturity and cool appeal for the part, whilst Susan not only has singing experience, but she really has that Sandy-quality.

Saturday 9th June 2007 was a very enjoyable night, as not since Will Young on Pop Idol have we agreed with the result of any of these TV singing contests, neither in the UK or in Europe. So let's celebrate!!!!

Any Dream Will Do: Give him his coloured coat.

So here we are, it seems no time since the search for Joseph was just beginning and now it is at an end.
Firstly, king of the bottom 2 and blub-meister Lewis coming over all Tom Jones with "Kiss". With all the hotness of a fish on a slab of ice in a fishmonger's. Nana Jean - check. He gave it his all, but we at EC HQ can only think what might have been, and that Daniel (and indeed lovely young Ben) should have been here tonight. Cue self-belief speech from Lewis (ewwwwwww).
John Barrowman: "Showman, showman, showman!"
Bill "Journey" Kenwright: "He's had more criticism than anyone else blah blah....you're a winner and you're a man" (EH?????)
Andrew Lloyd Webber: "Lewis could be Joseph" followed by some guff about having the best journey of anyone on the show. For a minute ALW is possessed by the spirit of Bill Kenwright.

Keith (Teeth)

Toothsome Tesco Boy (loved the Grey's Anatomy-style description of him as McCheckout on another well-visited website) tackled soul classic "For Once In My Life" and got all the theatrical bits right. An assured and confident performance.
Zoe Tyler: "Voice of Joseph. Knocked me for six"
Denise Van Outen: "From superstore to superstar". (eh????)
ALW: "Could be Joseph...so could Lewis" (oh you fence sitter you)

Lee

You've seen the boys, now here is THE MAN!!!!

"Devil in Disguise" is a very strange choice for the final, but Lee being Lee takes it in his stride, as ever. He is far too good for this you know.
John Barrowman: "A lead in disguise. The quintessential leading man!!" (We so love you JB!!!)
Zoe Tyler: "I've been tough on you. You look like an angel. You sing like an angel...stunning!" (OK ZT, it's been a long time coming but we forgive you)
ALW: "Terrific" (after he dwelt needlessly on a dropped note)

Big Band Songs

Lewis: "Beyond The Sea": Quelle fromage. Tedious version of a great song. Oh and....Nana Jean - Check.
Zoe's doing a Bill and going on about his journey blah blah. ALW gets in on the journey thing but do we sense doubts about his age??

Keith: "Moondance": Very good performance with, again, good stage presence. Nice suit - but he is still too young!
JB is waving his hands and shouting Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic! You're a leading man. (Er....is that not Mr Mead?)
ALW: Fantastic voice...not a natural dancer....ramble ramble.

Lee: "New York New York" START SPREADING THE NEWS!!!! He runs up the stairs! Big finale! Big showstopping finale!! It's all too much and I need revived!!
BK: "You are not an understudy...you're a star - a West End leading man"
ZT: "Amazing"
ALW: "Fantastic performance. Phenomenal. Got everything".

Lee, Lewis & Keith: "Maria". At last some musical theatre. Lee is looking all intense and at his brooding best.

Connie Fisher: "The Sound of Music": Last year's winner. Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be Julie Andrews.

Results

Lee is through to the final 2. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!
Lewis is OUT!!
The Teeth is through!!

Close every door to......Lewis: he blubs, a lot, and wobbled vocally at the end. Aw. Go running into the arms of Nana Jean why don't you.

Part 2

Their best bits....

"Always On My Mind" - Keith: The toothsome one does a nice version of this. That's all. Credit where it's due though, he did deserve to reach the final.

"Paint It Black" - Lee: ooooooooohhh!!! Intense Lee! Just the way we love him! Utterly brilliant!!!! I am now ready to spontaneously combust, such is my uncontrollable love for this man!!!!

The Josephs: "The Boys Are Back In Town": Nice to see them all back again, especially (of course) Ben and Daniel!!!!

The final song: "Jesus Christ Superstar" - Keith and Lee

Lee is in a red T-shirt - enough said!!
Great stuff.
This is the best reality show final since Will vs Gareth in Pop Idol.

Result: 3 million votes cast........LEE IS JOSEPH!!

So Lee Mead, the understudy from Essex, whom we at EuropeCrazy have supported almost since the beginning of "Any Dream Will Do", wins the coveted role of Joseph in the West End, and it will surely will be a springboard to much better things. We certainly haven't seen or heard the last of this talented young man who has made Saturday nights worth staying in for over the last few weeks.

Any Dream Will Do: 5 hours to go

Getting all excited as the final is tonight. If you read this blog (if you do, a big warm welcome!!) you will know already who I want to win. (Clue: it's not Keith, it's not Lewis :-)))) Fingers crossed! However if something goes wrong on the night and the Great British Public go all gooey for the blubbing blonde or the checkout underdog, then we will, reluctantly, have to root for the toothsome Tesco boy. Anyone but Lewis!

The EuropeCrazy Holiday Hit List - Part 1

No playlist this week as I've been too busy over the past week catching up with all the telly shows and films that I still had to watch.

However....

As summer has now officially arrived here at EC HQ, over the next couple of weeks I'll be taking a look back at some of the songs which have reminded me of past holidays.

So let's start with 1994 and 1995.

Amsterdam 1994: "Saturday Night" - Whigfield. Daft dance routine - check. Daft lyrics - check. Cheesy Danish woman - check. Will forever be linked with my first ever holiday abroad.

Dublin 1995: "Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me" - U2. Perfect soundtrack for a visit to Dublin, and most appropriately from the city's favourite sons.

Ostend 1995: "Swentibold" - Clouseau. Off to Belgium where I rediscovered one of their most enduring pop acts. This is a bold, brassy upbeat treat which went very well with the hot weather.

