The Big 2012 (P)Review – Part 5: Finland & Israel

We’re running up to the 2012 Contest, all entries for Baku have been chosen and it’s time to take a closer look at what we can expect to see and hear at the end of May. I’m reviewing everything in order of draw: I’ll first give my general thoughts on the countries’ choices, then I’ll subject them to the DIMI test and finally I’ll score them, accompagnied by a predicition of how I think they’ll do in Baku. I’ll be tackling them in pairs & on the menu today: Finland & Israel.

9. FINLAND – När jag blundar

Such a pity the two ballads in this semi are drawn next to each other but I feel they’re different enough to stand on their own. Certainly this one which is so heartbreakingly beautiful: those lyrics are simply magnificent and sweep me off my feet every single time I hear this – and that’s been quite a lot already – and I’m so happy they’re keeping them in Swedish, any translation would undo the magic (in my modest opinion). Had to get used to the peculiar Finnish accent though. I’m in love with the melancholy (hello cello!) and my only remark would be that Pernilla Karlsson has got a bit of vocal exercising to do in order to be Baku-proof. But her fragile vocals somehow add to the emotional atmosphere here so it wouldn’t be that much of a drama if it sounded exactly as it did in the Finnish final. My absolute favorite this year. And Boyfriend’s as well – which is a good sign (he picked the winners from the get go the last 3 years, though he doesn’t necessarily think this one will get us back to Helsinki) ànd it’s unique: we’ve never had the same favorite before.

Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Not at all.
Intriguing? Certainly, that beautiful musicality is very touching.
Modern? I’d rather call this timeless.
International? Music can transcend any border really. I sure hope it will.

Personal score:  19/20 – Prediction: Final

10. ISRAEL – Time

This sounds as though the Stereophonics have been catapulted back into the ‘70s – it’s drenched in Britpop and I am head over heels in love with it. It sounds familiar and yet fresh at the same time and doesn’t take itself all too seriously, much like the band itself. I just hope Izabo don’t go frack it up with some farfetched visual ideas – keep it simple please!

Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? And proud to be so.
Intriguing? Yes sir – very rich instrumentation and some lovely hooks that make me want it to go on for more than three minutes.
Modern? Let’s call it retro/vintage.
International? Absolutely.

Personal score:  18/20 – Prediction: Final