Never to stop believin'

Since I was on a Finnish music kick a few days ago, here are a couple of new-ish Finnish singles that I won't be or can't be posting (at least for now) but that are worth a mention.

One of the two main singers/vocalists for the band Kwan is going solo. Mariko, the female singer, will be releasing an album called Fabulous Tonight on April 2. The lead single, "Unstoppable" (playing on her MySpace), isn't amazing and it feels a little more typical pop or pop-rock than her self-applied label of "crankdisco" would imply, but I am interested to hear more (especially given that album title).

Oh Backstreet Boys, what have you wrought? You come back with a big dramatic power ballad in 2005 and the other old boy bands are falling over themselves to follow in your footsteps. I guess XL5 were a popular Finnish boy band back in the '90's and now they've returned with "Tuulee," which, from the clips I've heard, actually genuinely sounds great. Yeah, it is very much in that aforementioned vein of big dramatic grown up boy band power ballad, but it sounds like they've got it pretty much exactly write with "Tuulee." Of course, it's hard to judge a song on the short clips I've heard of it (there's a forty-five second clip on their MySpace), but it's definitely a song I really want to hear all of and think I'll love.

In non-Finnish news, I'm not sure if everyone besides me knew this already, but I read that Kleerup's album will come out in late April. Linda Bengtzing (March 19), Charlotte Perrelli (April 23), Sanna Nielsen (April), and Kleerup--it's going to be an expensive next couple of months for Swedish pop lovers.

And you know you've got disco fever when you long for next Saturday night

Yes, I realize Dutch group Ch!pz (or Chipz) are supposed to be for kids. That doesn't mean they can't end up with a good song--and today's song definitely is that. Cheesy? Yes. But still good. As far as I know, it's the most recent single they've released, though that's not to say it's new at all--it first came out on an EP released in November of 2006. They did sing another song at Junior Eurovision, "Make A Big Splash," but I've got no idea if that's actually come out as a single or what (I'm not particularly bothered, though, because I don't really follow them and it's got nothing on the song I'm posting today).

Studio 54--really, how can you go wrong with a song that opens with a filtered-to-sound-old voice saying "It's 1979, and Chipz gooooesss discoooooo!"? You can't, that's the answer. I'm sure it's heretical and all that, but you could easily put "Studio 54" in a playlist with, say, Alcazar's "Rendez-Vous" and it wouldn't seem out of place at all. Sure, the singers do have a little bit of that "we're doing this for the kids" tone around their voices, but ultimately the song is way too catchy to let that hinder it. Plus, it's tough for a modern pop group to go wrong by letting the sound of disco influence them...and I'll admit it, any song that manages to namecheck this many disco clichés has an automatically better chance of winning me over. In other words, toss your credibility to the side for 3:30 and, as Ch!pz say, "bring out the glitter and glamour/Get dancing and you'll be all right."

You can buy Chipz's greatest hits album here (physical) or you can buy the full Past:Present:Future album ("Studio 54" was originally released on the second Past:Present:Future EP) here (digital).

Much credit to the much missed PopSound for introducing me to this song.

Next up: maybe that British singer.

Se ainoo lääke on

Finland chose its Eurovision entry this weekend and, to be honest, I don't think much of it. I think that's why I've gone through a mini-Finnish music spree, though admittedly my Finnish music collection is vastly smaller than, say, my Swedish music collection. Though there we some real revelations for me last year from the Finnish music scene (Jenni Vartianen's "Ihmesten Edessä," which if I was giving out awards for achievement in music in 2007 would have easily snagged one for its still intoxicating beauty and aura of mystery melded with an unforgettable piano part and some of the best mature pop songwriting of the year; Ninja, though that was a year after her album came out), no one was able to take away the title of my Finnish singer of choice--in terms of the music created--from Antti Tuisku. His 2006 dance album New York is incredible, an album that works on the dual level of capturing the sound of nights of clubbing and being a showcase for sophisticated international-quality songs (the commercial side of dance, yes, but I wouldn't even call it pop-dance). "Levoton" is still my go-to song for testing new headphones (that intro gets me every time) and "Sekaisin" is still an incredibly catchy dance song, but those songs and the other singles are only the tip of the often fun, often dramatic, always exciting iceberg. He's come a long way from his days as a third place Idol finisher, and this album proved it--or should have at least proved to Finland that, at least in terms of making music, he's an artist worth paying real attention to (suffice to say, it didn't; if you're looking to seem cool, his name isn't one to start mentioning, to say the least).

I've sung New York's praises so often, though, that I thought I'd post an earlier song from Antti today, one from his first album. It's got a very different sound from what he's doing now (this song is more the giggly, young-sounding, arguably chintzy side of pop), though, so if you've missed my earlier posts on him, definitely give some of his more recent (though still years old) singles like "Sekaisin" a listen.

