Tonight I'll be watching Melodifestivalen - against my better judgement

After my previous post, I gave some thought to which national final I should be watching tonight - Melodifestivalen or Dansk Melodi Grand Prix.  It's been a rather miserable Melfest season and I didn't even make any effort to watch Andra Chansen.  However, I have decided to be a 'survivor' and see the process through 'to the end' to find out who Sweden will be sending to Copenhagen.  Well it's only 'natural' that we watch the Melodifestivalen final every year - 'yes we can' hope that they will 'undo' what has been a dire contest so far and put on a great show, but that's probably a lot to hope for.  Disappointment is inevitable.

Anyway, against my better judgement, I'll be watching Melfest and will no doubt regret not watching DMGP live.

I don't have a particular favourite this year at Melfest, in a list of mainly underwhelming songs.  However, I have decided to support...Ace Wilder with "Busy Doin' Nothin'"!  It's catchy and contemporary, with a memorable chorus/rap.  Admittedly it's not much of a song - and that is where I have my reservations - and she really needs to up her game with her live vocals, as they fell well short of the studio version. 

If "Busy Doin' Nothin'" gets to represent Sweden, it will probably send certain sections of the schlager/fan fraternity into apoplexy.  Remember the negative reaction when Robin Stjernberg was chosen last year, because he wasn't schlager enough.  If Ace wins, this will be yet another giant step towards Sweden breaking out of the schlager straitjacket at Eurovision.  

2014 would be the ideal time to take that risk, to send an entry which is 'different from the norm', and best of all - a song which is not written by Fredrik Kempe.  For me, his domination represents everything wrong with Melodifestivalen right now.  A shake-up of the songwriting rules would freshen up the contest, for example if you have managed to get a song through to the final 32 in one year, then you should be automatically disqualified for putting a song in the following year.  Also, you should only be allowed to write 1 song in the final 32, rather than the same people repeatedly turning up week after week. 

Kempe, as solo writer and part of a songwriting team has no less than 4 songs in tonight's final.  Which, when you think about it, is quite outrageous.  Sweden, the land of established international songwriters, and they've got the same guy writing 4 songs in a national final!?!

So as I said earlier, I'll be watching, but with major reservations.  Melodifestivalen in its current form has become stale and needs a major overhaul to bring it back to the unmissable TV event it once was.  If SVT doesn't change its ways in 2015, then this time next year I won't be wondering whether to watch the final or not; that decision will be a very easy one to make.  And I suspect I won't be the only one switching off.

Melodifestivalen 2014 final: the running order

I didn't watch Andra Chansen tonight, but I know that Linus Svenning and Helena Paparizou advanced to the final next week in Stockholm.

Here is the running order for this year's Melodifestivalen final: for me it's the most unexciting final line-up in years, and I'm still deciding whether or not to watch it live, given that there is the small matter of the DMGP final on the same night (bad planning, Eurovision planners!).  Anyway, Ace Wilder has the 'pimp slot' - if Sweden wants to take a risk on a reasonably 'contemporary' song then that's the one - but Sanna Nielsen remains the outright favourite.  Yawn.

1. Anton Ewald – Natural
2. Ellen Benediktson – Songbird
3. Alcazar – Blame It On The Disco
4. Oscar Zia – Yes We Can
5. Linus Svenning – Bröder
6. Helena Paparizou – Survivor
7. YOHIO – To the End
8. Sanna Nielsen – Undo
9. Panetoz – Efter solsken
10. Ace Wilder – Busy Doin’ Nothin’

The UK's Eurovision entry to be revealed on Monday

So, we've had yet another entertaining series of rumours - yes folks, the lead-up to the announcement of the UK's Eurovision entry is always an unmissable feast.  Who would be this year's UK entry?  Well, if you've been playing UK Eurovision bingo, this lot might just get you a full house!

• Geri Halliwell
• Belinda Carlisle
• Dame Vera Lynn
• Wet Wet Wet
• Paloma Faith
• Nina Nesbitt
• Olly Murs
• Sam Bailey
• Aiden Grimshaw
• Wet Wet Wet
• Charlotte Church
• Adele
• One Direction
• Jessie J
• Amy Macdonald

...and the list is endless.

In the last couple of days, the BBC has finally broken its silence and announced that this year's UK entry will be revealed at 7.30pm UK time on Monday 3rd March. 

In this blog post, http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eurovision/posts/Our-vision-for-Copenhagen executive producer Guy Freeman announced:

"With 9 million UK viewers watching last year’s show and a very active online fan base, the contest is as popular as ever. There’s certainly no shortage of ideas out there as to what needs to be done.
It’s clear that people genuinely care about it and I do too...Some countries use selection shows and we’ve done this in the past, but this year we began by taking a dispassionate look at recent winners. We discovered that simply by and large they’ve been very good songs that have deserved to win.
It’s clear there’s a disconnect between what kind of songs and artists are now winning Eurovision, versus the stereotype that many people – including much of the music industry - still hold in their minds. Yes, novelty songs and acts do still turn up in the show, provide great entertainment and make good press – but they don’t tend to win. So, early on in plans for 2014, we took the view that we needed a bespoke, contemporary song, written specifically to suit the conditions of the competition – rather than trying to get lucky with a pre-existing track from an artist",

Mr Freeman goes on to say that this year's artist and song has been chosen via the BBC Introducing process, which has uncovered unsigned/unknown acts who have gone on to bigger things.  The BBC approached a few artists who were actually interested in writing and performing a song specifically written for Eurovision: "The end result is that we now have a powerful and impressive song that we hope will do us proud in Copenhagen. We’re keen to introduce the song and artist to everyone as soon as possible, so it will be premiered on BBC Red button next Monday (3rd March) evening at 7.30pm and available to catch up on BBC iPlayer".

So after all the rumours, it looks like we're sending an unknown artist to Copenhagen.  Which presumably means that there is no reputation to destroy, because said artist hasn't actually established one yet.  That's a promising, if slightly defeatist, notion: we should be sending our best artists to Eurovision, but there's no chance of that thanks to the disastrous reputation which this country's media (and a certain Mr Wogan) built up over the years: Representing the United Kingdom in Eurovision is something to be ashamed of.

There are some hopeful signs: no to novelty, yes to quality songwriting and performance.  However, why the red button?  Surely if this is a sign that things are changing, why bury it there?  It's a challenge to overturn the prejudices of a generation, but putting it on prime time on BBC1 would be a start.

However, I will reserve my judgement until Monday night: in the meantime my excitement is building.  Hoping that the song (and artist) won't let us down.

Estonia.... :(

(to the tune of Euphoria)

Why, why do I watch this contest every year
Only for the whole damn thing to end in tears
Good songs, but they don't make it to the final vote
Remember, the last decent one you had was Ott

Estonia!  You really f****d it up this time
The song you picked was such a crime
You're going out, out, out, out

Estonia! Why didn't you vote for Nurmsalu?
She'd get you top 5 that's for sure
You're going out, out, out, out

You, you have such vocal talent in your ranks
So why, do you choose something that's a pile of w**k
Reject potential winners with a lot of class
For bog standard parody that's total trash

Estonia! I'm really angry with you now
So would you like to tell me how
You chose the wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong song

Estonia! I can't believe the Sandra-hate
So I guess that we'll just have to wait
For another win, win, win, win

Sandra Nurmsalu is now the one that got away
And one more time, I'd really like to say....

