Archive for the 'Eurovision' Category

14
Aug
11

The mystery of Isa finally solved

By twistinthedark 2 Comments
Categories: Eurovision, Music, Peter Jöback and Sweden

You may recall my recent series of posts where I rediscovered favourite albums of mine that I had not listened to in a couple of years. One of them was “Storybook” by Peter Jöback. Listening to the album again, reminded me of the mystery of Isa Norberg.

Back in 2004, Isa sang a duet with Peter called “Summer Wine”, a cover of the old Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood hit. It’s one of my favourite songs on the album, partly due to the stunning vocals of Isa Norberg according to the album credits. Later in 2004, I saw Peter in concert and Isa joined him on stage for “Summer Wine”. I fell in love with Isa, her voice and stage presence totally transfixed me.

Well, I thought, someone that talented had to have more of a career than singing one duet but I couldn’t find anything with an Isa Norberg. I kept trying for a while but eventually gave up, thinking the mystery would never be solved.

Listening to the album again recently, reignited my love for Isa so once again, I went hunting and this time I turned up trumps. My internet research skills must be a lot better these days. As I discovered, the difficulty I had in the past was partly due to the fact that Isa had been known by different names and her music had covered different styles from schlager to pop to folk to jazz.

So here, for anyone interested is a potted history of the career of Isa Norberg aka Jessica Pilnäs.

Isa was born Jessica G. Pilnäs and it was under that name that she appeared in Melodifestivalen 1995 (Swedish heats for the Eurovision Song Contest) at the tender age of 16. Her song “Jag ger dig allt” (I give you everything) came third and was a hit for the young singer but, rather than commit to a career straight away, Jessica decided to finish school.

Five years later in 2000, Jessica signed with Sony Records. The record company dubbed her Isa, thinking that were too many Jessicas on the market. As Isa, she released an album called “Pretender” and two singles – the title track and “Everything I Do”. Isa toured with the likes of Robyn and sold well in Japan of all places. This album was very much contemporary pop/R&B.

Here is Isa performing an acoustic version of “Pretender” during a promotional tour of Japan.

Pop wasn’t really Jessica’s thing and she didn’t like being told what to do by the record company so there was no follow up. Jessica got married and started a family. She also studied medicine. Although she was spending her time bringing up her children and studying, Jessica still kept her hand in, guesting on records by Peter Jöback, Bengan Janson, Vacuum and Nils Landgren.

Thanks to Elin, here is Jessica as Isa Norberg (Norberg being her married name) performing “Summer Wine” with Peter Jöback.

And this is “Love Earth Cry” by Vacuum featuring the stunning vocals of Jessica Pilnäs.

Nils Landgren released a Christmas album in 2008 and Jessica provided the vocals for “A Child Is Born” performed here on a Swedish TV show.

Stepping back a moment to 2005, as Jessica Norberg, Jessica joined the group Mormors Visor as lead vocalist and released a Swedish language album “Sådan är kärleken” (Such is love), a mixture of folk and jazz. A really quite beautiful album. Click on the image below to go to the group’s MySpace page and listen to some of their songs.

Now lets flash forward to 2011. Jessica has finished studying and is now a qualified doctor. She feels ready to get back into music and has recently released a brand new album called “Bitter and Sweet”. Jessica’s first love is jazz and this album highlights her jazz voice. A mixture of original songs and covers done in her own inimitable style. Here is her jazz version of the Eurythmics hit “There Must Be An Angel” which is truly brilliant, as is the rest of the album.

The best thing is that almost everything that Jessica has done is still readily available. All three albums (as Isa, Mormors Visor and Jessica Pilnäs) are up on international iTunes as are the Peter Jöback, Vacuum and Nils Landgren collaborations. I was able to order Jessica’s latest from Bengans and my friend, the Best Judge, was able to pick up a copy of the Isa album for me on a recent trip to Sweden.

Jessica’s official site: http://www.jessicapilnas.com

As far as I can ascertain, that is a run down of the career of Isa Norberg / Jessica Pilnäs. Please let me know if I have missed anything.

17
May
11

Nina from Serbia

By twistinthedark 2 Comments
Categories: Eurovision, Music and Television

I am still processing the Eurovision outcome and wondering why such a boring song won. In the meantime, look what I found.