Yritä Ymmärtää--Antti's second single and, given that it comes from all the way back in 2004, it's probably no surprise that it finds him sounding sort of...boyish. That fits with the music of the song, though (even if not the lyrics; apparently the title means "Try To Understand," but that's all I know), which has an almost bouncy playful feel to it. The key to "Yritä Ymmärtää"'s appeal, though, and the reason it moves beyond a singsongy youth-oriented appeal (or deserves to), is the strings. Really, I can't overstate what a smart idea it was to include them; not only do too few "boy pop" songs (or, heck, pop songs in general) make use of them, these ones are particularly great, pretty, catchy, and lifting, and truly make what could have been an otherwise forgettable song one that'll be stuck in your head for the rest of the day, even if only because you're trying to figure out what that string part reminds you of or how they can be sampled and incorporated to a new song immediately.

The lead single for his greatest hits, "Ei Aikaa," pointed to an interesting combination of his older pop sound with the dance sound he used on New York; I'll be very interested to see what he does next.

To buy Antti Tuisku's debut album, Ensimmäinen, go here (digital). I'd say New York is the album of his to get, though.

Next up: maybe a British singer.

Det finns ingen väg tillbaka

Brief Linda Bengtzing newsbreak! Plus me being obsessive.

You know you want to hear twelve year old Linda singing "Piccadilly Circus" (as well as several other covers), right? Head over to Eurocovers for that.

The tracklist for Vild & Galen popped up on CDOn not too long ago, but even better than that is the fact that we've got the list of songwriters from Schlagerprofilerna.

1. Hur Svårt Kan Det Va?
Johan Fransson, Tim Larsson & Tobias Lundgren

2. Utan Dig
Johan Fransson, Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren & Martin Landh

3. Inga Pojkar I Världen
Johan Fransson, Tim Larsson & Tobias Lundgren

(Note: she's performed this live already, but I don't think the production of the song in that performance gives an accurate impression of what to expect on album, given how different "Alla Flickor" sounded when she performed it for the same show.)

4. Idag, Imorgon Och Igår
Jeanette Olsson, Mads Haugaard, Annika Askman & Emmanuel Olsson

5. Grannarna Vaknar
Fredrik Berger

6. Det Första Guldet
Fredrik Berger

7. Vild & Galen
Johan Fransson, Tim Larsson & Tobias Lundgren

8. Sanningen
Johan Fransson, Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren , Nico Valsamidis & Fredrik Larsson

9. Om Du Vill
Henrik Thomson, Martin Landh & Linda Bengtzing

10. Varför Gör Du Som Du Gör? (duett med Brolle)
Tony Nilsson, Ingela Pling Forsman, Martin Landh & Alexander Schöld

11. Värsta Schlagern
Patrik Henzel, Karl Eurén, Niclas Arn & Gustav Eurén

I actually had a post listing the writers for 1, 3, 7, and 8 (and 11, of course, since that's already out) sitting as a draft for the past five days but kind of felt like I'd end up looking even crazier if I posted it. And now I've gone and mentioned it anyway! Anyway, those four tracks and track 2 (so, in recap, that's 1, 2, 3, 7, and 8) are all from the team that gave us "Alla Flickor" (though Niklas Edberger also co-wrote that) and a bunch of other fantastic songs. "Sanningen" was at one point mentioned as a potential single (back before Melodifestivalen and all this stuff). Niko and Fredrik are Groove Factory Productions, apparently, meaning they've got writing and/or production ties to Da Buzz's "The Echo," Velvet's "Deja Vu, and Danny's "Do or Die." They also did a track from Anna Book's most recent album, "Bara För En Dag."

In regards to 4, I know Jeanette Olsson mainly as a backing singer, but she's also a songwriter, having co-written songs like Kate Ryan's "L.I.L.Y.", "How Many Times," and "Only If I" (also, Sanne Salomonsen's 2005 Melodifestivalen entry "Higher Ground). I have heard of Emanuel Olsson (spelled "Emanuel") before, though it's probably best if I don't say the first time I heard his name and just skip straight to the fact that he co-wrote Sanna Nielsen's "Loneliness;" that'll be more relevant, too. Mads Haugaard is a name I didn't recognize, but apparently he co-wrote Bryan Rice's (ballady) "Everywhere You'll Be" and some songs I don't know. Annika Askman (another name I didn't recognize) was in the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix in 2007, but not with a song I remembered ("Fly," in case you all don't have to go look it up). I think she may have written for Sanne as well (she's at least in her band). (Jeanette's MySpace, Emanuel's MySpace, Mads's MySpace)

In regards to tracks 5 and 6, I know Fredrik Berger has done songs used by Darin ("Like No One") and Marie Picasso ("Winning Streak"), as well as Daniel Lindström, apparently.