Estonia!
Estonia!  You got it wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!!!!

Melodifestivalen 2014 Week 4: Alcazar glitter and Tomas folks it up in Örnsköldsvik

After the all-time low of Heat 3 we weren't expecting much.  So it was no surprise that Melodifestivalen continued in the same vein with a rather pointless, sport-themed opening act.

 

Mum: I'm not impressed.  There is always something.....demented about this show, don't you think?

 

The beleaguered hosts take to the stage in black, mourning clothes, which is presumably a comment on their performance so far this year.

 

M: Oh, not him again!  He has NO personality!!

 

But hopefully things are about to improve.  There's a giant glitterball in sight, which signals the arrival of the mighty Alcazar.  Unfortunately my internet connection is still not up to the job so it's a pixellated version of their fabulousness. 

 

 

Alcazar: "Blame It On The Disco".

 

The song I was most looking forward to this year turns out to be a bit of a disappointment.  I would never usually use the words 'Alcazar' and 'disappointment' in the same sentence, but I guess there's a first time for everything.  It's an inferior version of Stay The Night, with weaker verses, but being Alcazar, they perform everyone else off the stage.  But I'm wondering just how much of this is live and how much of it is Memorex (one for the older readers here!). 

 

L: This, I think is probably their weakest song that they've done in the contest.

M: Oh, I know them!  What was that song they did...?

L: Not A Sinner Nor A Saint.  That was an absolute classic.

M: That should have won Eurovision.

L: It's still good to have them back though.

  

 

IDA: "Fight Me If You Dare".

 

Ah, the dreaded second spot in the running order. 

 

L: This is going to be the week when everything sounds like something else.

M: I've heard worse.

L: It's quite a good performance of not much of a song.  And it won't qualify.

 

 

Janet Leon: "Hollow".

 

I tell mum all about Janet being in the contest last year with blonde hair and a better song.  Now she's back with a new image, but her live singing hasn't improved any since last year.  And in the style of many a Swedish song contest entry, the whole thing is brought to its knees by f****** stupid background dancing. 

 

M: This song sounds very familiar.

L: I'm cracking up trying to think what one.  But whatever it sounds like, this song's going nowhere.

 

Anders is back on stage and my mum just can't take it any more. 

 

M: I DON'T LIKE HIM!!!!

 

 

Ammotrack: "Raise Your Hands".

 

L: Tonight's full of songs which sound like other songs.  This is doing nothing for me. Thoughts?

M:  This is not much of a song.

L: I'm not feeling this at all.

 

We both agree that it's been a poor year. 

 

Then G:son appears on screen and mum recognises him! 

 

M: Oh that's him....

L: ...yes, the guy who looks like grandad from Mrs Brown's Boys :)

M: He's in this a lot, isn't he?

 

 

 

Josef Johansson: "Hela Natten".

 

Josef is a new name to me but seems to be this week's "death by fashion" candidate.  Think Nordic jumper pattern as designed by someone who's taken far too many drugs.

 

M: He's got very interesting hair. 

L: Indeed!  And at last, a song in Swedish, thank goodness.

 

This is the first song which really had me sitting up and taking notice tonight.  There are little shades of Christer Björkman's 1992 entry, but despite that, this song's actually quite good and he performs it very well.

 

 

Linda Bengtzing: "Ta Mig".

 

In a little nod to this year's ESC hosts, she takes to the catwalk to Rasmus Seebach's "Natteravn".  I explain to mum that Linda is another one of the Melodifestivalen schlager legends on a comeback.  It may be a more 'modern' song for her, with its pulsating drumbeats, but it's not particularly memorable.  Neither of us are particularly impressed by the song and chat through it.

 

M: What a strange outfit.  And look, there's another man in a bun!

L: I was expecting a lot more from her - this song doesn't really have a hook and I can see it missing out on qualifying.

 

 

Ellinore Holmer: "En Himmelsk Sång".

 

The weekly 'solo female singer with a ballad near the end of the running order'. A ballad which, for some reason, reminds me of Molly Sanden's "Så Vill Stjärnorna".

 

M: That outfit looks as if she's going to do some Irish dancing.  And I don't like that dress.

L: This is the type of song which could qualify, although like everything else tonight it is not a great song. 

M: She has a nice voice, but the song's not up to much.

 

And finally...

 

 

Anton Ewald: "Natural".

 

'Second year syndrome' and a pre-contest favourite based on the draw position.  I remind mum that she liked him last year.  She can't quite remember him but she likes what she sees. 

 

M: I like his mirrored jacket.

L: He's stolen last year's choreography! 

 

The song's not in the same league as "Begging" and already I'm struggling to remember it.  And although his live singing has only improved slightly, he would definitely struggle without all those taped backing vocals as I mentioned in a previous post.  But never mind all that, because mum is ever so slightly in love with Mr Ewald. 

 

Songs over, interval acts time.  And finger puppets.

 

M: Finger puppets would be better presenting this thing.

 

Time for 'melodi no.9' with Anders and Nour, possibly the worst interval act of this Melfest season, and that's saying something. 

 

M: He reminds me of someone out of the Wurzels.  This p**h has been going on for far too long.  Get the good-looking guy back on.

 

Resultat time part 1.  Anton, Linda, Ammotrack, Ellinore and Alcazar to the next round of voting. 

 

Unfortunately there is no place for Josef, who has truly been killed by fashion.  He finishes in 7th place, behind the 6th placed I.D.A. and in front of Janet Leon, who's last. 

 

 

Now to the main interval act of the evening, which I had also been looking forward to.  I've been a big fan of Tomas Ledin for 34 years - yes! - since he made a serious impact on this impressionable teenager in 1980 with those leather trousers :)  But we are all 34 years older now, although Tomas is ageing very well.  A medley of his Melodifestivalen songs will do just nicely, but even here there is a problem.  Tomas recently released a folk/acoustic album - a genre of music I can't be doing with at all - and this week he has chosen to perform his medley in that style.

 

L: What the folk!!!

M: Does he always make that kind of music?

L: NO!!!!  He's more of a pop/rock singer, but he's just made a folk album.

M: This is a bit too boring.  I can't believe what I'm watching here.  I thought you said he was good.

L: He is, and they are great songs in their original version, but I don't like this style.  If he folks-up "Just Nu"...

 

Well, he does.  But even though I disapprove of this style of reworking, Tomas' interval act is still the best thing on this week's show by a mile, and exposes the modern day Melodifestivalen for what it is - a once-unmissable event which has gone stale and is in serious need of a major revamp.  And, crucially, some great, memorable songs, which have been missing this year.  

 

Eventually after about 3 hours, it's resultat time.  It's Anton till final.

 

M: Yesssss!  He's my toy boy.  He is a nice looking guy although the song is very similar to a lot of others.

