By Steven Oldham
Tonight, Ireland will choose their act for Eurovision 2014, with five solo singers vying to be picked to represent their country in Copenhagen.
Whilst Ireland are the most successful country in the Contest's history, they are going through a lean period - they have reached the top ten just twice and failed to qualify on three occasions in the same timeframe.
Following last year's shock last place for Ryan Dolan and his well received song Only Love Survives, there is an added incentive for the Irish performer to improve their country's position.
Here, I rank the runners and riders in the Irish national selection which airs on RTE at 9.35PM GMT or on RTE Player here
5. Eoghan Quigg - The Movie Song
Even the most dedicated Eoghan fan needs to admit it is time the former X Factor contestant gave up. He has a good voice, but nothing special. The Movie Song is poor. Breathless vocals and awkward lyrics including 'I wanna say that it's groovy/Cos no one says that anymore" to the tune of an identikit reality show winner's song, which we all know are mostly rubbish. Europe will be asleep by the time he has finished. Easily the weakest of the bunch.
4. Patricia Roe - Don't Hold On
Patricia's low placing is no slight her - to Ireland's credit, the national selection is mostly strong this year. Don't Hold On is a soaring piano ballad, composed by Roe herself. Her rich vocals compliment the tune well and the song has a simple, memorable chorus. She may get the votes of older Eurovision fans. Having said that, I'm not convinced it will stand out enough for people to pick up their phones and vote.
3. Laura O'Neill - You Don't Remember Me
You Don't Remember Me is a good song. O'Neill clearly has a strong voice. The song is well put together and the Lucie Silvas influence is obvious. Despite the good vocals and being structurally sound, the song lacks an instant chorus - it's taken me a few listens to like it. Laura doesn't have that opportunity with many viewers hearing the entries for the first time tonight. A decent song but I will be surprised if she wins.
2. Andrew Mann - Be Mine
Unfortunately it seems Andrew has little to no chance of being picked if the fansites are to believed. It's a shame because Be Mine is a powerful song, which I'm sure will sound better live than it does on record. I especially like strings being used to great effect on what is predominantly a rock song. I like rock in Eurovision - not so much the screaming type favoured by the likes of Georgia and Macedonia in recent years - but a decent, stirring tune such as this with passionate vocals. Sounds a bit like 'Hero' by Chad Kroeger from the Spiderman movie
1. Can-linn & Kasey Smith - Heartbeat
This already sounds like a potential Eurovision winner for me. Smith's vocals float effortlessly over a pumping backing track which also manages to include traditional Irish instruments without it sounding forced. It has the most memorable chorus of any song I've heard connected to this year's Eurovision. This track has been very well put together and hopefully Kasey can give a live performance that does her and the song justice as it is a clear winner in my eyes.
So, who's your favourite? Are there still Eoghan fans out there? Do you agree that Heartbeat is a potential contest winner? Let me know on here or via Twitter - @spoldham
Friday, 28 February 2014
Thursday, 27 February 2014
EUROVISION 2014 - LATVIA - Five songs Latvia should've picked over 'Cake To Bake'
By Steven Oldham
Last weekend, Latvia chose Aarzemnieki's 'Cake To Bake' to represent them at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen.
Fan reaction has largely been negative across social media and fansites, particularly as the standard of the national selection this year was mostly high. If this reaction is transferred to votes, Latvia will once again be left in the semi-finals.
The country has one of the worst qualifying records in recent years having not made the grand final since 2008.
Here are five songs they overlooked which I think would have given the Latvians a better chance. Given the strength in depth this year I could have easily added 2 or 3 others. You can listen to all the songs listed here, and the other 19 entries to Dziesma 2014 here
1. Davis Matskins - I Need More
The studio version of this is one of the best songs I've heard so far this year, full stop. From the sci-fi movie soundtrack sounding opening, to the 80s Hurts-esque vocals and the simple, yet very effective chorus, this song genuinely lifts me. This electro track manages to sound retro and bang up to date at the same time. Admittedly Davis's live performance of this was disappointing, but it is a crime that so few people will have heard this track.