"Conquest of Paradise" - Vangelis. Not a particular favourite of mine but needs mentioning as this dreary instrumental seemed to be a favourite all over Europe that summer.

Coming soon: 1996 and 1997.

Gone with the wind.

Frankly my dear, we do give a damn....about the latest game on Ben & Jerry's website (www.benjerry.co.uk). Keeping in step with the current fad for all things green and environmentally friendly, "Belchin' Bovines" has the B & J cows doing what comes naturally, but of course it's a known fact that the average cow passes enough wind in a week to inflate a hot air balloon and possibly destroy the ozone layer at the same time. Your mission is therefore to intercept said moo-wind and save the planet. Oh, and make sure your speakers are turned up LOUD when you play this game...!

Swedish National Day: we're a bit late.

Not only am I at the stage where I'm forgetting birthdays but as if that's not bad enough, I' forgot Swedish National Day which was on the 6th of June. So we at EuropeCrazy want to raise a big glass of class III Pripps (followed by a big glass of Kopparbergs pear cider) and wish everyone a belatedly happy Swedish national day. And no, I'm not Swedish, but the way I've been going on lately, you'd think I was!!

Magnus Carlsson: new CD on the way

"I'm gonna liiiiiiiiive forever!!" Yes I'm still playing that song and still not sick of it. Anyway I just found out that in 20 days time - make that 19 days time as it's just after midnight - the one and only Magnus Carlsson will release his new solo album. He must have spent, oh, at least 5 seconds thinking of a title for it. After his last album (and I don't count the whole Christmas album thing which just pushed him off the edge of the cheese-o-meter) had the complex title of ... wait for it.... "Magnus Carlsson", this one will be called...drum roll please...."Live Forever - The Album"!!! On his official website Magnus promises the ultimate party album for hot summer nights - we can't wait! Here's the tracklisting:

1. Crazy Summer Nights 2. I Won't Cry 3. Waves Of Love 4. Nothing's Real 5. Another Rainbow 6. Give A Little Love 7. Never Walk Away 8. Live Forever 9. I Need Your Love 10. Don't You Worry 11. You 12. Boogie Time 13. Live Forever (Acoustic Studio Version). "Waves of Love" will be his new single and it's a bit of a 70s disco number.

Just one minor gripe: isn't the album cover a bit, well, Julio Iglesias? Not even Enrique "Do you know do you know ping pong" Iglesias, but his old fella. Only about 40 years younger and cuter and Swedish of course!

Nouvelle Star Semi-Final: Julien & Tigane to the final!

Tonight saw the semi-final in France of "Nouvelle Star" fought out between favourite Julien, his girlfriend Gaetane and outside bet Tigane. Again as usual I haven't seen the videos and will post a full review over the weekend. Oh, and Gaetane went out by the way. I have however been taking a look back at his performances through the series, and I still can't make up my mind. On the one hand he is a bit of a novelty comedy contestant - think American Idol's Sanjaya or X-Factor's Chico - yet on the other hand he manages to be more original than any other reality TV contestant I can remember. Can't see him having any kind of lasting career beyond this series - but then again, the same could have been said for Star Academy 1's rubbish vocalist extraordinaire Jean-Pascal who has gone on to great things, although it has to be said, not as a recording artiste!!

I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell.

The above words come from a song by the excellent Matchbox 20, a song which currently describes my state of mind. Life has been a little less wonderful for me lately, so bad that I couldn't even face doing this blog. But also in the words of the great philosopher Yazz: "The only way is up". And that's where I'm gonna go.

Grease Is The Word...I'm speechless

I'll keep it short.
Sandy semi: We liked Alison, she's gone. (Evicted by the panel)
We liked Vicky, she's gone. (Evicted by the Great British Public)

We at EuropeCrazy always like to give credit where it is due so we'll say that Susan "Sister of Brian" McFadden should really be Sandy now. She looks like a Sandy would look like, she sings well, and she has that strangely old fashioned quality about her. Oh and I didn't like the comment made about her weight either - leave the girl alone Mr Ian!

As for Michelle, I've never understood her appeal. Why is she in the final? (Conspiracy theory: keep the weakest contestant in to make the chosen one win, or what?)

Didn't look as if the remaining Dannys - Anthony & Danny B - were too chuffed either. Know how they feel....

Final next week. Prediction: Anthony and Susan to win (although I'd prefer Danny B to Anthony). After tonight, who could predict anything?

Any Dream Will Do: Bye bye Ben. Oh and Lee is fantastic and yes we are biased!!

Due to other commitments was unable to watch the show live this week so my review is 24 hours retrospective.
Keith: "Could It Be Magic". Every week he is good, no doubt about it, and clearly deserves his place in the final. However IMHO, magic is the one quality lacking in Keith's performance. He sings very well, performs more than adequately, but still lacks that charisma and star quality required of a true winner. The panel (particularly John Barrowman) went a little over the top about him this week, but even The Lord felt he was just falling short.
Ben: "Ease On Down The Road". Ben on the other hand has bucketloads of showmanship, charisma and star quality which makes up for his erratic vocal performances. Terrible song choice for him this week: the conspiracy theorists would say that it was a deliberate plan to get him in the bottom 2....
Keith and Ben: "Only You ("Starlight Express"). Excellent performance by both and very hard to choose who was the best here, although Ben managed a controlled and mature performance given that ballads had been his weak spot to date.
Lewis: "Sweet Caroline". If you know me, you will know that Lewis is my least favourite of the remaining Josephs. One dimensional, lacking in charisma or personality, irritating in his "I can do musical theatre, me" delivery. Having lost Craig last week, Bill decided that Lewis is his new "journey-man" of the contest!
Lee: "Living On A Prayer". I had my reservations on hearing that he would be singing this, but of course he delivered. Back in the red shirt too, yum! An assured, mature and masculine performance: it really is a contest of man against boys now. Does Zoe Tyler really need to be so harsh when it comes to Lee? Also I thought Lee looked a little strained tonight - he may be a pro, but it proves that the tension is getting to everyone.
Lewis and Lee: "Oh What A Circus" ("Evita"). Now banish all thoughts of David Essex - this was a class act and credit where it's due, even Lewis came good here. Lee is of course head and shoulders above everyone else in this competition and I hope that he is given more musical theatre numbers next week to prove, if it was needed, that he is a leading man - and an understudy no more!
Group number: "Under Pressure". Ooh, doesn't Lee look nice in lilac! Was this a tribute to gone-too-soon Daniel (who also looked nice in lilac, in a cheesy kind of way)?
Result: Lee - You could still be Joseph, you hot talented man!
Keith - You could still be Joseph, just go get yourself some charisma!
Sing-Off: Ben vs Lewis. Another very nice musical theatre number to test them - "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables.
Close every door to.... Ben, what a good looking young man, and he lit up the stage whenever he was on it. He was our second favourite. Gonna miss his cute smile and showmanship in the final. Being Ben of course, he vocally wobbled even in the final number. Keith took the coat (not that the curse is working any more of course).
What does The Lord see in Lewis? Has he had an advance ticket order from Nanna Jean? Is he casting for "Bob Downe: The Musical"?
Final next week: not sure my nerves can stand it!