 

Ammotrack and Ellinore get the tickets to Andra Chansen, so two Melfest 'veterans' Alcazar and Linda are in that cliffhanger situation.  One will go to the final, one will miss out.  A big cheer goes up at EuropeCrazy HQ - it's Alcazar who are going to the final!  I'm delighted for them, even if I'm still not loving the song. 

 

The Swedish press reported Linda Bengtzing's distress at missing out, and I doubt if she will be back again.  It would appear that outwith the schlager/fan fraternity, Sweden no longer feels the love for traditional Melodifestivalen artists like her and Shirley Clamp.  Yet on the other hand, Alcazar and Sanna Nielsen are not only bucking that trend, but are now favourites in the betting odds.  Could this be the year when one of them is 'rewarded' for their years of Melodifestivalen service, just like Lena Philipsson 10 years ago? 

 

So it's all over, with only Andra Chansen and the final to go.  I never thought I'd see the day when I stopped caring about Melodifestivalen and turned down the chance to watch any of it. but I've decided to give Andra Chansen a miss.  None of the songs particularly inspire me, and there is the small matter of two competing finals - Eesti Laul and the Romanian national selection - which I'll be watching live instead. 

 

(photos courtesy of Aftonbladet and SVT)

Just a minute...of this week's Melodifestivalen songs

Does this week's line-up contain the winner?  Possibly.  Or then again, maybe not !?!

Alcazar: "Blame It On The Disco": It's the return of Stay The Night!  Only with a weaker verse, and it's probably a weaker song than we would expect from the 'Zar.  But there is a glitterball, and they will give it their all.  It will be all about the 'show' on Saturday night and this is always their ace card. And their outfits are fab-u-lous.

I.D.A.: "Fight Me If You Dare": being second in the running order means you know what to expect by now (although last week's song by EKO is definitely an exception to the rule) so I didn't expect much from this song, and can see it propping up the scoreboard this week.

Josef Johansson: "Hela Natten": not really sure what's going on with his hairdo, but I'm happy to report that this electro-ballad is actually rather good and might just steal a qualifying place.

Ammotrack: "Raise Your Hands": I was looking forward to them but this is a very average rock song, nothing to get excited about.

Janet Leon: "Hollow": death by choreography.  What is it with Sweden that they must have stupid 'lyrical' dancers?  Unfortunately this song isn't good enough to rise above the bad dancing,

Linda Bengtzing: "Ta Mig".  Another much-loved Melo-veteran making her comeback this year.  This one was pretty hard to judge on the 1 minute clip and I need to hear more of it

Ellinore Holmer: "En Himmelsk Sång".  Yes there is one of these slow songs every week, usually towards the end of the running order, with no choreography or faffing about.  Can't see this qualifying.

Anton Ewald: "Natural": cashing in on all the goodwill which he picked up during last year's contest, Anton returns in the mythical 'pimp slot' which has predicted him as this year's winner.  I will probably be shot down in flames for saying this, but Anton is a dancer who sings, rather than a singer who dances.  His voice sounds very weak here, and if he is to make it to Copenhagen, there will be no recorded backing vocals to hide behind.

Melodifestivalen 2014 Week 3: hitting new lows in Gothenburg

It would appear that I'm not the only one who's unimpressed with Melodifestivalen this year.  Ratings figures published last week show Sweden's most popular TV event is in freefall, and viewers are switching off by the week.  Then there's the Swedish media whose knives are out for presenters Anders and Nour.  So what's gone wrong?

• The presenters.  When Anders Jansson and Nour El-Refai's names were announced as this year's presenting duo, I thought they were a strange match.  I still feel that way; they do not appear to have much charisma or chemistry.  The Swedish media have also highlighted a drop in the quality of their scripts compared to previous years.
• The songs.  It's called Melodifestivalen, but just how many memorable "melodies" have we heard this year?  I'm not advocating the return of schlager, far from it, but some good tunes would be nice!
• The interval acts/sketches: tiresome.

Would this week change my mind about any/all of the above.  Mmmm.....no.

But let's get on with the proceedings in Gothenburg's Scandinavium.  Here at EuropeCrazy HQ, mum continues to lose the will to watch a below-average internet stream.  Unfortunately our internet connection isn't up to the job of watching it in HD quality.  

The stream then crashes/freezes and by the time it has recovered, Nour and Anders have swapped clothes. So that is supposed to be funny?  They are becoming increasingly annoying by the week.

One other annoying thing this year is the paint-postcards; neither of us can warm to them at all.

Outtrigger: "Echo"

Very smart staging here, with the band members all in individual cages and the singer kicking off the song as Hannibal Lecter then freeing himself from his straitjacket and his cage.  This is an assured performance and a very good start to the show.  The song isn't too bad (apart from the screaming) and I might listen to it again.

M: Are they well-known?

L: They did a cover of last year's Melodifestivalen on YouTube which impressed the songwriters so much that they wrote this song for them. 

By the end of the song: 

M: Don't like this.  Thankfully he's stopped "singing".  

Off topic, I'm about a year behind the rest of the world as I've just discovered Haim, who were one of those 'next big thing' bands touted by the critics last year.  What does this have to do with Melodifestivalen, I hear you ask.  The next act, EKO, walk the catwalk to a Haim song, so it's a good start.  Unfortunately the group are in that "spot of death" which as in Eurovision guarantees only failure.

EKO: "Red"

M: She looks like Toyah!

L: (!)

This song has a very 80s electro feel and we both rather like it.  I think this is going to be one of the very few songs this year that will make it onto my iPod playlist.  

Mum is no fan of Anders.  "Who is he?  He looks like a politician.  Was he a politician in a past life?"  I explain how in recent years, the male presenter of Melodifestivalen has been younger and reasonably easy on the eye.  Unlike Anders.  

M: He's even too old for me!!

Next on stage, the foregone conclusion of the night.

Oscar Zia:  "Yes We Can"

Another song by Mr Smug himself Fredrik Kempe. It sounds like one of Max Martin's leftovers and conjures up memories of N*Sync, and it's staged like an Eric Saade cast-off. Oscar won't be saying bye bye bye to the contest though. Can he make it to the final? Yes he can.

M: He'll get votes because of his looks.  

L: It's a bit bland and generic for me, nothing special about it.

Shirley Clamp: "Burning Alive"

Wind machines ahoy! We are now in the "death by fashion" section of the evening. Recent song contest history has shown how styling can make or break a song's chances. Shirley turns out to be the Moje 3 of Heat 3. 

M: She is a good singer but that dress....ugh.  Worst looking thing ever.

L: This is a fashion nightmare. We spend the rest of the song talking about how bad the dress is. Probably the whole of Sweden is doing the same, and not actually listening to the song. Therefore, this is not qualifying.
 

State of Drama: "All We Are".

M: That painting (the postcards) is annoying me. L: This is nowhere near as good as the song they did last year.
M: I'm not interested in hearing about 'last year's song', that is in the past. This one is annoying.
L: The repetitive chorus is really getting on my nerves. Extremely annoying.

M: Probably only took them about 2 minutes to write. 

