(photo courtesy of www.tv4.se)Saturday, October 24, 2009
Idol 23.10.09: Rock Week
An annual tradition in Swedish Idol, 'Rock Week' can sometimes be good, sometimes be bad and occasionally even ugly.
My verdict this year: good. Mainly because there is quite a high quota of 'rock' voices this year, and for them it was another day at the office. It was effortless for Erik as usual, for example, and even though I'd predicted Calle to go this week, he was firmly in his "comfort zone" (as they say on these reality-talent shows) and needless to say he sailed through. As for Tove, she was good although not spectacular. Reza meanwhile goes from strength to strength.
The bigger challenge in a rock-flavoured week was for those whose vocal style is not suited to the rock style. Before you accuse me of favouritism, I'll just say that Eddie Razaz was, for me, the most improved contestant this week. Since the live shows started, it would be fair to say that Eddie 'could do better' and finally, surprisingly, this week of all weeks, he did it. He took on U2's "Beautiful Day"....and of course it was :))
SO WHY WAS HE IN THE BOTTOM TWO???
The other inhabitant of the bottom two this week was Nicklas. To use another over-used Louis Walsh-type phrase, "the song was too big for him". I don't know whose idea it was for him to sing "Black Hole Sun", as vocally Nicklas is no Chris Cornell; and the end result was a disappointment.
Rabih should have gone. I will probably repeat this phrase every week until he goes!
My verdict this year: good. Mainly because there is quite a high quota of 'rock' voices this year, and for them it was another day at the office. It was effortless for Erik as usual, for example, and even though I'd predicted Calle to go this week, he was firmly in his "comfort zone" (as they say on these reality-talent shows) and needless to say he sailed through. As for Tove, she was good although not spectacular. Reza meanwhile goes from strength to strength.
The bigger challenge in a rock-flavoured week was for those whose vocal style is not suited to the rock style. Before you accuse me of favouritism, I'll just say that Eddie Razaz was, for me, the most improved contestant this week. Since the live shows started, it would be fair to say that Eddie 'could do better' and finally, surprisingly, this week of all weeks, he did it. He took on U2's "Beautiful Day"....and of course it was :))
SO WHY WAS HE IN THE BOTTOM TWO???
The other inhabitant of the bottom two this week was Nicklas. To use another over-used Louis Walsh-type phrase, "the song was too big for him". I don't know whose idea it was for him to sing "Black Hole Sun", as vocally Nicklas is no Chris Cornell; and the end result was a disappointment.
Rabih should have gone. I will probably repeat this phrase every week until he goes!
Friday, October 23, 2009
This week's Idol songs - Rock week
Rock week on Swedish Idol can usually be a bit of a nightmare but I would agree with Aftonbladet's view that this year it might just get better.
Erik Grönwall – ”Why can't this be love” (Van Halen)
Eddie Razaz – ”Beautiful day” (U2).
Erika Selin – ”Here without you” (3 Doors Down).
Mariette Hansson – ”Just a girl” (No Doubt).
Rabih Jaber – ”Driving one of your cars” (Lisa Miskovsky).
Tove Östman Styrke – ”Living in America” (The Sounds).
Nicklas Hocker – ”Black hole sun” (Soundgarden).
Reza Ningtyas Lindh – ”Don't stop me now” (Queen).
Calle Kristiansson – ”Are you gonna go my way” (Lenny Kravitz).
I still think Calle will go this week, I'm expecting strong performances from Erik & Tove, and as for Eddie....he might struggle or he might surprise us!
Erik Grönwall – ”Why can't this be love” (Van Halen)
Eddie Razaz – ”Beautiful day” (U2).
Erika Selin – ”Here without you” (3 Doors Down).
Mariette Hansson – ”Just a girl” (No Doubt).
Rabih Jaber – ”Driving one of your cars” (Lisa Miskovsky).
Tove Östman Styrke – ”Living in America” (The Sounds).
Nicklas Hocker – ”Black hole sun” (Soundgarden).
Reza Ningtyas Lindh – ”Don't stop me now” (Queen).
Calle Kristiansson – ”Are you gonna go my way” (Lenny Kravitz).
I still think Calle will go this week, I'm expecting strong performances from Erik & Tove, and as for Eddie....he might struggle or he might surprise us!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Turkey Diaries: Day 3 - Wednesday 16 September 2009
You've heard the saying 'shop till you drop' and nowhere is it more true than this morning in Icmeler. The weather is very hot again, and it's a long walk (or feels like it) to the market up the back of town. For it's Wednesday, and that means market day. If the shopping experience so far had been an eye-opener, where the most minimal eye contact kicks off the selling game (and boy can they sell, sell, sell) then Icmeler market is more of the same on a much grander scale.
Back early to the hotel, because this afternoon there was something very special happening: the Turkish bath. Until recently I wasn't aware of what this was all about, but one of the girls from work came back from a holiday in Turkey and completely sold it to me.
Next instalment coming soon.
You could be forgiven for thinking you've been dropped into a market in London rather than Turkey, with all the "lovely jubbly" and "cheap as chips" stallholders banter doing the rounds. It's a good laugh, but it can become quite stressful as you run the gauntlet while everyone tries to outdo each other at selling bags and designer clothes and football tops. Would I even dare to suggest that much of the merchandise on offer may just, allegedly, be of a fake nature.....! It was funny to see the police raiding a couple of stalls for selling fakes - they could have a very long job ahead of them :) The trick of course is to make your fakes look fake - why buy a Chanel bedspread when you can buy a 'Channel' bedspread? Or jeans by 'Viktoria Beckham'?
I didn't take any pictures inside the market as it was just far too congested, and after a while we got overwhelmed by it all.
On our way back down into town we passed the mosque: and at that very moment the call to prayer began, which we heard a few times on this holiday and which was yet another example of being in a totally different culture from our own.
After lunch we finally find a park where we can sit and get some shade for a while.
Back early to the hotel, because this afternoon there was something very special happening: the Turkish bath. Until recently I wasn't aware of what this was all about, but one of the girls from work came back from a holiday in Turkey and completely sold it to me. We booked this trip yesterday and this afternoon we headed off by mini-bus to a hotel complex in Marmaris, for our experience of the Hamam to give it its proper name.
As this one was aimed at tourists it was a communal experience rather than being segregated into male and female sections, and also the scrub, wash and massage in this instance was done by men. I enjoyed it very much....!!!!
Firstly there is the sauna - I haven't been to a sauna for years, but faithful travelling companion has never ever been to one so it was a totally new experience. You are then taken to another room and you lie down on a big marble slab where you are given a very invigorating scrub down and then washed with soapy bubbles. After this we got some time in the pool before the final part which was the oil massage which was just fabulous!!! After that there was a little more time to unwind beside the pool before being taken back to Icmeler.
On our return, faithful travelling companion decided to try another typically Turkish experience: a Turkish shave! There are countless hairdressers in Icmeler offering this traditional razor shave, but let me say it's quite traumatic to watch it being done, and I was hoping and praying that nobody sneezed or had any sudden distractions!
The Masala restaurant is our destination for dinner tonight. Rather uniquely it does both Indian and Chinese food, we opted for Indian tonight and very good it was too. Can't remember what street it's on, but it is across the road from the Love Boat restaurant which is posh and pricey.
No partying for us tonight, we stop off for a beer before retiring for the night. I am not a beer drinker, but the local beer (Efes) is pretty agreeable for non-beer-drinkers.
Next instalment coming soon.Visitor number mystery?
Just been checking my site visit stats over the past week and discovered that I had a record number of visitors to this blog on Saturday 17th October - seven times more daily visitors than what I usually get! I wonder what was the reason for this????
Edit 20.10.09: I got a bit carried away this afternoon when I discovered this - then I checked back my blog posts from Saturday and realised it might be the mention of Michael Jackson in the post title which might have been the reason. Or maybe not.
Edit 20.10.09: I got a bit carried away this afternoon when I discovered this - then I checked back my blog posts from Saturday and realised it might be the mention of Michael Jackson in the post title which might have been the reason. Or maybe not.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Turkey Diaries: Day 2 - Tuesday 15th September 2009
35 degree heat. If that was to happen in the UK we'd probably be hospitalised. Yet in Turkey, in mid-September, it's the norm, and for non sun-worshippers like us, we surprisingly cope. Hats and sunblock are most definitely the answer.
After only two hours sleep, we're both surprisingly feeling alert. After breakfast we get our first daytime look at Icmeler and all it has to offer. Whilst on first glance it is a custom built resort which 20years ago was a village untouched by mass tourism) appealing to particularly British tastes, on the other hand retains a uniquely Turkish atmosphere and its position on the Turkish south coast, surrounded on three sides by pine forested mountains, provides constantly breathtaking scenery. Pictures can't do it justice - you have to be there. But I will post some lovely scenic views as the week goes on.
We decide to do as many Turkish experiences as we can on this holiday, starting with something we'd never tried before - Turkish apple tea, which you can drink hot or cold. It may sound crazy in this heat, but we enjoyed drinking it hot. 
Another thing that makes Icmeler special is the little canal which runs through it, all the way out to the sea. Alongside the canal there are a number of stalls offering the authentic Turkish shopping experience, and a number of bar/restaurants which come alive at night.
We decide to book a couple of trips - to a Turkish bath and Turkish Night - more about them later....
We very quickly realise that the stories about the warm Turkish hospitality are all true. Initially the "Turkish inquisition" - what's your name? where are you from? is this your first time in Turkey? which hotel are you staying at? are you married etc etc? - may have seemed intrusive, but it wasn't long before we realised that this is all part of the friendly service that you get everywhere in Icmeler (and elsewhere in Turkey by all accounts), and which we could all learn from. "Service with a smile" is a rarity these days, but in Icmeler it was the norm.
However, so is the art of persuasion, as each restaurant tried to get you into their premises morning, noon and night. You can't visit them all, can you? So most of our eating out choices were not planned, but instead resulted from just, well, random looking around I guess. And that Turkish charm...! Talking of which....
Our first encounter with Dream Boys came at lunchtime. Dream Boys is one of the notorious restaurants on the canal. It seems quiet by day, but at night....well that's another story!
After walking around and checking out the sights (and you see some sights here, but enough about the barbecued bodies on the beach!) it was back to the hotel then out again later for dinner at the Istanbul, whose meet-and-greet charm offensive was enough to get us in for a very wonderful dinner.
After a day in Icmeler I've decided that there is an amazing choice of menus in all the restaurants, to suit a wide variety of tastes. There are of course those well-known Turkish specialities (only joking) like "full English breakfast" and roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, but there are also real Turkish dishes too, and little touches like having mezes and pitta/nan bread served with every meal gives it that particularly Turkish twist. Not to mention finishing off with Turkish coffee, where you can stand your spoon up in the cup! The first time I ever tasted Turkish coffee was in....Prague no less, 4 years ago so it was nice to finally taste it in its spiritual home.
Although Icmeler is not really known for its nightlife - if you want that, then go to the all-night party that is Marmaris, and there is a local law in Icmeler which requires all the loud music to be switched off at midnight! - there are plenty of fun pubs to ensure that you have a very enjoyable evening. Most of the entertainment is provided by the waiters themselves, whether they are dressing up as Michael Jackson or Freddie Mercury, or dancing around to Kalinka and 'Kiss Kiss', or recreating 'Dirty Dancing'. it's great fun.
And so back to Dream Boys, which is packed out with an enthusiastic audience. It lives up to its name, with an appealing bunch of waiters strutting their stuff, dancing around whilst serving the drinks, accompanied by hilarious announcements from the MC.
Must mention Yahya, who manages to dance around and climb trees with cocktails perched on his head. You may have a long wait for your cocktail, but let me tell you the entertainment makes it worth the wait!! Oh look...it's 'Tina Turner'!
Add to that a pounding soundtrack from the likes of Pitbull, Black Eyed Peas, Lady GaGa, Akon and David Guetta and the party atmosphere is guaranteed until midnight...when it all goes quiet, and the slow ballads mix is put on, with the volume down.