Etienne Daho news

It's been 4 long years since Etienne Daho released his "Reevolution" CD. According to his official website www.etiennedaho.com he's currently recording his new album in three locations: Paris, Ibiza and London. No news on the title or the musical style of the album, but what we do know is that it will be out in November 2007. Oh goody! Just in time for my Christmas list for Santa, tee hee!!

Weight Watchers: It's all gone Pete Tong...

Last week: euphoria (lost a stone in weight)
This week: greed (unacceptable nibbling), followed by guilt at said unacceptable nibbling, followed by fear as I couldn't face the prospect of stepping on the scales.

Now comes rehab!!! ("no, no, no.....")
With only 14 weeks to go till my return to Nice, it's back on the wagon for me. Hopefully it will not make me too grumpy. (Well I can't be any more grumpy than I've been this past week, but that's another story....).

Sophie and Peter Johnston: Rediscovered!

Back in the 1980s I was a devoted listener to John Peel's nightly show on Radio 1. It was a bit of a mixed bag of course - you'd love some of the music, you'd hate some of it with a passion - but above all, the great man introduced many talented acts to us thanks to his "Peel Sessions". Many of these bands were or became legendary, but many were undiscovered delights who never managed to get the commercial success they deserved.

Take Sophie and Peter Johnston, for example. They were a brother and sister synth duo from Newcastle, and they made some lovely little electro-pop songs which I taped off the radio - well didn't everyone???? - and they still sound fresh and fabulous today. I had forgotten all about them, but for a strange reason I remembered them today, did a Google search and hey presto - there is a website!!!

The site, www.sophieandpeterjohnston.com, has everything you ever wanted to know about the duo, and there are also sound clips of some of their classic songs like "Television Satellite", "Open Eyes" and "Paradise". There are also anthology CDs for sale - for all of us who have worn out our Peel session tapes!

Belgium (Flanders) Charts Update

Think this is the first time we've done one of these.
"Kvraagetan" by Fixkes has apparently been no.1 for ever in the singles chart. Not too many other Flemish acts in the chart apart from the ever-popular Natalia with "Gone to Stay" and Clouseau's "De Tegenpartij" which only reached no. 4 in the chart instead of the usual no. 1 which they have become accustomed to. At least they have the consolation of their "Vonken & Vuur" still being at the top of the album chart. Haven't played it too much to date - still to put a review of it on this blog.

Swedish Charts Update

It looks like Melodifestivalen fever is fading at last, three months after the event. Only Sarah Dawn Finer, Måns Zelmerlöw and Elin Lanto are still in the top 20 (The Ark only at no 23) but the Swedes' love of the Eurovision Song Contest has put entries from Finland (Hanna Pakarinen) and Ukraine (the mighty Verka Serduchka) in the top 20. We also have the return of techno king E-Type with "True Believer" at no.2, just behind the latest single from Per Gessle, "En Handig Man". It would appear that Gessle is as popular as ever.

Måns & Carola duet....?

Aftonbladet (www.aftonbladet.se) reported that Swedish pop's man of the moment is to perform a duet with one of my least favourite singers in the whole wide world. The reason? They're throwing a 30th birthday party for Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden on 14th June. Also due to sing at the party will be Tre S - a trio made up of Shirley Clamp, Sonya Alden and Slappable-Sanna Nielsen. Oh well: two out of three ain't bad.

French Charts Update

Long time since we had one of these! (Been too busy wallowing in Swedish music of late) :-)
We previously mentioned the battle between former Le Roi Soleil stars Emmanuel Moire and Christophe Mae. It still looks as if Christophe has won the chart war as he reached no. 1 recently in the singles chart with "On S'Attache". As ever, not too much going on in the French top 40, with only dance act Pakito's "Are U Ready" and the Nouvelle Star single as new entries this week.
Other recent number ones: "Balance-Toi" by Tony Parker. Yes, that Tony Parker as in Eva Longoria's Tony Parker! Also the latest French release by Celine Dion (zzz).
Now to the album charts and guess who is at no.1? Celine Dion....
Following his recent tragic death, Gregory Lemarchal's "Olympia 2006" is again selling well. Still in the top 10 are Christophe Willem's very good "Inventaire" and a new entry from Bob Sinclar with "Sounds of Freedom". Shy'm's debut album is a high climber but not doing so well is Calogero, whose "Pomme C" (which has not been received too well by critics) is only at no. 30. The title track is due to be released as the follow-up to "Saut de L'Ange" - I would have preferred "Melodies En Sous-Sol" or "Suis-Je Assez Clair" as they are my favourite tracks.

