2. Spain Ruth Lorenzo - "Dancing In The Rain"
Finale
THE RAIN THE RAIN THE RAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN.
This is... everything I can wish for in a ballad: infectuous, powerful, memorable, relatable, with strong chanting and percussions. Dancing In The Rain is a more classical eurovision entry, but this year, LOTS of entries go against the grain of what is typically eurovision, so only make a nice change of pace.
Another nice change of pace: the Spanish entry being AMAZING. Has Spain ever been this good? I don't think they have been in the past. Most Spanish entries are refreshing and pleasant at the best and... well, at the worst, it's impossible to spell "Spain" without "Pain". Dancing In The Rain outclasses all of them for me. This is the upgraded version of Quedaté Conmigo and i'm thrilled for everything about it.
I do not watch XFUK, but I have heard of Ruth Lorenzo prior of Eurovision. Ruth is, what in rtv jargon is known as a "bottomgoddess": a woman (or on some occassions, a flamboyant homosexual) with a strong personality that grows into a polarising underdog, landing in the bottom every round, but surviving every time, becoming an invincible juggernaught that makes the finale and finishes third. This may sound awfully specific, but... it's actually REALLY common in competetive reality television? Bottomgoddesses make the BEST underdogs television has to offer, and once Ruth was announced as a possible Spanish entrant, I immediately wanted her to succeed.
Ruth inherited her rather polarising reputation from XFactorUK into Eurovision. A lot of eurovision fans, myself included, ADORE her, but on the flip side of the coin, there are many haters. I am absolutely baffled why, so i'm going to assume it's pure jealousy. Ruth is one of the most vocally accomplished singers this year, without question. She might very well be our winner.
Chances - High
Yes, Spain could very well win, even if they're barely in/out of the top 10 with the bookmakers. Ruth is very impressive live and her song is epic.
Some people express jealousy, but you cannot cast anti-votes in Eurovision (if you could, Russia would so finish dead last with -547 points instead of passing to the finale and finishing in 17th place, which they will be doing this year). So, I'm not too concerned about Ruth's polarizing nature catching up with her.
Barring an early draw, Spain is all but guaranteed top 10 at the very worst.
Which means my preshow favourite is none other than:
1. United Kingdom Molly Smitten-Downes - "Children of the Universe"
Finale
POWER TO THE PEOPLE. OH EH EH.
This. This is epic and everything I could hope for in a Eurovision entry. The chanting. The melody. The RAWNESS in Molly's voice. The chorus. The crypto-crescendo. The lyrics.
EVERYTHING about this entry works. The studio version imo is shockingly mediocre compared to how well this sounds live (the above vid IS the live version, btw). I could listen to this by days, and when this first came out the SECOND thing I did (after listening to it), is PM'ing Joonas like a giddy toddler that just found a 10 euro bill on the ground to show him this entry because i just COULDN'T contain myself any longer.
Like Spain, the UK has *never* been this good, periodendofstatement. Children of the Universe is an upgraded version of the (correctly) beloved Love Shine A Light.
Songs about social welfare on Eurovision are -most of the time- an enormous pet peeve of mine. I find most of them disingenuous, pontifical and therefore, infuriating. Not this one. Molly penned Children of the Universe herself, from the first note to the last letter, and you can tell. Children of the Universe is not a Charity Song designed to be a vote magnet in a music competition, nor is it a long-winded leftist sermon about social justice. Instead, it feels GENUINE and spontaneous, and on top of that, is a grand, catchy pop with a deeper meaning song that grabs your attention. Music is essentially another medium to both evoke and invoke emotion, and CotU accomplishes this in its own special way.
Molly also deserves major credit not just for penning this entry, but also for being a gifted performer and being a great live vocalist. Actually, Molly is the BEST vocalist this year, period. Her soul-like voice pierces you. (i think it's funny molly's singing voice is as raw as it is, because her speaking voice is very high-pitched and mellow <3) She also CONSISTENTLY sings in tune, elevating her song to a higher level in every performance. Very, very strong.