Time to head back - the combination of two hours sleep and a long, hot day meant that it was never going to be a late night tonight. Turkish bath tomorrow!
The Turkey Diaries: Day 1 - Monday 14th September 2009
Finally getting round to this for two reasons: 1) I'm feeling a bit better now, and 2) It's been five weeks since we set off for Turkey and if I didn't post the diaries soon it would be the next holiday before I got around to it. So.....
Day 1 is more of a prologue than an actual diary entry, given that most of it was spent travelling to the airport, waiting at the airport, flying, arriving, travelling by coach and arriving at the hotel in the middle of the night. We had a bit of fun with the chav-tastic experience of waiting in the check-in queue with numerous underdressed and over-tanned bleach blondes called Chantelle and Danielle (yes!), and various men who could be mistaken for beached whales. The overdressed, pale redhead and the man with the flat stomach stuck out like a sore thumb!!! Welcome to the package holiday experience!! Of course we’re more used to DIY book-it-yourself flights and booking the hotel separately, so for once it was nice to have it all done for us.
After an hour’s flight delay (not too bad as holiday flights go) it was time for one of our longest flights ever - four and a half hours. I try to sleep but it’s impossible thanks to the constant stream of travellers going up and down to the loo. Now I am partial to the odd glass of wine (!) But one thing I can’t stand is people drinking alcohol before or during a flight. On the one hand, airlines don’t want to let drunk people on a plane and put us all at risk of "air rage" - so why do they sell alcohol on planes?
Anyway we eventually arrive at Dalaman airport....taking our first steps off the plane into warm, late evening air and onto Turkish soil. One unusual aspect of arriving in Turkey is that you have to pay £10 for a visa stamp. I was quite excited about this as the only other time I had my passport stamped was in Canada, 12 years ago. You know me by now, I can get excited about the most mundane little things!
After a further episode of the Chantelle/Danielle experience at the baggage carousel - how do these people survive beyond their front door, let alone in a foreign country? - it’s a two hour journey from Dalaman to Icmeler by coach, a journey broken up by a stop off at the "comfort stop" which is as far removed from the usual motorway service stations as you could ever imagine, as it looks more like an exotic old bazaar. The one thing it probably shares with its British counterparts is the overpriced food and souvenirs, but it did give me my first sighting of all the things I wanted to buy in Turkey. Here is a picture which I actually took on the way back to the airport, one week later:
Back on the bus on the way to drop off passengers in Marmaris and Icmeler. Although it’s the middle of the night, I am still mesmerised by the new and unfamiliar sights, like the illuminated mosques and the all night cafes. I’m a bit scared by the descent into Marmaris, but the coach driver ensured we had a safe journey. Eventually we arrive at our hotel in Icmeler, and after checking in and unpacking it’s time for bed: 5.30 am. We will be back up again in two hours. Tick tock, tick tock....nighty night.
Day 1 is more of a prologue than an actual diary entry, given that most of it was spent travelling to the airport, waiting at the airport, flying, arriving, travelling by coach and arriving at the hotel in the middle of the night. We had a bit of fun with the chav-tastic experience of waiting in the check-in queue with numerous underdressed and over-tanned bleach blondes called Chantelle and Danielle (yes!), and various men who could be mistaken for beached whales. The overdressed, pale redhead and the man with the flat stomach stuck out like a sore thumb!!! Welcome to the package holiday experience!! Of course we’re more used to DIY book-it-yourself flights and booking the hotel separately, so for once it was nice to have it all done for us.
After an hour’s flight delay (not too bad as holiday flights go) it was time for one of our longest flights ever - four and a half hours. I try to sleep but it’s impossible thanks to the constant stream of travellers going up and down to the loo. Now I am partial to the odd glass of wine (!) But one thing I can’t stand is people drinking alcohol before or during a flight. On the one hand, airlines don’t want to let drunk people on a plane and put us all at risk of "air rage" - so why do they sell alcohol on planes?
Anyway we eventually arrive at Dalaman airport....taking our first steps off the plane into warm, late evening air and onto Turkish soil. One unusual aspect of arriving in Turkey is that you have to pay £10 for a visa stamp. I was quite excited about this as the only other time I had my passport stamped was in Canada, 12 years ago. You know me by now, I can get excited about the most mundane little things!
After a further episode of the Chantelle/Danielle experience at the baggage carousel - how do these people survive beyond their front door, let alone in a foreign country? - it’s a two hour journey from Dalaman to Icmeler by coach, a journey broken up by a stop off at the "comfort stop" which is as far removed from the usual motorway service stations as you could ever imagine, as it looks more like an exotic old bazaar. The one thing it probably shares with its British counterparts is the overpriced food and souvenirs, but it did give me my first sighting of all the things I wanted to buy in Turkey. Here is a picture which I actually took on the way back to the airport, one week later:
Back on the bus on the way to drop off passengers in Marmaris and Icmeler. Although it’s the middle of the night, I am still mesmerised by the new and unfamiliar sights, like the illuminated mosques and the all night cafes. I’m a bit scared by the descent into Marmaris, but the coach driver ensured we had a safe journey. Eventually we arrive at our hotel in Icmeler, and after checking in and unpacking it’s time for bed: 5.30 am. We will be back up again in two hours. Tick tock, tick tock....nighty night.
The Square-Eyed Couch Potato: September-October 2009
After a few weeks where I was literally not watching anything, I've managed to get enough programmes together to do a review!
You can’t accuse "Later With Jools Holland" (BBC2 Tuesdays/Fridays) of lacking in diversity - for example, a recent episode featured Calvin Harris, Echo and the Bunnymen, and the Spaghetti Western Orchestra in quick succession. It’s the only music programme on terrestrial television at the moment that we can still watch at a reasonably decent hour, and which (thankfully) has no risk of Cheryl Cole appearing on it.
"Sailors fighting in the dancehall..." You know the script by now - Sam Tyler is run over by a car and wakes up in 1973. His iPod has turned into an 8-track cartridge player, and when he looks up he sees the Twin Towers. Yes it’s the American version of "Life On Mars" which is now being screened on FX. If you thought the original series was surreal, then this is twice as surreal, as it’s like watching a tribute act. It’s not that it’s bad, although Harvey Keitel’s Gene Hunt is just a little bizarre. It’s Life On Mars, but not as we know it, they’re not John Simm and Philip Glenister, and that’s where the problem lies.
Still on a time travelling theme, I’m enjoying E4’s quirky new Canadian import "Being Erica" (E4, Mondays) Imagine a time-travelling female version of "My Name is Earl" where she gets the chance to go back in time and make right her wrongdoings and regrets. Sometimes it can be a little too cheesy, but it works thanks to its charming lead and general simplicity.
More time travelling, but this time to a brief glimpse of the future. The new US mega-hit "Flash Forward" (Five, Mondays) from the makers of "Lost" stops the world for a couple of minutes, during which everyone has a ‘flash forward’ to the future. Not much really happens, but it keeps you coming back for more, week after week. Just one thing though: what’s with all these British actors doing American accents? This time it’s Joseph Fiennes. Good old Jack Davenport’s in it too, but reassuringly, he has kept his own accent.
Haven’t watched many films recently, but "The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas" left an impression on me. A simple story - the son of a concentration camp commandant befriending a young Jewish boy through the barbed wire of the camp - it was very moving and thought-provoking, and the two young boys in the leading roles were very impressive. Didn’t expect a happy ending, but I wasn’t expecting that sudden, horrific, shocking and brutal conclusion either.
You can’t accuse "Later With Jools Holland" (BBC2 Tuesdays/Fridays) of lacking in diversity - for example, a recent episode featured Calvin Harris, Echo and the Bunnymen, and the Spaghetti Western Orchestra in quick succession. It’s the only music programme on terrestrial television at the moment that we can still watch at a reasonably decent hour, and which (thankfully) has no risk of Cheryl Cole appearing on it.
Hotel Inspectors. Which is better? Ruth Watson or her successor Alex Polizzi? There’s only one way to find out...No need for a ‘fiiiiiight!!!!", though as we’re firmly in the Watson camp, so we’re enjoying "Ruth Watson’s Hotel Rescue" (Channel 4, Wednesdays). Think "Hotel Inspector: The Prequel" in which Ms Watson gives out advice to hoteliers at the beginning of their career, rather than when they are at a later soul-destroyed stage. There’s nothing new or original about it, it’s undemanding viewing, but I enjoy it all the same.
I’m still disappointed in Season Two of "Private Practice" (Living, Thursdays) which may have jumped the shark. There’s no interesting character development any more, it’s all about the bed-hopping antics of the docs and their patients and everything else is now a side issue.
Criticising Jamie Oliver seems to have been elevated to an Olympic sport in recent years. Yet in spite of that I enjoyed his "American Road Trip" which was a mix of cooking, travelogue and social comment. I suppose in these days of dumbed-down TV it’s as good as we’ll get.
Finally, "Coronation Street" hasn’t been too bad lately although still far from past glories. I was quite sad to see Amber and Darryl go; of the younger characters these were two that I actually cared about. It’s been a Platt-free zone recently, which has helped immensely. Tony’s proposed to Maria - but don’t expect the happy times to last too long, thanks to the return of Carla! On the down side, the continuing Kevin/Molly shenanigans would have you parting with the contents of your stomach. Luke Strong a.k.a. Craig Kelly of "Strictly" fame has also left the show - we thought he’d be out of "Strictly" before he was out of "Corrie" but hey, there you go....!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
"Beli Jablan" lives on....in Spanish.
If you're a fan of the best Serbian song of recent years to not represent their country at Eurovision - "Beli Jablan" by Aleksa & Ana - you might be interested to know that the song has been recorded in Spanish and is now known as "Quiero". Aleksa is probably my favourite Serbian singer - I also like "Samo Reci" and "Mila" - and I really hope he gets the opportunity to represent his country one day at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Swedish Idol 16.10.2009: Michael Jackson Week
Not my favourite week if I'm honest - purely because you can't really imagine anyone doing justice to Michael Jackson songs apart from...the man himself. Some did better than others though.
In previous weeks I may have rated Calle Kristiansson but I'm beginning to believe that he's out of place in this competition, and unfortunately his "Bad" this week maybe just lived up to its name, even though he made the concession of wearing the Jacko-style military jacket. I think he may be gone next week.
If I ever wonder what happened to my 1979 disco trousers then wonder no more....they found their way to Camilla Håkansson: unfortunately the best I could say about "Human Nature" was the same as last week: cruise ship cabaret. A pity really as initially it looked as if she might have something different to offer.
Someone growing on me as the weeks go on, is Reza Ningtyas Lindh who managed to inject "The way you make me feel" with some of her now customary 'oomph'.
I realise now what unnerves me about the (usually good) Mariette Hansson: she physically performs a song like an arthritic granny. I felt she had an off week this week as I wasn't impressed by her "I want you back".
Eddie Razaz - the mere mention of the name has me weak at the knees of course. But what about his singing ability, I hear you ask? Hard to tell, particularly as "They don't care about us" is probably one of my least favourite Jacko songs, but he did enough to survive this week. He does have very good stage presence, and vocally he was ok. Cue gratuitous Eddie screencaps....
Tove Östman Styrke now has a real chance of winning this, and she poured her usual passionate performance into "Will You Be There". For someone so young, she has a great talent, but again I got the feeling that Jackson-week wasn't really the best showcase for it.
Tove Östman Styrke now has a real chance of winning this, and she poured her usual passionate performance into "Will You Be There". For someone so young, she has a great talent, but again I got the feeling that Jackson-week wasn't really the best showcase for it.
Nicklas Hocker may have ended up in the bottom two, but I thought there was something very likeable about his "Black or White", for some strange reason.
Many of last night's contestants were clearly out of their musical comfort zone but that couldn't be said for Rabih Jaber who to me is probably a 'wannabe' Michael Jackson, so he had no problems with "You Are Not Alone" although, like his previous performances, it left me cold.
