Dimivision

Time for some declarations of love (in multiple ways), here’s part 11 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

 5. Finland – Krista Siegfrids – Marry me

The Song: This must be one of the most contemporary sounding entries we’ve ever gotten from Finland. A perfect little pop song that could’ve easily featured on the latest Katy Perry album and I could see this attacking charts around Europe. There’s only one big BUT: the theme is so oldfashioned it can’t even be called vintage or retro. I mean, marriage? The lyrics are lovely quirky, yes, but there have got to be fresher subjects than that. Does provide a good excuse for those very effective chiming bells. Uh oh, uh oh oh ding dong!
Verdict:
The Voice: In fact, Krista could well be Katy’s distant cousin as she does sound like her A LOT. Do you think she’s the girl Katy kissed and now Krista wants to take it up a notch? I’m getting sidetracked. Krista’s got that pop vibe down, with perfect timing and cheeky intonation that fit the rythm and pace very nicely. Doesn’t sound too polished and that’s exactly what this cheeky entry needs.
Verdict:
The Performance: Of course there will be a wedding dress. Won’t be the traditional gown I suspect, more along the lines of what we saw in UMK. In other words, she’s gonna Kesha it up a bit. Which makes the marriage thing come across less dowdy, huzzah! Just hope the backings and dancers will fit the theme a tiny bit better. Krista found the perfect balance in her NF performance between moving around enough to give us involvement and standing still enough to keep up vocally. Clever girl, this one. Ow, you might want to check out the official video where she really showcases the fact she got a screw loose up there. Love.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Quirky’s my middle name. Uh oh, uh oh oh ding dong!
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 16/20
PREDICTION: This one’s a bit low profile at the moment but I don’t see any reason why this shouldn’t qualify and do unexpected things in the final. Unless people can’t get over the marriage thing.

6. Malta – Gianluca Bezzina – Tomorrow

The Song: Cute. That’s the key word here. All you need is a ukelele, simple but effective lyrics, a nice singalong chorus with a couple of catchy uh-oh’s and you’ve got an entry that sounds like it could warm hearts all around Europe. This kind of troubadour song has always done well and this one’s up there with the best of them.
Verdict:
The Voice: Cute. Gianluca tells the story really well as his timing and phrasing are very effective and he plays the part of troubadour as if it was always meant to be.
Verdict:
The Performance: Cute. I like the video, even though it’s just a tad clumsy at times. The live performance doesn’t need any forced staging though, just let the vibe of spring and summer come in through the music. Gianluca’s twinkle in the eye will provide for enough to look at.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Cute. Gosh, I suddenly realise I like the Maltese entry. I need some comfort food now.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 15/20
PREDICTION: This might be the surprise of this year’s edition. I can easily see this pulling a Tom Dice.

Tomorrow: Bulgaria & Iceland

Hold me – or rather hold yourself, it’s part 10 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

3. FYR Macedonia – Vlatko Lozanoski & Esma Redžepova – Pred da se razdeni 

The Song: Oh dear, another one that can’t choose between ballad or uptempo? Funny that they’re positioned right next to each other. Difference to San Marino is that I actually like both style excercises. What I don’t like is how they’re combined: it kind of comes together towards the end…and it kind of doesn’t. A bit clumsy. A bit sad.
Verdict:
The Voice: Vlatko has got that typical (lovely) melancholic Balkan sound that suits the ballad bit to a T. Esma is perfectly cast for the wailing part. It’s when they mix one feels slightly itchy. Luckily that only lasts about 15 seconds.
Verdict:
The Performance: I suspect we can expect a spotlight on Esma and I suspect that will be the right way to go. What else will they do to make this entry visually interesting? Nothing too much, I should hope – it’s more than enough on its own.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: As two seperate entries: yes please. As one song: only if I’m in the right mood. Which probably means: drunk.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 10/20
PREDICTION: I haven’t got a freaking clue. It’s so all over the place it could end up anywhere. Well, anywhere but top 5. Unless Esma puts her spell on all of Europe.