So when Meroe mentionned that the UK was NOT interested in her, I was baffled. Well, okay, maybe I should have seen this coming. As an avid watcher of the British versions of Big Brother and The Apprentice, I've witnesses the downright appalling stupidity of Britain's chavio casual audiences first hand. Not caring about Molly because she was unknown before getting selected is far from the most absurd thing they've done. Doesn't make it any less idiotic though. So... a few reality checks on the spot for any brits that bother reading this:
- Jemeni deserved the nil points, deal with it.
- No, Eurovision is more than Eurotrash, hence why Daz Sampson and Scootch flopped. (they were also second-hand embarrassing and you'd have to be intellectually empaired to enjoy them)
- No, Andy Abraham and Josh Dubovie were really insipid and terrible respectively and deserved finishing last in their respective finales.
- Bonnie and Engelbert were old and on their retour, OF COURSE they did poorly.
- Actually, every UK entry between now and Imaani, with the sole exceptions of Jessica Garlick and Jade Ewen have been TERRIBLE and that's because the UK has become lazy and delusional when selecting their entries
Now the BBC put loads of effort into finding ~The One~ and it payed off... so the UK public is unimpressed? *Sigh*, never change, UK.
At least the UK seems to have embraced Molly at present though. Actually, so has everyone it seems. The UK has, at the time of this writing climbed to 4th in the betting odds from 15th or something like that. Molly's fanfollowing has been growing at a rapid pace and while this year has many possible winners (and lightning rods like Aram and Sanna that won't ever win), I think it's HER that will end up victorious. I'm already Smitten-Downe by her. It's only a matter of time before Europe starts chanting:
Chances- Very High
Molly has always been my winner pick, even during the Dark Horse Days where she ranked outside of the top 10 odds. Now that she's risen to fourth, she's by FAR the most likely winner in the oddsmaker's top five, from a logical PoV: Aram is SUCH an obvious second placer, Hungary won't win because dark song + from hungary + racism, Sanna shall flop (or at best finish 5th), and while Norway's song is great it's not of the kind that wins Eurovision.
Meanwhile, Children of the Universe has all tools it needs to win and it will. Mark my words.
I've also revised my opinions on the previous entries, so this is my preshow ranking (not counting rehearsals):
1. United Kingdom
2. Spain
3. Italy
4. Norway
5. Latvia
6. Hungary
7. Israel
8. Estonia
9. Finland
10. Slovenia
11. Moldova
12. Ukraine
13. Armenia
14. Austria
15. Albania
16. The Netherlands
17. Germany
18. France
19. Switzerland
20. Poland
21. San Marino
22. Lithuania
23. Portugal
24. Ireland
25. Iceland
26. Romania
27. Georgia (lol <3)
28. Malta
29. Belarus
30. Macedonia
31. Greece
32. Russia
33. Montenegro
34. Azerbaijan
35. Denmark
36. Sweden
37. Belgium
Rehearsals start on monday and i'll keep you all posted.
____________
Coincidence? I think not!!!!
I listened to Molly. As a Brit by birth I felt I should There were parts I liked, but then it changed and I felt the song was a little all over the place. It seemed to lurch a little from one tempo to another. It will take a few repeat listenings methinks
You are right about the British audience though. Britain has dumbed down so much its almost impossible to read anything or watch anything that hasn't been designed for hyperactive, dyslexic, self-absorbed teenage wannabe's. I check online on some of the British newspapers several times a week and I haven't seen hide nor hair mentioned of this Molly, not even in the more gossipy of tabloids. Now if she wins however, that will be a different story ____________
Meroe is definetely out, sweet
as she sounds sometimes, she'd
definetely castrate you with a
rusted razror and forcefeed
your genitals to you in a
blink of an eye - Kipshasz
I REALLY don't get the appeal for the British song at all. I personally think Armenia is very likely to win. Maybe it will get a lot of Eastern European votes now that everybody hates Russia. It's also one of my favorite songs. I also really like Norway, Italy, Austria and Hungary.
____________
Over himself, over his own
body and
mind, the individual is
sovereign.
