This has been one of these dull winter Sundays where we just want to curl up on the couch under a blanket with a nice cup of tea. But that's not exactly a kick ass way to start the new year is it? We need some French girl (or guy?) power in this week's Retro Sunday:
Oh those French, they really owned the Eurovision stage during the early 90s. We are amazed by how contemporary this number still sounds and looks, it could just as easily have been performed in Oslo last year. The energy and drive conveyed by Nina Morato puts us instantly in an exhilaratingly good mood and makes us want to take up kick-boxing or rugby as our new spare-time hobby. She kinda scares the shit out of us, walking around on stage like some crazy character from a Fatal Attraction-ish movie. Or perhaps with that top hat, something more surreal, like from some foreign film, as the Americans usually tend to refer to when they basically mean a French movie. We like!
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Retro Sunday: France 1977
Germany's success this year will hopefully inspire the rest of the Big 4 bunch to actually consider choosing a good song for next year's contest. Like France did 33 years ago:
It's been a while since France's last victory, alltough we need to do them justice by mentioning that they have come close many times with amazing songs and stunning performances. However Marie Myriam was the last one to take the victory home and she was indeed a very deserving winner. We love her confident performance where she just trusts her own abilities and the superb quality of the song.
Numerous artists have covered this song in different languages, among them, one of our favorite ESC participants ever, Birthe Kjær from Denmark. We much prefer the original in French, but when the song can sound almost equally good in one of the strangest languages in the world, it tells us that this is one of the true classics. Forget shouty dance routines, bring back the fab Frenchness of the grand ballad!
It's been a while since France's last victory, alltough we need to do them justice by mentioning that they have come close many times with amazing songs and stunning performances. However Marie Myriam was the last one to take the victory home and she was indeed a very deserving winner. We love her confident performance where she just trusts her own abilities and the superb quality of the song.
Numerous artists have covered this song in different languages, among them, one of our favorite ESC participants ever, Birthe Kjær from Denmark. We much prefer the original in French, but when the song can sound almost equally good in one of the strangest languages in the world, it tells us that this is one of the true classics. Forget shouty dance routines, bring back the fab Frenchness of the grand ballad!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Defeated, but not forgotten
It turned out to be Germany's turn this year and we say well deserved! Lena was one of our favorites from the beginning and we are confident the Germans will put on a massive show next year, we can hardly wait!
However, every year regardless of who takes home the victory, there will always be discussions around which country should have won. It might be the crazy disco act which finished second or the alluring ballad that keeps growing on you long after it finished seventh in the final. Do you remember who won in 1983? We can barely remember a lady in a pink dress wailing something in French, but the girl who came on third place sticks like glue to our brains!
Here’s our list with some of our favorite songs trough all times that didn’t win the contest but most certainly won our hearts!
1991 - France: Amina "C'est le dernier qui a parlé qui a raison”
An excruciatingly exciting voting process ended with a tie break between Sweden and France. Amina came second with the smallest margin ever to spare to the winner, having received fewer ten points than the winner Carola. – But what an astonishing lady with a heavenly voice and an even sassier orange scarf than the one WigWam had. She owned the stage that night in Rome.
1983 - Sweden: Carola "Främling"
Ironically enough it was Carola who snatched the victory out of Amina’s henna painted hands in 1991, but a few years earlier Carola had to settle for third place. Carola’s career path is somewhat similar to Michael Jackson’s: 1983: talented and wonderful, 1991: on top of their careers, 2006: freak show! We find this deeply disturbing….
1979 – West Germany: Dschinghis Khan ”Dschinghis Khan”
How come everybody remembers an act that came on fourth place in 1979? Magical!
2000 – Latvia: BrainStorm ”My Star”
During this beautiful evening in May one decade ago we realized that the Europe we used to know in our childhood back in the eighties had changed forever and no longer existed. This perfect pop song, with the most charming vocalist ever! Why did it only finish on third place? And why did the Pensioners Party from Denmark win?
1973 – Spain: Mocedades ”Eres tú”
The Basques sure know how to race a bicycle and to play soccer, but they also know how to make the perfect ballad! This song is commonly confused as the winner from 1973, even though the actual winning act was really strong that year.