 4. Azerbaijan – Farid Mammadov – Hold me 

The Song: A nice little pop song with a strong and memorable chorus …and forgettable verses. The  structure might be a bit ‘by the book’ but it sure sounds effective, and the rich production sells this entry extremely well.
Verdict:
The Voice: Farid is well in control of his vocals and delivers a flawless, if somewhat unimpressive and demure rendition. A bit like, here it comes, Dima Bilan: nice but sterile. Pity he inherited his accent as well.
Verdict:
The Performance: I suppose Ictimai will spruce this up a little from what we’ve seen in their NF. I know Farid tries to hide the fact he’s rather short by taking center stage and standing still, but a tad more passion and involvement would take this to the next level (and make it a contender, as much as Ictimai would like to avoid victory). And I’m not saying those eyebrows need to go, they just need a really good trim. Preferably by an experienced gardener.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: If only those verses were a bit more memorable… But it might stick. It just might.
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 12/20
PREDICTION: Qualifying with ease. I shall be VERY curious to see what this will do on Saturday. Do NOT rule this out.

Tomorrow: Finland & Malta

Here we go with semi 2, it’s part 9 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

 1. Latvia – PeR – Here we go

The Song: Montenegro’s weak little brother. The rap bits are the best thing this has to offer as that poor excuse for a chorus is empty as all hell and is repeated endlessly. ‘Here we go’ might be what the audience actually thinks with this opening the second semi. By which they might be sarcastic, as in ‘here we go again’, or they might simply mean it and actually go. Who can blame them. This is atrocious. What did I expect anyway, it’s Latvia aka Malta Up North.
Verdict:
The Voice: I suspect they’re all distant relatives to the Smurfs with that sound ruling the chorus. It irritates me beyond all reason.
Verdict:
The Performance: I guess that NF performance is an indication so I guess it fits the song and the vocals. The glittery outfit without shirt is the cherry on top of this cake that never should have left the bakery.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Worst one this year. Period.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 4/20
PREDICTION: This is where I get tempted to say stupid things like ‘if this qualifies I’ll eat fish every day for a year’. But I won’t. I want to though. But I won’t. Just in case I actually have to eat fish for a year. Karma can be a bitch. Still tempted to say it though.

2. San Marino – Valentina Monetta – Crisalide 

The Song: Well. First of all, let me compare this to the opening credits of thé Dutch series of the ’90s: Medisch Centrum West (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHy1hfcUX8c&gl=BE) – I’m reminded of it every single bloody time this entry starts. Secondly, let me get slightly annoyed by Ralph Siegel popping up again. That man simply can not take a hint, or read his own expiration date. Last but not least: let me remind you of how that other ballad-turning-into-eurodance fan favourite did in 1999… It fell flat on its face. I clearly remember: I fell for it as well. Won’t happen again. That said, I do like the ballad bit. A bit.
Verdict:
The Voice: Well. Valentina did not really get a chance to prove herself as a singer last year now. This entry sure tries to have her pull out all the stops. We’ll just have to wait and see how thàt goes. Aww, that sounded harsh while I actually think she’s a sweety pie.
Verdict:
The Performance: Well. I can see what they’re trying to do with that video and they fail miserably as it looks like the entire thing cost about €20 to produce. I’m probably not far off the mark. I do like the bit where she holds the round IKEA lamp. One bonus butterfly if she uses it on stage. Instead of the inevitable wind machine?
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Well. I’m still too traumatised by what happened to Tha’ne Erotas. And I’ve grown up since. So: not really. But by all means, do enjoy.
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 9/20
PREDICTION: Well. No. It won’t happen this year. I know you want it to. But it won’t.

Tomorrow: FYR Macedonia & Azerbaijan

Love kills and is everywhere, here’s part 8 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark? We’ll know the answer for semi 1 at the end of this post!

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

15. Belgium – Roberto Bellarossa – Love Kills

The Song: Oh, it’s ‘waiting for the bitter pill’?! Right, didn’t quite get that in the dozen times I’ve heard it. Didn’t quite catch the chorus either: couldn’t remember it if my life depended on it. It’s just so standard, I don’t feel it at all. And that new bridge they’ve built in feels so forced it’s almost comical. I’m afraid I’m not very much of a patriot this year.
Verdict:
The Voice: Well, he won the Wallonian edition of it so I guess he can do a lot better than we’ve heard from him in that poor excuse for a national final. And as it was on a Sunday morning and he had the flu I *guess* I’ll be waiting for the bitter pill. But that accent needs more patience.
Verdict:
The Performance: If that video is anything to go by we’re in for a boring three minutes. Roberto clearly practiced on the smolder (check: Tangled – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0Re-KecYd4) in every mirror he crosses but that will not get him very far. I shall be very curious to see how this will get sold.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: I’ve not been this *whatever* towards our own entry since 2005 and I don’t see any improvement in the next couple of weeks.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 9/20
PREDICTION: I hate doing this for our own song. Of course I always hope we’ll manage to reach the final, and this starting position sure doesn’t hurt our chances. I simply can’t see it happening though, it all feels too beige and standard to possibly convince people. Sadly. I do hope he proves me horribly wrong though.