Track 9: Henrik Thomson and Martin Landh (also involved in track 2) didn't ring any bells, but apparently Martin co-wrote "A Different Kind Of Love" from Melodifestivalen 2005, "Naughty Boy" from 2006, at least one Rednex song, and several tracks from the past two Martin Stenmarck albums (including the title track and "Den långa vägen hem" from this last one)--so in other words, I have no idea what to expect from him. No idea about Henrik, though there is a Henrik Thomsen who's apparently a guitar player and has done some writing for some rock artists I don't know. (Martin's MySpace)

Track 10 brings up so-far-not-put-a-foot-wrong Tony Nilsson (ToNi of the original "Natalie," co-writer or writer of Ola's "S.O.S.", "Love In Stereo," and version of "Natalie" and Alexander Schöld's "Jag hatar dig"). Ingela Pling Forsman--where do you even begin? Suffice to say you'll find her name on loads of Melodifestivalen entries (including Linda's "Jag ljuger så bra"), as lyricist. Alexander Schöld competed in this year's Melodifestival and, as previously mentioned, put out a single written by Tony just a little bit beforehand. Brolle was just recently discussed on this blog. (Tony's MySpace)

Seemingly absent is "Hemligheter," the single Linda was frustrated that her record company wouldn't let her release back when we were hearing about the drama between her and them.

Steppin' out

Music messageboards working exactly as they're supposed to: discussion on PopJustice led to me finding out about this song. I know absolutely nothing about Asian music, so all I can say is that the singer's name is Namie Amuro, this is her new single "What A Feeling," and, in between listening to Melodifestivalen-related songs, I've been letting this video play over and over again in the background to listen to the song.



The first thirty seconds or so don't sound too fantastic, but as soon as you realize what they're doing and that sample hits, when we get to the chorus, I was totally sold. '80's pop, modern pop, dance, electro, rave--whatever's been put together to make this song, the result is great.

Try to deny what you're feeling and you know that your heart will say no

Having slightly calmed down after last night, I'm going to attempt to write something more than "AMAZING!!!!" over and over again (though really, that's what I still want to do).

10 things I loved about Linda's and Charlotte's performances last night (I had to choose some arbitrary number or else it would basically end up as a second-by-second list of what they did), in no particularly order:

1.) the aforementioned pause and look right before Linda's key change--that determined, hah-I'm-going-to-nail-this-and-prove-that-I-can moment

2.) Linda beaming and looking like she's going to bounce right out of her skin after the key change--she radiated confidence throughout the performance and now really has this incredible energy and presence on stage (I know it's a cliché, but she's grown so much as a performer), but she was obviously hugely relieved and happy she pulled it off

3.) Charlotte's opening pose and mic grab--iconic

4.) Linda's little head-cocked-back strut during the first chorus (right before the first "se mig" section)

5.) The leaning and swirling camera bit in Charlotte's performance

6.) The three-part group hand point right before Charlotte's key change (LOVE this way too much! Possibly my favorite moment of the night)

7.) Charlotte's soaring vocals overtop those of the backing vocalists singing the chorus during the key change (you know how I mentioned in one of my year end round up entries a song that had the one moment in music in 2007 that most stuck with me, that just thinking about could get me excited about the whole concept of music? I think I've found my moment for 2008)

8.) Linda's "hah"(s) (not new, but I've always loved them)

9.) Charlotte's reaching-towards-the-audience hand gestures in the second chorus, with the wind machine on

10.) Linda's styling and outfit

Also, I'd like to add that I think Linda's dancers worked fabulously and that someone needs to upload Linda's post-qualifying performance to DailyMotion--she was just so excited that it made the performance even more fun to watch. Oh, and the fact that I loved all the group strutting in Charlotte's performance is a given.

Moving onto the other contestants, I was genuinely surprised when Sibel's song ended--"that's it?" I'm not trying to be snarky or anything, but I hadn't really even realized we'd had a chorus, let alone a climax--I couldn't believe the song was over. I'm not sure whether that's a function of the song itself (which from the previews sounded great, but maybe it didn't have a chorus that stood out enough) or Sibel singing the whole thing so dramatically that it was kind of flat in a way--nothing "popped" like it should have. I'm not saying that she or the song was bad by any stretch, or that they didn't deserve to go to Andra Chansen (Sibel sang very well and I adored the "You and I belong together/We share a hidden past/And nothing more than your forever/And mine is what I ask" lines)--but I am saying she didn't deserve to go straight to the finals instead of either of the two songs that qualified.

