-------------------------- ScHLAGER TUNeS

Abba at Joy 94.9 FM this afternoon- while the Heat is on.

2012-01-29T18:45:00.005+11:00

One of the great things about living in Melbourne is a reqular

with a fantastic host

Alan Ross- it airs at 3 Pm each week on sundays- and although I cannot always tune in- Anyone can listen via Joy's weblink. I must say I enjoyed today's show so much.

It was great to see Boney M finally placed in the icon gallery-

Yet the most pleasure was found in today's show as Alan Ross had a great idea to have

an Abba Vs The Beatles phone-in poll.

What a great idea!

...and the winner who took it all was Abba- in the end. However as we know the swedes themselves would not have agreed to

this comparison- in fact if you view this wonderful recent interview I found with Bjorn (below)- it was Paul & John who

inspired and started Bjorn and Benny on the road to amazing success. This also tells us how Bjorn has always been

a fan of Karen Carpenter! artists who in the 70's were one of the main rivals to Abba-

Enjoy some chat & sites of Stockholm city in this french programme---

Puzzle #8 : Abba @Stockholm! by Off

At Norsk MGP in Larvik - it's all making it better!

2012-01-29T09:24:00.008+11:00

After Denmark's MGP final last saturday which apart from the odd good tune - did nt not seem to raise the Euro pulse to high!

We now have a look at second Semi-Final happening in Norway last night- This had a three of our favourites so imagine our joy to find 2 of them qualified to go on to Spectrum-

1- Tommy Fredvang - Make it better

(Tommy has got to be Le Spunk of Norsk MGP 12)

2- Marlin - Crush

(this seems to have some elements of 2011 'Rockefeller St' in the chorus)

3- Plumpo- Ola Nordmann

-a folk-band who may well of stood in the way of Mimie Oh making the final

That's right- poor Minnie Oh will her tune 'You & I' failed to gain enough votes for the final. As norway has no seciond chance round as well in 2012- that means Minne is sadly out! her performance was said to be rather Gaga-esque however sounded to us rather more like

a Robyn tune & performance.

At least we have Tommy Fredvang & Marlin to cheer for in the Norsk MGP Final.

Hanne Sorvaag who featured in Mgp last year could this time be on to another MGP winner with 'Make it better'

Hanne wrote 'My heart is yours' with Fredirk Kempe for Didrik Soli Tangen 2010.

Deltävling 2- Melodifestivalen 2012 Göteborg

2012-01-27T18:32:00.009+11:00

Does Ulrik- have the right stuff for Melodifestivalen 2012?

So let's have a look at Goteburg semi final this is one of my

Favorites for the reason we find 3 veterans returning for a new-go at Melodifestivalen glory.

Andreas Lundstedt without his Alcazar girls! with a powerful song of bitter sweet love.

Then let's not forget

Sonja Alden - she has a great melo track record as a singer and song writer

So it's gonna be a hard battle for those two slots at Globen. We may just see the first popular ballad come out of

Goteburg.

I have this crazy crazy idea that Timoteij - or the TimTams as my blog-translators calls

these folk-chicks- have great potential we think to win Eurovision with

the right schlager-tune! so these are the names schlager fans know already well

The other 5 all debut in Melodifestivalen- the very New Kids on the block-

Top-cats- will sing 'Baby Doll' a tune wrote by one half of Lili & Susie a duo who are always welcome to melodifestivalen - even if they are not going to give us the pleasure of a performance in 2012. That's to be done- by none other than a young Rock-a-billy/ dansband called 'Top cats'. The three guys who are very easy on the eyes (see below) and

should give us a breath of fresh-air and even a saucer of milk! who knows?

Ulrik Munther- back in 2009 Ultik Minther won Lilla Melodifestivalen & went on to win Nordic MGP 2009 with a song he wrote himself 'En vanlig dag' a very typical swedish pop hit.

He has found fame with a huge debut album- and is credited as making Lady Gaga 'Born this way' his own way with a cover of this great international pop hit. He is already a popular favourite to win this year- even before the song is made public - so don't let under estimate The Ulrik.