L: They seem a lot more arrogant this year than they were last year.  Getting a bit full of themselves now. Next!

Cajsa-Stina Åkerström: "En Enkel Sång".

I'm not familiar with her work but I'm guessing that like many of the 'older' artists in Melodifestivalen, she's not in it to win it but to use it as a shop window for her new material.  Cajsa-Stina walks the catwalk to "Wild World" which gets mum's approval.  She looks like a blonde Sandie Shaw, and performs her 'simple song' on the satellite stage.  Very well staged with everyone waving little lights and a ticker-tape finale.  

M: That was quite nice and might do well.

L: I think there's too many other potential qualifiers tonight though.

Unfortunately, this week's show is dying on its a*se, but look who it is! Only Bjorn Gustafsson to the rescue, hanging from gymnastic rings, and indeed hanging around just a bit too long and overstaying his welcome.

M: Who the hell is this?
L: Remember when Salem was in the final with "Keep On Walking", well, he was the other guy on stage with him.  And he once memorably appeared as Swedish jury spokesperson in Eurovision, awarding 12 points to Sweden. He is a very famous comedian in Sweden.
M: Well I don't think he's very funny.
Bjorn is also of course the guy who did the interval acts a few years ago and became very famous as a result.  But now the whole thing just looks like a desperate attempt to salvage a very poor show. Bjorn finally flies off, as does Mum who has had enough and is off to gather her thoughts and escape the tedium.

Ace Wilder: "Busy Doin' Nothin'"

Another song by the Debs - it's a very busy night for them - and Melodifestivalen debutant Ace is walking the catwalk to Hollaback Girl. Which sets her up nicely for what surprisingly turned out to be one of the surprises of the night.  Although she's still a bit iffy vocally, and the sentiments of the song a bit dodgy in places, this has grown on me and I think I'd listen to it again after the contest, even if it is clearly "influenced" by Icona Pop's I Love It.

Dr Alban and Jessica Folcker: "Around The World" .

They look good in their white outfits, and it's not as car-crash as the 1 minute clip, however the good Doctor fails to prescribe a top class performance. Jessica is great though and it's a pity that she's dragged down by the substandard 'singing'.

Mum returns in time for the recap and the rest of the show. The interval act this week, "Sochi The Musical" may have had the best intentions but went right over my head. There are people on stage in gold skin-suits; mum thought they were naked ("nothing would surprise me about this show"). There was some good old fashioned Sweden-Norway rivalry, and Gustafsson is back again, dressed in a gold siamese-twin Olympic skinsuit with Nour. And then he goes and does something very, very stupid indeed. One word - #gropegate.

Top 5 time, with Outtrigger, Ace Wilder, State of Drama, Oscar Zia and Dr Alban and Jessica Folcker going to the next round of voting. Shirley 6th place, Cajsa-Lisa is 7th, and the song which probably impressed me most this week, "Red" by EKO, finishes last.

There is a silly football-themed sketch, a guy peeing, and a big wheel out of control. Quite frankly, you have lost me by now.

M: What's this got to do with anything?

Then there is a little tribute to Alice Babs, who passed away a few days ago.

As expected, Oscar Zia is on his way direkt till Friends.
M: It's his looks what won it!
L: As I said earlier, it's like a wee Max Martin cast-off.
M: Sounds like a lot of other songs. Pretty ordinary.

It's the two rock bands, Outtrigger and State of Drama, who go to Andra Chansen.
M: "All We Are" is sh*te. And you can put that in your blog post.

But who's going to the final? Only Ace Wilder! Dr Alban and Jessica's car-crash number ends up in 5th place. Mum missed "Busy Doin' Nothin'" when it was performed earlier, but she's quite amused and likes Ace.

M: Chain-gang onesies! This is alright. Very modern.

Above: winners Ace and Oscar celebrate reaching the final. 

Heat 3 was hailed as a triumph for pop over schlager and rock, and the most obvious evidence yet of a shift in the voting demographic for Melodifestivalen. It will probably be the last time that we see Shirley Clamp at the contest, as she is yet another of the 'veterans' to fall victim to televoting, and the rise of the contest's new generation. Melodifestivalen needs new blood, but it would be nice to have a mix between the old and the new in the contest. It doesn't bode well for my beloved Alcazar this weekend :(

When it comes to presenters, Melodifestivalen also needs new blood.  Bin the comedians and give the gig to, say, Lena Philipsson or Sarah Dawn Finer.  It's a song contest after all, not a comedy night!  (although that's debatable a lot of the time...!) 

Who cares about the Brits, when you've got the Swedish Grammis?

Two awards shows taking place on the same evening: one from a country once celebrated and renowned for musical innovation and now scraping the barrel with fly-by-night winners who will probably be forgotten about 12 months from now...

...and the other from a small country with a never-ending pool of musical talent and diversity.  You can't really measure that by Swedish award shows of course, which remain under Mr Hellström's spell; however while we got James Corden (is there no beginning to the man's talents?) Sweden got Ray Cokes.  Yes, the legendary Ray Cokes, Mr 'Most Wanted' himself. 

Oh, and my all-time favourite Swedish artist, Salem Al Fakir, got an award for best composer.  And even if all my other favourites didn't win, things are still always better in Sweden. 

Tonight's winners:

Årets rock: Håkan Hellström

Årets elektro/dans: Icona Pop

Årets låt: Håkan Hellström – ”Det kommer aldrig va över för mig”

Årets hårdrock/metal: Ghost

Årets textförfattare: Håkan Hellström

Årets artist: Avicii

Årets pop: Veronica Maggio

Årets hederspristagare: Sven-Bertil Taube

Årets album: Jenny Wilson – ”Demand the impossible”

Årets video: Jenny Wilson och Daniel Wirtberg ”Autobiography”

Årets klassiska: Karin Rehnqvist

Årets producent: Jenny Wilson

Årets barnalbum: Jazzoo

Årets hiphop/soul: Stor

Årets dansband: Elisa's

Årets innovatör: The Fooo
Årets jazz: Tonbruket
Årets nykomling: Linda Pira

Årets kompositör: Salem Al Fakir, Vincent Pontare och Magnus Lidehäll

Årets folkmusik/visa: Tomas Ledin

Just a minute...of this week's Melodifestivalen songs

It's been described as the most musically diverse of the four heats, but will heat 3 in Gothenburg finally light up what's been (for me) an underwhelming Melodifestivalen so far?  Hmmmm.....

By the way, I'm reviewing the minute-clips rather than the studio versions: I've had the rare but welcome opportunity to work overtime today and therefore am now on the catch-up!

 

Outtrigger: "Echo"

 

Now I'm partial to a bit of rock but I prefer it to be more melodic rather than all the screaming death metally stuff.  Outtrigger first came to our attention of course with that "You" cover.  My mum isn't going to like the screaming.  Bits of this aren't too bad though - it's going to qualify, I just don't know what to. 

