Eurovision | thisyearinmusic

The 60^th Eurovision song contest takes place tonight in Vienna

It’s that time of year again, when musical excellence is decided over back stage political sidings, tactical voting and petty past grievances. I don’t mean X-Factor, I can only be talking the Eurovision Song Contest. This year Austria host, and it’s shaping up to be a great year for Euro-Sex-Pop and quirky performances.

After the Semi Final’s one of the most forward thinking Eurovision acts ever won’t be present. Sadly Finland didn’t get enough votes, along with Moldova, Netherlands, Macedonia, Belarus, Denmark, Ireland, San Marino, Malta, Portugal, Czech Republic, Iceland and Switzerland, and wont be performingin the Grand Final. This is a massive shame as Finland’s Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät have an interesting story along with an amzing song. Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät are a punk band who formed in a charity shop in 2009. Since then they’ve taken the country my storm, and look set to conquer the rest of Europe with their frank songs about social inequality. The final will be slightly less enjoyable now they’re not performing.

While it’s disappointing about Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät absence there are plenty of performances to get excited about. Thisyeairnmusic’s man in Vienna has given us the lowdown on the songs he thinks will be pushing for a podium finish.

Sweden

Måns Zelmerlöw has given Sweden the biggest chance of Eurovision glory with Heroes. It basically has everything a Eurovision song needs to win. Catchy chorus, mixing of genres (faux country guitars meets dance beats). Heroes is also the booking favourites as they are the Chelsea of Eurovision.

Israel

Nadav Guedj performs a nigh octane that mixes traditional Israeli sounds, with a Western pop sensibility. This track is definitely worth a punt each way.

Belgium

Loïc Nottet has bumped up Belgium’s chances of winning with this Lorde inspired single Rhythm Inside. This is another one that should finish on the podium, so maybe an each way bet wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Estonia

This is the wildcard bet, but our insider thinks Elina Born & Stig Rästa could pull off a surprise win with their song Goodbye to Yesterday. It has a soaring chorus and enough indie charm that might grab them the top spot

Australia

The last entry that deserves a mention is Australia’s entry. Yes I did say Australia. For the first time ever they’re taking part, still not entirely sure how Australia are part of Europe, but they’ve been included. Whether they’ll be successful and win the whole thing will remain to be seen.

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Eurovision has been and gone for another year, what has been learnt?

So the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest has been and gone. All in all it was what we’ve come to expect from the annual competition, but what have we learnt:

The voting is all political and has nothing to do with the songs

Women with beards never go out of style

No one likes France

Russia are trying to get some brownie points back with the Ukraine, but Ukraine isn’t having it

England did alright (mid table obscurity suits our style)

Scott Mills is the perfect host for the show (post Terry Wogan)

The majority of the songs were in English, to add to the crossover appeal

This is just the tip of the iceberg really. You could discuss how the voting would play out in real life if any of the smaller countries actually had a say in European politics. Over all it was a fun show and sadly people are still interested by the bearded lady. At times it was like a musical version of Freaks!

Conchita Wurst – Rise Like A Phoenix

May 2014

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