Erika Selin, rumoured to be competing in the 2010 Melodifestivalen, is still one of my least favourite contestants this year, because (IMHO) she overcooks every song, every week. As she did likewise this week on "Beat It" and I can't really understand her appeal.
Unlike the young rocker Erik Grönwall; by this stage of the competition I'm now eagerly looking forward to his weekly performances. His "Thriller" was probably my favourite performance from this week.
Idol got a real coup this week, landing no less than Jordin Sparks. The bad news is that she sang the over-played, overcooked "No Air"; the good news is that we didn't have to suffer her duetting with Chris Brown - instead we had none other than last year's Swedish Idol winner ....Kevin Borg! I wish they'd have turned "Battlefield" into a duet instead - this is a song which I initially hated with a passion (and said so on this blog) but then realised that it's actually rather good indeed.
Bottom two this week: Nicklas & Camilla. Camilla goes home, presumably to wait by the phone for that all-important call from Christer Bjorkman. It's her life's ambition to do Melodifestivalen and if I'm honest I'd rather see her do it than Erika Selin, who I'm tired of already.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Erik Hassle's "Hurtful" on the BBC Radio 1 playlist
I noticed whilst checking the new Radio 1 playlist that the wonderful "Hurtful" is now on the C-list playlist, which is good news, although whether it will ever figure on any commercial radio playlists in this country is another matter.
"Hurtful" is of course, one of the best songs of the year, in what (for me) has been a quite spectacular year for Swedish music releases.
I'm crossing my fingers for this to be his big breakthrough, but I fear that the timing is all wrong and I'm thinking his record company in this country should maybe have waited till the beginning of 2010 to give him that all important 'new year new artist' push?
"Hurtful" is of course, one of the best songs of the year, in what (for me) has been a quite spectacular year for Swedish music releases.
I'm crossing my fingers for this to be his big breakthrough, but I fear that the timing is all wrong and I'm thinking his record company in this country should maybe have waited till the beginning of 2010 to give him that all important 'new year new artist' push?
This week's Idol songs - Michael Jackson week
1. Calle Kristiansson - Bad
2. Camilla Håkansson - Human Nature
3. Reza Ningtyas Lindh - The Way You Make Me Feel
4. Mariette Hansson - I Want You Back
5. Eddie Razaz - They Don't Care About Us
6. Tove Styrke Östman - Will You Be There
7. Nicklas Hocker - Black or White
8. Rabih Jaber - You Are Not Alone
9. Erika Selin - Beat It
10. Erik Grönwall - Thriller
I don't know if I'm looking forward to this or not?????
2. Camilla Håkansson - Human Nature
3. Reza Ningtyas Lindh - The Way You Make Me Feel
4. Mariette Hansson - I Want You Back
5. Eddie Razaz - They Don't Care About Us
6. Tove Styrke Östman - Will You Be There
7. Nicklas Hocker - Black or White
8. Rabih Jaber - You Are Not Alone
9. Erika Selin - Beat It
10. Erik Grönwall - Thriller
I don't know if I'm looking forward to this or not?????
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Melodifestivalen 2010 songs announced
Ooh I'm excited, MF season is on the way!!!
Courtesy of Aftonbladet here are the song titles (and my speculation about who may be singing them in italics - I know I'll be completely wrong but it's only a little game)
1. "A place to stay", text och musik Torben Hedlund.
2. "Doctor doctor", text och musik Tony Nilsson och Mirja Breitholtz. (Ola? Or maybe Velvet again?)
3. "Headlines", text och musik Tony Nilsson och Peter Boström. (Another Tony Nilsson song, another guess at Ola or Velvet?)
4. "Heaven and hell", text och musik Håkan Larsson, Jörgen Svensson, Björn Lönnroos.
5. "Hippare hoppare", text och musik Vlatko Ancevski, Vlatko Gicarevski, Mats Nilsson, Teddy Paunkoski, Otis Sandsjö, Stevan Tomulevski och Douglas Leon. (Andra Generationen again?)
6. "Human frontier", text och musik Tobias Jonsson och Anneli Axelsson.
7. "Hur kan jag tro på kärleken", text Kenneth Gärdestad, musik Tony Malm och Niclas Lundin.
8. "I did it for love", musik Lars "Dille" Didriksson och text Kristian Wejshag.
9. "Idiot", text och musik Niklas Jarl och Per Aldeheim.
10. "Innan alla ljusen brunnit ut", musik Stefan Moody, text Danne Attlerud. (Maybe a dansband? One of the Dansbandskampen contestants maybe?)
11. "Jag vill om du vågar", Pontus Assarsson, Jörgen Ringqvist och Daniel Barkman.
12. "Magisk stjärna", musik Micke Wennborn och text och musik Py Bäckman. (An 'old star' making a comeback?)
13. "Manboy", Fredrik Kempe, text och musik, Peter Boström, musik. (?????? Can't see MZW, Charlotte or Malena here, but you never know?)
14. "Manipulated", text och musik Sarah Lundbäck, Iggy Strange-Dahl, Hayden Bell, Erik Lewander.
15. "Never heard of him", Figge Boström och Anna Engh text och musik.
16. "Road salt", text och musik Daniel Gildenlöw.
17. "Run", text och musik Niclas Arn, Gustav Eurén och Karl Eurén.
18. "Singel", musik Hamed "K-One" Pirouzpanah och text Håkan Bäckman.
19. "Stopp", text och musik Mikaela Stenström och Dimitri Stassos. (Maybe Sofia or Elena Paparizou - Greek connection?)
20. "This is my life", text Kristian Lagerström och musik Bobby Ljunggren.
21. "Thursdays", musik Thomas G:son och Peter Boström och text Sharon Vaughn.
22. "Tonight", text och musik Sharon Vaughn och Anders Hansson.
23. "Underbart", text Lina Eriksson och musik Johan Moraeus.
24. "Unstoppable", text och musik Dimitri Stassos, Alexander Kronlund, Hanif Sabzevari, Ola Svensson. (Ola?)
25. "We can work it out", musik Bobby Ljunggren och Marcos Ubeda och text Andreas Johnson. (Andreas Johnson?)
26. "Yeba", text Getty Domein Mpanzu och musik Tuomas "Tiny" Pyhäjärvi.
27. "Åt helvete för sent", text och musik Nina Eriksson, Mårten Eriksson och Susie Päivärinta. (Lili & Susie again?)
Courtesy of Aftonbladet here are the song titles (and my speculation about who may be singing them in italics - I know I'll be completely wrong but it's only a little game)
1. "A place to stay", text och musik Torben Hedlund.
2. "Doctor doctor", text och musik Tony Nilsson och Mirja Breitholtz. (Ola? Or maybe Velvet again?)
3. "Headlines", text och musik Tony Nilsson och Peter Boström. (Another Tony Nilsson song, another guess at Ola or Velvet?)
4. "Heaven and hell", text och musik Håkan Larsson, Jörgen Svensson, Björn Lönnroos.
5. "Hippare hoppare", text och musik Vlatko Ancevski, Vlatko Gicarevski, Mats Nilsson, Teddy Paunkoski, Otis Sandsjö, Stevan Tomulevski och Douglas Leon. (Andra Generationen again?)
6. "Human frontier", text och musik Tobias Jonsson och Anneli Axelsson.
7. "Hur kan jag tro på kärleken", text Kenneth Gärdestad, musik Tony Malm och Niclas Lundin.
8. "I did it for love", musik Lars "Dille" Didriksson och text Kristian Wejshag.
9. "Idiot", text och musik Niklas Jarl och Per Aldeheim.
10. "Innan alla ljusen brunnit ut", musik Stefan Moody, text Danne Attlerud. (Maybe a dansband? One of the Dansbandskampen contestants maybe?)
11. "Jag vill om du vågar", Pontus Assarsson, Jörgen Ringqvist och Daniel Barkman.
12. "Magisk stjärna", musik Micke Wennborn och text och musik Py Bäckman. (An 'old star' making a comeback?)
13. "Manboy", Fredrik Kempe, text och musik, Peter Boström, musik. (?????? Can't see MZW, Charlotte or Malena here, but you never know?)
14. "Manipulated", text och musik Sarah Lundbäck, Iggy Strange-Dahl, Hayden Bell, Erik Lewander.
15. "Never heard of him", Figge Boström och Anna Engh text och musik.
16. "Road salt", text och musik Daniel Gildenlöw.
17. "Run", text och musik Niclas Arn, Gustav Eurén och Karl Eurén.
18. "Singel", musik Hamed "K-One" Pirouzpanah och text Håkan Bäckman.
19. "Stopp", text och musik Mikaela Stenström och Dimitri Stassos. (Maybe Sofia or Elena Paparizou - Greek connection?)
20. "This is my life", text Kristian Lagerström och musik Bobby Ljunggren.
21. "Thursdays", musik Thomas G:son och Peter Boström och text Sharon Vaughn.
22. "Tonight", text och musik Sharon Vaughn och Anders Hansson.
23. "Underbart", text Lina Eriksson och musik Johan Moraeus.
24. "Unstoppable", text och musik Dimitri Stassos, Alexander Kronlund, Hanif Sabzevari, Ola Svensson. (Ola?)
25. "We can work it out", musik Bobby Ljunggren och Marcos Ubeda och text Andreas Johnson. (Andreas Johnson?)
26. "Yeba", text Getty Domein Mpanzu och musik Tuomas "Tiny" Pyhäjärvi.
27. "Åt helvete för sent", text och musik Nina Eriksson, Mårten Eriksson och Susie Päivärinta. (Lili & Susie again?)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"Körslaget": Week 2, Saturday 10 October 2009
It all kicked off with "I Gotta Feeling" with all the choir leaders and their choirs.
Team Pontare: "Go West" - I liked the flags and the blue outfits and changing the lyrics to "Go North" was inspired and funny.
Team Rigo: "La Bamba" - lively but all over the place vocally. I just wanted this one to end. They'll need to improve or I can't see them lasting beyond next week.
Team Amy: "Fairytale" - gold lame outfits and a very lively performance. Very well done - I enjoyed it.
Team Ola: "New York New York" - the all-male line up did very well, dressed in matching outfits - and Mr Svensson was looking very nice too!
Team Andreas: "Poker Face" - started ok (choir members all wearing Calvin Harris/Kanye West shades) but it got pretty messy vocally towards the end.
Team Caroline: "800 Grader" - like Team Rigo, they are dressed in red and black. They are definitely enjoying it and as Ms af Ugglas seems to be flavour of the month they will probably stay in for a few weeks.
Team Stefan: "Inget Stoppar Oss Nu" - are you sure this isn't Dansbandskampen? :)))
Result: Team Andreas go home, but it really should have been Team Rigo, who stay in by the skins of their collective teeth for one more week.
Team Pontare: "Go West" - I liked the flags and the blue outfits and changing the lyrics to "Go North" was inspired and funny.
Team Rigo: "La Bamba" - lively but all over the place vocally. I just wanted this one to end. They'll need to improve or I can't see them lasting beyond next week.
Team Amy: "Fairytale" - gold lame outfits and a very lively performance. Very well done - I enjoyed it.
Team Ola: "New York New York" - the all-male line up did very well, dressed in matching outfits - and Mr Svensson was looking very nice too!
Team Andreas: "Poker Face" - started ok (choir members all wearing Calvin Harris/Kanye West shades) but it got pretty messy vocally towards the end.
Team Caroline: "800 Grader" - like Team Rigo, they are dressed in red and black. They are definitely enjoying it and as Ms af Ugglas seems to be flavour of the month they will probably stay in for a few weeks.
Team Stefan: "Inget Stoppar Oss Nu" - are you sure this isn't Dansbandskampen? :)))
Result: Team Andreas go home, but it really should have been Team Rigo, who stay in by the skins of their collective teeth for one more week.
Eurovision 2010: some more good news
The official website of the Eurovision Song Contest reports today that following the success of the reintroduction of professional juries in the 2009 final, the 50-50 jury/televoting split will also be used in next year's semi-finals.