1968 – United Kingdom: Cliff Richard ”Congratulations”
Sir Cliff looks younger today than what he did 42 years ago. Scary. However there’s no way getting around the fact that he nailed it with a classic and a massive hit when he came second that year. His contribution is especially loved and appreciated among those of us who loves birthday celebrations.
1987 – Norway: Kjersti Bergesen ”Go-go”
This entry didn’t even make it through to the international final; it finished on third place in the Norwegian national selection final behind Kate “Bad Hair Day” Gulbrandsen. But our Norwegian readers and Eurovision connoisseurs might remember that it beat strong household names like Sigvart Dagsland, Olav Stedje, Mia Gundersen and Finn Kalvik. Kjersti is not even close to sporting a decent singing voice, but the song itself is a perfect snap shot from the eighties, and the keychange towards the end of the song is priceless.
2005 – Latvia: Walter & Kazha ”The war is not over”
How can there be wars going on when cutie pies like this can make such wonderful music? Massive ”Extreme- More Than Words” factor going on and we immediately turn 13 again when we listen to this song which came fifth in Kiev.
2003 – Belgium: Urban Trad ”Sanomi”
As if Flemish isn’t silly enough to begin with, the Belgians decided to sing in a sort of gibberish language this year. World music is usually not our cup of tea, but we didn’t mind if this entry had finished higher than second place in 2003.
1983 – Yugoslavia: Danijel ”Dzuli”
1983 was a really strong year with a weak winner. This number came on fifth place and became an instant classic. Balkanswing rules!
What’s your favorite runner up?
However, every year regardless of who takes home the victory, there will always be discussions around which country should have won. It might be the crazy disco act which finished second or the alluring ballad that keeps growing on you long after it finished seventh in the final. Do you remember who won in 1983? We can barely remember a lady in a pink dress wailing something in French, but the girl who came on third place sticks like glue to our brains!
Here’s our list with some of our favorite songs trough all times that didn’t win the contest but most certainly won our hearts!
1991 - France: Amina "C'est le dernier qui a parlé qui a raison”
An excruciatingly exciting voting process ended with a tie break between Sweden and France. Amina came second with the smallest margin ever to spare to the winner, having received fewer ten points than the winner Carola. – But what an astonishing lady with a heavenly voice and an even sassier orange scarf than the one WigWam had. She owned the stage that night in Rome.
1983 - Sweden: Carola "Främling"
Ironically enough it was Carola who snatched the victory out of Amina’s henna painted hands in 1991, but a few years earlier Carola had to settle for third place. Carola’s career path is somewhat similar to Michael Jackson’s: 1983: talented and wonderful, 1991: on top of their careers, 2006: freak show! We find this deeply disturbing….
1979 – West Germany: Dschinghis Khan ”Dschinghis Khan”
How come everybody remembers an act that came on fourth place in 1979? Magical!
2000 – Latvia: BrainStorm ”My Star”
During this beautiful evening in May one decade ago we realized that the Europe we used to know in our childhood back in the eighties had changed forever and no longer existed. This perfect pop song, with the most charming vocalist ever! Why did it only finish on third place? And why did the Pensioners Party from Denmark win?
1973 – Spain: Mocedades ”Eres tú”
The Basques sure know how to race a bicycle and to play soccer, but they also know how to make the perfect ballad! This song is commonly confused as the winner from 1973, even though the actual winning act was really strong that year.
1968 – United Kingdom: Cliff Richard ”Congratulations”
Sir Cliff looks younger today than what he did 42 years ago. Scary. However there’s no way getting around the fact that he nailed it with a classic and a massive hit when he came second that year. His contribution is especially loved and appreciated among those of us who loves birthday celebrations.
1987 – Norway: Kjersti Bergesen ”Go-go”
This entry didn’t even make it through to the international final; it finished on third place in the Norwegian national selection final behind Kate “Bad Hair Day” Gulbrandsen. But our Norwegian readers and Eurovision connoisseurs might remember that it beat strong household names like Sigvart Dagsland, Olav Stedje, Mia Gundersen and Finn Kalvik. Kjersti is not even close to sporting a decent singing voice, but the song itself is a perfect snap shot from the eighties, and the keychange towards the end of the song is priceless.