This is probably old news for many but there is actually an English version of the Serbian entry, “Caroban” by the spunky Nina.

“Caroban” was actually one of my favourite songs this year. I would even place it in my top three after Sweden and Hungary. The 60s vibe struck a chord with me, I loved Nina’s look and I loved the psychedelic light show going on behind Nina and her backing singers even if it did make my eyes hurt.

One thing I did appreciate and respect was that Nina had the balls to sing the song in her native language. That is one thing I miss about Eurovision. I really think that they should go back to the native language rule. One has to wonder if the disappointing position that the song came was because it was in Serbian. Surely Europeans are not that shallow?

Anyway, doing some surfing tonight and I discovered that Nina did in fact record an English version and also recorded a music video for it. In English, the song is called “Magical” and magical it is. I hate to say it but maybe Nina would have scored higher if she had performed the English version. I guess we’ll never know and part of me is still glad that we got the Serbian version.

Here’s the English clip. Enjoy the groove.

14
May
11

Nice pic of Eric Saade

By twistinthedark Leave a Comment
Categories: Eric Saade, Eurovision and Music

I love this pic of Eric Saade, taking some time out during the high pressure atmosphere of Eurovision. Eric is justifiably one of the favourites to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 for Sweden.

Although winning the Contest a respectable four times, Sweden has had a run of bad luck over the last few years and didn’t even qualify for the final last year. I am confident that Eric will do well enough to break the bad run and get Sweden back into the top 5, and quite possibly the top spot.

Go Eric.

13
Mar
11

Congratulations Eric

By twistinthedark 1 Comment
Categories: Eric Saade, Eurovision, Music and Sweden

Congratulations to Eric Saade for being chosen to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011. His song “Popular” won by an overwhelming majority and sees Sweden with a real chance to win in Dusseldörf.

12
Mar
11

Melodifestivalen final – here we come

By twistinthedark 1 Comment
Categories: Eric Saade, Eurovision, Music, Sweden and Television

Tonight, Swedish time, sees the final for Melodifestivalen which will select Sweden’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. It seems that the two favourites, Eric Saade and Danny Saucedo, are getting overly friendly in the picture above. This shot has been appearing on schlager blogs all over the net so how could I resist such a shot. Sadly, as the following video shows, it’s just the two guys mucking about at a press conference. But it does embody the spirit of Melodifestivalen. The friendly rivalry and the fun that the participants bring to the atmosphere, one could almost say a sense of family.

I have read quite a few schlager blogs complaining about the final line up of songs. I actually think it’s a good and varied line up, a bit of something for everyone. The Swedes actually have a range to choose from which should make it more interesting.

I have already commented on Sara Varga (my favourite in the final) and Eric Saade (the one that should go to Dusseldörf) but I thought I would give my impressions of the remaining eight songs for what it’s worth.

Danny – In The Club

Eric Saade’s closest rival, I think this club tune will give Eric a run for his money. It’s modern and would appeal to a younger audience (as long as they are the ones voting). I’m not that keen on it myself (I must be getting old) but I’m sure it would do well at Eurovision.

The Moniker – Oh My God

A lot of people seem to hate this very happy pop song but I quite like it and certainly won’t be skipping it when I get the CD. Kinda like Mika but not done as well, still it’s fun. I don’t think it’s a contender.

Brolle – 7 Days and 7 Nights

I really like this slice of rock pop from Sweden’s so-called answer to Elvis. I find myself singing it a lot. I have a feeling it will do well at the final but not well enough.

Linda Bengtzing – E Det Fel På Mig

Linda has entered Melodifestivalen a number of times in the past but this would have to be her weakest entry yet. I know I should like it but I just can’t. I think the only reason it made it to the final was the general low standard of the songs in the fourth semi final, one of the worst semi finals since they introduced the semi final format.

Nicke Borg – Leaving Home

I don’t like this rock ballad from the lead singer of the internationally known Backyard Babies. I think there will be an audience for this song but I just don’t think that the fans of Backyard Babies are the kind of people to watch Melodifestivalen or Eurovision.

