Eurovision in Malmo

It's Eurovision song contest time again, this year coming from Malmo Sweden with the final next Saturday night.  The stage is set for all the high drama and political intrigue of the voting.  

Herewith a brief form guide of the 39 entries in alphabetical order:

Albania: channeling a mix of bon jovi, acdc and scorpion, all in an Albanian rock band.  Should have stayed at home

Armenia: straight rock track; not a bad song, but definitely not a winner

Austria:  No, too bland

Azerbaijan: this country really want to get the Eurovision crown back.  Solid entry, and they have the Caspian Sea oil so may get some votes

Belarus: ho hum, another boring eurovision anthem; no chance of winning

Belgium: good song, but I think no chance of winning

Bulgaria: I like this song, but I fear the rest of Europe won't.  Great drum work; they also have some weird 80's electropop/balkan fusion going on; alas not a winner

Croatia: great voices, dalmatian accapella, no chance of winning

Cyprus: nice song, but luckily won't win.  Country does not have the cash to host next year

Denmark: strong contender if they can attract the nordic and baltic states bloc vote; Sam's favourite tune

Estonia: snore......yet another bland entry

FYR Macedonia: fusion between balkan ballad a bad turbofolk; starts well, but ends up as an interesting experiment that fails

Finland: something about a wedding; no chance

France: No

Georgia: power ballad and strong contender, may get up this year if Caucasus countries vote as a bloc; Turkey may also support due to new oil pipeline through Georgia

Germany: something not right about this song, but can't put my finger on it. Will definitely not get 12 points from Cyprus following recent banking crisis

Greece: Balkan ska, good track.  Think both Greece and Cyprus need some alcohol after economic strife this year; not a serious contender, but will still get 12 points from Cyprus if it makes the final

Hungary: singer has interesting look; boring song; won't win

Iceland: Thor finds a voice!  Nice tune but not a winner.  Iceland lacking gravitas in terms of political influence

Ireland: atleast it's not Jedward; catchy tune but no chance

Israel: Nana Mouskouri protege?? No chance

Italy: Surprisingly good track; not quite 'eurobeat' enough to win

Latvia: a bit like Jedward but without the hair; good fun but not a contender

Lithuania: No, although there is some good eyebrow action from singer

Malta: could be a dark horse.  Good tune, well sung.  Shame Malta does not have much political influence

Moldova: The druid action behind the singer is intriguing, but the song does not inspire. Will not make the final

Montenegro: Ah Crna Gora, you've done it again.  Could be so good, but misses badly.  Weird mix of ninjas, pole dancing and guys in chemical suits.  Won't make the final

Norway: something a bit dark about this one; don't really like it

Romania: oh dear, falsetto can only take you so far. Angus has been imitating this song all week and driving us slightly mad

Russia: power ballad, will no doubt do well but I think not a winner

San Marino: No

Serbia: good song, catchy chorus.  With recent progress on Kosovo issue and talks of EU accession, Serbia could attract some serious votes this year; possibly a chance, but I don't like the singers outfits

Slovenia: not a real contender

Spain: cute song, with intro pipes and something about a white horse; I like the tune, but alas I think not a winner

Sweden: Great song, good look and dancers. But unlikely to win given Sweden as hosts.

Switzerland: Hmm, good fun but not a winner

The Netherlands: different song, interesting tune.  Could make finals but not a winner

Ukraine: good song, strong contender.  We live next to Ukranian embassy, so champagne will flow if this wins

UK: What are they thinking over there? Engelburt last year, and now Bonnie Tyler?  Nul points

So there you have it.  My 2 cents worth on each of the entries this year.  Shame Bosnia and Turkey are not participating this year.  They always put in a strong showing.  

So for mine, the top three entries:

1.  Georgia

2.  Ukraine

3.  Denmark

Enjoy the show!