I think this is extremely good news as the jury vote brought some long-overdue integrity to a contest which (for me) was on its last legs thanks to the partisan neighbour-voting which was turning the contest from a once enjoyable entertainment show into a complete sham.
This news might also inspire a few countries to send some better entries too, as there's now a possibility that where previously, they might not have bothered as they were probably never going to make the final....here's hoping that will all change now.
I think this is extremely good news as the jury vote brought some long-overdue integrity to a contest which (for me) was on its last legs thanks to the partisan neighbour-voting which was turning the contest from a once enjoyable entertainment show into a complete sham.
This news might also inspire a few countries to send some better entries too, as there's now a possibility that where previously, they might not have bothered as they were probably never going to make the final....here's hoping that will all change now.
R.I.P. Stephen Gately
I don't really have much to add to what everyone's already been saying in blog-land today. This morning I switched on the radio and heard the news that the Boyzone singer and musical theatre star died suddenly in his sleep yesterday whilst on holiday in Majorca. I'm sad and shocked and still can't quite take it in. Only 33 years old...far too young to leave us.
Stephen of course found fame in the 90s as a member of Boyzone, the Irish boy band, and his distinctive soft vocals provided a contrast to those of Ronan Keating. Stephen will always be remembered for "coming out" at a time when this still seemed to be frowned upon within the pop community - he was the first boyband member to ever publicly express his lifestyle.
Happily he received lots of support following this announcement and when Boyzone took a break he went on to have a brief solo career and he starred in various musical theatre productions and also got his skates on to appear on "Dancing On Ice".
When Boyzone reunited, Stephen was part of the line-up which made a comeback tour and album. In recent years he married his partner Andrew in a civil partnership ceremony and his latest venture was writing a children's fantasy novel.
By all accounts Stephen was happy and healthy, and his final message on his Twitter page (http://twitter.com/stephenofficial) posted on 06.10.2009 read "still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here".
Rest in peace Stephen.
Stephen of course found fame in the 90s as a member of Boyzone, the Irish boy band, and his distinctive soft vocals provided a contrast to those of Ronan Keating. Stephen will always be remembered for "coming out" at a time when this still seemed to be frowned upon within the pop community - he was the first boyband member to ever publicly express his lifestyle.
Happily he received lots of support following this announcement and when Boyzone took a break he went on to have a brief solo career and he starred in various musical theatre productions and also got his skates on to appear on "Dancing On Ice".
When Boyzone reunited, Stephen was part of the line-up which made a comeback tour and album. In recent years he married his partner Andrew in a civil partnership ceremony and his latest venture was writing a children's fantasy novel.
By all accounts Stephen was happy and healthy, and his final message on his Twitter page (http://twitter.com/stephenofficial) posted on 06.10.2009 read "still busy - lots going on. Focussing on finishing my book next so may be quiet here".
Rest in peace Stephen.
Idol 2009: Friday Finals Week 1 09.10.09
So here's where the hunt for Sweden's Idol 2009 gets serious. Friday's theme was "Club Idol" and here's how it went...
Nicklas: "Get The Party Started": white shirt? bowtie? Not really a look you'd associate with the young rocker, but this worked for me and I think he's good for a few weeks yet.
Rabih: "When Love Takes Over": I can't really understand why he's so popular. Ditch the baseball cap Rabih - it does you no favours. He did a decent version of this, although at times was covered by the backing vocals.
Karolina - "Just Dance": an unfortunate choice as anyone singing this would be dwarfed by the personality of its originator. Not too bad though, and she didn't deserve to go.
Erika - "About You Now": vocally suspect in various places, and I think she should have been bottom-two this week. I know that she can do better than this.
Calle - "Destiny Calling": another good rock vocal performance. He won't win, but I think we can be guaranteed some reasonably consistent performances over the next few weeks till he outlives his usefulness...
Reza - "Superstar": one of the best female vocals of the night, she used that little gritty quality in a positive way - I'm glad that this time "the curse of Superstar" didn't materialise.
Erik - "Leave A Light On": this managed to do the impossible: turn a Belinda Carlisle song into something which I didn't hate. He manages to combine the rock and pop worlds and I think he'll have a long run in this competition.
Camilla - "All Night Long": sorry darling, but it was pure cabaret. I can't really see her sticking around for too long.
Eddie: "Release Me": it wasn't perfect, but he has the looks and the popstar quality and once he manages to combine this with an improved vocal performance, then he could be an unstoppable contender.
Mariette: "When Tomorrow Comes": she is already outclassing every other female contestant this year, but (maybe some of my Swedish readers could answer this?) is she as popular with the Swedish public as she is with the media and the jury?
Tove - "Hot N Cold": she is very young, and I'm always very sceptical of young singers in these competitions, but she has a lot more personality and star quality than some of the others this year and I think she'll be around for a while.
Bottom two this week: Eddie (noooooo!) and Karolina: it was Karolina who went home. This (IMHO) was very wrong: Camilla should have gone this week.
Next week the theme is songs by Michael Jackson. Cha'mone!
Oh and here's another gratuitous Eddie screencap for no reason whatsoever :))))
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Retro Saturday: Monaco
So while I was on the subject of New Order (RIP), and given that Bernard Sumner's new band Bad Lieutenant have an album out, my mind wandered to my favourite NO member Peter Hook and his past musical adventures.
Back in the 90s there were various NO side-projects - Barney had Electronic, Steven and Gillian had The Other Two, and Hooky had Monaco, who, let's face it, filled the gap very nicely in the absence of New Order. I bought their "Music For Pleasure" album the week it came out - it featured "What Do You Want From Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwk5oKU4Dr4 and "Sweet Lips" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAjEmCmtu7I which were both deservedly top 20 hits.
(While we're on the subject of that album I also liked the Oasis/Charlatans hybrid of "Buzz Gum" too)
Back in the 90s there were various NO side-projects - Barney had Electronic, Steven and Gillian had The Other Two, and Hooky had Monaco, who, let's face it, filled the gap very nicely in the absence of New Order. I bought their "Music For Pleasure" album the week it came out - it featured "What Do You Want From Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwk5oKU4Dr4 and "Sweet Lips" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAjEmCmtu7I which were both deservedly top 20 hits.
(While we're on the subject of that album I also liked the Oasis/Charlatans hybrid of "Buzz Gum" too)
Retro Saturday: Fad Gadget
If you're over 40 years old this might jog your memory...!
Real name Frank Tovey, I'm not familiar with any of his other songs but I always liked the controversial "Saturday Night Special" which was a fixture on the John Peel show on Radio 1 in 1982. Here's a clip of Mr Gadget doing the song live....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fMcNTB75A
...I found this live performance of the song on the TV show "Riverside" - Mondays on BBC2 wasn't it? - which I used to watch back then. I remember (my favourite band of all time) New Order playing "Temptation" and "Chosen Time" on that show. I also remember the presenters were Mike Andrews and Steve Blacknell if I remember rightly. Wonder what happened to them?
Sorry but I've completely gone into nostalgia mode now :))))
Real name Frank Tovey, I'm not familiar with any of his other songs but I always liked the controversial "Saturday Night Special" which was a fixture on the John Peel show on Radio 1 in 1982. Here's a clip of Mr Gadget doing the song live....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fMcNTB75A
...I found this live performance of the song on the TV show "Riverside" - Mondays on BBC2 wasn't it? - which I used to watch back then. I remember (my favourite band of all time) New Order playing "Temptation" and "Chosen Time" on that show. I also remember the presenters were Mike Andrews and Steve Blacknell if I remember rightly. Wonder what happened to them?
Sorry but I've completely gone into nostalgia mode now :))))
Retro Saturday: Nick Kamen
Back in the days before X Factor and Idol and reality TV, there was another way to get your 15 minutes of fame - through advertising. Back in the 80s, Nick Kamen took his jeans off in a launderette in a Levi's ad, and appeared in a Madonna video. Before we knew it, he was a pop star.
His biggest hit in the UK was his debut "Each Time You Break My Heart" although probably my favourite song of his is "I Promised Myself" from 1990. Despite failing to break the UK top 40, it did become a big hit in Europe and even today it's still a regular feature on oldies playlists on European radio stations.
If you're not familiar with this song, find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiC5BdIVfm8
The other day I discovered that none other than Basshunter has done a cover version which will be the follow-up single to current hit "Every Morning", which is inevitably be in the style of "Now You're Gone" - and (IMHO) vastly inferior to the original.
His biggest hit in the UK was his debut "Each Time You Break My Heart" although probably my favourite song of his is "I Promised Myself" from 1990. Despite failing to break the UK top 40, it did become a big hit in Europe and even today it's still a regular feature on oldies playlists on European radio stations.
If you're not familiar with this song, find it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiC5BdIVfm8
The other day I discovered that none other than Basshunter has done a cover version which will be the follow-up single to current hit "Every Morning", which is inevitably be in the style of "Now You're Gone" - and (IMHO) vastly inferior to the original.
Friday, October 09, 2009
This weekend...
I won't be around much so I can't promise too many posts, but I'll try and review this week's "Idol", also hoping to catch up with "Korslaget" - even though I knew it was starting last week I managed to miss it.
I'm glued to "Strictly Come Dancing" so might write something about that too. Standard is a lot higher this year, although there's always Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Groves to give us a laugh.
I don't watch "X Factor": that ship sailed for me a long time ago when the musical talent took a back seat to the sob stories - cue "Chasing Cars", enough said, no thanks. Although faced with the possibility of all my workmates discussing who's best I may take the easy way out and cut out the tears and just watch the clips of the contestants (singing) on YouTube, so that I stay in the loop.
I also recently discovered "Doobidoo" which is yet another of those Swedish TV celebrity music quizzes, quite good fun, so might watch that too this weekend.
I'm glued to "Strictly Come Dancing" so might write something about that too. Standard is a lot higher this year, although there's always Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Groves to give us a laugh.
I don't watch "X Factor": that ship sailed for me a long time ago when the musical talent took a back seat to the sob stories - cue "Chasing Cars", enough said, no thanks. Although faced with the possibility of all my workmates discussing who's best I may take the easy way out and cut out the tears and just watch the clips of the contestants (singing) on YouTube, so that I stay in the loop.
I also recently discovered "Doobidoo" which is yet another of those Swedish TV celebrity music quizzes, quite good fun, so might watch that too this weekend.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
This week's "Idol" songs
This week's theme is "Club Idol" - whatever that means???? Will it be musical murder on the dancefloor?
In his article in Aftonbladet about this week's song choices, Martin Söderström memorably describes the combination of Camilla Håkansson and Lionel Richie's ”All Night Long” 'as attractive as mumps' !! He is a bit more inspired by Tove singing Katy Perry and Mariette tackling the Eurythmics though.
It's a pretty diverse selection this week and hard to predict, although Reza should maybe start worrying because of the "curse of Superstar" - I remember watching other reality talent shows over the years and anyone who sings that song isn't in the competition for very long.
And I really don't know how I should feel about Eddie singing "Release Me".....I only hope he gives a much better vocal performance than last week.
Here's what they're all singing this week:
Nicklas Hocker – ”Get the party started” (Pink).
Rabih Jaber – ”When love takes over” (David Guetta).
Karolina Brånsgård – ”Just dance” (Lady GaGa).
Erika Selin – ”About you now” (Sugababes).
Calle Kristiansson - ”Destiny calling” (Melody Club).
Reza Ningtyas Lindh – ”Superstar” (Jamelia).
Erik Grönwall – ”Leave a light on” (Belinda Carlisle).
Camilla Håkansson – ”All night long” (Lionel Ritchie).
Eddie Razaz – ”Release me” (Agnes).
Mariette Hansson – ”When tomorrow comes” (Eurythmics).
Tove Styrke Östman – ”Hot 'n' cold” (Katy Perry).
(list reproduced from Aftonbladet)
In his article in Aftonbladet about this week's song choices, Martin Söderström memorably describes the combination of Camilla Håkansson and Lionel Richie's ”All Night Long” 'as attractive as mumps' !! He is a bit more inspired by Tove singing Katy Perry and Mariette tackling the Eurythmics though.