2. Ralfs Eilands & Valters Puce - Revelation
Revelation really stood out from the pack and for all the right reasons. The interesting instrumentation and prominent strings are a world away from the other songs entered in Dziesma 2014 and the pointed message in the song is hard to ignore. Easily the most adventurous song musically this year, though the change in pace for the last 30 seconds doesn't really fit with the song. Ralfs qualified for Eurovision 2013 as part of PeR.
3. Eirosmits - If I Could (Get Away)
Eirosmits brought rock to the fore this year and were hard done to place so low in the national final. Combining a tale of being a fed up boyfriend with boyband hooks over a brooding guitar-filled track clearly didn't do it for the Latvians. The verses sound like Bon Jovi - never a bad thing - and there's even a guitar solo. I'd rather listen to this 100 times than Cake To Bake once.
4. MyRadiantU - Going All The Way
This downtempo yet strangely uplifting electro number would've picked up votes across the continent, I don't have any doubts. After a slow start, it builds into a strong contender for selection with a gentle, driving piano and drum beat underpinning the synths and keyboards. Hopefully they will come back next year and try again.
5. Markus Riva - Lights On
This likable song should've placed higher than second last in the final. Multi-talented DJ Markus Riva - he's also a model and producer - entered a catchy, commercially successful dance pop song which would have undoubtedly been popular among the western countries - Lights On is the sort of song you'd hear on English radio and tap your foot to. Unfortunately he won't be going to Copenhagen but I wouldn't bet against him finding future success outside his homeland.
Am I wrong? Will Cake To Bake take Latvia to the final for the first time in six years? Leave a comment here or follow me on Twitter - @spoldham
Last weekend, Latvia chose Aarzemnieki's 'Cake To Bake' to represent them at this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen.
Fan reaction has largely been negative across social media and fansites, particularly as the standard of the national selection this year was mostly high. If this reaction is transferred to votes, Latvia will once again be left in the semi-finals.
The country has one of the worst qualifying records in recent years having not made the grand final since 2008.
Here are five songs they overlooked which I think would have given the Latvians a better chance. Given the strength in depth this year I could have easily added 2 or 3 others. You can listen to all the songs listed here, and the other 19 entries to Dziesma 2014 here
1. Davis Matskins - I Need More
The studio version of this is one of the best songs I've heard so far this year, full stop. From the sci-fi movie soundtrack sounding opening, to the 80s Hurts-esque vocals and the simple, yet very effective chorus, this song genuinely lifts me. This electro track manages to sound retro and bang up to date at the same time. Admittedly Davis's live performance of this was disappointing, but it is a crime that so few people will have heard this track.
2. Ralfs Eilands & Valters Puce - Revelation
Revelation really stood out from the pack and for all the right reasons. The interesting instrumentation and prominent strings are a world away from the other songs entered in Dziesma 2014 and the pointed message in the song is hard to ignore. Easily the most adventurous song musically this year, though the change in pace for the last 30 seconds doesn't really fit with the song. Ralfs qualified for Eurovision 2013 as part of PeR.
3. Eirosmits - If I Could (Get Away)
Eirosmits brought rock to the fore this year and were hard done to place so low in the national final. Combining a tale of being a fed up boyfriend with boyband hooks over a brooding guitar-filled track clearly didn't do it for the Latvians. The verses sound like Bon Jovi - never a bad thing - and there's even a guitar solo. I'd rather listen to this 100 times than Cake To Bake once.
4. MyRadiantU - Going All The Way
This downtempo yet strangely uplifting electro number would've picked up votes across the continent, I don't have any doubts. After a slow start, it builds into a strong contender for selection with a gentle, driving piano and drum beat underpinning the synths and keyboards. Hopefully they will come back next year and try again.
5. Markus Riva - Lights On
This likable song should've placed higher than second last in the final. Multi-talented DJ Markus Riva - he's also a model and producer - entered a catchy, commercially successful dance pop song which would have undoubtedly been popular among the western countries - Lights On is the sort of song you'd hear on English radio and tap your foot to. Unfortunately he won't be going to Copenhagen but I wouldn't bet against him finding future success outside his homeland.
