05 May 2009
Eurovision TOP 5s - The FAMOUS FIVE!
Last year, I dusted down my quill and inkpot and wrote a critique of all the songs participating in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest.
This year, that's NOT going to happen. In their stead will come a series of Eurovision 2009 Top 5s. Today, EuroWitch will focus her attention on THE FAMOUS.
Years ago (and we're talking like 40 years ago), Eurovision was full of famous artists - Cliff Richard, Raphael from Spain and a whole plethora of shining stars from Italy (none of whom had much luck).
This year, a few daring established artists are putting their necks if not their reputations on the line and they have probably enriched the contest for it.
1. Patricia Kass - FRANCE - S'il fallait le faire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro6Ujd4PvcY
A moody French chanson packed with all the atmosphere of a smoky Parisian bar in the 40s. Patricia Kass was discovered by Gerard Depardieu in 1987 and has sold platinum album after platinum album in her native land and in some 40 other countries. With a new album to promote, she was approached by French TV to do Eurovision and realised - "what do I actually have to lose?" As famous as Madonna in many Eastern Bloc countries, this is one for the quality buffins to watch out for. Teeny-boppers may not get this.
2. Andrew Lloyd Weber - UK - My time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTos6sAXJ_Q
This is a classic musicals song and although it has grown on me, I still feel it should have stayed in the filing cabinet where Sir Lloyd Weber has been keeping it on ice since 1979. The draw with this song is not really the attractive and talented perfomer (Jade) but rather the undisguisably jaded Sir Andrew. With eye-bags that will probably need to be scanned through the security check-points at Moscow Airport, is it a good idea to have him on stage with Jade? Only if people understand the beauty and the beast leitmotif. Regardless of what I think, people throughout Europe already know about this song and are likely to vote for its vague familiarity. Will it be London 2010?
3. Soraya - SPAIN - La noche es para mi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4kxdH6yT-8
Undoubtedly, Soraya is one of the most popular names in popular music in Spain. She first appeared on the incredibly popular Operación Triunfo talent show a couple of years ago where she was cast as the bitch who could sing. In spite of coming second, her career has eclipsed that of virtually all other artists to participate. This year, with record sales slumping, Soraya realised that she either go to Eurovision and win, or lose her record deal and start looking for alternate employment. Like our Sinéad Mulvey, she was cabin crew for many years. The song is "made in Sweden" indestructible middle-eastern inspired pop which we´ve heard millions of times, but Soraya gives it everything and is considered to be one to watch. Hopefully. It would be nice not to have to travel to far next year!
4. Noa - ISRAEL - There must be a better way
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN8B1xvCxI0
Israel needs to completely brainwash Europe... it's no longer just a case of sprucing up its image a little. And who better that Israel's favourite daughter abroad (Noa) to do this. She may not be famous in our little corner of Europe, but she's had hits in most other European countries. Here in Spain she has had several hit albums. This year, she joins up with her Palistinian friend Mira Awad to sing a song about peace. The song will be song in Hebrew, Arabic and English, the first time and Israeli song is sung in Arabic. Not that Arabs watching the show are going to vote for this. Nevertheless, Noa raises Israel´s cachet and is a well-spoken and intelligent woman. I like this song.
5. Sakis Rouvas - GREECE - This is our night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn0h_OR15wQ&feature=related
Sakis turned the page for a flagging Greece in 2004 by coming third and within a year, Greece was taking home its first victory. It took 31 years to get there but once they realised that attractive singers garner lots of "12 points", it didn't take them long to pull up their songs. Or pull off lots of clothes. Sakis doesn't have the greatest voice in the world, but what he lacks in vocal chords he makes up for in rock hard abdominals, pecs, biceps, triceps and a killer smile. He went on to present Eurovision in 2006 and now he's back. Straight female voters may just set down something to cover the sofa for the night becuase wet spots leave nasty stains.... and guys, don't sit too near the curtains.
So, there you go. The first 5 reasons to watch Eurovision this year. Just how will our famous friends fare in the next weeks. You´ll just have to watch on May 12, 14 and 16.