It's a pretty diverse selection this week and hard to predict, although Reza should maybe start worrying because of the "curse of Superstar" - I remember watching other reality talent shows over the years and anyone who sings that song isn't in the competition for very long.
And I really don't know how I should feel about Eddie singing "Release Me".....I only hope he gives a much better vocal performance than last week.
Here's what they're all singing this week:
Nicklas Hocker – ”Get the party started” (Pink).
Rabih Jaber – ”When love takes over” (David Guetta).
Karolina Brånsgård – ”Just dance” (Lady GaGa).
Erika Selin – ”About you now” (Sugababes).
Calle Kristiansson - ”Destiny calling” (Melody Club).
Reza Ningtyas Lindh – ”Superstar” (Jamelia).
Erik Grönwall – ”Leave a light on” (Belinda Carlisle).
Camilla Håkansson – ”All night long” (Lionel Ritchie).
Eddie Razaz – ”Release me” (Agnes).
Mariette Hansson – ”When tomorrow comes” (Eurythmics).
Tove Styrke Östman – ”Hot 'n' cold” (Katy Perry).
(list reproduced from Aftonbladet)
P3 Guld 2010
A date for your diaries if you're a fan of Swedish pop/rock with a more alternative flavour. The annual P3 radio Guldgalan will take place on Tuesday 19th January 2010 in the Scandinavium in Gothenburg. Tickets go on sale on 26th October.
No info yet re: nominations but keep checking www.sr.se/p3 for info in the coming weeks...
No info yet re: nominations but keep checking www.sr.se/p3 for info in the coming weeks...
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
The EuropeCrazy Holiday Hit List: Turkey 2009
Finally I'm getting round to Turkish things on the blog - sorry for the delay folks :) anyway what follows is a list of songs which will always remind me of my recent holiday in Icmeler. Some are current, and some aren't - whilst out enjoying the nightlife I felt as if I'd gone into a Europop timewarp, which was great fun :)))))
I took my radio with me and played it constantly in the hotel room, where we had a brilliant soundtrack of lots of radio stations playing uptempo Turkish pop tunes - Power Turk was probably my favourite station and thanks to the good old internet, the experience continues at www.powerturk.com. There was also Metro FM (http://www.metrofm.com.tr/) which played more international chart pop.
So here's my summer holiday soundtrack for 2009!!
Hotel Room Service/I Know You Want Me - Pitbull (Hotel Room is probably the song for us from this holiday - great party fun)
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas (soundtrack to party time in Dream Boys)
Sexy B**** (not the "Chick" version!!) - David Guetta & Akon (ditto)
Poker Face - Lady GaGa (she's the new Rihanna - every holiday we go, she's everywhere)
Alice, Who The **** is Alice - Gompie (it never fails, does it? Even after all these years)
Country Roads/I Will Survive - Hermes House Band (tonight we're gonna party like it's 1998)
Turn Me On - Kevin Little (For very personal and hilarious reasons. All I'll say is, it involves a very hot waiter...!!!!)
Angels - Robbie Williams (you know it's after midnight when they play this :( )
Kalinka (this turns up in every waiter-show in town)
Ayo Technology - Katerine (IMHO not a patch on Milow's version, but heard it a few times)
I've Had The Time of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (another song from Dream Boys' big Dirty Dancing finale)
Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper (I should feel very ashamed that I know all the words???!!!)
Bu Böyle - Sertab Erener (yes the one and only 2003 ESC winner. Classy pop song)
Evlenmeliyiz - Hadise (can't be bothered with Dum Tek Tek, but this is very catchy)
Oh and we even heard Alexander Rybak's "Fairytale" at a stop-off on our last night on the way to the airport!
I took my radio with me and played it constantly in the hotel room, where we had a brilliant soundtrack of lots of radio stations playing uptempo Turkish pop tunes - Power Turk was probably my favourite station and thanks to the good old internet, the experience continues at www.powerturk.com. There was also Metro FM (http://www.metrofm.com.tr/) which played more international chart pop.
So here's my summer holiday soundtrack for 2009!!
Hotel Room Service/I Know You Want Me - Pitbull (Hotel Room is probably the song for us from this holiday - great party fun)
I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas (soundtrack to party time in Dream Boys)
Sexy B**** (not the "Chick" version!!) - David Guetta & Akon (ditto)
Poker Face - Lady GaGa (she's the new Rihanna - every holiday we go, she's everywhere)
Alice, Who The **** is Alice - Gompie (it never fails, does it? Even after all these years)
Country Roads/I Will Survive - Hermes House Band (tonight we're gonna party like it's 1998)
Turn Me On - Kevin Little (For very personal and hilarious reasons. All I'll say is, it involves a very hot waiter...!!!!)
Angels - Robbie Williams (you know it's after midnight when they play this :( )
Kalinka (this turns up in every waiter-show in town)
Ayo Technology - Katerine (IMHO not a patch on Milow's version, but heard it a few times)
I've Had The Time of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (another song from Dream Boys' big Dirty Dancing finale)
Cha Cha Slide - DJ Casper (I should feel very ashamed that I know all the words???!!!)
Bu Böyle - Sertab Erener (yes the one and only 2003 ESC winner. Classy pop song)
Evlenmeliyiz - Hadise (can't be bothered with Dum Tek Tek, but this is very catchy)
Oh and we even heard Alexander Rybak's "Fairytale" at a stop-off on our last night on the way to the airport!
Monday, October 05, 2009
The return of Kent
Is this the most complete year of Swedish music ever? (well, almost - all we need is the return of Vincent Pontare and then I will be 100% happy!)
Anyway approximately two years after the release of Kent's last album "Tillbaka Till Samtiden" comes their brand new single "Töntarna" which was released digitally today. On first listen it's not as instant as, say, "Ingenting" and has a dark electro vibe to it. I always find that you need to listen to Kent songs a few times as they don't really grab you instantly but when they do, they don't let go. I wonder if this will have the same effect on me. For those who don't know, Kent is Sweden's biggest rock band and their music has an often dark, bleak tone....trying to find a comparison here, and for some reason I thought of Depeche Mode when I heard "Töntarna" for the first time.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
"Sounds of Europe" back tomorrow!
A quick plug for a great little radio show called "Sounds of Europe" which is presented by two of my best blogging pals Rachel and Keira. The show is broadcast on GU2 Radio, the radio station run by students from the University of Surrey. The station also broadcasts online at www.gu2.co.uk
Anyway, it's a new term, a new series and a new timeslot for the show: it'll be broadcast live from 9.00 - 11.00 pm (UK time) on Monday nights, starting tomorrow. If you can't listen live, the show will be available to listen back on the website.
Anyway, it's a new term, a new series and a new timeslot for the show: it'll be broadcast live from 9.00 - 11.00 pm (UK time) on Monday nights, starting tomorrow. If you can't listen live, the show will be available to listen back on the website.
Swedish Idol 2009: now let battle commence
12 contestants, but only 11 places up for grabs. Two contestants had automatically reached Friday's qualifying-final from each of their four heats, with the other four places being made up by wildcard contestants.
1. "Beat It" - Erik Grönwall
Young rocker Erik, who famously turned Yohanna’s "Is It True" into a rock ballad earlier in the competition, was putting his rock stamp on Jacko’s "Beat It". Of the rockers this year I probably prefer Calle to Erik, who sounded a bit strained here, but I think he’ll go far and could be this year's Johan Palm!
Young rocker Erik, who famously turned Yohanna’s "Is It True" into a rock ballad earlier in the competition, was putting his rock stamp on Jacko’s "Beat It". Of the rockers this year I probably prefer Calle to Erik, who sounded a bit strained here, but I think he’ll go far and could be this year's Johan Palm!
2. "Son of a Preacher Man" - Reza Ningtyas Lindh
Rough, gritty, croaky. I really can’t stand this song and it should be banned from all idol-type competitions. She gave it all she had though, I suppose.
3. "Show Me Heaven" - Erika Selin
Another song which I’d be happy to see the back of, I don’t really have a problem with her although she probably over-sang this one.
Another song which I’d be happy to see the back of, I don’t really have a problem with her although she probably over-sang this one.
4 - "Here I Go Again" - Calle Kristiansson
If they want a rock-Idol in the style of, say, Chris Daughtry or Bo Bice then here’s your man. You’d never get anyone like him in X Factor, more’s the pity. I like him.
If they want a rock-Idol in the style of, say, Chris Daughtry or Bo Bice then here’s your man. You’d never get anyone like him in X Factor, more’s the pity. I like him.
5. "Pretty Woman" - Nicklas Hocker
Another rocker. I’m glad he got through as a wild card and hopefully he’ll be given the chance to develop as the weeks go on.
Another rocker. I’m glad he got through as a wild card and hopefully he’ll be given the chance to develop as the weeks go on.
6. "Life On Mars" - Tove Östman Styrke
OK so this is one of my all-time favourite songs and should not be messed with! She messed this up a little, but in a strange way she could be worth watching and could potentially be this year’s Amanda Jenssen?
OK so this is one of my all-time favourite songs and should not be messed with! She messed this up a little, but in a strange way she could be worth watching and could potentially be this year’s Amanda Jenssen?
7. "Don’t Look Back In Anger" - Jon Sindenius
What happens when you’re the year’s favourite based on outstanding auditions, Lars Eriksson-style? Well....you fall at the final pre-contest hurdle. Although Jon did himself no favours on "Don’t Look Back In Anger" which really wasn’t a suitable song for him, he should have been given a few more weeks before outliving his usefulness?
What happens when you’re the year’s favourite based on outstanding auditions, Lars Eriksson-style? Well....you fall at the final pre-contest hurdle. Although Jon did himself no favours on "Don’t Look Back In Anger" which really wasn’t a suitable song for him, he should have been given a few more weeks before outliving his usefulness?
8. "Hurtful" - Eddie Razaz.
Massive swooning outbreak at EuropeCrazy HQ. Eddie Razaz is, for me, the hottest looking guy in Idol since Sebastian Karlsson. Yes, that hot. With the volume down though, as his vocal ability doesn’t match his looks and he didn’t make a good job of one of the best songs of 2009. Must do better. But I hope he lasts a few weeks, for completely shallow reasons.
Massive swooning outbreak at EuropeCrazy HQ. Eddie Razaz is, for me, the hottest looking guy in Idol since Sebastian Karlsson. Yes, that hot. With the volume down though, as his vocal ability doesn’t match his looks and he didn’t make a good job of one of the best songs of 2009. Must do better. But I hope he lasts a few weeks, for completely shallow reasons.
9. "Fever" - Karolina Brånsgård
Unfortunately this was at odds with the backing track throughout and was in the wrong key. This did not float my boat at all. She should have been sent home.
Unfortunately this was at odds with the backing track throughout and was in the wrong key. This did not float my boat at all. She should have been sent home.
10. "Stand by Me" - Rabih Jaber
Rabih, bless him, is another boy in search of a boy band. He’s like all the worst kind of talent show singers all rolled into one, but I probably fear the worst that he’ll go further than he deserves to.
Rabih, bless him, is another boy in search of a boy band. He’s like all the worst kind of talent show singers all rolled into one, but I probably fear the worst that he’ll go further than he deserves to.
11. "Sweet Child O’ Mine" - Mariette Hansson
Confident, assured, she already looks and sounds like a star. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have a winner here?
Confident, assured, she already looks and sounds like a star. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have a winner here?
12. "Hallelujah" - Camilla Håkansson
In one of those great D’oh! moments, Camilla is the Idol-contestant who mistakenly thought she heard her name called as a finalist. She did get a wild card though, and freakily turned the dreaded "Hallelujah" into an all-or-nothing rock-out, a gamble which bizarrely paid off.
In one of those great D’oh! moments, Camilla is the Idol-contestant who mistakenly thought she heard her name called as a finalist. She did get a wild card though, and freakily turned the dreaded "Hallelujah" into an all-or-nothing rock-out, a gamble which bizarrely paid off.