Swingfly – Me And My Drum

Although I don’t normally like rap, the chorus of this song is so damn catchy it could get through. It would be one of those annoying summer hits that Europe seems to love so much. If it does get through, it could even manage a decent placing at Eurovision. Certainly not a favourite by far but not the end of the world if it ended up representing Sweden.

Sanna Nielsen – I’m In Love

Although Sanna does have a loyal fan base and this schlager number is quite listenable, I don’t think it will do too well.  Nothing wrong with schlager of course, but voting audiences seems to be moving away from it.

The Playtones – The King

This rock ‘n roll pastiche is catchy and should do well but I think it would be regarded as too much of a novelty song by European audiences.

Part of the fun of Melodifestivalen is and Eurovision is not really knowing which way the voters will swing. Since the semi finals were brought in, the eventual winner of Melodifestivalen  has always come first in their respective semi final. This would mean that only Danny, Sanna, Eric and Linda are in the running. But the real unknown factor this year is that for the first time, 11 international juries will be voting and will make up half the vote with the general public making up the other half. Watch the sparks fly in the Swedish media if the jury vote changes the general public’s choice!

Still, all things considered, I think Eric Saade will be eventual winner and that he could very well take out the Eurovision crown for Sweden. I guess that time will tell.

12
Mar
11

Run for your life – Sara Varga

By twistinthedark 2 Comments
Categories: Eurovision, Music and Sweden

This is my favourite song in this weekend’s Melodifestivalen final and my second out of all the entries for 2011. Sara Varga sings this sad but slightly upbeat number about escaping domestic violence and self-empowerment in a laid back, jazzy style which is hard to resist. It is one of only two songs to be sung in Swedish at the final. It is called “Spring för livet” or “Run For Your Life”.

While I don’t think it’s the best choice to represent Sweden at Eurovision, it is still a wonderful song, deserving of a wider audience. I had a go at translating the lyrics so apologies if I stuff any of it up or miss any of the nuances.

Run for your life

You say that you have changed
That you never meant to hit
You say that everything has changed
If I wanted to then I would understand

You don’t hurt the one you love!
The one you actually say that you do

I live with my memories
And the wounds that no one can see
I live with my memories
Trying to forget is no use

You don’t hurt if you love
The one you actually say you do

Run for your life if you hold yourself dear
It’s not worth it to hit back
You cannot change
You will never understand
The only thing you can do is go
The only thing you can do is go

You totally broke my spirit
You said that I always did wrong
You complained about my whole existence
Until I was no longer whole

You don’t hurt if you love
The one you actually say you do

Run for your life if you hold yourself dear
It’s not worth it to hit back
You cannot change
You will never understand
The only thing you can do is go
The only thing you can do is go

And I love life
You may not take that away from me
For if hatred is now the motive
There is no hatred within me

Run for your life if you hold yourself dear
It’s not worth it to hit back
You cannot change
You will never understand
The only thing you can do is go
The only thing you can do is go

The only thing you can do is go

28
Feb
11

Will Eric Saade restore Sweden’s standing at Eurovision?

By twistinthedark 4 Comments
Categories: Eric Saade, Eurovision, Music, Sweden and Television

It’s no secret that Sweden hasn’t been going too well at Eurovision in recent years but hopefully that’s about to change.

Eric Saade is hot favourite to win Melodifestivalen, the Swedish heats to select the artist to represent Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest and if he is not selected, the Swedes must be crazy.

This year’s Melodifestivalen has been rather lack lustre. The format is becoming tired and the quality of songs just hasn’t been there. I really haven’t enjoyed the show that much this year and the fourth semi final was one of the worst since they introduced the semi final format. The hosts have been boring with no chemistry and the comedy sketches have been decidedly unfunny. Melodifestivalen is in desperate need of a revamp.

But Eric was a breath of fresh air with his song “Popular”. Yes, some of the other songs have been very good (Dilba, Sebastian, Jenny Silver and Sara Varga all leap to mind) but Eric is the total package. Memorable performance (Eric crashing his way out of a glass box), memorable song, easy to sing along to and Eric himself. Not only is he is easy on the eye but he does come across as an all round nice guy. He ticks all the Eurovision boxes in a way that none of the other contenders do.