- John Stuart Mill
Locksley
Promising
Famous Hero
Wielding a six-string
posted April 29, 2014 08:32 AM
I listened to Britain and Spain and I agree with what Meroe said about Molly and UK. The song has a confusing structure and need some listening, but I think there's power in her voice, the melody and the background music. Maybe that's lost when the parts come together, but it's different from other entries and it has potential to do well.
Spain 2014 is like a mix between (the IMO better) Spain 2013 and Spain 2012. They're reliable!
JoonasTo
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
What if Elvin was female?
posted April 29, 2014 10:11 AM
Not so much like on Spain, mixing languages is evil and needs to be purified with fire.
UK though
So awesome.
They do have one downer though, she isn't exactly pretty. I think Molitva is the the only one who wasn't a looker to win lately. I mean, yeah, Lordi wasn't pretty, but they sure were showy. Loreen was pretty weird too. But in the makeup artists we trust.
PS. Hey, daz was fun, I have that one somewhere in my bookmarks still.
Was it good? Hell no! Doesn't stop it from being fun ____________ DON'T BE A NOOB, JOIN A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.
Armenia- You know, for a ballad performed by ONE person on stage with only a backdrop and light effects to keep him company, Aram is surprisingly engaging? I really like this, and it's a good thing I do because this will finish in the top 10 at least.
FINALIST
Latvia - lol. I love them but we all know they won't stand a chance. They need televotes and they won't get them with that draw. I appreciate that they make the most of their experience though. That's what truly matters! (*sob*)
ELIMINATED
Estonia - I can't stop watching this. It's THAT good. Holy crap that's impressive. I think Estonia could dark horse their way to victory, people.
FINALIST
Sweden - Remember what I said about Sweden? how their act was bland and dull? How Sanna's singing is whiny and inadequate? how the entire ensemble is generic and trite? I hate to be the guy that's like "i told you" but... i told you. It's happening. People are already turning on Sanna as we speak. She's is Cascada'ing herself. GOD it feels good to have my instincts vindicated. Undo will still qualify though, lol.
FINALIST
Iceland - This may seem ironic but... this performance really lacks colour? I am sort of disappointed because they don't shine on the stage and are just random eighties noise instead. Meh.
ELMINATED
Albania - Controversial opinion: I love the staging. Social media have been BASHING Albania for being too-old fashioned and static and while those are valid criticisms, I... don't care? I love this. But lol if it qualifies.
ELIMINATED
Russia - holy crap this is like... the cheapest shyte ever. That act? That song? those dresses? AWFUL. I already HATED the song before this, hoping for good staging, but Russia blew it. It's boring, malice and ratchet. Their prop is like... the shoddiest see-saw i've ever seen? Isn't this country filthy rich? The entire ensemble looks like it has been leased from a thrift shop. UNACCEPTABLE. this outcheapskates 2004 and it's 5000 ugly pink dresses, which is a huge achievement.
UNCERTAIN
Azerbaijan - Insipid. Jury bait. willqualify. WILL FINISH IN THE TOP 10. Is from Azerbaijan. Guys, I may have found a new least favourite.
FINALIST
Ukraine - Ukraine was never among my absofavourites and they aren't now, but... Mariya is really good, the song is great and their act is creative and well though-out. This will qualify for sure.
FINALIST
Belgium - That BACKDROP. This is so morbid and creepy ::shudders::. but worst of all, it's SO BORING in spite of it. Belgian media think we have a shot. I think they're fools.
UNCERTAIN
Moldova - lol. What a mess. I... have no idea how well this will do lol. like, no idea at all. It won't do *well*, but it could qualify. (lmao @ the part where she rips her own hair extentions out.)
UNCERTAIN
San Marino - I still stand by my statement that I prefer Crisalide as a song, but... that staging is rly good. Valentina goes full Birth of Venus on this and sings better than she did last year. You know, i should rate this as "uncertain" because it's San Marino but... with 4 guaranteed eliminees and three other songs that are less likely to qualify than Maybe, I'm going to make a balsy statement and annoint Valentina Monetta as a
FINALIST
Portugal - Suzy's issues have always been her vocals and she has THANKFULLY improved them. They're definitely passable now. With this song and that staging she could very well make the finals. However... something's missing for me? A little more *OOMPF* and good juju would do the trick. For now, i rate her as
UNCERTAIN
The Netherlands - The Common Linnets slay. TOP 10 beckons. Are you ready? I AM.