So Jon goes home earlier than any of us expected, and the rest (pictured above, picture courtesy of TV4) march on to the first weekly live show which takes place on Friday 9th October. This year, there's a Melodifestivalen-style aspect as the final three shows go out of the TV4 studio and go on tour - 27.11.09 in Malmo Arena; 04.12.09 in Gothenburg Scandinavium; and the final, as always, will take place in Stockholm's Globen Arena on 11.12.09.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Bisbal's back!
Where would we be without the wonderful Poster Girl to keep us all up to date with the hottest new Europop tunes?
So... all I can say is thanks once again for bringing new material by David Bisbal to my attention. I also got the "Silencio"-vibe from "Esclavo de Sus Besos" which I liked on first listen (and I usually don't like many songs on first listen) - it's a very nice and catchy uptempo Spanish guitar-pop tune and further proof that he's moving away musically from the Latino sound which made him famous. The new album "Sin Mirar Atrás" will be released worldwide on 20.10.2009.
Oh, and on a completely shallow note....one of the most divine heads of curly hair in the pop universe is back :))))
Check out the new tune and the matching visuals at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRyjUJbhg6Y
(Picture above courtesy of David's official site http://www.davidbisbal.com/)
Monday, September 28, 2009
Songs of the decade countdowns....
...expect a few of these on various websites towards the end of the year. One of these is starting early: http://nollnolltalet.se/ (in Swedish) is doing a very detailed rundown and I recommend it (thanks to It's A Trap for the link).
I haven't really thought about doing a "songs of the decade" rundown but I'm kicking around a few ideas at the moment so I'll probably do something towards the end of the year, in addition to the 2009-50, which is rapidly filling up!
I haven't really thought about doing a "songs of the decade" rundown but I'm kicking around a few ideas at the moment so I'll probably do something towards the end of the year, in addition to the 2009-50, which is rapidly filling up!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Mwah!
OK it may be 10 years old, but on any night in any bar in any Turkish holiday resort I guarantee that this will get played, with an accompanying dance routine by some rather lovely waiters no doubt :))))
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the lovely Tarkan with "Şımarık" (a.k.a. the original version of "Kiss Kiss"):
By the way I bought Tarkan's latest album "Metamorfoz" whilst on holiday and will eventually get around to reviewing it on here. :)
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present the lovely Tarkan with "Şımarık" (a.k.a. the original version of "Kiss Kiss"):
By the way I bought Tarkan's latest album "Metamorfoz" whilst on holiday and will eventually get around to reviewing it on here. :)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Idol 2009: gå vidare
According to Aftonbladet (I haven't managed to catch up yet) here are the finalists in this year's Swedish Idol:
Andreas Johansson
Carl Chapal
Camilla Håkansson
Clara Hagman
Eddie Razaz
Erik Grönwall
Erika Selin
Jon Sindenius
Karolina Brånsgård
Mariette Hansson
Moa Carlebecker-Forssell
Nicklas Hocker
Nicolle Walles
Patrik Öhlund
Rabih Jaber
Rasmus Ingdahl
Reza Ningtyas Lindh
Sabina Täck
Tove Östman-Styrke
Competing for a final place:
Piotr Pospiech
Calle Kristiansson
Andreas Johansson
Carl Chapal
Camilla Håkansson
Clara Hagman
Eddie Razaz
Erik Grönwall
Erika Selin
Jon Sindenius
Karolina Brånsgård
Mariette Hansson
Moa Carlebecker-Forssell
Nicklas Hocker
Nicolle Walles
Patrik Öhlund
Rabih Jaber
Rasmus Ingdahl
Reza Ningtyas Lindh
Sabina Täck
Tove Östman-Styrke
Competing for a final place:
Piotr Pospiech
Calle Kristiansson
Retro Saturday: Tracey Thorn
I didn't always have such contempt for female singers..back in 1982/83/84 for example, there were female/female-fronted acts with so much to offer musically. Notably Tracey Thorn, who was my absolute favourite female singer from those years. Nowadays her career seems to have been summarised to EBTG's "Missing" and Massive Attack's "Protection" but her first solo mini-album "A Distant Shore" is probably my favourite of all her recorded output. There's nothing fancy - it's just one wonderful voice and acoustic guitar, but it was very special for me at the time, particularly "Seascape" and "Plain Sailing": the latter was featured on "Pillows and Prayers" and can be heard at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE2GLsoxOJE
Retro Saturday: Joe Crow
Another track from "Pillows and Prayers", this time "Compulsion" by Joe Crow which has a nice little home-made lo-fi feeling about it. I don't know anything about the man who made it, but I just like this song, anyway....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kifY99v6BTM
Retro Saturday: Thomas Leer
It's not the first time I've featured Mr Leer on Retro Saturday - he's been here before as one half of the sublime late 80s duo Act - but I often find inspiration for this feature when my mind takes a little wander through the past, and so it was again this week. I remember receiving Cherry Red's excellent "Pillows and Prayers" album as part of my 1982 Christmas present bonanza - extremely good value for 99p, back in the day, and featuring a wide variety of acts signed to that label. If they all appealed to you, then congratulations on your ear for musical diversity! - anyway I enjoyed a fair amount of them and I thought I'd feature some of the tracks tonight. "All About You" by Thomas Leer is a very wonderful (and overlooked) electro-ballad which still sounds as fresh, and as touching, today.
Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLZ4ObI8-d4
Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLZ4ObI8-d4
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Two people become one?
I don’t know, but a week can be a long time in the world of music. As if the continuing Sugababes game of line-up musical chairs (Jade "It’s My Time" Ewen in, last remaining original member Keisha Buchanan out) and the earth-shattering news of the Chas and Dave split wasn’t enough, now here is a strange one.Regular readers of this blog will know that I’m a big fan of Aussie duo Empire of the Sun, so I’m somewhat perplexed by the news that one half of the band, Nick Littlemore, has allegedly been "missing in action" for five months and will not take part in the band’s forthcoming debut live shows in Australia. Singer Luke Steele told an Australian newspaper that he has been left "holding the baby" and that he will be backed by a group called The Swiss for the live shows starting this weekend.
There is more about what can be expected from the weird, wonderful, conceptual live EOTS experience and the myths that surround the ‘band’ at http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/music/stranger-than-fiction/2009/09/24/1253385071568.html
Where all this leaves the future of Empire of the Sun, nobody knows. It would be a shame if Luke Steele didn’t continue with this magical musical adventure though.
Back from Turkey!!
Hello again...I'm back from one of the best holidays I've ever had, in the lovely Turkish resort of Icmeler. Got back on Tuesday morning after a bit of a marathon final day/airport delays/night flight, but caught up with some sleep in the afternoon and should be back on track tomorrow.
Anyway we had a fantastic and relaxing time. Weather was 33 to 35 degrees most days but we managed to cope. The initial culture shock of shopping Turkish-style took some getting used to but by the end of the trip we were expert hagglers - great fun :))
Went on some very good trips/activities, ate brilliant food all week, and enjoyed the warm Turkish hospitality which truly deserves its good reputation. And let's just say I fell in love with many of those lovely Turkish men...!
As usual I'll be publishing my holiday diaries/holiday hit list on here over the next few days as I'll have a bit more time - yes I have almost another week off before going back to work next Tuesday, so expect some regular posts between now and then.
Anyway we had a fantastic and relaxing time. Weather was 33 to 35 degrees most days but we managed to cope. The initial culture shock of shopping Turkish-style took some getting used to but by the end of the trip we were expert hagglers - great fun :))
Went on some very good trips/activities, ate brilliant food all week, and enjoyed the warm Turkish hospitality which truly deserves its good reputation. And let's just say I fell in love with many of those lovely Turkish men...!
As usual I'll be publishing my holiday diaries/holiday hit list on here over the next few days as I'll have a bit more time - yes I have almost another week off before going back to work next Tuesday, so expect some regular posts between now and then.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Blog break time once again
This blog is now taking a break - the reason being that I'm off to Turkey tomorrow for my summer holiday (with faithful travelling companion of course)!
I'll be back on here on the evening of Tuesday 22nd September - in the meantime if you wish to leave any comments on any of my posts I'll respond to these when I get back.
See you all soon :))))
I'll be back on here on the evening of Tuesday 22nd September - in the meantime if you wish to leave any comments on any of my posts I'll respond to these when I get back.
See you all soon :))))
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Retro Saturday: Nick Lowe
I seem to be stuck in the late 70s at the moment....so while we are on some classic hits from that era let's feature the mighty "I Love The Sound of Breaking Glass" which made the UK top 40 during that new wave of post-punk: audio version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn0cuAYC5jk&feature=fvw although there are also some live versions at YouTube too.
Nick Lowe also had a UK hit with "Cruel to be Kind": audio at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqWjyvgLYfI
Nick Lowe also had a UK hit with "Cruel to be Kind": audio at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqWjyvgLYfI
Retro Saturday: John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett
Remember this? "Really Free" by John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett no less. "Cor baby, that's really free!" From 1977, and one more reason why we miss Top of the Pops so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkYOZyNocrw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkYOZyNocrw
Retro Saturday: OMC
Starting off tonight with a genuine 90s international one-hit wonder from New Zealand band OMC - "How Bizarre" was a (now forgotten) hit back in 1996 and it still sounds refreshing today. It pops into my head from time to time and tonight I thought it would be a good candidate for Retro Saturday. When was the last time you heard this on the radio?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfJe8hQ8ha0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfJe8hQ8ha0
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Hallelujah! Swedish Idol is back.
The freaks, the geeks, the deluded and the just plain daft....yes it can only mean one thing, the audition stage of Idol 2009 (TV4) kicking off its sixth season.
Yes of course there may be some genuine talent but let's forget about that and focus on the undisputed greatness of Philip Damberg, whose version of "Ring of Fire" had me almost collapsing with a fit of the giggles for about half an hour...and will probably have Johnny Cash spinning in his grave.
Also worth a mention: Sami Piipanen's, um, enthusiastic "Boten Anna", and Sebastian Rönnberg's, um, less than enthusiastic "To Be With You".
You know how certain songs should be banned from Idol auditions? Well can we ban "Hallelujah" now? (Having said that, I thought Joseph Assaly's version was rather nice).
Jon (who sang his own composition) seemed to be a big hit with the jury. I was trying to think who he visually reminded me of....and then it just came to me - Stefan Raab on ESC singing "Wadde Hadde Dudde Da"!!!
I guess this will be my new Tuesday night obsession now that my summer singalong-shows have ended :)
Yes of course there may be some genuine talent but let's forget about that and focus on the undisputed greatness of Philip Damberg, whose version of "Ring of Fire" had me almost collapsing with a fit of the giggles for about half an hour...and will probably have Johnny Cash spinning in his grave.
Also worth a mention: Sami Piipanen's, um, enthusiastic "Boten Anna", and Sebastian Rönnberg's, um, less than enthusiastic "To Be With You".
You know how certain songs should be banned from Idol auditions? Well can we ban "Hallelujah" now? (Having said that, I thought Joseph Assaly's version was rather nice).
Jon (who sang his own composition) seemed to be a big hit with the jury. I was trying to think who he visually reminded me of....and then it just came to me - Stefan Raab on ESC singing "Wadde Hadde Dudde Da"!!!
I guess this will be my new Tuesday night obsession now that my summer singalong-shows have ended :)
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The increasingly blurred worlds of....
...Swedish reality/talent television and Melodifestivalen hasn't escaped my notice. Further proof is the line-up for the forthcoming series of the hugely successful TV4 series "Korslaget" which is back to brighten up our autumn weekends from 3rd October. Auditions for the hometown-teams are currently taking place in Sweden: more at www.tv4.se/korslaget.
All except one of this year's choir leaders have been in Melodifestivalen - Caroline af Ugglas, Roger Pontare, Ola Svensson, Andreas Lundstedt, Amy Diamond, Rodrigo "Rigo" Pencheff - only Stefan Nykvist from Larz-Kristerz hasn't (yet) but his band of course won another reality-talent show "Dansbandskampen".