Am I wrong? Will Cake To Bake take Latvia to the final for the first time in six years? Leave a comment here or follow me on Twitter - @spoldham
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
EUROVISION 2014 - SPAIN - Ranking the five national final song entries
By Steven Oldham
In ten days time, five acts will compete in Barcelona for the right to represent Spain in Copenhagen this May.
They will be looking to improve on the disappointing performance of ESDM at last year's event, who finished second last.
Spain will pick their entry via jury and televoting in a 50/50 split on February 22, and here, I rank the five songs fighting to be picked.
To hear the songs, go to this page. What's your favourite? Let me know.
5. Raúl - Seguir Sin Ti
Raúl is a veteran Eurovision campaigner having first tried to represent his country back in 2000 only to finish as runner up. He's since released an impressive six albums so is obviously popular in Spain, but on this evidence it's hard to see why. A dull, dated ballad which would have been well at home in the 1970s. Spain will have no chance if they choose this.
4. Brequette - Más (Run)
This seems to be an early favourite among ESC fans from what I'm reading but I'm a little underwhelmed. She has a strong voice, but her song is too melodramatic, and sounds like an unholy combination of Jordin Sparks and Bridget Mendler. It may grow on me but at the moment it just sounds as if it's trying to be 'big' and failing.
3. La Dama - Estrella Fugez
A slow starter, Estrella Fugez builds nicely into an enjoyable Eurodance track. La Dama vocalist Damaris is not the strongest singer you'll ever hear, but the energetic, modern track makez up for this. It would definitely get people dancing in a club, but live? My only concern would be this sounding a bit 'flat' on the big stage. The song has a slower breakdown section near the end which doesn't really fit with the rest of the song, but Spain could do worse than pick this.
2. Ruth Lorenzo - Dancing In The Rain
The former UK X Factor contestant has come up with the goods here to do her country proud. Dancing In The Rain is a strong, atmospheric piano driven power ballad built to showcase her vocal ability, which effortlessly flips between Spanish and English. A little repetitive but this can be forgiven when the starting product is good. She'd also be likely to collect points from the UK & Ireland where even more casual Eurovision viewers will remember her X Factor performances.
1. Jorge González - Aunque Se Acabe El Mundo
An upbeat, dancy number from another national final alumni, which sounds a lot like international superstar DJ Bob Sinclar - it's similar to Love Generation without the whistling. Aunque Se Acabe El Mundo (Even if the World Ends) is a catchy, simple track which should do well. González came second in the country's first series of The Voice, so his live vocals should not be in question. His summery, guitar infused track deserves to be heard by a wider audience and could enjoy success across the continent if he gets the nod to go to Copenhagen.
So, am I right? Or is Jorge Gonzalez's entry the worst you've ever heard? Leave a comment!
Follow @spoldham on Twitter
In ten days time, five acts will compete in Barcelona for the right to represent Spain in Copenhagen this May.
They will be looking to improve on the disappointing performance of ESDM at last year's event, who finished second last.
Spain will pick their entry via jury and televoting in a 50/50 split on February 22, and here, I rank the five songs fighting to be picked.
To hear the songs, go to this page. What's your favourite? Let me know.
5. Raúl - Seguir Sin Ti
Raúl is a veteran Eurovision campaigner having first tried to represent his country back in 2000 only to finish as runner up. He's since released an impressive six albums so is obviously popular in Spain, but on this evidence it's hard to see why. A dull, dated ballad which would have been well at home in the 1970s. Spain will have no chance if they choose this.
4. Brequette - Más (Run)
This seems to be an early favourite among ESC fans from what I'm reading but I'm a little underwhelmed. She has a strong voice, but her song is too melodramatic, and sounds like an unholy combination of Jordin Sparks and Bridget Mendler. It may grow on me but at the moment it just sounds as if it's trying to be 'big' and failing.
3. La Dama - Estrella Fugez
A slow starter, Estrella Fugez builds nicely into an enjoyable Eurodance track. La Dama vocalist Damaris is not the strongest singer you'll ever hear, but the energetic, modern track makez up for this. It would definitely get people dancing in a club, but live? My only concern would be this sounding a bit 'flat' on the big stage. The song has a slower breakdown section near the end which doesn't really fit with the rest of the song, but Spain could do worse than pick this.