This week's playlist.

Miss America/Work of Art - Måns Zelmerlöw: Two of the best tracks from his debut CD which is currently on its way to EC HQ. Already topping the charts in Sweden, it's a pure pop treat.
I Heard A Rumour/Nathan Jones - Bananarama: The 'Rama are often forgotten when it comes to 80's guilty pleasures, but here are two - produced by the guiltiest producers of all - Stock, Aitken, Waterman!
Little Of Your Time/Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5: Still liking their album, and these are my two faves from it this week.
Relax, Take It Easy - Mika: Crying out to be released as a single in the UK - but I fear it may be "Lollipop" instead.
Tokyo - Danny Saucedo: Still playing this a lot, from the Swedish Idol 2006 finalist.
Elu Produit de L'Annee/Kiss The Bride - Christophe Willem: Still worth a mention in my playlist. "Double Je" is out as a single in France but I still prefer these 2 tracks.

Big Brother 8 - I take it all back, won't be watching after all...

In my previous post I may have suggested that I might just give Big Brother 8 a chance. Well, I did. Happened to catch the moment when "Ziggy" (some kind of model and ex boy band chap) went into the house. Enough said. I really can't be a***d watching a load of WAG/Posh/Paris wannabes fighting for the attentions of someone who looks as if his best friend is his mirror. Therefore I have decided that life is too short to waste it watching BB8.

Big Brother 8 - no I'm not watching it (not yet anyway)

Big Brother 8 has arrived, bringing a load of female contestants into the house. As the great philosopher Patricia Kaas once sang, "Ou Sont Les Hommes?". I'm not watching it: not yet anyway!! The must-see glory days where you switched on at 8am to see four different camera angles of housemates fast asleep, are long gone. Now the people who go into the house know far too much about media manipulation, and this for me has killed a once great show. But maybe I'll give it a go. I'd love to be proved wrong: maybe for once Channel 4 might give us a group of genuinely funny, likeable (or love-to-hate) housemates whom we might actually care about. Doubt it though...

Nouvelle Star: the end is nigh, Julie is out and does anyone really care anymore?

My interest in "Nouvelle Star" has waned considerably since Pierre's departure last week, leaving Julien, Tigane, Gaetane and Julie as the final four. This week Tigane and Julie were in the bottom two, and it was Julie - who's lucky she made it to this stage as she's nothing particularly special - who made her exit. Oh well, I'll probably watch the videos eventually..

As stated previously, it looks as if Julien (described by one French showbiz mag as the long lost son of oddball Philippe "J'Adoooooooore" Katerine) who will take the prize this year. As you know I am not a fan of Julien, although credit where it's due for his slaughter of "I Put A Spell On You" some weeks back. No reality pop show contestant anywhere in the world would ever dare to put on such a so-bad-it's-good performance like that. He may yet have the last laugh.

As for Gaetane, she got some mileage out of an alleged romance with Julien, although when it comes to singing talent she wouldn't stand a chance against, say, Star Academy's Dominique and Cynthia or indeed Nouvelle Star's Amel Bent.

CD-WOW versus the BPI: whatever happened to the free market?

So much for customer choice. We learned today that the rather wonderful CD-WOW! lost its court case against the all powerful BPI, the fatcats who control the British record industry, and will now have to pay approximately £35 million in damages. Yeah, the BPI, who all those years ago wagged the finger and told us that home taping is killing music. The same BPI which now battles the tide of illegal downloading. Yet they choose to punish something as legitimate as CD-WOW! which sells real CDs - not fake ones - the only 'crime' being that the company may have sold CDs which were licensed for sale in Hong Kong, for example. Who cares where they were licensed - they were (and are) legal, and give us, the record-buying public, a chance to obtain CDs at decent affordable prices and not the rip-off-Britain prices which you'll pay in many record stores. What was that about internet shopping giving us freedom of choice? There won't be much chance of that as long as the Scrooges of the BPI exist. We at EuropeCrazy say "Long Live CD-WOW!" We will certainly continue to order our CDs from them.

Star Academy 7: the search begins

It's only been 5 months since the end of the 6th series of "Star Academy" in France - but already auditions have commenced for the 7th (and possibly final) series of France's biggest reality pop show. Auditions kicked off in Marseille over the weekend with the usual massive turnout.
This despite some very negative comments by season 6 finalist Brice, who in an exclusive interview with "Public" last week revealed that the finalists' tour has been a shambles, as the singers are paid very little and they have received virtually no support from the likes of Alexia Laroche-Joubert and Kamel Ouali to name two. As for Raphaelle Ricci, it appears that she has been frozen out of the show and claimed that she wasn't even told that their concert was taking place at Bercy.
There may also be a big change to Season 7 - when it starts and ends. Fitness guru Christophe Pinna recently revealed that the show is due to start in October 2007 and run until February 2008, instead of its usual end of August to pre-Christmas run time.

Album Review: "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" - Maroon 5

Over the last couple of years, Maroon 5 have enjoyed great international success with their worldwide hit album "Songs About Jane". Therefore the follow-up, the strangely named "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" was a long-awaited release and is already at the top of the UK album charts.
The album opens with "If I Never See Your Face Again" which could best be described as Red Hot Chili Peppers-lite. "Makes Me Wonder" is my favourite track on the album - it's a very cool and sophisticated break-up song, (and even though Adam Levine generally doesn't do it for me, I still think he looks very hot in the video). "Little of Your Time" is very catchy and foot-tapping with a bit of a retro vibe. Sometimes Levine's vocals remind me a bit of Colin Hay (ex Men at Work, whose solo songs are currently being featured in E4's "What About Brian").
There are a number of potential singles, notably the harder "Wake Up Call" whilst "Won't Go Home Without You" recalls "She Will Be Loved". If you remember Kanye West's hit single "Heard 'Em Say" then the song featured in that was "Nothing Lasts Forever". "Can't Stop" again has a harder sound, although the whole album generally has a more polished feel to it, e.g. there is nothing as gritty as "Harder to Breathe". "Goodnight Goodnight" is quite a touching ballad, "Not Falling Apart" is forgettable filler, and "Kiwi" is a little different and more funky. "Better That We Break" is another hands in the air ballad whilst "Back At Your Door" brings the album to a satisfactory conclusion.
I'm sure this will be a very successful album, although it does lack some killer choruses and a few of the songs need repeated plays to grow on you, therefore it is unlikely to appreciate the huge success of "Songs About Jane". However I like it, I would say that it was worth the wait and will appeal to fans of the band's smooth and sophisticated grown-up pop sound.