Talking of which, there will be a new series beginning on 24th October on SVT -expect the Swedish tabloids to get excited about another Saturday night ratings battle between SVT and TV4. Thanks to the internet, we'll be able to watch both shows.
And then there's the new series of "Idol" which starts this coming Tuesday on TV4. Who will succeed last year's winner Kevin Borg? (Kevin hasn't done too badly for an Idol-winner, landing the lead role in the Swedish stage version of High School Musical.)
All except one of this year's choir leaders have been in Melodifestivalen - Caroline af Ugglas, Roger Pontare, Ola Svensson, Andreas Lundstedt, Amy Diamond, Rodrigo "Rigo" Pencheff - only Stefan Nykvist from Larz-Kristerz hasn't (yet) but his band of course won another reality-talent show "Dansbandskampen".
Talking of which, there will be a new series beginning on 24th October on SVT -expect the Swedish tabloids to get excited about another Saturday night ratings battle between SVT and TV4. Thanks to the internet, we'll be able to watch both shows.
And then there's the new series of "Idol" which starts this coming Tuesday on TV4. Who will succeed last year's winner Kevin Borg? (Kevin hasn't done too badly for an Idol-winner, landing the lead role in the Swedish stage version of High School Musical.)
Retro Saturday: Brecker Brothers
Can't believe I haven't featured this on here during the last 2½ years that I've been doing this blog - it's one of my most favourite songs ever and I'm probably the only person I know who has heard of it. Keeping with tonight's theme, it's from 1978 of course.
I refer to "East River" by the Brecker Brothers, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mgig-GNx4c, a fabulous jazzy, funky, exciting concoction which sounds as good today as it always did :)
I refer to "East River" by the Brecker Brothers, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mgig-GNx4c, a fabulous jazzy, funky, exciting concoction which sounds as good today as it always did :)
Retro Saturday: Patrick Juvet
One more European star who briefly broke through in 1978 thanks to the disco boom was Patrick Juvet, who had hits here in the UK with "I Love America" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8UjLTAfbI0 and "Got A Feeling" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNXwyQKiKig&feature=related
People "of a certain age" who grew up in the 1970s will remember a mega-cheesy dance group called The Young Generation, (one of their members was none other than Popstars/Pop Idol/So You Think You Can Dance guru Nigel Lythgoe!) and that's what the "Got A Feeling" video makes me think of when I watch it :)
People "of a certain age" who grew up in the 1970s will remember a mega-cheesy dance group called The Young Generation, (one of their members was none other than Popstars/Pop Idol/So You Think You Can Dance guru Nigel Lythgoe!) and that's what the "Got A Feeling" video makes me think of when I watch it :)
Retro Saturday: Voyage
Even back in 1978 I was cheered up by the thought of a non British/American act in the top 40 charts - Voyage were French if I remember rightly :)
Here is a little disco classic - "From East To West" and I guarantee you will be tapping your feet in no time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es3Ark-As38
Then there was "Scots Machine" - everything was set to a disco beat back in those days, and just when you thought no-one would dare to do bagpipe-disco then Voyage came along to prove us all wrong!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNDxxVguDwE
Here is a little disco classic - "From East To West" and I guarantee you will be tapping your feet in no time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es3Ark-As38
Then there was "Scots Machine" - everything was set to a disco beat back in those days, and just when you thought no-one would dare to do bagpipe-disco then Voyage came along to prove us all wrong!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNDxxVguDwE
Retro Saturday: The Cars
Mention The Cars to anyone, at least in this country and they will think of "Drive" which took on a whole, new, chilling meaning after Live Aid in 1985. But long before that, back in 1978, they arrived on the scene with "My Best Friend's Girl" and "Just What I Needed", the latter was a particular favourite of mine. Here's a clip from their performance on "The Midnight Special" an American TV show - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPWpYaM1Xio
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Retro Saturday: A Taste of Honey
So in a completely random way I've made a spontaneous decision that tonight is 1978 night on Retro Saturday!!
Next up is the irresistibly dancey "Boogie Oogie Oogie" by A Taste of Honey, which was another one of those disco one hit wonders I think. What was notable about this band was that it was fronted by two women, Hazel Payne and Janice Johnson, who didn't just stand at the front, dance around and look good, but they also played their own instruments too - which was a bit of a rarity back in those days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvIydHPhb98
Next up is the irresistibly dancey "Boogie Oogie Oogie" by A Taste of Honey, which was another one of those disco one hit wonders I think. What was notable about this band was that it was fronted by two women, Hazel Payne and Janice Johnson, who didn't just stand at the front, dance around and look good, but they also played their own instruments too - which was a bit of a rarity back in those days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvIydHPhb98
Retro Saturday: Eye to Eye
Today I was thinking about one very obscure oldie "Am I Normal" originally recorded by Eye to Eye and then covered by (Virginia) David. Here is a link to the Eye to Eye version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkRsgp5ZUGA
Unfortunately I can't find the David version anywhere on YouTube or elsewhere on the internet for that matter, so I'm not able to post a link. IMHO I preferred the David version to the original, but having said that, the original's pretty good too :))
One of the members of Eye to Eye was Julian Marshall who was half of the duo Marshall Hain - they had a UK hit with "Dancing in the City" in 1978: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lmfpnv_eLY - hard to believe this was 31 years ago!!
Unfortunately I can't find the David version anywhere on YouTube or elsewhere on the internet for that matter, so I'm not able to post a link. IMHO I preferred the David version to the original, but having said that, the original's pretty good too :))
One of the members of Eye to Eye was Julian Marshall who was half of the duo Marshall Hain - they had a UK hit with "Dancing in the City" in 1978: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lmfpnv_eLY - hard to believe this was 31 years ago!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Rewind: Swedish summer telly
There are some traditions that I eagerly await every year, one of them being the Swedish summer TV show "Allsång på Skansen". Even if it's raining outside, I hear the opening bars of "Stockholm i mitt hjärta" and that officially tells me that summer is here.
2009 was just that little bit different. We didn't just have Allsång on SVT, but also Lotta Engberg's show, Monday nights on TV4. Both shows have now ended their summer runs.
Allsång, the established favourite with its usual pick & mix format brought the usual highs and lows. The best show of the series was the first one, on 23.06.09, which featured Tomas Ledin and Måns Zelmerlöw, the latter being instantly acclaimed as a possible successor to the under-fire Anders Lundin, who was consistently a target for the Swedish press from day one. As I don't live in Sweden I'm not sure what the reason is for all this criticism, as I think he's ok for that sort of thing, although (IMHO) he's no singer, which is ironic as he's the host of a singalong show!
Other guests I enjoyed during this series: Magnus Uggla, John ME, Magnus Carlsson and Wille Crafoord (a very nice duet of the Swedish 1973 Eurovision entry), H.E.A.T. and Bjorn Skifs.
The mythical backdrop of Skansen and the Stockholm skyline makes watching Allsång a very special experience, even if the line-up of guests isn't always your cup of tea. That's what probably edged it in front of TV4's rival "Lotta på Liseberg", which was televised weekly for the first time this year. Still, I thought she had some very good guests - Ola Svensson, Brolle, Scotts, Agnes (an excellent "Release Me"), the new-look (and very glam) Linda Bengtzing, and for me the icing on the cake on the final show....Salem Al Fakir. Now you all know by now that Salem is my favourite singer, but he also has such a lively and infectious personality that you could imagine him hosting Allsång one day in the future as he relates so well to his audience and had so much fun here. The same could not be said for fellow guest, Paul Potts who sat squirming on the sofa whilst being interviewed by Lotta Engberg, and was then subjected to an "English Allsång" - "The Laughing Policeman". The irony was not lost on me, given Mr Potts' consistently sour-faced expression during the show!
But I digress. The other big hitter on Swedish summer TV is TV4's "Sommarkrysset" from Grona Lund in Stockholm, which I have also enjoyed greatly this summer, although I need to catch up with the latest editions. Again the highlights this summer for me were (goes without saying) Salem again, also Moneybrother, Brolle (again), Erik Hassle, Darin, Star Pilots.
"Sommarkrysset" finishes its current run this coming Saturday with a cracking line-up of guests including Fibes, Oh Fibes! and Kim Wilde, Europe, and Ola. Don't miss it.
2009 was just that little bit different. We didn't just have Allsång on SVT, but also Lotta Engberg's show, Monday nights on TV4. Both shows have now ended their summer runs.
Allsång, the established favourite with its usual pick & mix format brought the usual highs and lows. The best show of the series was the first one, on 23.06.09, which featured Tomas Ledin and Måns Zelmerlöw, the latter being instantly acclaimed as a possible successor to the under-fire Anders Lundin, who was consistently a target for the Swedish press from day one. As I don't live in Sweden I'm not sure what the reason is for all this criticism, as I think he's ok for that sort of thing, although (IMHO) he's no singer, which is ironic as he's the host of a singalong show!
Other guests I enjoyed during this series: Magnus Uggla, John ME, Magnus Carlsson and Wille Crafoord (a very nice duet of the Swedish 1973 Eurovision entry), H.E.A.T. and Bjorn Skifs.
The mythical backdrop of Skansen and the Stockholm skyline makes watching Allsång a very special experience, even if the line-up of guests isn't always your cup of tea. That's what probably edged it in front of TV4's rival "Lotta på Liseberg", which was televised weekly for the first time this year. Still, I thought she had some very good guests - Ola Svensson, Brolle, Scotts, Agnes (an excellent "Release Me"), the new-look (and very glam) Linda Bengtzing, and for me the icing on the cake on the final show....Salem Al Fakir. Now you all know by now that Salem is my favourite singer, but he also has such a lively and infectious personality that you could imagine him hosting Allsång one day in the future as he relates so well to his audience and had so much fun here. The same could not be said for fellow guest, Paul Potts who sat squirming on the sofa whilst being interviewed by Lotta Engberg, and was then subjected to an "English Allsång" - "The Laughing Policeman". The irony was not lost on me, given Mr Potts' consistently sour-faced expression during the show!
But I digress. The other big hitter on Swedish summer TV is TV4's "Sommarkrysset" from Grona Lund in Stockholm, which I have also enjoyed greatly this summer, although I need to catch up with the latest editions. Again the highlights this summer for me were (goes without saying) Salem again, also Moneybrother, Brolle (again), Erik Hassle, Darin, Star Pilots.
"Sommarkrysset" finishes its current run this coming Saturday with a cracking line-up of guests including Fibes, Oh Fibes! and Kim Wilde, Europe, and Ola. Don't miss it.
Rewind: Eurovision Song Contest 2009, four months on...
So, with the benefit of hindsight, what will we remember about the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest? Play that violin...
If Norway's Alexander Rybak's win was "predetermined" like many recent pre-contest favourites, no-one could have predicted the landslide victory which followed. Juries and televoters, from every part of the continent, awarded maximum scores to "Fairytale" (apart from the foregone conclusion of the Bosnia-Croatia, Greece-Cyprus, Azerbaijan-Turkey, Moldova-Romania 12 point love-ins, to name the most significant). It wasn't just the "Nordic bloc voting" much derided by Terry Wogan over the years....it takes much, much more than that to win Eurovision these days.
The major change this year was the introduction of jury-televoting split, to save a contest which was losing the last little bit of credibility it had, thanks to the neighbour voting which had dominated/ruined the show (delete as appropriate) in recent years.
I think it worked.
It all started with 2008 winner Dima Bilan walking in the air, catching his jacket along the way (oops) and -points deducted here - miming to "Believe" whilst auditioning for "Hole In The Wall". All together now...."Bring on the wall!!" Nice chap though.
I grew to like those postcards featuring the Russian 'Miss World', she was very pretty wasn't she?
So on with the show....
