γυρνάω τις νύχτες πια μονάχος κι όλα μοιάζουν σα ψέμα

I realized that I don't really have that much to say about Eurovision. Maybe just because it's my first one and I'm easily excited about the whole thing, but I'm still in a very good mood about it. I really enjoyed it and the whole lead-up...and really, I can't wait for the cycle to start all over again. When do we get more Melodifestivalen news? Is it fall--November or so?--that the songwriters are announced?

At any rate, one of my favorite songs in the contest was Cyprus's, sung by Evridiki. It was good enough that I went out and found her most recent album; however, I was also interested to hear more from the song's composer and Evridiki's fiancé, Dimitris Korgialis--he was the one playing the guitar next to her during the performance, with his hair horribly restyled. He's released several albums over the years, enough to already have a greatest hits out. So far, this is my favorite song from it.

Mia Fora--Normally, I'd be pretty content to stick to the material Dimitris has handed off to other singers. Here, though, he's brough in Katerina Moutsatsou to sing the chorus, leaving the verses to himself, which is a balance I like. The song is dance, though not as aggressive or strong-sounding as "Comme Ci Comme Ca." At first, I thought that might be to its disadvantage, but it actually works; the song feels unsettling but still catchy this way.

To buy Dimitris Korgialis's album Greatest Hits + 4 Nea, go here (physical).

Next up: a Mexican duo.

You don't wanna let me down

I really do want to review Nash's album at some point, but right now talking about a few more Eurovision entries just seems like a better idea. Two songs that will be at Eurovision today, as well as one more that I don't expect too many other people to like but that I would've liked to see in Helsinki.

Russia's entry was revealed a few days ago, and I like it. It's sung by a trio of girls going by the name of Serebro and is creatively titled "Song No. 1." I wish we could cut a couple of the lines lyrics-wise, but I love those first few seconds--the "Five, four, three, two" comes out of nowhere, dramatic and definitely attention-catching (though I've heard a version that doesn't have it, so I'm not sure if it's actually part of the song). I have no idea what the girls will sound like live, but hopefully they'll be some good strutting to go along with the song--it feels like it demands it. Plus, though I want to change some of the lyrics, there are other parts I think are great, "don't call me funny bunny" and "I'll take your money-oney" (or is it "I'll take your money yummy"?) being particular highlights. Is it wrong that it reminds me a little bit of an "edgier" version of Cosmo4's song?

Song No. 1

Also sung by a woman (though just one this time) is Cyprus's entry, which is in French. Evridiki has been in Eurovision twice before. This time she'll be singing "Comme Ci Comme Ça", which was composed by her fiance Dimitris Korgialas (who I've also seen listed as a performer of the song, though I'm not actually sure if he's going to be on stage--maybe he's the guy with the guitar in this video?). It's got a little bit of a slow start, but keep with it, because it turns into a great dance-ish song with a catchy chorus.

Comme Ci Comme Ça

Finally, onto a song that you won't hear at Eurovision this year. Icelandic singer Jonsi, or Jón Jósep Snæbjörnsson, was in Eurovision in 2004 with a song DigiTech introduced me to that has, as DigiTech pointed out, a surprising similarity to Moulin Rouge's "Come What May." He made it to the finals of Iceland's national selection with "Segðu mér," but didn't win, which is a real shame--I would've really liked to hear an English translation of this song, provided Jonsi could somehow manage to keep the same inflections, drama, and strength in his voice when he sang. By rights, I probably shouldn't enjoy this song--think big dramatic ballad which I'm sure a lot of people will find boring--but it manages to be catchy; possibly more important, though, something about it just works for me, and I find myself wanting to sing along every time we get to Jonsi's "ohh-ohHH-OHHH-OHhh"'s, and maybe even attempt to sing along with the chorus, even though I have no idea what he's saying--there's one part that really gets me, but I'm not even going to attempt to transcribe it. He really sold the song in the semifinal performance, too--he even had those strong-but-desperate reaching towards the camera hand movements!



Fact: Jonsi once played Danny Zuko in the musical Grease. Do you know what other "failed to get out of the national finals" singer has done (and is doing) the same? Måns Zelmerlöw!

Segðu mér

(Credit for the first picture goes here.)

You should be able to get the first two songs on the Eurovision 2007 album when it finally comes out--keep your eyes peeled around here--but I have no idea where to buy Icelandic music (any suggestions?).

Edit: The Goggles Do Nothing has started up its annual review of the Eurovision songs--that's what drew me to the blog last year, and it's worth reading even if you think you have no clue what's going on in regards to Eurovision--it'll catch you up.

Next up: maybe that album review.