Armenia

[Beanie]

, you and you're friggin oomph Mick. Have a look at the last 45 seconds of Armenia and try and compare that to Slovakia. It's a trillion times more oomphy.

I'd agree that last night showed the importance of oomph, but I dont think Armenia suffers in that respect at all, the song builds perfectly.

NB I do actually like Turkey's chances too, more than I did.

[MickeyPaul]

I never know what else to call it, Beanie. I mean, oomph is all Greece have to be honest. And Iceland ended up having decent oomphability. I think Turkey may end a bit oomphy too.

I forgot I did think Armenia gradually built to more oomph. I've been finding the first 2 minutes a bit weak though so far. Anyway. I'm going to listen long and hard (oooerr) to a few as it's going to be rather shit if I don't have a bet. Very shit in fact.

I'm not sure I really want to go against Armenia as it does seem very popular.

[Beanie]

I think songs with diaspora are those that will benefit most from the lines being open throughout the show - it may have been what helped Russia. Song was on very early, and so the diaspora is picking up the phone almost immediately and probably bunging a few more votes than they would have during the show because they have so much longer to vote.

I dont imagine many people will vote early other than those who have already made up their minds.

Its the broadness of Armenia's appeal that has me fancying its chances most though - its a crossover song with folk elements and Western elements, and also an almost ballad like start developing into a bit of a dancy number at the end. Maybe it shouldnt try to be everything at once, but I think it means it will get good support across Europe, something which a lot of other songs might well struggle to do.

And my final point would be - surely ALL the fancied ballads cant do well...surely there must be some element of them cutting each others throats...

[MickeyPaul]

The lines being open throughout has been on my mind a lot, Beanie. It's driving me slightly crazy.

Suppose I'm going to just swerve this completely too (as well as Denmark).

[Gavster]

1st dress rehearsal

YouTube - SF2 - Dress Rehearsal - Armenia

YouTube - SF2 - Dress Rehearsal - Armenia

Seems to have the tuning sorted

[Beanie]

Add the fireworks and flames to that and its brill. Sung the start and end 10 times better

But the jeans....I mean....why....?

[MickeyPaul]

I must be going mad but I thought that was the weakest I'd heard the song and her vocals. Still leaves me pretty cold until the last 30 seconds or so. I wish they'd give it more of that from the beginning rather than let her carry it all. I expect it'll sound a lot meatier on the telly and a quality stream though. There you go. Ended on a positive for ya.

[Gavster]

2nd dress rehearsal

YouTube - Eurovision 2010 - Armenia - Eva Rivas - Apricot Stone

YouTube - Eurovision 2010 - Armenia - Eva Rivas - Apricot Stone

Great performance!

[slick]

Only 30 secs in and I know this will do well, the Shakira style songs always do, can even see myself smashing plates to this one on the night.
I'd say this is nailed on to get through to the final.

[MickeyPaul]

Easily, easily, squeezily, the best I've heard her. Much more confident - the entire sound and feel faaaaar more in line with what I was hoping for there.

Shame the odds are all fucking shit now. I'd take this over Azerbaijan, Germany and Israel personally on the outright. I think it'll score better with the juries than Spazerbaijan and Cockney German and possibly Israel if he continues to croak a bit.

[Beanie]

Praise the lord! I cant listen to it at the mo but if it's won you round then I can only assume that they have got the oomphyness right. Slick on board too...Choo choo!

I've got it above those as well Mickey - ifffff she performs well tonight, if it qualifies(not taking owt for granted) and if it gets a reasonable draw then Im going in again.

[MickeyPaul]

12.5 @ betfair at the mo is the best I can see. Yeah - it all sounded far sweeter to my ears Beanster. Slightly meatier first couple of minutes before the real oomph kicks in and she sounds pretty good throughout which is all I really ask for with a song that kinda stands out from most. I still think with a better vocalist this could have been on easy street. Or relatively easy street.

This could be a damn nervy one if she doesn't perform but that's all part of the wonder and joy of this event. Gulp, spew, *THUD*

[MickeyPaul]

Just looking at all things Armenia - they're @ 2.8 to beat Azerbaijan in the H2H with bwin (final).