2005 – Latvia: Walter & Kazha ”The war is not over”
How can there be wars going on when cutie pies like this can make such wonderful music? Massive ”Extreme- More Than Words” factor going on and we immediately turn 13 again when we listen to this song which came fifth in Kiev.
2003 – Belgium: Urban Trad ”Sanomi”
As if Flemish isn’t silly enough to begin with, the Belgians decided to sing in a sort of gibberish language this year. World music is usually not our cup of tea, but we didn’t mind if this entry had finished higher than second place in 2003.
1983 – Yugoslavia: Danijel ”Dzuli”
1983 was a really strong year with a weak winner. This number came on fifth place and became an instant classic. Balkanswing rules!
What’s your favorite runner up?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Whatever happened to our judgment?
Sometimes, listening to a song many times can make it better, while other times it just burns an irreplaceable hole in your head. So, after giving you our honest opinion about the entries, and then listening to them for like a million times more, has anything changed? A little for some of the entries. Here's the latest news from our changing minds, after the rehearsals have kicked off in Oslo.
Russia
We hated Russia. Kinda still do. But then we've hated it so much it has reached the level of something similar of a cult status with us. "What are you doing, man?" will certainly be a party one liner for the next couple of weeks and we will almost remember it when looking at a photo. At least this song has something quirky and funny about it, and that's more than we can say about the other boring stuff.
Cyprus
There is something about Jon Lillygreen. He is really sweet and his voice sticks with us. We think this can be a popular song in the finals. Because after all, now it's spring and everything looks a little better.
Serbia
Disappointment from here to eternity after watching Milan Stankovic's first rehearsal in Norway. The man is still glorious, but what happened to his glorious dancers? Looks like he switched two of the women for boring men. And the fantastic ethnic show gone as well? Shame, shame, shame, Serbia. You are in vain. We hope you're fooling us, and will reveal the most ethnotastic show ever in the later rehearsals to come.
Sweden
Sweden's entry is working a little bit like their H&M clothing - nice, but wears out really quickly. Anna is still lovely, the song isn't.
Estonia
We're loving the Siren of Estonia even more each day. Robin Juhkental is just so fine and dandy standing there bending his knees, moving in interesting ways and pointing his microphone everywhere. The song is a pearl that grows on you. Too bad the majority of the televoters don't have time for that.
Poland
We're so easily charmed it's embarrassing some times. Poland's happy joy joy singer running around loving his family and making video blogs is just so super charming we're actually reconsidering the song and liking it a little bit more. So much for being tough critics.
France
Oh, God. We wish we didn't like this tiring song. But there's something about it that makes us want to play it every once in a while. We need music like this from time to time. And Jessy is still lovely. Really looking forward to seeing how this works live at least.
Israel
When we reviewed this song, we thought it was a little bit too forgettable and nice. But as we are approaching the finals and taking closer and closer looks at Harel, we realize this is some fine song we will never forget. We've tested it on 2 year olds and mother-in-laws and rock stars and they all like it, so we figure it suits many and is one tough challenge for the rest of the countries this year.
Denmark
We just have to tell you: This song will always remain as horrible as the first time we heard it. For every breath you take, we will despise you even more. It's pretentious, calculating and soulless. Sorry, neighbors. You're a bore.
Russia
We hated Russia. Kinda still do. But then we've hated it so much it has reached the level of something similar of a cult status with us. "What are you doing, man?" will certainly be a party one liner for the next couple of weeks and we will almost remember it when looking at a photo. At least this song has something quirky and funny about it, and that's more than we can say about the other boring stuff.
Cyprus
There is something about Jon Lillygreen. He is really sweet and his voice sticks with us. We think this can be a popular song in the finals. Because after all, now it's spring and everything looks a little better.