I was kind of surprised to read the negative reactions to Daniel Mitsogiannis online after the fact. I definitely love the song, but I'd go further than that: for a young Melodifestivalen debutante to have to do that much complicated dancing (all these leg movements and hip wiggles and twists) and still manage to pull off singing an uptempo song impressed me. In the hands of many other young performers, that could have been a total unequivocal crash-and-burn scenario, but I didn't feel like it was at all for him (though I'm not saying it rivaled the night's top performances!). Apparently Sweden (and online fans) disagreed, though, and he ended up taking seventh, although that could partly be down to schlager and dance-pop fans who might otherwise have voted for him focusing their efforts on Charlotte and Linda.

I'm not complaining, though--getting Charlotte and Linda straight to the finals is a dream result that makes for a fantastic-looking final, only marred for me by Christer Sjögren. The second chance round, taking place this next weekend, has the potential to make it even better; two acts will be chosen to make it to the final.



Stealing Wikipedia's chart thing (though it looks small and blurry here--sorry about that! If you click on the picture you can see the full size version), I think the toughest matchup in this knockout format for me is Ola versus Caracola--I love both acts' songs. I think ultimately I'd like Ola to win this matchup; however, I'd prefer Ola or Caracola to either of the acts in the top bracket, where of the two Sibel is my preference. If Sibel ended up making it to the final, I wouldn't be too upset, but I'd definitely prefer it if Ola or Caracola did.

In terms of the bottom half of the lineup, my favorites are Carola/Andreas Johnson and Thérèse Andersson; put head-to-head, I'm not sure yet who I'd like to see win, though I might end up going for Carola and Andreas in the end. I haven't heard their song in a while, so it's hard to say. I'd be happy with either, though!

Like a hero

Comments from me later!

Edit: YES! YES!!! YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!! YES!!!

Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you Sweden!

Back in a bit!

Edit again:

Linda!



Charlotte!



Ahhhhhhh! Amazing! The songs, the singers, the votes!

Still running on high at the moment...more later! For now, though, I'll say that 1.) "this is a story/of love and compassion/only heroes can tell" may be my favorite line of the year, and 2.) there's this moment I love, this pause and this look from Linda right before the key change, where you could just see her thinking "I'm going to nail this and prove I can do it--prove to all the doubters that I can sing!" Revenge for '05.

Been watchin' you all day

Two things came to mind when I saw the following clip from the making of Jesse McCartney's new music video:



1.) Not only was "Leavin'" clearly inspired by "If That's OK With You," Jesse's gone even further with his Shayne Ward influences by basing his new music video off the one for "No U Hang Up."

2.) ...wait, are we sure this is the filming of a music video we're watching? And not just some really low budget...y'know? They couldn't even spring for sheets!

In other news, two hours! Two hours until Melodifestivalen!

Take it or leave it, you better believe it

So you'd think, with all the hype, it would be difficult for "Hero" to live up to expectations, right?

WRONG!

I'll be back with more thoughts when I'm done having my mind blown by this song. Seriously, I'm about ready to use up my yearly quota of exclamation marks.

Speechless.

(Listen to clips of the entries here.)

Edit: OK, back, and I'm sorry Sibel, you may have a great-sounding ballad and everyone may say you have a fantastic voice, but I have no time for it--I am going to be hoping against hope that it doesn't click with the voters, because I am petrified right now of it going direkt till Globen, and that simply is not an acceptable option. The only result I will accept it Charlotte and Linda to the final. That's it.

"Pame" is fantastic, and I totally love it; it also doesn't hurt that everyone says it's hindered by being overchoreographed, because that only makes it more likely it won't challenge for those top two spots, and therefore I can accept it into my heart. Any other week I would be backing that to the final all the way, but not this week!

Linda's verses are indeed very "Grace Kelly;" I love the song already--that chorus demands to be sung along with--and have a feeling it'll only get better once we hear the whole thing. Plus there's like this bubbly sound effect at the end! Love love love love love it.

Charlotte--oh, Charlotte, what do I not love about "Hero"? It's too amazing for words. "Amazing" doesn't even do it justice--I need a better word. Can we invent a new word for it? And can you imagine what it's going to be like when that keychange hits on Saturday? I think pop fans are going to explode or completely melt! The chorus is too perfect musically and lyrically--"this is a story, of love and compassion, only heroes can tell..."

On the less-love but see something in them front, Calaisa's song sounds sweet--not amazing, but probably enjoyable outside of a Eurovision context. I'm even liking Nordman's song more than I expected, though I think I might like it more with someone else singing it.

How am I supposed to wait for the studio versions of these songs? Argh!

So in recap: I am all about Charlotte and Linda this week and need them both in the final. I love Daniel's song as well, as long as it continues to stay non-threatening (and I imagine I've jinxed this whole thing now). I have no time for Sibel during this week--if I'm being honest, "That Is Where I'll Go" sounds like a genuinely great ballad, but I simply cannot have it being a threat, and that's something I've feared it would be from the beginning. Therefore, no support from me until after Melodifestivalen. At which point I will probably really like it.

(Note that I can handle people disagreeing with me, though, even about songs I love!)