 

EKO: "Red"

 

From Echo to EKO.  They won the Svensktoppen contest thing, the new version of the webbjoker.  Does that automatically entitle you to the "spot of death" in every heat?  Looks like it here.  She is very striking with her long red hair - I have to show some solidarity here with my fellow long-red-haired girls, (although I've briefly abandoned it for a brief brunette phase) anyway this is very unusual and atmospheric and it may grow on me - but it's not a qualifier. 

Oscar Zia: "Yes We Can"

Silly sha-la-la-la-la lyrics in the chorus but that won't matter as Saade 3.0 - or is it Ewald 2.0? - will win over all the girls (and boys) who have probably found a new pop boy to love.  The song is rather genetic and average though on first listen. 

Shirley Clamp: "Burning Alive"

OK, first impressions - you know what we all say when we hear a new Shirley song? "well it's not Min Karlek, is it?"  Get past that though and this is a decent enough ballad although I'm imagining a dance-remix of it in my mind already.   The piano line is a bit "Grenade" isn't it, if we're looking for musical reference points?  The key change goes all Quedate Conmigo on us, and that's a good thing!

State of Drama: "All We Are" 

Big ol' hands in the air rock anthem, although the verses don't really fit the chorus.  It may make more sense when I hear the full version, although it doesn't really sound special enough to stand out and I don't like it as much as their 2013 song.  It sounds as if it should be soundtracking an advert or something.

Cajsa-Stina Akerstrom: "En enkel sång"

A simple song, and it is too.  A country ballad performed by a lady with a warm and mature voice.  I'm not familiar at all with any of her music, however this could 'do a Hoffsten' (as no-one's calling it) and qualify as it taps into the same market as the dead fish woman.  It's a bit on the boring side, but I think I prefer this to the dead fish. 

Ace Wilder: "Busy Doin' Nothin'"

I think this will divide people, this one.  Icona Pop and their fans will probably find it the sincerest form of flattery, but it's far too messy, chaotic and amateurish to progress any further.  Maybe I need to hear it again to really make up my mind.

Dr Alban and Jessica Folcker: "Around The World"

Based on the rehearsal clip, I think this will be very popular tonight at EuropeCrazy for all the wrong reasons.  Jessica's vocals are fine, but the vocals/rapping of Dr Alban - the legendary Dr Alban! - are in the so-bad-it's-good camp.  Good draw position, but if he doesn't up his game he won't be going to Stockholm, never mind 'around the world'!

Melodifestivalen 2014 Week 2: underwhelming in Linköping

So yet again we've got the old HDMI cable wired up to the telly, but problems quickly emerge with the SVT stream and don't really resolve themselves for the remainder of the show.

The opening act - "Congratulations" sung in Swedish! - is clearly some kind of 1974/1984 anniversary commemoration of Abba and the Herreys winning Melodifestivalen. 

And now on to the songs!

JEM: "Love Trigger".
Oh look, it's G:son!  Now you never see him in any national finals, do you??  Unfortunately a blurry stream results in a prolonged conversation about how grandad in Mrs Brown's Boys always reminds me of Mr G:son.  Yes peeps, it's that kind of night.  There is something about this which is reassuringly amateurish, yet there is a Will.i.am and Britney feel to this which is very contemporary indeed.  Apparently they were on Swedish X Factor, which may possibly be a good thing for them.

The Refreshments: "Hallelujah".
So on first glance the singer looks as if he's dressed as the flag of FYR Macedonia.  The song is pretty hideous, they've got what looks like Sheila's Wheels on the backing vocals and mum is distracted by the splits-guy's boots.  She's not as excited about the song though.

M: They must have written that in about 5 minutes.
L: This is utter pants.  Next!

Manda: "Glow".
Mum is not used to watching internet streams, whereas I'm happy to put up with pixellation in the name of Melodifestivalen.  We may not be able to see Manda properly but her nails are a big talking point here.  As for the song, it has definitely grown on me and I think it would do well if sung by a more famous singer rather than the unknown Manda. 

Panetoz: "Efter Solsken".
Their catwalk music is Magic System and I tell mum all about 'Dansa Pausa' and how it was a massive hit in Sweden.  Mum is impressed by the fact that in Sweden, hit artists are not afraid to enter the contest and risk failure.  This song has a very catchy chorus although, for me, the verses don't measure up. 

Pink Pistols: "I Am Somebody".
This one's my favourite of the night so far.  I didn't realise till tonight that the girls weren't girls after all!
Mum: Not a bad song.  I like the name - Pink Pistols!
L: Yes I like this.  Although the song title could have been more prominent in the song.  It's more like an afterthought at the end of the chorus.

Sanna Nielsen: "Undo".
AKA the one 'influenced' by Wrecking Ball.  I tell mum about Sanna's numerous appearances in Melodifestivalen.  Mum is not impressed.
M: She's boring.
L: I've never been a fan - I could never warm to her.
M: I just don't like this type of singing or this type of song. 

Little Great Things: "Set Yourself Free".
Mum gets a little summary of the 'family tree'.
M: Nepotism!
I liked the sound of this on the Thursday night clip, however was less impressed tonight.  The lead singer's voice grated on me and the whole thing was vocally ropey at times.  Which is a shame as I usually enjoy the rock songs in Melodifestivalen. 

And cheekily, the organisers of the contest have drawn LGT next to mama Nanne's nemesis...

Martin Stenmarck: "När Änglarna Går Hem".
L: Martin used to have a lovely head of hair.  You fancied him the year he was in Eurovision.
M: Did I?
L: Yes.  And so did I.  He still looks alright. 
The chorus is in the "Tell The World I'm Here"-anthemic vein, however the verses are unimpressive and forgettable.  There are too many flashing lights and effects, obscuring Martin much of the time. 

Resultat time.  Sanna, Refreshments (ugh), JEM, Panetoz and Martin to the next round of voting.  Little Great Things miss out in 6th place, Pink Pistols 7th and Manda 8th. 

Whether or not Panetoz qualify, I think their song will probably become the biggest hit from this week's contest.

Mum does not like Melodifestivalen, much as I try to convert her. 

M: I can't get into all this.  The difference is that you're familiar with all these singers and songwriters and presenters but I'm not.  And I can't watch that blurry picture.
L: (laughs wickedly) And there's 4 more weeks of it to go!
M: Oh no....

They're advertising the Lilla Melodifestivalen thing again.  Yes, you too can appear in big Melodifestivalen if you start off on the kiddie version. 

Nour received some criticism last week for her nervy performance, but she seemed more relaxed and confident this week, dressed in a wine-coloured jumpsuit (or whatever the young folks call them these days).  Mum is unimpressed by Anders, for purely aesthetic reasons: "All those good-looking Swedish young men and they pick him!?!" 

Both presenters however are about to be upstaged by a little girl named Sigrid with her blue and pink hair and a drawing of Yohio.  She stole the show and did the splits.  But can she sing?  Lilla Melodifestivalen beckons. 

Two weeks in, there is still something missing from this year's contest, which is lacking sparkle and the event-quality which long-term Melodifestivalen fans have come to expect.  The quality of the songs is average rather than spectacular.  The Swedish media is blaming the poor scripts, but for those of us non-native speakers, the presentation just appears dull, the postcards useless, and the whole thing has a going-through-the-motions feel. 