Some Lee screencaps from Saturday's "Any Dream" to drool over....

Thanks to the excellent Livejournal community (check the link on the right) I couldn't resist putting some of their fab screencaps on my blog. So here goes.... Lee on video just before his performance of...
..."Daydream Believer"!
Lee and Ben rehearsing.
How great was Lee's duet with Josh Groban on "You Raise Me Up"??? (And how great did Lee look in a suit as well!!)

This week's playlist.

Bit of a mainly Nordic one this week!!
Ah Nar Ni Tar Saken I Egna Hander - After Dark. Cheeky ode to Swedish daytime TV experts, allegedly loaded with double entendres, sung by a man in drag. What's not to like.
Hooked On You - Infinity. Still a big hit here at EuropeCrazy HQ, bringing back memories of those early 90s ravey days. They were a bit offputting visually at MGP, but on record this hits the target.
Here - Christina Undhjem. Another fave from this year's MGP. Very nice pop song, been listening to this quite a lot lately.
Alexandra - Sound of Music. Vintage shoulder pad schlager from Nanne Gronvall before she got the pointy ears.
Dancing Lasha Tumbai - Verka Serduchka. Name one song to define Eurovision 2007? This one. Blows Serbia right out of the water. Let's speak dance!

Falling In Love With You Again/Troubled Skies - Sebastian Karlsson. My current fave picks from his very good second album. I'm certainly falling in love with him again.... The picture above is from his recent appearance at the Rix FM festival in Kungstradgarden in Stockholm. Sadly I had left Stockers before this took place :-((
Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5. Will have the album very soon I hope, in the meantime I can't stop listening to this.
Behind The Cow - Scooter. Recent mad effort using "Don't Fear The Reaper" and utterly daft lyrics as usual. The legend! Behind the cow! And why not.

TV Rewind: Grey's Anatomy, Season 3

After the emotional hankie-wringing finale of season 2 (yes I'll admit there was a major lump in my throat as Denny died) would episode 1 of season 3 live up to the hype? Well, strangely...no! I found it rather disappointing as it oddly relied on flashbacks to carry the episode through. Needless to say we can look forward to many weeks of Meredith dithering about her love life etc etc.... but being Grey's Anatomy we will lap it all up of course - and there are certainly some interesting storylines to come.

Grease Is The Word: it's Danny week!!

Can you keep up with the format changes on ITV's "Grease Is The Word"? After last week's reshuffling of couples, the Dannys and Sandys were split and this week saw the Danny semi.

Four Dannys remained: appropriately two of them were actually called Danny!

Acting class this week with Jennifer Ellison and Paul Nicholas. The years have not been kind to him, have they?

Michael was first up with "Burning Love". He did well and was quite convincing, and David Ian likes him. Most disturbing thing of the evening: Brian Friedman's diva-hoodie outfit thing. Very worrying indeed.

Danny R - yes he can sing but it's not enough. He has a speech impediment, which in a show like this is, sadly, a drawback. He's not Danny Zuko in looks either. The sympathy vote got him this far but no further. His "I'm Still Standing" was good, and in another time and another place (Pop Idol? X Factor?) he might do very well, but this is, brutally and sadly, not the place for him.

Danny B - liking the format this week: you sometimes can't tell the quality of a performer in a duet. Did very well if a little cheesy on "It's Not Unusual". He is the best looking of the remaining Dannys and is our favourite for the part.

Anthony - "Higher and Higher". Ironic choice for a vertically-challenged washed-up pop star. At least David Ian was spot-on: he wants his pop career back. Watch the grin turn to a scowl, a smile turn to a sulk. Mum says: "he's an arrogant wee b*****d" and I agree.

The ever changing format - make it up as you go along??? - reached the first elimination - by the panel and not the Great British Public. Just as well, as to no great surprise Danny R was dispatched, for his own good as much as anybody's.

Round 2: Ballads

"I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" - Michael. One of these years, can we have a reality-pop-show without this song? Michael is good, although to me seems a little old-fashioned, yet he gets results. Sinitta dared to turn it into a looks competition, suggesting that he was up against two better looking guys....

Danny B is of course the best looking male left in the contest. On "She's The One" he gave a very strong performance for a 19 year old who is mature beyond his years. We say: "You could still be Danny!!!"

Anthony-Me-Me-Me-Kavanagh sang "If You're Not The One". Not quite at the level of Shayne Ward's rendition on X Factor, and he's too short and too arrogant.

Format change again - can you keep up, cause I can't - now the viewers are evicting/saving: Danny B to the final!! Yay!!
Anthony "failed pop star Kavana" Kavanagh - Nooooooo!
So out goes Michael. At least he was a good loser. David Ian promised to work with him.

Next week: Sandys semi!!! We predict: Susan and Vicky to the final.

Any Dream Will Do...exit Cabaret Craig and not Lewis!

