The Netherlands' entry for Eurovision 2013

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The Netherlands follow the trend of big, dramatic ballads. On the other hand, Anouk totally smashes it out of the park. Woman can sing. Another one I would be thrilled to see win.

Whoever thought up a crappy webcam vid of Anouk sitting in front of a commercial microphone recording this? Cause whoever that ( Read more... )

Montenegro's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Montenegro brings the crazy this year. Fast pop-folk hiphop is a bit reminiscent of last year's Euro Neuro. I don't like this one, but I don't really hate it.

The video is very crazy, with guys in hazmat suits, briefcases attached with handcuffs, and girls fighting.

Moldova's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Moldova usually brings the crazy. So what happened? This is a big, dramatic ballad, not crazy. Aliona has a few intonation problems, but is fantastic the rest of the time. I don't love it, but I like it.

It's a performance video. The crazy is apparently in the hair. And in the dress. You remember last year when ( Read more... )

Malta's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Malta wins at charmingly awkward indie pop number this year. I would be thrilled if this took the trophy.

The video, OMG the video. It's cute, it's clever, it's beautifully shot.

Macedonia's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Macedonia gives us a kind of incoherent rhythmic pop ballad. I like it, but it's bizarre.

And there's another performance video. Esma's got an unnatural red gown and hair. A bit too matchy-moo even for a drag queen.

Lithuania's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Lithuania sends a rock-ish ballad. Andrius has a decent voice. But it's weak.

We get another performance video. Andrius is Mr. Hoppy Eyebrows. I can't take this song seriously if I'm watching the performance.

Latvia's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Latvia a hotbed of rap? Not really. But someone had to send hip-hop to Eurovision this year. The original upload of the song had intonation problems. I'm not sure if they re-recorded, or just autotuned it up, but hitting the notes it's actually not bad.

It's a performance video. And it's a hell of a lot of ( Read more... )

Italy's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Italy breaks from recent retro entries with a, you guessed it, big, lush ballad, with a bit of a twang to it. It's not bad, but it doesn't excite me.

The video is a little bizarre, but kind of cool.

Israel's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Israel sends, yes, another big dramatic ballad. But it's a woman with a great voice.

It's also a performance video. I like the retro big hair and chunky glasses, but that dress is doing her figure no favors.

Ireland's entry for Eurovision 2013

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Ireland didn't send Jedward again. That would be enough to gain my favor, but it turns out they send a fabulous poptacular dance number. It's a lot of fun.

The video? It's full of herky-jerky smash-cuts. It's got a bunch of people holding their hands together to form hearts. and I don't hate it as much as I ( Read more... )