Sweden

[MickeyPaul]

This was the Norway entry that finished 5th I think in 2008 and these girls sound very alike don't they? Songs aren't a million miles apart either. Sweden is competing against mostly garbage this year too (and I still think it's this year's Iceland going by the rest I've heard) so no matter what you say to me you bastards, Sweden has to be considered for a decent placing:




Or I could be off my head. It does happen. Very frequently. Sorry.

[Beanie]

As much as I like the song I dont see how it stands out at all - thats got to be a worry innit? Very quiet, and once you've heard the first verse you've heard the rest of the song. She doesnt do that any favours, as instead of belting out some big notes at the end she just goes quiet and starts spinning round as if to try to distract the audience from the fact she isnt singing. When you hear her try to hit loud or high notes, it's pretty evident why - and so to have a song which generally ends with backing singers bringing things to a long, painful close doesnt make you jump for your phone at the end.

The Norway song in 2008 performed last and had the 100% televoting opening immediately after her performance so enjoyed a pretty significant advantage as a result - all things being equal and I think it would have finished a little lower.

Im just playing devils advocate here as I quite like the song, I just think its going to do relatively poorly on the night.

[MickeyPaul]

Iceland last year had the backing singers come in towards the end Beanster and I'm feeling similar on this as I did then - I can't believe you aint hearing what I am with this one. You've changed man. I think she's tremendous. If a little psycho looking.

I hear ya about Norway but I wanted to show the similarities and potential. And I think the judges will dig this daddio as they'll be snobs like me and recognise that Sweden is about the only one displaying any quality. Sweden, Germany, Slovakia... errr... I don't think I've detected an ounce of quality anywhere else as yet. I've got a big crate of Guinness here though so I'll be able to get through everything again without fear of lapsing into instant death.

[Beanie]

And I cant believe you just compared that to Iceland BLASPHEMY!!

Iceland was a good song which then soared at the end with huge notes, great backing singing complimenting her vocals, and instruments flying towards a crescendo - this has none of that, the similarities all end after the opening couple of verses.

Backing singers are all well and good, but Iceland never committed the cardinal sin of having them sing on their own.

Still plenty time to go though - I havent really considered the juries yet, time for that later, and there is still time for this one to beef things up and stop short changing everyone at the end. I want my money back!

[MickeyPaul]

Why do you hate me Beanie?

Oh, remember my Iceland comparison is based on what this is up against - I know it's not quite in that league side by side but it moves far nearer that quality having heard the rest. To me at least.

[Beanie]

Its because you're short and your feet smell. Look in the mirror, give them a sniff, and come back and tell me I'm wrong.

Anyway, I'll leave you and it alone for now - you are right in that there are other songs which are far more worthy of my self rightous criticism than this.

[MickeyPaul]

I hate Sweden now. Fuck it. Croatia for the win.

[Gavster]

Originally Posted by MickeyPaul

I hate Sweden now. Fuck it. Croatia for the win.

My eyes nearly popped outta my head when I read this at work Mickey!

You finally coming round to Croatia then?

[MickeyPaul]

Nope. I'm going to blindly follow as I realise I have no idea anymore.

[MickeyPaul]

I'll still give this top 6 though. Fuck. Nothing I can do. This is one of maybe.... 3 or 4... with any quality. I know I'm going to be slated on this but fuck it. This is top 10 at least. Top 20? Qualifier? You cunts.

[MickeyPaul]

It beats Norway and Denmark hands down - probably be my only bet this year.

[MickeyPaul]

2.50 for a top 10 finish @ bwin and 2.75 @ betfair - oh baby.

This has got top 10 written all over it's slutty little face. I'm a little worried about being so isolated on this one mind.

[MickeyPaul]

Bet365 @ 34.00 for this outright now which is beginning to make my heart warm up a bit. Unibet have them @ 15.00 and paddy power @ 21.00

edit: I think this is a different performance to the one we're used to. She looks like she's trying so hard not to look uncomfortable that she ends up looking really unnatural and... uncomfortable. I still love this girl though:

[MickeyPaul]

4.50 now @ bwin to beat the dull, dreary, Danes and the nauseating, noisome, Norwegians. Yes please madam! Ker-plunk! Whoops. Ker-chunk! Noooo, ker-ching!

Odds shortening a bit @ bet365 for the outright though. 26.00 now (edit: ah ha - still 34.00 @ boyles I see). Just wake me up when it's all over. Actually, remind me to get on this to finish in the top 10 first. Before it's odds on.

[Gavster]

Jeas Mickey, she looks nervous in that video! She looks like she's about to regurgitate her dinner throughout that first verse. I think I'm brave enough to take your 4.5 though!