So if you remember, there was no interval act last week and we all complained about it.  But be careful what you wish for - because this week we got one.  Sean f****** Banan, with his take on what for me is one of the worst ever Eurovision winners of all time. 

M: I remember that Diggiloo Diggiley.  It was rubbish.  If that's the interval act, you're better off without one!  It was a rotten song the first time round and it's still rotten!

Banan gives way to the real Herreys.  There is something pretty second-hand about all this, as they appeared in last year's brilliant DMGP final as part of a previous-winners segment.

But now it's time for the result.  No surprise that Sanna is direkt till Friends.  Which means that she gets to reprise the song.  This one started off as 'ok' with me but it becomes worse with repeated listening.

JEM go to Andra Chansen and I'm quite happy about that as it's a more contemporary song, but they still need to polish some of the rough edges.  Martin also goes to AC - the second week in a row that the Swedish public has sent a message that just because you're either a Eurovision or Melodifestivalen winner, don't take it for granted that you're an automatic qualifier to the final.

So who else is going to the final?  Panetoz!  Or, as mum now calls them, Pantyhose :))

(all of the above photos courtesy of either SVT or Aftonbladet)

Just a minute...of this week's Melodifestivalen songs

J.E.M.: "Love Trigger" - so this is like we're now now rocking with Will.i.am and Britney...anyway there's a cheerfully amateurish quality to this.

The Refreshments: "Hallelujah" - on first hearing this is really vile, I can't find any other words to describe it.

Manda: "Glow" - she's obviously going for that Kelly Clarkson/Katy Perry song style but we will probably spend the whole song being distracted by the violinists in the sky high frocks.  This is quite nice but I'm not sure about her voice.

Panetoz: "Efter Solsken" - their catwalk music is going to be Premier Gaou which is pretty cool, as I liked that song a few years ago.  Panetoz would probably aspire to be a Swedish version of Magic System, but this sadly goes nowhere and doesn't have the addictive quality of their summer hit Dansa Pausa. 

Pink Pistols: "I Am Somebody" - I want to love this but on the 1 minute clip it's not going anywhere.  There will be lots of strutting and hand gestures by the looks of it though...

Sanna Nielsen: "Undo"-  hopefully she will not come in like a wrecking ball.  Or indeed, on one. I'm not a fan of hers but this sounded pretty ok.  It needs a big ol' dance remix though.

Little Great Things: "Set Yourself Free" - these are Nanne's boys of course and on first hearing I liked what I heard.  I think this could be one of the songs from this year which I'll listen to after the contest.

Martin Stenmarck: "Nar Anglarna Gar Hem" (sorry for the lack of umlaut type things but my Character Map isn't working tonight) - now you know I'm partial to this kind of anthemic Coldplayish kind of song and Martin does it pretty well.  The down side is that he seems to have offended the stylist for some reason.

Will the full versions change my mind on Saturday?  Hope so!  In the meantime, I'll predict 4 qualifiers for this week: Sanna, Martin, Little Great Things and the dreaded Refreshments...

12 Months, 12 Books: "Nul Points" - Tim Moore

Now I'm not one for new year resolutions - they don't work, admit it - but at the beginning of this year I set myself a goal of reading a book every month and then reviewing it at the end of the month on this blog.  The first book of the year is actually an old favourite, which I received as one of my Christmas presents in 2006, if I remember correctly.  As we're heading into national finals season, there's no better time than to revisit "Nul Points" by Tim Moore. 

Moore is the author of several highly entertaining travel books - the most familiar of these for me was "French Revolutions", a very funny book about the Tour de France, which was published back in 2001. 

Nul Points is a grammatically incorrect but instantly recognisable phrase which describes all those Eurovision entries over the years which never received a single point.  In these days of the mega-contest it's virtually impossible for a song to receive no points, but back in the pre-semi final days of a smaller contest, it was a regular occurrence.  Regular enough for Tim Moore to get a book out of it.

The book begins with the ultimate nul-pointer, the legend himself, Jahn Teigen who secured his place in Eurovision history in 1978 and stars on the book's cover in cartoon form.  As Tim makes his way round the world to track down numerous nul-pointers, it's a fascinating contrast between the glorious failures such as the triumphant Jahn whose career was boosted by glorious defeat, and the bitterness and regret of subsequent Norwegian nul-pointer Finn Kalvik; or the dark feelings of Portugal's finger-clickingly unfortunate Celia Lawson who claimed: "so many bad things happen to me - and yes, they all began with Eurovision".  But for every Finn or Celia there's a Tor Endresen or a Kojo who enjoyed the ride and laugh off the experience.

And we couldn't go without mentioning the UK's very own nul-pointers Jemini who by the time of Tim Moore's interview existed somewhere between pride, denial, embarrassment and defiance :)

It's a fascinating read, and you don't need to be a Eurovision expert to appreciate the book.  The best thing about it is that Tim Moore skips the default-setting derision of most British journalists for something a lot more respectful; don't expect a superfan-book either, but just an enjoyable read with lots of genuine empathy and affection for all those guys and girls who've propped up the scoreboard over the years.

Melodifestivalen 2014 Week 1: Yohio and Ellen Benediktson till Friends Arena

After a dull, uneventful January, February finally arrived with the first 'Super Saturday' and the first week of this year's Melodifestivalen marathon.  Yes mum, it goes on for 6 weeks (groans from the other side of the living room)

So here it is, Merry Melo, everybody’s having fun.  Unless of course you’re in the anti-Melo camp and were probably watching one of the two finals or the 5 or 6 other heats/semi-finals of course.  As regular readers will know by now, I manage to persuade my mum to watch the contest with me every year, and so it was again on Saturday night. 

The contest began where Eurovision 2013 left off – in Malmo.  But it's a new presenting team this year of Anders Jansson and Nour El-Refai. 

The opening number is usually a nod to the previous year’s winner – remember Gina and Danny’s Loreen routine last year?  So the 2014 opening sketch was basically taking a shot at those Only Teardrops penny whistles.  It maybe didn’t appeal to everyone, but I thought it was funny. 

Mum (quickly losing patience): “less of the chat, get on with the songs!”

So let’s get on with the songs. 

 

Yohio – “To The End”.  The writers are introduced, Andreas Johnson is among them.  Yohio, the one-man Tokio Hotel returns this year and is hoping to go one better than in 2013. 

L: Yohio’s toned down his image this year.  I think this might appeal to more people than his song from last year, but that’s not to say it’s great.

M: It’s a bit forgettable and mediocre.

 

Mahan Moin – “Aleo”.

M: I’m not impressed by this.  Too many changes.

L: It doesn’t really go anywhere, does it?

We talk through the rest of the song, which screams non-qualifier.

 

Linus Svenning – “Bröder”.

Guy singing a song about his late brother, written by uber-smug text-och-musik eminence Freddie Kempe.

M: I don’t really like this and wouldn’t want to hear it again.

L: This is a strange one.  It’s like the X Factor. I think the emotional lyrics might win the public over, but I still can’t really warm to this.  The piercings and the tattoos are a bit too distracting.