16. Serbia – Moje 3 – Ljubav je svuda

The Song: Deliciously kitschy. A bit cheesy and old skool perhaps, but there’s enough to keep me smiling for three minutes. Love the playfulness of the ‘Malo volim, malo ne volim’ bit. Dislike the rather abrupt ending though.
Verdict:
The Voice: Needs some work, me thinks. Girlfriends need to learn how to move and sing at the same time. Which this entry desperately needs.
Verdict:
The Performance: If they don’t tighten this up they’re doomed. I like the humour they used in the national final, but they don’t come across as a tight group – more like three girls that happen to be thrown together and improvise a bit. It doesn’t help this entry one bit. Can’t we have the Swedish House Wives instead?
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Yes, please. Malo volim, malo ne volim!
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 14/20
PREDICTION: Well, it’s performed last so they’d have to screw up really badly to avoid qualification. Then again, it’s not entirely impossible from what I’ve seen this far.

Right, let’s wrap up semi 1 then!
These are the ten I’d like to see again on Saturday:
1. Slovenia
2. Netherlands
3. Estonia
4. Serbia
5. Moldova
6. Montenegro
7. Denmark
8. Ireland
9. Austria
10. Ukraine

As far as the qualifiers go I’m going to take a couple of risks and take out Montenegro & Austria from my list and replace them with Croatia & Russia. I’m just following my gut instinct. I’ll get it hopelessly wrong as per usual I guess.

Tomorrow equals the Semi 2 kick off with Latvia & San Marino!

Only Eurovision survives, and here’s part 7 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

 13. Ireland – Ryan Dolan – Only love survives

The Song: Of all songs in this semi, this is the one that most obviously follows the path of Euphoria. It sounds like something David Guetta or Calvin Harris would have produced in their early days and as far as those verses go I’d say it’s charts material – too bad that chorus is a bit empty, in composition and production. It could have done with a more full on sound, now it just reminds me of an ’80s computer game.
Verdict:
The Voice: Now I know Irish fans always use the excuse that the studio where RTE holds its NF isn’t very advantageous for vocal effects and it can’t be used as a benchmark, but I still have yet to hear proof of that (keeping in mind Jedward aren’t actual singers, yes). Ryan sure sounds like he knows what he’s doing (at times), so that’s already counting for something I guess. I’m not too keen on the colour of his voice, but that’s personal taste. I do wonder if he’ll move around a bit more and how that will affect his abilities…
Verdict:
The Performance: This song requires more movement on stage, not only by those backing dancers/drummers but by mister Dolan as well. In other words: we need a bit more involvement please. The drumming is a nice addition however, and I hope they’ll manage to translate a bit of the coolness of the music video to the Malmö stage.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: This is one of those that I don’t mind when I hear it but I won’t even consider putting it on repeat. Warm nor cold…
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 12/20
PREDICTION: After a bunch of wailing women this will sure provide some oxygen and therefore (easily) qualify. Won’t do big things on Saturday though.

 14. Cyprus – Despina Olympiou – An me thimáse

The Song: We haven’t had an R&B ballad so I guess there’s room for one more. Too bad it suffers from a rather lacklustre chorus, which makes this entry already boring by the time we are only halfway. The keychange is a bit redundant and forced and I’m rather glad when it’s all finally over…
Verdict:
The Voice: Despina almost sounds as bored with the song as I am. I’m sure she knows how to sing, I just wish she’d convey at least some of the passion from the lyrics.
Verdict:
The Performance: If that video is anything to go by it’ll be ‘the big Despina show’. The ‘Greek Goddess’ thing has been done before, and better at that. With a boring entry like this you might want to spruce it up a little, dear, or you might get a rather big blow to that ego.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Yawn. I might fall asleep before I even get the chance to convert this into an mp3.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 8/20
PREDICTION: This’ll be as good as invisible I think. And given certain recent economic developments I don’t think this will come even remotely close to qualifying.