David Lindgren- at just 25 years of age David is a new swedish star of musical theater - with roles in High School Musical, the German version of Mamma Mia & Hairspray. So it will be interesting to see how young David does, as so many Musical stars have gone belly-up in Melodifestivalen. Let's see if the tune is something to shout about?

Thomas DiLeva- it's amazing Thomas has not eventured into melo- land before now as he

could be considered to be a New Age version of Demis Roussos from the 70's and often wears those

same kafta's. Thomas has been around since the late 80's and released an amazing 17 albums, the most recent one

in 2011.

The Running Order

1. Soldiers – Ulrik Munther

2. Baby Doll – Top Cats

3. I din himmel – Sonja Aldén

4. Aldrig aldrig – Andreas Lundstedt

5. Stormande hav – Timoteij

6. Shout It Out – David Lindgren

7. Det går för långsamt – Mimi Oh

8. Ge aldrig upp – Thomas Di Leva

Then last but not least is already a big Melo fan favourite is Mimi Oh with her own brand of 80's style

electro pop- her Ep '1986' was very popular in Sweden last year- Mimi's Melo entry is called 'Det Gar For Langsamt'

in the meantime while we wait for this tune to come out- the same songwriters have released

'Sakerhetsnal' (Safety Pin)

as a teaser of what to expect from Mimi Oh next month.

We feel a schlager classic coming up in this Melodifestivalen tune- already!

Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2012 - Did Denmark choose right?

2012-01-22T16:56:00.010+11:00

Jesper gave it all at MGP 2012 finished runner-up.

Denmark has selected their entry for Baku 2012 at MGP on Saturday night. I do very often have mixed feelings with Denmark's Eurovision selection The songs often tend to be a little different & rather serious with the exception of DQ s ' Drama Queen' in 2007. You either love them (A freind from London- 2011) or hate them (Chanee & N evergreen- 2010) for 2012- the later maybe true- sorry Denmark!

This year I cannot say I am crazy about Soluna Samay's 'Should have known better'winning song. The Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2012 had lots of promise + a wonderful show and turned out to be a two-horse race between the favorite Jesper Nohrstedt & winner Soluna. I think Jesper would have been a great choice-and it's interesting the new international juries agreed with the other song -

This was the super final result-

1- Should have known better by Soluna Samay. - 110

2- Take our hearts by Jesper Nohrstedt. - 102

3- Venter by Christian Brons & Patrick Isaksson - 88

The sofa pop-ballad from Soluna-

It's certainly interesting to see how the Danes voted against the international juries- However in Melodifestivalen 2011 the opposite happened as the televote agreed with the international votes that gave Eric Saade a lead. I guess this cannot always happen- yet for Denmark it could be risky sending this mid tempo sofa-pop tune! When they have such an ideal recent Eurovision track record to date.

This tale will continue in Baku-- good luck Denmark

Deltävling 1- Melodifestivalen 2012 Round One- Växjö

2012-01-21T07:52:00.008+11:00

Yes- its just a matter of weeks before the whole Melodifestivalen show kicks off on 4 th Febuary 2012

how simply exciting - so we are going to have a look at that all important running order, plus some of the new/old schlager artists in the first two shows . Eurovision fans everywhere are awaiting just to see what Sweden has in store for Baku- Round one is almost like a BBC 2 repeat of 2010, some viewers in Sweden may watch thinking 'hold on- is'nt this a song from last year! I remember this...have we got the right channel?"

All due to the fact that we have -The Moniker, the fabulous Loreen & then Marie Serneholt who sang last year but as the main host on Melo 2010! Let's check out the new names--

Abalone Dots- are a girl band from Vastervik (and before you ask 'No-Bjorn Ulvaeus is not their Manager!') In fact they are a little bit West Coast country and have had a couple of swedish albums already. With a third album on the way this spring-

Sean Banan (above)- he kicks off the show with Song 1- Sean is a TV comedian and musician + dancer-

This will be a fun start to Melo 2012, we are hoping Sean will keep his pants on for the performance- or actually maybe?

Sean- is of iranian birth, and has lived in goteburg since he was 2 years old- His main claim to fame is the

hit song 'Skaka Rumpa' that was a big hit last year in Sweden made No: 8

- so this could be his next big hit?