FINALIST <33333
Montenegro - STOP BORING ME MONTENEGRO. What are you? Ireland? WHY IS THERE AN ICE SKATER? good lord this is boring. The ending of this is terrible btw. Way to have an anticlimax, Sergej. Lol @ people thinking this qualifies. It might because of the draw but... i don't think so.
UNCERTAIN
Hungary - Like Emmelie de Forest before him, Andras did not change an iota about his staging and this was a very good move. Guys, we might be going to Budapest next year.
FINALIST i'll be in damn' shock if this doesn't win the semi.
To recap:
Guaranteed Qualifiers: Armenia, Estonia, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, San Marino (lmao <3), The Netherlands, Hungary
The Eurovision Song Contest is soon upon us and the time has come to HAND OUT THUMBS!
means that the entry should have a QP means that the entry is beyond comprehension
So, here are the entries in tonight’s semifinal, in order of preference:
The Netherlands, The Common Linnets, Calm After the Storm should probably have more than but less is more. There’s a tension between the great song and downscaled performance and instrumentation. And look, they actually play the song really well, without any programmed singback! This is just too good, from start to end.
Sweden! Sanna! Nielsen! Undo! At the core of this entry we have a good and strong melody performed by a competent singer. But around that we have lyrics, show, lights and a mechanical studio version played at radio which is so perfect that it has no feeling.
Latvia– To those who say Cake to Bake is far too stupid, childish and simple, I say “ej tu nost”
Iceland– Pollapönk is an interesting band name and the song is nice and happy.
Estonia – Amazing is a nice typical radio song that is quickly forgotten.
Montenegro – A traditional ballad, nothing special.
San Marino – A traditional ballad, nothing special.
Ukraine – Tick Tock is a mediocre typical radio song that is quickly forgotten.
Albania’s “One night of anger” is varied in a good way and it rocks! but things are changing too fast, 3 minutes are not enough for this crescendo.
Moldova’s Mercy! This unique kind of Music is difficult to label, but we only hear it in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Armenia’s “You’re not alone” by Aram mp3 is one of the favourites in this competition but I don’t find any valid reasons for that position. This is repetitive in a boring way and 3 minutes are not enough for an epic crescendo. It feels like many parts around that crescendo are missing. It’s a too short version of Child In Time, and that doesn't work.
Hungary – Running is a depressing song where only the instrumental part before the first chorus is cool.
Portugal– There are so many Hispanic party songs that are so much better than this one.
Belgium – A big ZZZZZ. And not good in other ways either. The guy is old enough to move out of his parents' home.
Russia – Shine could’ve been an ok pop rock song but is DELIBERATELY RUINED by being drowned in a pink and featureless soup.
Azerbaijan – Start a fire. This is so boring that the clocks stop ticking. It’s not even *beautiful soundscape*. Nothing happens in this endless sleep.
Overall, it seems to be a good show tonight. The Common Linnets are in the competition, Sanna's entry will hopefully be surprisingly good, the majority of the songs got at least one and the power naps are few.
Me thinks
1. Armenia
2. Estonia
3. Sweden
4. Iceland
5. Azerbazjan
6. Ukraine
7. Moldova
8. Netherlands
9. Hungary
10. Russia (ewww...)
I think Estonia could surprise the betting gods and go REALLY far.
____________
Over himself, over his own
body and
mind, the individual is
sovereign.
- John Stuart Mill
I think Armenia is SO overrated and doubt it wins. It takes to long for the climax to happen and during that waiting time, the guy is not attractive enough to keep you hooked.
____________
Over himself, over his own
body and
mind, the individual is
sovereign.
- John Stuart Mill
This thread is pages long: 
posted April 26, 2014 12:53 AM
There were parts I liked, but then it changed and I felt the song was a little all over the place. It seemed to lurch a little from one tempo to another. It will take a few repeat listenings methinks 
but the rest is (almost) Nirvana greatness!
), Iceland, Albania (