 

I have some more explaining to do to mum about the next song.  In 30 seconds I manage to explain the concept of schlager and dansband, although it probably goes over her head. 

Elisa Lindström – “Casanova”.

M: She’s not wearing very much, is she?

L: This is total schlager but it’s a bad one and it’s all over the place. 

M: It sounds so old-fashioned, like something from about 40 years ago.  Like an old Eurovision song. 

L: So much about this is so wrong.

Alvaro Estrella – “Bedroom”.

L: TFI Bedroom!  I don’t care if the lyrics are mucky, this has brought a bit of life to the show.

M: This is more like it.  A lot more lively and modern, although the lyrics probably waste it.

L: Doesn’t really matter anyway – you can’t really make them out.  He doesn’t have the best voice but I’d like to hear the studio version of this.  My fave of the night so far. I think this is a qualifier.

I then spend the remainder of the song explaining the concept of Anton Ewald to mum…!

 

Ellen Benediktson – “Songbird”. 
We go from boom-boom-boom-boom to a bare-bones, less is more song.

M: I think this has a really good chance of doing well.  Sometimes the voters will be fed up with all the big routines and go for something simple.

L:  She’s really selling this one.  I think this is going to qualify. 

I explain to mum how this reminds me of a song which did well a few years ago (“Trying To Recall”) – I’m feeling the same vibe.

Sylvester Schlegel – “Bygdens Son”

M: Who’s this guy?  He’s not a singer.  Maybe it might have sounded better if a proper singer had sung this. 

L: If we’re going to have an ex-member of The Ark on that stage, I wish it would have been Ola Salo.  This is so not qualifying. 

And finally….

 

Helena Paparizou – “Survivor”.  

I give mum a quick briefing on Helena’s past life as Eurovision winner for Greece.   We are both nodding approval for her lace dress which is our favourite of the night.  Unfortunately, the song falls short of our expectation.

L: This is far too repetitive.

M: She’s good, but the song should have been better.  “Call me a survivor” over and over again – yes, too repetitive.

The songs are over, the crowd shots begin.  Look – there’s Henrik Larsson in the audience! One of the greatest ever footballers is at Melodifestivalen!  You wouldn't expect to see any English premiership footballers in the audience for A Song For Europe, would you?  (Well, if we had A Song For Europe, that is...)

We then get some before-they-were-famous clips from Lilla Melodifestivalen including Molly Sanden and Erik Rapp. 

So, first set of results: Linus.  Elisa. Ellen. Helena.  Yohio.
Never mind 'never made it to the bedroom' - poor old Alvaro never made it to the final or Andra Chansen either.  He came 6th, with Mahan 7th and Sylvester 8th.

 

I'm rather disappointed that there hasn't been an interval act worth mentioning this week.  So at this point I'm engaged in a conversation with mum about going-to-Copenhagen-outwith-Eurovision-week and all the reasons round about that....anyway let's have some results eh????

Firstly: Yohio is direkt till Friends Arena.

Linus Svenning to Andra Chansen, as is (shock horror) Helena Paparizou - we all expected her to go direkt till Friends  however she'll have to settle for a slot in Andra Chansen.  So who is getting the all-important final spot?

Only....Ellen Benediktson.  Which my mum, aka casual Eurovision viewer, clearly predicted. 



Above: Yohio and Ellen celebrate.



48 hours later, there's only one song from that line-up still on my brain - "Bedroom"! 

It was an underwhelming first week:  Anders and Nour were solid rather than spectacular, whilst I'm deducting points for the lack of a real interval act.  Therefore here are the marks I'm awarding for  week 1:

Songs: 2/5
Postcards: 2/5
Staging: 3/5
Presentation: 3/5
Intro: 3/5
Interval Act: 2/5

Next stop Linköping: hoping that J.E.M., The Refreshments, Manda, Panetoz, Pink Pistols, Sanna Nielsen, Little Great Things and Martin Stenmarck deliver some better songs!

Just a minute...of this week's Melodifestivalen songs

Yay!  February is here at last, and we're all glad that January is finally out of the way.

Of course we are now presented with a new challenge: how to keep up with all those heats, semi-finals and finals which have been packed into this new month, and fit in the Winter Olympics as well! 

Tonight is the first "Super Saturday" including the Finnish and Swiss finals.  I'll probably catch these later as I had a listen to the songs and found them pretty underwhelming.  It would be nice to see Softengine's "Something Better" making it to Copenhagen although I can't see it winning.  Switzerland is all a bit 'meh' but they might go for that "Hunter of Stars" song by Sebalter which is at least quite quirky.

There's heats and semi-finals going on tonight in Latvia, Lithuania and Hungary, and let's not forget Iceland.  A Magni-free Iceland this year :(((((( it just won't be the same for me! 

However tonight at 7.00pm UK time, the laptop will be connected to the TV and it will be time for the first of six weeks of Melodifestivalen madness.  Bad news mum....!

As usual, SVT posted one-minute clips of rehearsal performances to give us an opportunity to hear what the songs sound like.  So here are my foolish predictions about who's qualifying and who isn't.  I'm not even going to guess if it will be the final or Andra Chansen!

YOHIO: "To The End".

I have a real problem with YOHIO, because he seems to have built up this whole image and myth around himself when in fact he's just a pretty average singer.  This is an anthemic and lively opener by the Johnson/Kvint team however it just sounds like a lot of other songs and there's nothing making it special.  Fan power will ensure its qualification though.

Qualifier?  YES

Mahan Moin: "Aleo"

Maybe they didn't show the best bit of the song but sorry Mahan, this is a mess for me.  I think her vocals could let her down on the night.  It's a Latino-by-numbers song which will probably come 7th or thereabouts.

Qualifier?  NO

Linus Svenning: "Bröder"

Judging by his YouTube clips, we know he can sing, but will the nerves get the better of him on this emotional song? The balance between power and emotion will be crucial if he is to make it out of this heat. 

Qualifier? DON'T KNOW

Elisa Lindström: "Casanova". 

OK plug in the wind machine and stand well back.  It's mega-schlager time. But it's not a particularly good one, and the problem I have with this is that it's too "old" for her - you could imagine Lotta or Kikki rocking up onto the stage with this rather than a young woman like Elisa. 

Qualifier? NO

Alvaro Estrella: "Bedroom".

So maybe I'm just getting old but I've read the lyrics of this one and they're seriously mucky.  Basically they were at it all over the place and never made it to the bedroom.  Nice.  Anyway he's working the Anton Ewald blueprint and it all sounds very modern and contemporary.  The only thing probably stopping him is the recognition factor as he's an unknown name, but then so was Anton Ewald.

Qualifier: YES

Ellen Benediktson: "Songbird".

From the title to the satellite staging, this is obviously influenced by Anouk's "Birds" however is closer in style to Marie Lindberg's "Trying To Recall" and we know that did very well.  I'm not a ballad fan and this is boring on first listen, however the less-is-more approach could stand out among the wind machines and dance routines.  Again though, the recognition factor could hold her back.

Qualifier: DON'T KNOW

Sylvester Schlegel: "Bygdens Son".