Le Running Order.

1. Sean Den Förste Banan – Sean Banan

2. På väg – Abalone Dots

3. I Want To Be Chris Isaak (This Is Just The Beginning) – The Moniker

4. The Boy Can Dance – Afro-Dite

5. Mystery – Dead by April

6. Salt & Pepper – Marie Serneholt

7. Jag reser mig igen – Thorsten Flinck och Revolutionsorkestern

8. Euphoria – Loreen

There is a real mix in this round with a soul - pop tune from Afro-Dite who are hoping to sing for Sweden at Eurovision for a second time

after being winners back in 2003.

Thorsten Flinck- he is new for us, mainly an actor and singer -who is known for acting as psychopaths & villains and he did a cover of 'Where the wild Roses grow' (sung by Nick Cave with Kylie Minogue of course) should we be scared by this prospect? the song translated to english means 'I rise again'

so I think we should be...a good choice for Baku?

hmmmm.....Vampires are alive (again) it did'nt work for Switzerland in Eurovision 2007.

On the subject of rock'n'horror for Song 5 expect heavy rock from a big Rock name in Sweden Dead by April- this could be the rock song of the season- wrote by Pontus Hjelm. Certainly one to watch or if not, a good time to put the kettle on.

It could mean in this year's Melo Globen Final you'll have at least one cuppa tea, think of it that way?

I will be cheering certainly in this first round for the fabulous Loreen with a Thomas G-Son tune, she can do no wrong

and Marie Serneholt as she will look and sound fantastic like Marie back in 2009

singing 'Disconnect Me'- plus Afro-Dite

if they have the right songs.

It will be a tuff first round in Melodifestivalen when just anything can happen!

Sweden's Top 10 Melodifestivalen Fan Favourites Ever !!

2012-01-20T19:03:00.006+11:00

- Sanna is still Tops with the swed-fans

Well the swedes have some rather strange choice in favourites- when it comes to music- If we need evidence of this just look at some historical choices for Eurovision Song Contest! Strange but true. Recently STV asked 400 die-hard Melodifestivalen fans to choose

their All-time favourite Melodifestivalen tune- No: 1turned out to be Empty Room by Sanne Nielsen the tune that finished runner-up to Charlotte Perrelli's 'Hero in 2008-' that made 3rd place- This is the full Top 10 featuring Charlotte twice- and lena Phillipsson twice,

but one placing for Carola.

1. Empty Room- Sanna Nielsen

2. Waterloo- ABBA

3. Hero- Charlotte Perrelli

4. Kärleken är evig- Lena Philipsson

5. Evighet- Carola

6. Moving On- Sarah Dawn Finer

7. Not a Sinner Nor a Saint- Alcazar

8. Tusen och en natt /Take Me to Your Heaven-Charlotte Nilsson

9. Det gör ont- Lena Philipsson

10. Nattens drottning- Haakon Pedersen & Elisabeth Berg (5th place 1989)

Alot of Melodifestivalen classics are missing like 'Cara Mia' 'Ska VI Plocka Körsbär I Min Trädgård?' 'Se Mig' & 'Dag efter Dag' or 'Bang En Boomerang' all would have been better than the 10th song by Haakon Pedersen & Elisabeth Berg we think!

Oh well looking at this Top 10 perhapes the International juries for Globen Melodifestivalen Final are for the best!

A New Playlist -The Best Tunes-January 2012

2012-01-19T21:24:00.012+11:00

1- C'est Blue- Scooter /Vicky Leandros

2- Bailamor (English Vers)- LilIi & Susie

3- Eaten Alive- Man Meadow

4- Bearforce 1 Disco Medley- Bearforce One

5- Blame it on you - Youngblood
6- You and I - Minnie- Oh- NEW

7- Overflow- Ditte Marie -NEW

8- Under Stjernerne Pa Himlen- Rasmus Seebach

9- Tu te Reconnaitras-Remix 2011- Anne Marie David

10- When will I see you again (Precious Pop Mix)- Thomas Anders Ft Three Degrees -NEW

