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: Netherlands & Malta.
3. NETHERLANDS – You and me
While I was watching the Dutch final it was very clear there was only one possible song that would get The Netherlands out of the semi and it was this one. Sure the presentation is FAR out and sure Joan Franka’s vocal rendition isn’t always note perfect (and neither is that backing’s) but it’s just so genuinely cute! References to Amy MacDonald have been flying around and I get the comparison: a warm country feel with a whiff of melancholy always does the trick. If they can get the vocals right and if they can tone down the visual part a bit this can fly much higher than anyone anticipates.
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? In a cute way.
Intriguing? Those tiny high notes and that very active banjo give it a bit of an edge, yes.
Modern? It’s not exactly groundbreaking at all but it doesn’t feel out of time.
International? Absolutely.
Personal score: 16/20 – Prediction: Final
4. MALTA – This is the night
Hm. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Malta, or any country for that matter, trying to make a preview video so MTV ready – they clearly want to make this very relevant for its time. Which it really isn’t as the song is something you could’ve heard in any year for the past decade and it could come from anywhere. That’s not necessarily a bad thing however, it sounds as though it could find its place in the charts. I’m just not that convinced by Kurt Calleja performing it, he sounds too uninvolved for someone claiming it’s the night he’s been waiting for and he doesn’t seem all that engaged frankly. Cute as a button though. And will they use the feet thing in Baku? I’m on the fence about this.
Checkpoint DIMI:
Daft? Could do with a bit of daftness actually.
Intriguing? Oh no, pop-by-numbers.
Modern? It’s alright but it stays neatly within the designated areas.
International? Very radio friendly indeed.
Personal score: 10/20 – Prediction: Stuck in the semi
Tomorrow: Belarus & Portugal
Dimivision 
The Netherlands: I’m so glad she won the Dutch final, not thanks to that silly jury. With my eyes closed I like it, I can’t shake of Amy MacDonald and when I open my eyes, I get a bad Cher half breed-vibe. 13/20
Malta: this is Malta at its best *insert some cynicism here*… cheap, empty, boring, dull, … 5/20