Five Josephs left, and after the major outcry over the eviction of the massively talented Daniel last week, surely this week would bring justice, i.e. the eviction of Lewis?
Where last week they saved the best till last, this week it was the turn of Lee Mead to kick off the proceedings. After all these weeks of deep and intense performances, it was time to see the lighter side of Lee. (Personally I prefer the darker side, but any Lee is better than no Lee at all...!) On "Daydream Believer" he delivered a performance full of life and enjoyment, but that whole pyjama-thing was so not a good look. However he managed to get The Lord's mojo working. Oo-er missus.

I am trying to pick a second favourite in the event of Lee not making it (perish the thought) and Ben would appear to be it. He is sooooo cute and if I wasn't so besotted by Mr Mead I would have to go for Ben. What he loses in vocal talent - and he lost a lot tonight, tackling "Crying" (not the easiest song for anyone) he makes up for in presence and charisma. Although there were many off-notes, he managed to give a simple, subtle, theatrical rendition beyond his years and did a decent enough job. I am still a bit put off by his growing arrogance though - not quite at the level of Anthony-me-me-me-Kavanagh in "Grease Is The Word" but you can tell it's increasing by the week.

Be very afraid. Cabaret Craig is beginning to grow on me, but why is he wearing pink lipstick every week? If you have the mind of a conspiracy theorist you would think that "Suspicious Minds" had been deliberately chosen to get him into the sing-off. But he does have some appeal and we're glad he is still in, as he is the least theatrical of the lot and seems likeable enough. Bill would say that Craig has been on a journey blah blah blah, hoping it doesn't end tonight. And we like the hairdo. (Craig's that is, not Bill's).

The paper tissue industry will not go bankrupt as long as Lewis is around. (He should have sang "Crying"!!!!) He must realise that The Lord made the wrong decision last week. Anyway he was given "Hero" this week - surely some mistake as he was anything but. Unconvincing and devoid of any personality or star quality. More cabaret indeed than Cabaret-Craig!

After his performance the panel were polarised more than any other performance of the evening. John Barrowman - we looooove him - said that HE. WAS. NOT. JOSEPH. Whilst Bill (Mr Nice Guy) stuck up for him. Listen Bill - they can't all be Joseph! Stop being so positive!
Last word to The Lord - "fantastic charm but no inner strength". Charm????

Finally to Keith-Teeth who is quite frankly puzzling us now. Yes he is good, yes he can sing, but strangely left me cold tonight on "Let Me Entertain You". He is too young and clean-cut for this song, and I keep visualising him in pantomime. Last week he was Liza Minnelli, this week he's Tommy Steele (LOL!) Vocally he is Joseph, says Zoe, whilst Bill "Journey" Kenwright trots out the old "You are on a journey" thing blah blah.

And now to the results show with an added cliffhanger. Who would all-round quality singer Josh Groban choose to duet with him....er, let me think about that one for a moment....
Keith-Teeth spitting out "Josh Groban and Lee Mead", overflowing with envy. It's not nice, not nice at all.
Ooh....Lee and Josh singing "You Raise Me Up". Not one of my favourite songs unless Brian Kennedy is singing it, however the sight of Lee duetting with Josh screams "WINNER!" With the other Josephs relegated to backing vocals, presumably sticking pins into the Lee Mead voodoo doll whilst they wonder if any of them could ever still be Joseph.

Biggest shock of the evening is that Lewis (don't get me started) could still be Joseph. F***!!!!
Lee - YOU COULD STILL BE JOSEPH!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!
Ben - You are in the sing-off!!
Keith - You could still be Joseph, you jealous little....
Craig - You are in the sing-off, and you got the lowest vote. They know how to p*** you off.

Sing-Off: No big dramatic number but instead it's Barry Manilow's "I Made It Through The Rain". Only thing is, Craig didn't, and Ben got custody of the umbrella. The Lord's reasons for dumping a Joseph are getting more bananas by the week: "it was down to casting....your acting didn't come through". Blah blah.

Close every door to him: Take the coat Ben! Take the coat, take the coat. (Curse of the coat: it didn't work this week but surely next week...Yes. Lewis hopefully condemned to oblivion and a sponsorship deal with Kleenex). Four Josephs remain. Semi-final next week!!

Dean is Belgium's new Idol...in "So Many Ways"

So Dean Delannoit is Flemish-speaking Belgium's new "idol". He beat Esther Sels in VTM's final screened last night. The youngster performed his debut single in the final of course - "So Many Ways" is a catchy number which is very reminiscent of The Kooks' "She Moves In Her Own Way" - a song which of course he performed earlier in the contest.
Runner-up Esther needn't be too upset - she will also release a single called "That Will Make My Day" which lyrically is a bit of a gold-digging anthem and which is an equally catchy reggae flavoured number and is sure to be a big hit in the Flemish Ultratop chart. She seems a bit too clean cut for this song though!

Video Rewind: "Ray"

Finally got round to watching the exceptional "Ray" which of course was all about the life of soul & r'n'b legend Ray Charles. No surprises that Jamie Foxx won many awards for his portrayal of the singer. What was particularly special about this film was that it showed Charles' life warts and all, and didn't gloss over his drug use or affairs with other women. Despite being almost two and a half hours long, our attention never wandered - that's the sign of a truly great film.

TV Rewind: What about "What About Brian"?

Whilst our multi-channel universe is full of exciting American imports - whether it's "Greys Anatomy" and "ER" emotionally ripping your heart out, "Prison Break" and "Heroes" having you on the edge of your seat, or the tremendous laugh-out-loud absurdity of "Boston Legal", there's lots to watch these days. Dig deeper and there are a few lesser known imports slipping under the radar, one being "What About Brian" currently airing on E4. It's been compared in some places to "Friends" but I would make a comparison with "Thirtysomething", reinvented for the 21st century. Its main man Brian is a pleasant looking leading man, the theme being that he's reached an age where he's still single whilst all his friends are married and settled down. Add to that him being in unrequired love with his best friend's girl, throw in some sub plots about open marriages and artificial insemination and the result is a pleasant way to pass an hour. However, I feel it's still missing that vital ingredient to elevate it to must-see status. Obviously the American tv network agreed, and they pulled the show after 2 series. Guess we better enjoy it while we can.