Now this is a strange one.  I liked parts of it, but he has a rather irritating voice.  It's very lively though.  I don't have much else to say about the clip apart to mention that he was previously a member of The Ark.  Now if only Ola Salo could get back up on that Melodifestivalen stage...

Qualifier: NO

Helena Paparizou: "Survivor".

I've never been a fan of her and never understood what all the fuss was about.  This has shades of a Bond theme about it and the subtle verse gives way to a big anthemic, this-is-qualifying chorus.  I don't know if the Swedes will still love her as much as her loyal Eurofans do, however a decent vocal performance should be enough to get her direkt-till-Friends in what, on first hearing, is an underwhelming heat.

Qualifier: YES

Three definite qualifiers and two 'don't knows', well of course I'm a Libran and therefore indecisivess is guaranteed :) What else is guaranteed is that my predictions will be way off beam as usual.  I'm underwhelmed by this week's songs, but I always feel that the whole Melodifestivalen viewing experience is always greater than the sum of its parts, the production values are always second to none, and on a Saturday night where the only alternatives on British telly are "Splash!" and "The Voice" (enough said) then I would imagine there will be many more people heading for that SVT live stream and we shouldn't be too surprised to see it trending on Twitter at some point tonight!

Bressie calls time on his solo music career

Regular readers will be aware that over the last couple of years I became a fan of Irish singer/songwriter Niall Breslin, better known as Bressie.  After an excellent debut album "Colourblind Stereo", I had high hopes for his career.  He joined the panel on The Voice of Ireland which brought him to the attention of a new audience.  However, "Rage and Romance" proved to live up to that 'difficult second album' tag and in my 2013-50 post at the end of last year, I said: "Bressie's second album was one of my most long-awaited in a long time, yet it failed to live up to the anticipation.  The first single from it, the glam rock-influenced "Show Me Love" only managed to scrape into my chart, and despite his continued exposure as a judge on "The Voice of Ireland" I just wonder where his solo career will go from here".

Last week, that question was answered.  Bressie announced on his website http://www.bressiemusic.com/ that he is 'parking' his solo career for the foreseeable future.  He went on to say that he never fully settled as a solo artist and preferred his time performing with previous band The Blizzards. 

With regard to future plans, Bressie said:

"Musically, I have many plans for the future that will be revealed at a more appropriate date. For the immediate future my plans are to concentrate on the production and song writing side of things, developing and working with artists that excite me. My long term dream is to set up a production team and studio in Dublin and in the meantime I’m going to focus on the TV side of things with “The Voice” and now “Teenage Kicks” as well as some other exciting projects including training for an Ironman Triathlon in Austria this May. It’s certainly enough to keep me occupied. :-)
Once again, thank you sincerely for your support and understanding and I promise you that I will be performing and making albums at some stage in the near future."

Teenage Kicks is a new RTE show which will follow Bressie to Limerick to form a new band. 

Bressie, I wish you well in all your future plans and adventures, developing and supporting new talent...and hopefully you'll return to the recording studio some day.  All the best!

...and more wonderful wonderful travel news!

We are finally going to Copenhagen for a short break in May!  All those years ago when we started going on city breaks all over Europe, Copenhagen was always one of the original destinations on the wish list, but for various reasons we never made it there. 

After developing a bit of a Danish obsession over the last couple of years, I'm really looking forward to discovering the capital city and time permitting, maybe even travelling on "The Bridge" for a day trip to Malmö! 

Of course there is something big happening in Copenhagen in May, but we won't be there during Eurovision week, for a combination of reasons which I won't bore you with here, but one of them was that the hiked-up hotel prices would probably have blown our holiday budget for the year!  Anyway I'll just be happy to read about all your adventures if any of you lovely readers are over there for the contest. 

Looking forward to doing all the usual touristy things!  Oh, and if the stories are true about ridiculously good looking people (Alex Hjort lookalikes...yum), I think our people-watching will be even more fun than usual :))

Chypre: douze points

Cyprus might be sitting out Eurovision this year, but there's some big personal news to report as we will be visiting yet another new country in 2014.  Yes, we are heading for the island of Cyprus in a few weeks to grab some spring sunshine, check out the archaeological and historical high points and of course sample the local food and drink, all in the interests of research as usual :))) and of course there will be the usual holiday report on here with all the usual food photography as you would expect by now!!

And more news coming shortly on the next holiday...!

Festivali i Këngës 52

Just catching up with some long overdue posts!  Apologies as this is almost a month late....!

As you all know, Eurovision season, much as we love it, can be a long, frustrating, emotional rollercoaster which will deliver both joy and disappointment.  At the beginning of that long road, we had the iconic Albanian Festivali i Këngës, which defiantly existed outwith the ESC mainstream until 10 years ago, when they began sending the winner to the Eurovision Song Contest with varying results since that time.

In 2012 I decided to dip my toes into the FiK pool and watch my first ever Albanian national final which didn't disappoint.  (The 2012 FiK was also quite moving as it paid tribute to the songs and singers of the 1972 contest who paid the price for being viewed as 'enemies of the state' under the leadership of Enver Hoxha).

Fast forward 12 months to FiK 52.  As ever, the contest took place over three nights in December, but TVSH messed with the format this year (to the detriment of the contest, IMHO).  After each artist performed their competing song, they then performed a duet of a well-known old song with a famous Albanian artist.  Over the first two nights, the competing song/duet sequence seriously interrupted the flow.

FiK is first and foremost an Albanian song contest, which has existed outside Eurovision for a long time and therefore does not go down the route of trying to find an "obvious" Eurovision" song.  That is the particular charm of this particular contest, but it can be equally as frustrating when almost every song is a rather unfocused ballad/mid-tempo song lacking an obvious hook.  However, there are also some wonderful things about FiK.  The defiantly cheesy theme tune.   The orchestra.  The opportunity to watch Albanian ad breaks.  And in 2014, the return of Luiz Ejlli.  Unfortunately "Kthehu" lacked the instantly catchy hook of his previous Albanian entry, but one month later it still gets my vote, although still lacked that 'big finish' required of such a dramatic ballad.

While we're on eye candy - special mentions for Klodian Kacani and Lindi Islami - both of whom I would be happy to see in FiK at a later date....!

Oh, and so much for the running order - the winning song was the first one sung in the final. Herciana a.k.a Hersi Matmuja brought a 'Kiss From A Rose'-style mid-tempo ballad, "Zemërimi i një nate" (One Night's Anger).  I recently read the lyrics of this song and was pretty impressed: "Take away the anger from your heart/every morning is wiser than any night/don’t let the madness of a heart/think a little more, forget this night".  The song needs some surgery, although it will probably be translated into something more basic, sanitised, meaningless...which would be a real shame as that would dilute the meaning of the song. 

Having introduced my mum to the last hour of the competition - which she clearly thought was interminable, although I helpfully reminded her that it had been on for three hours  - her view was that Hersi's voice was better than the song.  All these weeks down the line, I'm not feeling too hopeful about Hersi's qualification chances, but it would be nice to be wrong!