Tomorrow: Belgium & Serbia

Turn the music up it’s gonna get hot, here’s part 6 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

 11. Belarus – Alyona Lanskaya – Solayoh

The Song: I’m always a bit flabbergasted whenever Belarus trades a chosen entry, especially because the initial song (almost) always outshines the actual song we get to hear at ESC. Alyona’s initial entry for Malmö sounded a lot more contemporary than Solayoh, which sounds like it should have participated a decade ago. I think my fellow countryman Marc Paelinck had this in a drawer somewhere, written for the Xandee album that never got released. It’s pleasant enough, don’t get me wrong: the chorus is an earwurm and I catch myself humming it at the most unexpected of times, but the chorus IS the song and it all sounds too ‘been there, done that’ to actually pose any kind of threat.
Verdict:
The Voice: While miss Alyona is not the most talented of singers she manages to keep herself upright through most of that live performance.
Verdict:
The Performance: We’ll have to wait and see, won’t we? She won’t be able to bring all four of those dancers with her, as the backing track is filled with powerful backings and she’ll need those if she wants to get that summery vibe across. But please darling: change that dress, the days of Sertab have long gone.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: I’m still not sure if this could be my guilty pleasure of the year. Leaning towards a ‘not really’ at the moment.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 9/20
PREDICTION: Hard to tell if this kind of entry still has a place in the Eurovision bubble. If it scrapes through it’ll be only just. So I’ll keep this as a borderline qualifier for now.

 12. Moldova – Aliona Moon – O mie

The Song: Now thàt’s what I call a contemporary ballad. Builds up nicely, great layering of instruments and a lovely piano solo to close it all. Great decision to keep it in Romanian by the way, the English version was distracting a bit – certainly with Aliona’s accent. Although I loved the sentence ‘The Maya were not so wrong, it’s the end of the world, it’s done, cause you are gone’. It just comes together a lot better in Romanian. Why did I post the English version then? See: The Performance.
Verdict:
The Voice: A bit of a high pitch there, but as soon as you’re used to it it all flows nicely. Not all backings are meant to take to spotlight but she can carry it well. Figures I guess: she was the only one I was looking at during Pasha‘s performance last year.
Verdict:
The Performance: She must have looked at what Azerbaijan did last year and thought: well, that can be done so much better! And it can – which is why I uploaded the NF performance  (in English) as to showcase how well thought of the use of that dress with the special effects really is. Just one remark: ditch the dancers. And eat a bit more, that dress might fall off of you any second.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: This is probably one of those where I prefer watching the video rather than ‘just’ listen to it. It’s the pitch, I guess.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 14/20
PREDICTION: I know there’s a truckload of female ballads in this semi, but I can see this qualifying with ease.

Tomorrow: Ireland & Cyprus

If you don’t know (or didn’t know), here’s part 5 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

 9. Montenegro – Who See feat. Nina Žižić – Igranka

The Song: A word of warning before you open the video above: hold on to your butt. This is by far the strangest entry this year. Which doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad, it just takes some getting used to. Not too fond of the rap bits I have to admit but they don’t exactly feel out of place either. Love how contemporary this sounds, another one thinking out of the box and for that reason alone they deserve at least a couple of butterflies. It’s like the good twin of last year’s disaster, basically.
Verdict:
The Voice: Well, rappers do not necessarily need to be vocally talented, as long as they get the timing and feeling right. Then there’s the almost essential female vocal to balance it all out, and if Nina manages to come across as powerful on stage as she does in the studio version this might well be the surprise of the evening. IF.
Verdict:
The Performance: Very curious to see how they’ll try to sell this. The video is hilarious but is the Eurovision audience ready for this? I wonder.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Kuddos to Montenegro for avoiding every single cliché in the Eurovision manual. Welcome to my iTunes library.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 13/20
PREDICTION: I think this is a stretch too far for most people tuning in on May 14th, and Montenegro’s qualifying record doesn’t bring much confidence to the table either. Stuck in the semi, but I would gladly be proven wrong on this one.

10. Lithuania- Andrius Pojavis – Something

The Song: With a singer and a performance like that it’s hard to focus on the song, even though the chorus is quite nice. In fact, the chorus is the only convincing part of this but it does save A LOT. To me, the verses are practically non-existent – which might have something to do with the way they’re performed – and the lyrics might try to be poetic but they just come across as bewildering. Which again might have something to do with the performance. Or not. This confuses me a lot.
Verdict:
The Voice: Flat as a paved road. There’s just no involvement at all and it rapes the song. I’d rather listen to the instrumental version of the song.
Verdict:
The Performance: He looks stoned, doesn’t he? Or he’s on his own planet. Which is basically the same somehow. Either way: this boy should not be on a stage. Rather in a locked ward.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: If it had been sung by someone else: perhaps. In this case: so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye!
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 5/20
PREDICTION: Considering Lithuania qualified with the worst kind of tripe in 2011 I don’t dare write this off completely but at the moment I really can’t see this making the final.