Nouvelle Star: Pierre's out :-(((((

Once upon a time, in a previous series of "Nouvelle Star", panellist Marianne James accused the French public of having s**t in their ears, when choosing to eliminate a talented contestant and, presumably, saving a dud one in the process.

May I then use the same expression tonight then, as I have just discovered that my favourite, and the most talented singer and performer in this year's competition, the divine Pierre Darmon, is out, and with him goes my interest in this competition. With Pierre, Raphaelle, Alex and Ilyes gone, Tigane is now the only remotely interesting and talented contestant left (although the fact that a non-white artist has never won this competition goes against him) - the less said the better about bland Julie and Gaetane, and don't even start me on Julien. Cult figure he may be, but a star he is definitely not.

If there is any consolation for Pierre and his fellow evictees, it's that the biggest star ever to emerge from this contest in its five year existence was a young woman who came third in season 2. Her name is Amel Bent, she enjoyed both commercial and critical success with her debut CD, and in the next few weeks she will release the long-awaited follow-up.

A moment's silence please, for Liberty X

Today we learned that Liberty X, the band who were formed in 2001 by the three girls and two boys who didn't get into Hear'say on ITV's first "Popstars" series, are to split up. The split is said to be amicable with all five continuing to be friends, and they will now concentrate on the usual "solo projects". For a group manufactured on a reality show, Liberty X managed to make a few good records and they always managed to get attention thanks to their more risque image. Still, as the great philosopher Nelly Furtado would say "all good things come to an end" and in these days when pop seems to be a dirty word, so another pop act bites the dust.

Radio 10 Gold to leave mediumwave

Radio Netherlands Media Network (www.rnw.nl) has announced that Radio 10 Gold, the Dutch radio station which fans of mediumwave radio have enjoyed since it began in the 1990s, will cease broadcasts on its 1008 kHz frequency by 30 June at the latest. This is very sad news indeed as this station showed its dull British counterparts how oldies radio should be done - with a diverse playlist and a once strong signal (675 kHz R.I.P.) which could be received reasonably clearly here in the UK, especially on those dark winter nights. Recently the station has had to cut down its transmitter power which was the beginning of the end: the station's owners blame a lack of advertising revenue for the station's downfall. One more nail in the coffin of mediumwave: how many more stations will follow?

Stand by for...

Just realised that I've reached 100 posts on this blog!
The theme of post 101: Måns Zelmerlöw’s debut CD is out today!
Couldn't wait to hear the soundclips of "Stand By For..." and I will definitely be ordering this one. From the 30 second soundclips on http://www.cdon.com/, it sounds like a very good pop album. Måns is already shaping up to be a very versatile performer - "Cara Mia" fans will like the very similar and schlager-tastic "Dreaming" whilst new single "Work of Art" is very reminiscent of Mika's "Grace Kelly". The result is yet another example of high quality, commercial Swedish pop, which they seem to do effortlessly - and Måns deserves to be a big star. I will review this album in full when it lands at EuropeCrazy HQ.

Belgium's Idol search nears the end: it's Dean vs Esther

In the semi-final of "Idool 2007" it was Andrej who exited the competition, leaving Dean Delannoit and Esther Sels to battle for the title in this week's final. Dean is the clear favourite to win - not just because male contestants always win this contest, but he is young, with teen appeal and he is also quaintly endearing in an amateurish way. There has been a bit of an outcry at Esther taking a place in the final at the expense of Andrej. She is good and pleasant enough, but lacks charisma which Dean has, although there was no excuse for those stripey trousers last week. Hm.

You are the one for me, for me, for me....

..."for-me-daaaable!!"
Just discovered the video clip of Pierre Darmon on last week's Nouvelle Star. After his massacre/interesting version of "Grace Kelly" the previous week, this time he was back on very safe ground indeed for "Big Band" week, with a song which he had previously sung at the audition stages and which showed off his talent for a jazzy tune. A confident and winning performance which very clearly ensured another week for him in the competition, although at this stage it looks as if hype (Julien) may sadly triumph over talent (Pierre)
This week the three contestants with the lowest votes were Julie, Gaetane and Raphaelle. It was goodbye to Raphaelle, which I found very surprising as at one point I thought she was going to be the last girl in the competition.

Guess what I got in the post today.....?

Second album from the Idol 2005 runner-up, who has managed to combine commercial success and credibility. A very wise move has been to team up with Andreas Johnson's co-writer Peter Kvint, who has also produced this CD.

It's a very good collection of songs, mostly in an uptempo and anthemic vein.

"Troubled Skies" is a very good opener. Next is his MF 2007 entry "When The Night Comes Falling" which is still a very strong singalong. "Charlie Calm Down" is another uptempo number and very reminiscent of Andreas Johnson, whilst "I Can Feel You" is clearly inflenced by Robbie Williams and even Oasis. "Lead Me There" is a real hands-in-the-air tune, whilst "Words and Violence", which was the first single released from this album, still sounds good. "Falling In Love With You Again" is one of my personal favourites on this CD. "Kiss Kiss Kiss" is Sebastian in a state of euphoria - "I'm in a perfect state of perfect bliss/I'm in love and I don't want to stop". "Bear With Me" is already a regular on my MP3 player and reminds me a bit of Gavin Degraw. "Trigger" is probably the weakest track on the album, but the closer "Drink This Bottle of Wine" is very good but lyrically has Sebastian reflecting on a break-up. May I help you get over this, Mr Karlsson? No? OK then. Still a very good album though, and it's proof yet again that you don't need to win "Idol" to become a star.

