Eurovision in Copenhagen

There's just one week to go until Eurovision in Copenhagen, and across Europe fans and governments alike are gearing up for the big event.  The economic situation is tough in many parts of Europe this year, as evidenced by the noticeable lack of entrants from some of the usual countries, including Cyprus, Croatia, Serbia, Turkey and Bosnia/Hercegovina. One can only assume this is out of concern for possibly winning and having to host in the following year, an undertaking that is sure to tip any struggling economy into recession. 

I'm writing this blog from Sarajevo, and the local population seems far more fixated on Bosnia and Hercegovina's success at qualifying for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil, than on Eurovision next weekend. Fortunately the Balkans are putting in a strong entry from Montenegro. All the Caucasus countries are putting in a strong showing this year, and there is every chance the trophy may head east again.  

It's tough to pick a top 5 this year, but I'd have to go with the following: (embedded youtube clips are included below, but in case you are reading on a mobile device, links also provided)

1. Romania: great look and great track. Strong potential for broken windows from a couple of the high notes! Should be in the top 5 atleast.  A favourite of Jessie's.  Click here to watch

2. Montenegro: after some questionable outings over recent years, Crna Gora has put forward a strong entry this year.  This is a great track with a classic Balkan feel. The singer, Sergej Cetkovic is music royalty in Montenegro.  He has a resonant Balkan voice, no doubt finely honed by smoking a packet of cigarettes each day for the last 20 years! Click here to watch

3. Georgia: this song is actually far too good for Eurovision.  Unlikely to do well though, as does not fit the normal formula.  Musically a great track though, and well worth a listen. A favourite of Anna's. Click here to watch

4. Armenia: great song, that builds with intensity. Kids love the drumming section. A possible winner this year. Click here to watch

5. Greece: this song could be a dark horse in the competition this year.  Will be popular on the dancefloors of Agia Napa and Ibiza this summer.  The Roma brass at the start is a great touch. Click here to watch

I would also sneak in Azerbaijan as a strong Top 5 contender.  The song is good but a little slow, but the small Caspian state always does well as they have they have the oil, and therefore plenty of other countries seeking to earn favour.  Also a guaranteed 12 points from Turkey never hurts either. Click here to watch

As for the other entries, herewith my brief thoughts (countries in alphabetical order):

Albania: not a bad track, a little unconventional but should make the final. Original song was better when it was sung in Albanian, not English

Austria: Interesting look. Lady singer with a permanent 3 day growth.  Song is trying too hard. Not a finalist sorry!

Belarus: something about cheesecake.  Cute song but won't make the final

Belgium: A man singing about his mother.  Powerful ballad but not a winner (is that his actual mother dancing in the background?) 

Denmark: why does the hosting nation always have such naf songs?  Not a winner, but the home crowd will of course love it.  

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

FYR Macedonia: catchy tune but not a winner. Singer is seriously tall

Finland: decent rock track.  This could actually do ok, especially with the local Scandinavian crowd.  Channelling 'Flock of Seagulls'

France: No. Sounds like they wrote it in the bus on the way to the competition. Stay home next time unless you can come up with a better song

Germany: have listened to this song several times.  Overall a bit unremarkable.  Not a winner.

Hungary: powerful song with some dark themes.  Not a winner but may do ok. Angus' favourite song.  

Iceland: all about prejudice.  Catchy tune, but I don't think will make final

Ireland: atleast it's not Jedward again (but I'm sure they're due for a return to Eurovision soon).  Anthemic song, ok but a bit bland.  Not a winner

Israel: Don't like the song.  Sharp edges, not a winner

Italy: Good Italian rock track; not quite 'eurobeat' enough to win

Latvia: Solving the world's problems by baking cakes.  Will not make it past semifinal. Sarah's favourite.

Lithuania: Snappy dancing and decent song.  Will be good to watch on the night, but alas not a finalist

Malta: Mumford and Sons comes to Valletta. But where is the lute?  Not a winner  

Moldova: Powerful voice; seems like a bit of an angry song.  Not a winner.

Norway: everyone seems to think this song has a chance, but it doesn't do much for me. In fact I think this guy would be more at home with a chainsaw or axe cutting down some fir trees 

Poland: looks like this song is about food preparation and breasts.  Will do well with votes from the Slavic countries.  Likely to make the final but not a winner

Portugal: NNNNNNOOOOOOO!  Too cliched.  Should have stayed home

Russia: sorry Russia, too boring.  Current activities in Ukraine will be sure to hurt the Russian vote.  Could it be nil points this year (just like the UK when they supported the invasion of Iraq?) 

San Marino: No.  Boring song, and San Marino just lacks the political influence needed to attract many votes

Slovenia: The flute is a nice touch.  I want to like this song, but not a real contender

Spain: Classic Spanish entry, I think will do well.  I just wish there wasn't the wailing cries near the end

Sweden: Sorry, this song just doesn't do it for me, even though some are saying it has a good chance of winning.  Too bland and predictable

Switzerland: Catchy tune, with a good whistling hook.  Some decent fiddle also.  A favourite of Sam's but alas not a winner

The Netherlands: Finally some Country and Western in Eurovision!  This is actually a good song but unlikely to do well as not the usual genre.  Also not too many other countries owing political favours to netherlands this year

Ukraine: average song, but sure to do well given current political impasse with Russia.  If it makes the final Ukraine will attract many votes from Europe in an effort to strengthen western-leaning political interests

UK: They are saying the best UK entry for years, but I have to disagree.  More meaningless schlock, trying too hard to fit a formula. Sorry!

So there you have it.  My 2 cents worth on each of the entries this year.  Enjoy the show!