Tomorrow: Belarus & Moldova

Reviews falling down the rooftops, here’s part 4 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

7. Ukraine – Zlata Ognevich – Gravity

The Song: Nathing cams fram lav bot lav! I really do not get what she’s singing about, even after forcing myself to listen to this for the fourth or fifth time. I needn’t bother, the lyrics are as all over the place as the composition. I’m not disliking the mid-tempo bits, reminds me a bit of the soundtrack to Avatar. From afar. But my main issue is the start-stop function they’ve built into this entry. It’s okay for  an ecological car, but for entry of 3 minutes it’s possibly deadly. Unless you’re Ukraine.
Verdict:
The Voice: Even though I’m not too fond of the colour of Zlata’s voice I have to admit she’s a more than adequate singer. And I guess it fits the entry.
Verdict:
The Performance: Ukraine usually knows how to sell its entry, 2012 being the obvious exception to that rule. The video for this entry has some lovely moments, and they obviously know unicorns never fail. Ever. Unless they look like a donkey with a dildo on its head, which it didn’t. So I guess they’ll be clever enough to wrap this neatly. Unless they turn it into that one third of the video that looks like a shampoo advert, then it could all go horribly wrong.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: This isn’t really my cup of tea, but there are far worse entries this year so I won’t bite.
Verdict: 

PERSONAL TOTAL: 10/20
PREDICTION: Of course this will qualify, she doesn’t even have to sing a note for us to be sure of that. But I wonder how this will do in the final. A lot depends on the staging. Don’t see it winning however, too fickle for that.

8. Netherlands – Anouk – Birds

The Song: Yes, everybody who already knew Anouk expected a rock song. And even though that would/could have been a valid option everyone seems to forget Anouk climbed to high heights with sad stuff like Sacrifice and Michel, so Birds doesn’t really come as a surprise to me. What does come as a surprise is the way it’s put together as it sounds rather dark, as if it ran away from the soundtrack of a random Tim Burton movie – and yes, that IS high praise. It’s so non-Eurovision and I love it for it. With Lana Del Rey and others singers with sad singalong songs topping the charts this might do better than anyone would suspect. And deservedly so.
Verdict:
The Voice: I think the preview video speaks for itself: girlfriend knows how to sing. Well, we always knew Anouk could find her way around the notes and this entry showcases her range brilliantly: so much emotion dripping through, spinetingling. I do wonder how they’ll solve the backings that provide the ghostly atmosphere.
Verdict:
The Performance: The biggest question mark of them all. I’d take the Tim Burton route (ie. dark yet beautiful) if I were her: this entry’s already so out of the box you can stretch it even more as to blow them all away.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Oh hell yes. That melody’s a challenge I’m eager to accept. *clears throat*
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 17/20
PREDICTION: This is the biggest gamble this year and if it pays off it pays off BIG time. Pretty big if though, but I suspect Europe might fall head over heels in love with this. The darkest horse for the trophy.

Tomorrow: Montenegro & Lithuania

We’re moving fast and don’t look back, here’s part 3 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

 5. Denmark – Emmelie de Forest – Only teardrops

The Song: I can vaguely picture Shirley Clamp going crazy when she hears this, as this sounds like something she would have ended mid-table with in an MF final 4 years ago. It just doesn’t feel that dated because of the clever folksy elements they included in the Danish entry, although the  drums feel VERY Olsen Brothers. Could that be a sign? That said, I do wonder how many times (got it?) you can repeat two sentences in a 3 minute long entry?
Verdict:
The Voice: Miss de Forest might look like she’s a bit bewildered but vocally she’s very much in control and her voice might actually be the one element that lifts this not all that exceptional entry to another level. It’s not thàt impressive, but it brings everything together nicely.
Verdict:
The Performance: I suppose little will be changed from what we saw in the Danish final, which means she’ll look as if she’s just woken up, with that convertible hair and shredded nightgown. Sure, you might label that as a Kate Bush look but I wouldn’t want to insult Kate Bush. That said I do feel Emmelie makes the entire thing less bland.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: I don’t seem to be warming up to this I have to say. I can see and hear why people would like it but it’s simply very Denmark@Eurovision to me. In other words: middle of the road.
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 13/20
PREDICTION: Difficult one. I can see this qualifying, yes. What it’ll do in the final is another matter. I might be incredibly wrong here but I just don’t see it happening. It’ll come close, yes, but victory? Then again, I was blindsided by the last Danish victory so I might be eating these words come May 18th.