11- Songs that Live Forever- Thomas Anders

12- Sunday Morning - Sebastian Karlsson

13- Make it Better - Tommy Fredvang -NEW
14- C'etait Ma Vie -Lys Assia

15- En dag i sander -Benny Anderssons Orkestra

16- With Love- Lisa Stokke -NEW
17 -Til Tomorrow -Alexander Panayotov

18- Take our hearts- Jesper Nohrstedt -NEW

19- Goodbye - Zelijko Joksimovic

20- Stay- Tooji -NEW

This month's PlayLists has some early favourites from Norsk Melodi Grand Prix- tunes

Along with the two best from this weekend's Dansk MGP namely Jesper Nohrstedt

& the eletro Disc tune from Le Freak's Ditte Marie. Another favourite is Soluna' Should've known better'

yet this song did not make our top 20 This month.

Expect some Melodifestivalen tunes

coming up next month!

Over in Norway they seem to have come up with their very own Norska Eric Saade

called Tooji- almost a Saade twin and rather excellent Eurovis track called 'Stay'

Yes - Jedward will be back in 2012- & have a tune to bring more irish Eurovision glory

2012-01-08T10:35:00.010+11:00

Work-In-Progress - as Jedward try-out a song for Baku

Although Ireland have the record for an amazing 7 Eurovision winners, mainly due to the whole contest during the ninties becoming a annual Irish

Euro Song Contest (as they won 4 times ) however in recent years they have not been so strong. In fact previous to last year we have to go back to 2006 & Brian Kennedy's 'Every Song Is A Cry For Love' ( that finished in 10th place)

In Dusseldorf Le Jedward twins changed all this and brought Ireland a 8th placing during a maze of hyper crazy publicity. Jedward during Eurovision Song Contest 2011 saw Ireland get 3 times 12 points in the voting- the same amount as Azerbaijan's Ell & Nicki winner 'Running Scared' a worthy

comeback to the big league for Ireland.

So once again Jedward will submit a Eurovision song for Ireland in 2012- and this year for Ireland's own National Final selection they will have a Music industry mentor system to find an artist & song. This system has been subject of much criticism back in ireland- where even Johnny Logan has said it seems to stray away from the fact that it is and should be more about the song than the artist selection.

Linda Martin as a mentor (see above) has choosen Jedward to be her artist for the 2nd year running- and along with UK X-Factor judge Louis Walsh. He is Jedward's manager- They have had just 100's of songs sent in to them to be a possible Irish National Final entry, the one song has now been choosen by Louis.

In the latest statement from Linda Martin- they are actively searching for strong Male backing singers for the Jedward performance. As apparently they are in short supply in Ireland and hard to come by! (Hey, why not try Stockholm- they have heaps- and it worked for Azerbaijan in 2011!!!)

So it looks highly likey we could have a return of the twin Jedwards! We just hope for 2012 they try and do something a little different

this time and perhapes even a new hair style? dare I say it-

but can IRE afford that amount of hairspray in 2012.

We look forward to the new Jedward tune on The Late Late Show Eurosong 2012 on February 24th.

mimi oh or mimmie oh - Ohhh no -a clash of the mimi's in 2012!

2012-01-07T13:54:00.012+11:00

With a new season of National finals & Melodi Grand Prix- we very often have a clash of song titles!

for example last year Melodifestivalen had two tunes called 'Oh My God' and while popsters Le Kid looked set to be

a sweet euro-tune for the final. However The Monkier took the glory in 2011- Now we just noticed we have two different artists in Norway & Sweden competing for a place in Baku! Can we imagine the confusion if Sweden sends

Mimi Oh- and Norway Mimmie Oh- and Oh -both girls have a simular look as well- and are not the same artist.

Thankfully Norway's Monica Johansen (Mimmie Oh) has a whole troup of electronic dancing boys + on vocals joined by Marthe Valle according to Norsk's Per Sudnes MGP host this new act will show us simply the best vocal performance for MGP.