2. Ruth Lorenzo - Dancing In The Rain
The former UK X Factor contestant has come up with the goods here to do her country proud. Dancing In The Rain is a strong, atmospheric piano driven power ballad built to showcase her vocal ability, which effortlessly flips between Spanish and English. A little repetitive but this can be forgiven when the starting product is good. She'd also be likely to collect points from the UK & Ireland where even more casual Eurovision viewers will remember her X Factor performances.
1. Jorge González - Aunque Se Acabe El Mundo
An upbeat, dancy number from another national final alumni, which sounds a lot like international superstar DJ Bob Sinclar - it's similar to Love Generation without the whistling. Aunque Se Acabe El Mundo (Even if the World Ends) is a catchy, simple track which should do well. González came second in the country's first series of The Voice, so his live vocals should not be in question. His summery, guitar infused track deserves to be heard by a wider audience and could enjoy success across the continent if he gets the nod to go to Copenhagen.
So, am I right? Or is Jorge Gonzalez's entry the worst you've ever heard? Leave a comment!
Follow @spoldham on Twitter
Friday, 7 February 2014
The 3 best pre-selection songs to miss out on Eurovision 2013
By Steven Oldham
Pre-selection competitions are happening all over Europe ahead of this year's Eurovision in Denmark. Some efficient countries have already picked their Copenhagen entries.
Every year there are songs left in obscurity in these competitions that only the most dedicated fans will listen to.
Some of these songs are right to be left there. They shouldn't have been let out of the recording studio never mind given a chance to represent the country. Happily, SOME of them are a lot better. In a few cases, countries pick the wrong song to go to the contest or good songs miss out in a strong field.
Here, I've picked my favourite three songs that missed out on Malmo last year. Do you agree or not? Leave a comment and let me know.
Pre-selection competitions are happening all over Europe ahead of this year's Eurovision in Denmark. Some efficient countries have already picked their Copenhagen entries.
Every year there are songs left in obscurity in these competitions that only the most dedicated fans will listen to.
Some of these songs are right to be left there. They shouldn't have been let out of the recording studio never mind given a chance to represent the country. Happily, SOME of them are a lot better. In a few cases, countries pick the wrong song to go to the contest or good songs miss out in a strong field.
Here, I've picked my favourite three songs that missed out on Malmo last year. Do you agree or not? Leave a comment and let me know.
3. Blitzkids MVT. - Heart On The Line (Germany)
Germany made the mistake last year of going with the big name of Cascada rather than the best song. If they had picked Heart On The Line instead of Glorious, they would have at least avoided the negative press Natalie and co got for their song's similarity to Euphoria. Blitzkids MVT's track would have stood out more to the voters and I'm sure they would have put on a more interesting on-stage performance. Cool enough to pick up votes from across the continent and a song I'm sure would do well if it was promoted in English speaking markets.
2. Yohio - Heartbreak Hotel (Sweden)
It was a real shame this lost out to Robin Stjernberg in the final of Melodifestivalen last year. Indeed it got the most televotes, but had to settle for second behind 'You'. A captivating performer with a catchy, glam rock inspired pop song. I think he could've challenged Emmelie de Forest for the victory if he had got through - not enough people in Europe know about this song to do it justice. His effort for 2014 isn't as good sadly and while it's a shame he missed out last time, he shouldn't go to Copenhagen this year. Honourable MelFest mention to Louise Hoffsten's Only The Dead Fish Follow The Stream.
1. Davinia Pace - Betrayed (Malta)
I liked Gianluca. I liked Tomorrow. A laid back foot tapper - perfect to represent Malta, who will win one day, I hope. But this stunning song somehow only came third in the national selection contest. It's no exaggeration to say it could be the next Bond theme. EUROVISION NEEDS BOND. Moody strings, a cracking voice and excellent stagecraft would make this a real contender in the contest proper. The staging in the national final performance was excellent - the backing singers just need silhouetting out and it's like the start of a 007 film. She is back this year but again her new song doesn't really match up to the high standards she's set herself. This should be on iTunes - I'd be 99p worse off.
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