Eric still has to win the Swedish final which is being held in Stockholm on Saturday 12 March 2011. Ahead of the final, the single for “Popular” is being released in Sweden today in both a digital format and physical CD format (cover above).

Lets hope Sweden get it right this year and select Eric to represent them. I am sure that Sweden will rank highly and could even win in Düsseldorf.

31
Jan
11

Brandur changes style

By twistinthedark 3 Comments
Categories: Brandur, Eurovision, Music and Sweden

I do have eclectic music taste and do like my favourite singers to be eclectic too. Even so, it was a real surprise to discover that Brandur (from the Faroe Islands via Sweden) has gone all out electropop thanks to the wonderful Swedish Stereo blog (well worth checking out).

I first discovered Brandur in the 2008 Melodifestivalen singing a really sweet ballad called “Lullaby”. Last year, he released a very good album of strong, melodic pop songs and reminded me a modern version of Ted Gärdestad. I have written about him before here and here.

But now, Brandur has shown that there are more strings to his bow with this fast, energetic electropop stomper. It starts off a little slow and then explodes.

It was released today on the Swedish iTunes and I am not very happy that it is not available worldwide. This is a huge bugbear of mine and I really wish the record companies would get their act together. They are the ones killing the music industry. Oops, I better stop there before I climb on to my soap box!

Back to Brandur, he is a very talented singer/songwriter who has shown that he has many facets to his talent. I am sure that he will be one to watch and lets hope that he can finally get the recognition he deserves both in Sweden and internationally.

Brandur – The Illusion Of by Music Week

EDIT: The single has been released internationally on iTunes. It just took a little longer to show up. Lets make it a hit.

11
Dec
10

The Borg have landed – in Uppsala, Sweden

By twistinthedark Leave a Comment
Categories: Eurovision, Music, Sweden and Travel

When I first saw this structure in Uppsala, I thought it looked like a Borg cube from Star Trek had landed plonk in the middle of town. A reasonable assumption since we know that Sweden is already full of the Borg (a common surname amongst the locals).

It is in actual fact a concert and conference centre known as Uppsala Konsert & Kongress. And I was there for my last full day in Sweden to attend a concert from the fabulous Nanne. Unfortunately I was there by myself since Gustav (a big Nanne fan) had a big exam the next day that he had to study and prepare for.

Uppsala is a small city, north of Stockholm. It’s not too far away and is only about 40 minutes on a train. In Sydney, of course, you’d still be in the suburbs! It is known for its university and I even spent a couple of months there back in 1997 doing a summer course in Swedish. Not much has changed except the cube, er concert hall is new.

The concert itself was fabulous. The theme was a celebration of Nanne’s 25 year career including her solo career, Sound of Music and One More Time. With the SoM and OMT songs, Nanne sang the full versions instead of truncating them into a medley like she normally does so I was happy.

A surprise opening to the second act was one of my favourite Nanne singles, “Svarta Änkan” (Black Widow). A surprise since it wasn’t a hit (crazy, I know) and Nanne rarely performs it.

There was a heavy emphasis on the new album, especially in the first act. Although I would have liked more songs from across the whole 25 years, it was still good to get better acquainted with the new stuff. Up to that point, I had been having trouble connecting with the new album but now I love it. Nanne performs with such an energy.

It’s hard to believe that this was 6 weeks ago. It has taken me a while to write about it since I felt like putting fingers to keyboard would make me feel sad. But it hasn’t.Makes me yearn for my next trip though.

Anyway, here’s a performance of “Svarta Änkan” filmed at another venue on the same tour.

 

24
Oct
10

Melodifestivalen is coming …

By twistinthedark 4 Comments
Categories: Eurovision, Music, Sweden and Television

Well, it said it on the back of a bus so it must be true.

I got quite excited when I saw this. I had to chase the bus, fumbling with my mobile phone camera to get the shot. Thankfully it stopped long enough for me to snap it.

Tickets have now gone on sale for the semi finals, finals and associated dress rehearsals. I’d love to be here but unfortunately I can’t. Still, as with other years, I’ll be avidly following it via the internet. Our group will probably be watching the final at a Sydney pub. I really think that SVT should listen to us because we always know best! ;-)

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