Meanwhile one of our personal faves is over in Sweden's Melodifestivalen with singer Mimi Oh- (above)

she had a big summer debut EP in sweden called '1986' last year- this EP title also sums up her electro 80's/90's sound. Check out Mimi Oh's

'Kom Hit Och Dansk' & electro-tasic tune 'Du Och Jag'

To hear just what sweden can offer us in Melo 2012 - we think Mimi Oh could be just the ticket for Sweden

at Baku. Meanwhile Mimmie Oh are know as more alternative sound from Oslo-

If you are ohhh so confused- don't worry!

we will have a full spot-the-difference post later on before the final's

Dansk Melodi Grand Prix promises to be Une Internationaire affair for 2012

2012-01-06T18:56:00.008+11:00

It was announced this past week how DR in Denmark will present the Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2012 to be held in Aalborg

on 21st January 2012. Last years Grand Prix show actually won awards in Denmark for being the best TV event of last year.

We certainly agree DMGP 11 was a spectacular show-and we will be tuned in the next 3 weeks.

The recent Eurovision Final track record has found Denmark to be the most successful Scandinavian country for having Top 5 placings,

in fact Denmark have qualified now 4 years in a row (Iceland equal this feat) so it will be all eyes on Denmark will they score

in the Top 5 this year or hit the jackpot to be winners in 2012.

They will be changing the rules for voting to bring in International Jury members from Norway Germany Russia & Azerbaijan.

Following in Sweden's lead of Melodifestivalen 2011.

In 2012 the danes who do not mess around with Semi Final warm-ups, will go straight to a final of 10 songs. They even have a specially

designed new stage for this event to find the song to fly the Danish flag at Baku 2012. See an impression of the new stage see above- (could there be a hint of Sydney Opera House there for the stage?- that was also designed by a dane)

Enought - let's see the 8 successful song submissions with 3 DR invited wildcards- for

Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2012-

Jesper Norshtedt - Take out hearts (wildcard)
Valen:Tine - Nowhere
Aya - Best thing I got - From the songwriters John Gordon/Julie Frost of 'Satelite'
Kenneth Potempa - Reach the sky
Ditte Marie - Overflow - The lead singer from Le Freak '25 Hours a day' (2011)
Phillip Hallou & Emilia - Baby love me
Suriya - Forever I be young (wildcard)
Karen Viuff - Universe
Soluna Samaay - Should have known better - one songwriter of the 2011 winner 'New Tomorrow'
Chris Brons and Patrick Isaksson - Venter (wildcard)

Exciting Schlager-times in this song line-up is the return of Fan favourites of MGP last year

'Le Freak' retro-disco band-

Well almost with the lead singer Ditte Marie going solo with song 5 - 'Overflow'

another one to watch is Song 3 -as the very same song writing dou who gave us 'Satelite' for Germany's Lena

are back for another go with 'The Best thing I got'

We cannot wait to see what Denmark has got for us...

A Happy New Year Everyone! - What lies waiting down the line, at the end of 2020!

2011-12-31T17:02:00.003+11:00

Youngblood- is Fredrik Kempe's New Pop creation- with a new Single out Now

2011-12-11T18:54:00.010+11:00

The News of a new Swedish boyband was made public with the roll-out of what to expect for Melodifestivalen 2012.

The band is called Youngblood- and are the creation of Sir Fredrik Kempe himself (see him in the video). In 2010 Fredrik brought Eric Saade singing 'Man boy'

so who knows what is ahead for these new popsters- Certainly over in the UK we have seen a small flood of new boyband sucess with One Direction, JLS & The Wanted (one of our faves)

Before the boys debut at Melodifestivalen they have a great first single called 'Blame it on you' -check out the Video-

Youngblood are Simon, Markus, Henric, Oscar & Chris - this new single is available on i-tunes NOW

even in Australia-

So treat yourself to some Melodi-pop ahead of Le Melodifestivalen-fun.