 6. Russia – Dina Garipova – What if? 

The Song: What if countries stopped sending entries that belonged in the ’90s? What if ballads did not necessarily all sounded alike? What if lyrics did not sound like an average speech about world peace by some random miss Universe contestant? What if that speech would be a bit more believable if it hadn’t come from one of the most repressing countries in Europe? What if Russia returned to the fun goofy stuff instead of the bad sugary junk that makes me go diabetic in an instant? What if we stopped wondering what if?
Verdict:
The Voice: Well, she won The Voice so I guess she can sing. Need some proof though. Lighting a candle for a lack of accent or this’ll be even harder to sit through.
Verdict:
The Performance: If that video is anything to go by I’ll be puking my guts out. If it weren’t borderline comical I’d cry.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: Hell to the no.
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 6/20
PREDICTION: Well, it’s Russia. So I guess it’s a yes. I just hope that people will see this pile of clichés for what it is in the Final and leave it on the side of the road, where it belongs.

Tomorrow: Ukraine & Netherlands

Following yesterday’s premiere, here’s part 2 of the run through of this year’s contestants! Will they be beautiful butterflies, or rather moths that have to hide away in the dark?

First of all, a bit of framework for the judging – I’ll be looking at the song, the vocal performance and the stage presentation (or concept of the video if we haven’t seen a stage performance) and I’ll round up by putting them to the DIMI test (do I think it’s Dramatic, Intriguing and/or Modern enough to Include in my iTunes library?). I’ll score the entries from 1 to 5 on each of those points, resulting in a score out of a possible maximum of 20.

3. Slovenia – Hannah Mancini – Straight into love 

The Song: Ah, the first dance song makes its appearance. Surprisingly, it’s one of the few this year and while those soaring LOOOOOOOVE’s might vaguely remind us of Euphoria, the rest of it pretty much stands on its own. This is one of the most modern entries in the field this year, thanks to that fat beat in the chorus which I’m absolutely madly in love with. The composition isn’t exactly groundbreaking and the lyrics aren’t really fresh either (the rhyming doesn’t help) but all in all this sounds like it could sneak into the charts. That is a plus, yes.
Verdict:
The Voice: Well, we’ve only heard her singing it while standing absolutely still and that sounded nothing short of impressive. Whether she’ll be able to keep it up if she moves on stage is another matter. But for now I’d say there are worse singers to be found in this year’s field.
Verdict:
The Performance: Only Madame Zelda knows. The video looks cool though (exactly how I hoped it would) so I feel this bodes well. Secretly hoping for something along the line of what Hanna Lindblad treated us to with Manipulated, as this just screams for some serious strutting. Pretty please?
Verdict:
The DIMI test: This might just sneak into my ‘top 25 of most played songs’. I’m already strutting to it through my living room while brushing my teeth in the morning. What a way to wake up!
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 18/20
PREDICTION: I would have liked a better starting position for Slovenia, although coming after Estonia and before Croatia doesn’t really hurt their chances. I’ll go out on a limb here and say this will qualify.

4. Croatia – Klapa S Mora – Mižerja

The Song: This sounds like it belongs in the Contest, but rather 2 decades ago. The fact that half of the instruments in this entry are all coming out of one synthesizer does not help lift my opinion – rather on the contrary. I’m sure there is an (older) audience for this kind of entry, but I’m not one of them. Too traditional and safe for my liking. And I don’t think it’s a swift tactical move to call your entry ‘Misery’. But hey.
Verdict:
The Voice: Il Divo has moved to Zagreb, it seems.  They all sound very capable and the harmonies sound lovely, especially impressed by those going into the lower range. I just wish they’d do something a bit more…unexpected.
Verdict:
The Performance: Wake me up before you go go. It’s bad enough you sound like you belong at a funeral, do you really have to act as if we’re at one too? I sure hope they’re able to put some Croatian magic into this, by which I mean 1998 rather than 2011. I’m a fan of simple yet effective, with the emphasis on effective instead of dead.
Verdict:
The DIMI test: I don’t think I’m leaning towards a yes. Unless they manage to sweep me off my feet on May 14th. Doubt it though.
Verdict:

PERSONAL TOTAL: 8/20
PREDICTION: Wedged between Slovenia and Denmark this could either be invisible or stand out. I’m leaning towards the first. They’ve got a couple of friends/neighbours in this semi, but I just can’t see it happening.

Tomorrow: Denmark & Russia