Grease Is The Word: time for a reshuffle

Amid poor ratings and Simon Cowell's admission that it has been a flop, something had to happen over at ITV's "Grease Is The Word". As time is running out to choose a Danny and Sandy for the West End theatre production, money man David Ian chose to reshuffle the existing couples!
Anthony & Alison....became Anthony & Vicky
Song - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". Now Vicky is our favourite girl of course but she will always be in the shadow of Anthony-me-me-me-Kavana-Kavanagh: they didn't bond, they had no chemistry, he's not that great and is only surviving on past glories.
Danny R & Lauren...became Danny R & Alison
Song - "When You're Gone". He sings well but the whole thing is a farce as he won't be able to carry a show's scripts due to his speech impediment. Really feel sorry for Alison as she's one of the best girls but will face an early exit as the other half of this couple.
Bradley & Michelle...became Bradley & Lauren
Song - "It Takes Two". He looks like her dad. I never really liked him, and she's too young, so I won't be too upset if they go.
Michael & Vicky...became Michael & Susan
Song - "We've Got Tonight". The first pairing tonight which have shown that they are serious contenders. I'm no Susan McFadden fan of course but have to admit that they have clicked and could be Danny and Sandy...
Danny B & Susan...became Danny B & Michelle
My attention wandered and I can't even remember what they sang. Bland bland bland.
The sing-off
Bradley & Lauren versus Danny R & Alison.
B & L out: so therefore Danny R lives to fight another week. Glad for Alison but how long will the panel put him through this?

"Dream" turning into a nightmare: Daniel's out!

19.05.07. "Any Dream Will Do": Six contestants were left and the contest just got tougher.

Keith: "Brown Eyed Girl": OK so apparently he looks like Liza Minnelli. LOL at Graham Norton's "whatever happened to her husband" remark. Keith-Teeth does well once again however there's the usual criticism about diction, blah blah blah. The Lord says: "He could really be Joseph".

Lewis: There's bland, and there is Lewis. He dared to steal Lee's whole sitting-on-stairs-then-getting-up act for his version of "The Rose". He's still weak and dull, and lacks personality. Even Zoe said so. The Lord says: "Got a way to go".

Ben: Another week, another bizarre song choice. "Blue Suede Shoes"??? Cheesy as hell but at least loaded with all the personality Lewis lacked. The Lord: "Had wit and cheekiness....knew what he was doing".

Keith/Lewis/Ben: "That's Life" (group number): fun version which worked well.

Craig: "Black or White": wearing Lee's waistcoat outfit from last week. Surprisingly good stagecraft and managed to do Jacko without resorting to his vocal/dance mannerisms. The Lord says: "Getting better but could you deliver?....marginal".

Daniel: "Evergreen": Another week and indeed another Will Young song. I thought he was very good at this type of song and that he excelled: but then what do I know? The Lord says: "Would an audience want you...singing for two hours?"

Lee: "Paint It Black": they promised intense, and we got it. Lee Mead is in a different league and once more proved it tonight. An incredibly watchable performer - but does he deserve better than the lightweight role of Joseph? He looks fantastic. Just thought I would say that anyway, as my mind wanders to the thought of running my fingers through his hair etc etc....but he is also a very talented artist and of course he still deserves to win this competition. The Lord says: "Absolutely superb....obviously Joseph".

Craig/Daniel/Lee: "Don't Rain On My Parade": absolutely professional and rained on the other youngsters' parade - check their facial expressions out!!

The Sing-Off

Craig/Lee/Keith/Ben: "you could still be Joseph"

Daniel/Lewis: to the sing-off! Daniel got the lowest votes? HELLO?

A real shocker. I thought it would be Lewis vs Craig this week but there you go. Daniel in the sing-off? Thought that whoever was up against the bland and emotionless Lewis would be a cert to go through to next week. "Bring Him Home" was this week's sing-off, wringing out as much emotion as you could possibly take. Yet despite Daniel's obviously better performance in the end, The Lord chose to save Lewis, thus dispatching Daniel to "poor poor Joseph what you gonna do....."

There is a theory on the web that there is a "curse of the coat" - he who touches the coat is evicted next week. Ben touched the coat this week. Go figure. Anyway, I am shocked and stunned, there are some who might suggest that the contest is a foregone conclusion that Lee will win... I don't buy that. After Daniel's eviction, no-one is safe anymore. The Great British Public are a very strange bunch of people when it comes to this type of contest! LEE MUST WIN! THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE!!

ALBUM REVIEW: "Prayer for the Weekend" - The Ark

Long-awaited album from one of Sweden’s finest and most distinctive bands of recent years.
They may have reached their biggest audience ever by representing Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest, which resulted in glorious failure of course, but this band is so good that they will emerge with credibility intact, thanks to this mature and very impressive album.
If you’re looking for comparisons, The Ark are the band The Darkness could have been, were it not for the dodgy falsetto and subsequent difficulties related to the rock n’ roll lifestyle.
Lead singer Ola Salo is a compelling, attractive and fascinating frontman although there is a risk that his image is becoming more of a glam rock caricature of late. His vocals are also more toned down here - there are no over the top displays like on, say, "Father of A Son" but the result is a more easy on the ear slice of radio-friendly pop-rock which could be their biggest success to date - that is, if the Swedes forgive them for wrecking their sacred Eurovision final slot for 2008.
Their music formula is a winner - top tunes, killer choruses ("Little Dysfunk You" and "All I Want Is You" are firmly lodged in my brain) - and some very interesting lyrics. For a band whose English is not their native language, Salo’s way with words is outstanding, even if there are a few naughty words and ideas along the way, and one very bad word - yes that one, the one you shall not speak - (in "Death to the Martyrs") nevertheless this song has a hilarious chorus.
After one listen: I like it.
After two listens: completely hooked.
After three listens: already a contender for album of the year. Yes, that good.