Serbia
Disappointment from here to eternity after watching Milan Stankovic's first rehearsal in Norway. The man is still glorious, but what happened to his glorious dancers? Looks like he switched two of the women for boring men. And the fantastic ethnic show gone as well? Shame, shame, shame, Serbia. You are in vain. We hope you're fooling us, and will reveal the most ethnotastic show ever in the later rehearsals to come.
Sweden
Sweden's entry is working a little bit like their H&M clothing - nice, but wears out really quickly. Anna is still lovely, the song isn't.
Estonia
We're loving the Siren of Estonia even more each day. Robin Juhkental is just so fine and dandy standing there bending his knees, moving in interesting ways and pointing his microphone everywhere. The song is a pearl that grows on you. Too bad the majority of the televoters don't have time for that.
Poland
We're so easily charmed it's embarrassing some times. Poland's happy joy joy singer running around loving his family and making video blogs is just so super charming we're actually reconsidering the song and liking it a little bit more. So much for being tough critics.
France
Oh, God. We wish we didn't like this tiring song. But there's something about it that makes us want to play it every once in a while. We need music like this from time to time. And Jessy is still lovely. Really looking forward to seeing how this works live at least.
Israel
When we reviewed this song, we thought it was a little bit too forgettable and nice. But as we are approaching the finals and taking closer and closer looks at Harel, we realize this is some fine song we will never forget. We've tested it on 2 year olds and mother-in-laws and rock stars and they all like it, so we figure it suits many and is one tough challenge for the rest of the countries this year.
Denmark
We just have to tell you: This song will always remain as horrible as the first time we heard it. For every breath you take, we will despise you even more. It's pretentious, calculating and soulless. Sorry, neighbors. You're a bore.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Retro Sunday: France 1992
Every Sunday we give you some of our favorite old entries to cheer you up a little extra and make you miss the glorious old days. Today we bring you a French treat from the 90s :
France was one of the pioneers back in the early 90s in bringing new ethnic sounds into Eurovision. They celebrated diversity and being a multicultural nation showing that they could be truly Eurovisionary. Most of us remember Guadeloupean Jöelle in 1990, followed by Tunisian Amina in 1991, but do you remember Martiniquean Kali in 1992? Get reacquainted with this fab contribution from the French which finished 8th in Malmö!
France was one of the pioneers back in the early 90s in bringing new ethnic sounds into Eurovision. They celebrated diversity and being a multicultural nation showing that they could be truly Eurovisionary. Most of us remember Guadeloupean Jöelle in 1990, followed by Tunisian Amina in 1991, but do you remember Martiniquean Kali in 1992? Get reacquainted with this fab contribution from the French which finished 8th in Malmö!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Let's not play ball tonight, France
Is it a Eurovision song or is it a football song? Oh, wait, it's both. Welcome to France.
The Eurovision story of France is just one long ballad. Or is it really? People tend to praise France's participation in ESC based on all the nice French ballads they know. But looking closer, what do they see? While Celine Dion sold her soul to Switzerland, most of the other ones decided to be a part of moneymoneyland Monacco or the country we miss most in the whole Eurovision world, Luxembourg. France got stuck with the honor and all kinds of funny stuff, like Jesus looking for the milky way and some funny blokes in Gaultier. Not really a success any of those, that must be admitted. What was a greater success was the bird song in 1977, and the ethno cultural beginning of the 90s. Mind you, we are somewhat divided in our opinion on the woman trying to convince us she's black while being Obama brown. Well, at least Serge Gainsbourg helped her get the message through.
This year France is discovering their ethnic connection again. Guess they were all a bit lazy over there, as the French just decided to send their football song to Oslo. Good for the parties, since Jessy Matador is one hot piece of ass bringing along some fine ladies, but not so good for our heads. Because although we will be happy to shake our hips a little after all those lazy ballads, we are just so tired of the music half way through we can't even listen to the lovely voices that comes along with it. And that's well done for a song that lasts less than three minutes. It also makes us wonder whether there actually is such a thing as a particular Eurovision genre. In that case, France is far from it this year.
Love the man, hate the beatbox, could be the conclusion. We can't imagine this being very popular outside the very west of Europe. And you've got to admit it, that's where the voting powers are.
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