If Norway's Alexander Rybak's win was "predetermined" like many recent pre-contest favourites, no-one could have predicted the landslide victory which followed. Juries and televoters, from every part of the continent, awarded maximum scores to "Fairytale" (apart from the foregone conclusion of the Bosnia-Croatia, Greece-Cyprus, Azerbaijan-Turkey, Moldova-Romania 12 point love-ins, to name the most significant). It wasn't just the "Nordic bloc voting" much derided by Terry Wogan over the years....it takes much, much more than that to win Eurovision these days.
The major change this year was the introduction of jury-televoting split, to save a contest which was losing the last little bit of credibility it had, thanks to the neighbour voting which had dominated/ruined the show (delete as appropriate) in recent years.
I think it worked.
It all started with 2008 winner Dima Bilan walking in the air, catching his jacket along the way (oops) and -points deducted here - miming to "Believe" whilst auditioning for "Hole In The Wall". All together now...."Bring on the wall!!" Nice chap though.
I grew to like those postcards featuring the Russian 'Miss World', she was very pretty wasn't she?
So on with the show....
- Lithuania: Sasha Son sang this very well, but he was a good singer in need of a better song.
- Israel: It was a little contrived but a nice idea nonetheless, and I didn't hate it.
- France: Patricia Kaas did what she did best, stood on a stage and was mesmerising for 3 minutes, although my mum didn't like this. Faithful travelling companion, a self-confessed Eurovision-phobe, broke the habit of a lifetime and watched the contest this year because Ms Kaas was there. Of course he voted for her. Quelle surprise!!
- Sweden next. For some reason it still left me cold, and the wonky vocals before the big finish didn't help, although there was that big note at the end. Mum: "there's something unsettling about her, isn't there?"
- Croatia: We both hated this. And probably still do. Mum: "Baloney. Chronic".
- Portugal: this on the other hand was just lovely, she was lovely, the very colourful flowery staging was memorable, and the song was very nice and cheerful.
- Iceland: A simple song, sung in a simple style, with virtually no gimmicks. The kind of thing which used to be enough to win Eurovision, from the days before the dance routines and the drumbeats took over. This wasn't my favourite Icelandic entry of all time, but credit to Yohanna for a nice performance anyway....and a fabulous result.
- Greece, and the understated performer that is Sakis Rouvas. Mum: "Is he miming?" This also still left me cold, and by the end of it I wished he'd got swallowed up by that giant stapler.
- Armenia: They would appear to be another one of those winners-in-waiting countries, although the visual impact of this - two girls looking like something from Camelot - outweighed the song in my opinion.
- Russia: in the "defending champions trying our best not to win again" trend (Sweden 1992, Ireland 1995 for example) here was a woman dressed in a towel, wailing a load of old rubbish.
A word at this point for the BBC's Graham Norton. Terry Wogan in his prime would have been a hard act to follow, but he had gone stale and past his sell-by date in recent years, and sounded as if he didn't want to be there. Norton did well in his first year: subtle, agreeable, funny - but respectful too. Eurovision fans would have found much to like here. Back to the songs....
- Azerbaijan: this had the Swedish "Boro Boro" guy on it so post-contest top 10 success and maximum radio airplay was assured. One more thing: faithful travelling companion was very impressed by AySel. Mum: "it's beauty and the beast!"
- Bosnia-Herzegovina: I thought this had top 5 finish written all over it, although 9th is still a pretty decent position. Passionate and emotional, but not in that forced, manipulative way which had maybe characterised Balkan entries in the past. I still love this and it's one of the very few songs from this year's contest which I still play.
- Moldova: I missed most of this as I was putting my potato wedges in the oven at the time. Her visual similarity to Shirley Clamp had escaped me first time round, but it was extremely obvious here. A novelty song which did better than I expected.
- Malta: Chiara yet again. Graham Norton: "She never met a Malteser she didn't like!!" A good singer, yes, but a duff song. She needs to be give something decent to sing.
- Estonia: We like!! Understated and extremely hypnotic, and well deserving of its 6th place. Glad to see them doing well again after a few off-years.
- Denmark: Tonight, Matthew, Brinck is going to be Ronan Keating! Although we liked this, we maybe had played it too much before the contest and had got a bit bored with it. Vocally he wasn't at his best, "a bit pitchy, dawg" as Randy Jackson might have said.
- Germany. Oh the shame of it. As I transferred my potato wedges (McCain Salt and Black Pepper wedges, the undisputed world champions of the potato wedge IMHO) from oven to plate, I thankfully missed most of it. A low point from beginning to end, and just when you thought it couldn't get any worse..."ladies and gentlemen, Miss Dita Von Teese".
- Turkey: to use an over-used word, dare I say "meh"? This was like Turkish-Eurovision-by-Numbers, and not in a good way. "For Real" it definitely wasn't, but a top 5 placing was guaranteed. Could do better.
- Albania: She was like a rabbit caught in the headlights, and we found it so interesting that we spoke all the way through it.
- Norge! Victory for Norway! He did enough, although those dancers continued to annoy me. I liked the stage set for this one though.
- Ukraine: I never thought we'd get anything cheaper than Deutschland tonight but here you have it. Me: "She's had 'work'". Mum: "And it's not made much difference". Top entertainment though if nothing else, and you'll remember the centurions.
- Romania: Yuk. This was one of our most hated qualifiers. Cheap, tacky rubbish. Possibly the worst song of the night, on a night with a lot of contenders for that title.
- Royaume-Uniiiiiiiiiiiii!!! Wow! Now you know I famously described "It's My Time" on here as a pile of mince, but on the night it was an excellently performed pile of mince and you could hear it being cheered throughout. Yes they milked the Lloyd-Webber factor for all it was worth, but 5th place wasn't bad going for the UK (a.k.a. "no one likes us") and may just have saved this country's Eurovision future.
- Finland: I'm glad they made it to the final, but for some strange reason this lost its impact for me on the night although it was still one of my favourites. Mum: "they could have done without the flame-throwers".
- Spain: After all the bother they go to with their elaborate qualifying process, this was the best they could do? They shouldn't have bothered, and I can't really see them hanging around Eurovision for too much longer.
So then there were recaps, and Dimitry (yum!) in the green room, and an interval act called "Fuerza Bruta" which was all water and art and swimming pools and was unusual and quite breathtaking. There was an interview with ALW who was very proud of Jade Ewen's performance, while Jade herself was also very euphoric. Sir Andrew commented before the voting that "it's a close run thing and not a shoo-in for us at all".
Despite what felt like 17000 countries casting votes, the voting skipped along smoothly and I had lots of fun identifying the jury spokespersons. Sadly no Bjorn Gustafsson for Sweden this year, but look! it's Sarah Dawn Finer! Duncan James gave the votes for the UK, DMGP host Felix read the votes for Denmark and finally....that sweet little package of Norwegian cuteness, Stian Barsnes Simonsen, delivered the Norwegian jury vote. How much would I love it if he hosted the semi-finals and/or the finals next year!!
Norway were runaway winners and earned the right to host next year's contest which will take place at the end of May in the Telenor Arena in Oslo. What we know is that Georgia will be back (I liked their Putin-bashing song and it was a sad loss to the contest when it was disqualified); whilst the Czech Republic have quit due to lack of interest.
The political nature of the ESC is well documented but recently took an even more sinister turn in Azerbaijan, as recent press reports stated that Azeri citizens who voted for arch-rivals Armenia were being taken in for questioning for being unpatriotic. Hey, it's only a song contest remember????
Whether you love or hate "Fairytale" you can't deny that it was a deserved winner, and its high placings in the charts across Europe - shock horror, it even made the UK chart - proved that it was also a very popular one. Thanks to the participation of established international acts (Patricia Kaas) and songwriters (Andrew Lloyd Webber) the contest's profile has never been higher, and I can only hope that this is reflected in better quality entries next year. It'll be no time till it's "on-season" once again....
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Rewind weekend: Tour de France 2009
Finally posting my review of this :)
The 2009 Tour de France was unusual this year for quite a few reasons. Firstly there was the route, completely missing out the north and east, no Brittany or Normandy cobbled-stone stages this year. The race began in Monaco, and controversially the final mountain stage, the epic climb up Mont Ventoux, took place the day before the final stage in Paris. Cruel or what??? In recent years Le Tour hasn't just confined itself to France and this year it visited Monaco, Barcelona, Andorra and Verbier...and the 2010 Tour will start in Rotterdam!
Then there was the comeback of one Lance Armstrong. If you watched ITV4's otherwise excellent coverage, the one criticism I have of Liggett and Sherwen is their one-rider obsession - in previous years they have been obsessed with Greg Lemond, Miguel Indurain and most recently Cadel Evans, and this year, for them it was all about the "Tour de Lance".
That was of course until the British interest kicked in. Firstly there was Mark Cavendish, the unofficial king of the sprints this year as he won no less than six stages, but a points deduction for allegedly riding too close to rival Thor Hushovd meant that he couldn't make up sufficient points to win the green jersey competition: that was won by Hushovd. However it was some consolation for Cavendish that he got the "big one" - he won the final stage on the Champs-Elysees.
And then there was Bradley Wiggins, British Olympic gold-winning track cyclist who may have lost weight for the 2009 Tour, but he became a road race heavyweight in this year's race and at one point was a serious contender for a spot on the podium. He ended the race in fourth place, which was an incredible achievement, I thought.
What about the yellow jersey? Earlier in the race it was worn by Fabian Cancellara and Rinaldo Nocentini (the latter a new name to me) before it was taken over by Alberto Contador in the Alps and he kept it all the way to the finish. Lance Armstrong meanwhile was determined to prove that he was a serious challenger once again. Both Contador and Armstrong were on the revamped Astana all-star team which included some ex-Discovery riders and management. Contador was the official leader, but the media made a lot of the conflict between the team's real leader Contador, and Armstrong, whom they described as the team's unofficial leader.
Luxembourg's Andy Schleck took second place on the podium: he is an impressive young cyclist with a bright future ahead of him in the sport.
What pleased me most about this year's Le Tour was that the cycling spoke for itself and thankfully the race wasn't overshadowed by the drugs scandals which had blighted the race in recent years. I thought it was a very enjoyable Tour, even if it wasn't the most competitive or unpredictable one I've ever seen, but there were enough little rewarding episodes throughout the three weeks to make it well worth watching.
Some Swedish music news: Melodifestivalen, Agnes, Fibes
Some news about Melodifestivalen 2010: this week the names of the cities hosting next year's weekly extravaganza were revealed. The four semi-finals will take place as follows:
06.02.10 - Örnsköldsvik
13.02.10 - Sandviken
20.02.10 - Gothenburg
27.02.10 - Malmö
Andra Chansen:
06.03.10 - Örebro
Final:
13.03.10 - Stockholm
Aftonbladet reports today that Agnes has signed a $1 million deal with Interscope/Geffen Records in the USA and she will be launched there with "Release Me" the song that has been a big hit in the UK and Europe this summer.
I'm getting very excited because the new Fibes, Oh Fibes! album "1987" will be released next week and received a 4 star review in Aftonbladet today, which is saying something as they're not always too generous with their review marking.
06.02.10 - Örnsköldsvik
13.02.10 - Sandviken
20.02.10 - Gothenburg
27.02.10 - Malmö
Andra Chansen:
06.03.10 - Örebro
Final:
13.03.10 - Stockholm
Aftonbladet reports today that Agnes has signed a $1 million deal with Interscope/Geffen Records in the USA and she will be launched there with "Release Me" the song that has been a big hit in the UK and Europe this summer.
I'm getting very excited because the new Fibes, Oh Fibes! album "1987" will be released next week and received a 4 star review in Aftonbladet today, which is saying something as they're not always too generous with their review marking.
Ready to check into the Tokio Hotel again?
Good news for fans of the band and also the eyeliner industry, as the German pop/rock phenomenon that is Tokio Hotel is on the way back.
Their latest album "Humanoid" will be released in October, with its first single "Automatic" - described as an 'epic' - set for release in September.
Their latest album "Humanoid" will be released in October, with its first single "Automatic" - described as an 'epic' - set for release in September.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)