A New Playlist -The Best Tunes-December 2011

2011-12-11T18:09:00.012+11:00

1- Eaten Alive - Clubmix - Man Meadow

2- C'est Bleu- Scooter & Vicky Leandros -NEW

3- Bearforce 1 Disco Medley- Bearforce One

4- C'etait Ma Vie - Lys Assia -NEW

5- Bailamor (English Vers) - Lili & Susie
6- Under Sjernerne Pa Himlen- Rasmus Seebach

7- I don't wanna put in- Stephane & 3G
8- Glad you came (Alex Gaudino Mix) - The Wanted

9- Blame it on you- Youngblood -NEW

10- Sunday Morning - Sebastian Karlsson -NEW

11- Speak to me (Bassflow Remake) -Roxette

12- Tu te reconnaitras (Encore une fois)- Anne Marie David

13- Til Tomorrow- Alexander Panayotov
14- You Came to Me Classic NRG Mix- Anne Marie David

15- Guess who rules the world -Roger Cicero

16- En dag i sander - Benny Anderssons Orkestra -NEW
17 -Wake up -DiscoBrothers & Weather Girls (DR-2002)

18- Madness of Love (Gilles Peterson Remix)- Raphael Gualazzi

19- Goodbye - Zelijko Joksimovic -RE ENTRY

20- Sober - Loreen -NEW

Switzerland have choosen for Eurovision 2012- Sinplus

2011-12-11T08:51:00.006+11:00

The winners of the National Final in Switzerland is Sinplus- two swiss-Italian brothers. Their band has been around for a couple of years and spent alot of time in LA California

with a song that is not unlike something the Killers would release as a single-this can be a good

thing- to put the Swiss back in the Final contest in Baku. Lyn Assia did not make the top 3 - while another Italian singer

Chiara Dubey was one of the runners up.

Certainly Switzerland with this rock-pop act will be looking for the kind of impact we saw from

'A Friend In London' from Denmark in 2011.

Best of luck to the guys in Baku- and we have now the first entry for Eurovision Song Contest 2012.

see a Live clip here of Sinplus and

the song 'Unbreakable'

Switzerland are about to get the Eurovision 2012 Party started- with a National Final

2011-12-10T16:56:00.007+11:00

Not so many years ago- Switzerland had been known for making an internal selection for Eurovision with such

top artists like DJ Bobo, Paolo Meneguzzi & Vanilla Ninja Now Switzerland have begun a new tradition of having a National Final selection in early December- so being often the first country to make known their entry for Eurovision -5 months in advance. This certainly

has had the desired affect of creating lots of international interest in this first choice, even more so in 2011.

As the grand-mother of Eurovision Lys Assia is back

with a bold attempt to return after over 50 years away from the Eurovision stage. With a song written by non-other than Mr Grand-Prix Ralph Siegel himself.

This has created huge interest in the Tv Show due to take on 10th December 2011 at Bodensee Arena.

Lys Assia is remembered as the very first winner of Eurovision in 1956- with 'Refrain' but that's not all she came back 2 years running after her win- always to represent her homeland Switzerland. Lys came close to a 2nd win in Eurovision 1958 when Lys sang 'Giorgio'

was a runner up- This song for me was better than 'Refrain' as it had the fun popular Euro-charm that was to become the norm in later years at the Eurovision Song contest- but back in Eurovision 1958 Lys Assia was a trend setter on the European TV stage. (check this tune out above) Today Lys will be alot more traditional with this new entry and hope to create perhapes the kind of impact we saw from Patricia Kaas's entry of 2009- that gave France 8th place in the Final.

For 2012 Lys is up against 14 songs in the Swiss National Final yet Lyn is by far the favourite to win a place in Baku 2012. The song 'C'etait ma vie' will be sung as song 13 on the night- we certainly give Lys our full swiss 12 points

and hope this comeback dream becomes a reality.

See a SF Tv preview of the show 'here'

Whatever happens in the Swiss National Final it is the first song-step on the Road to Baku...

Eric Saade at last we have a fab Vid for 'Hotter than Fire'

2011-12-09T07:02:00.003+11:00

Eric Saade - the one man

who cetainly made the best of his 3rd placing at Eurovision Song Contest- alot more than even the winners Ell & Nicki - who have still not managed to put together an album as a follow up on winning entry 'Running Scared' And since then Nikki has released her own single recently- will this mean the duo will be a one-off tune?

Eric Saade- has come a long way since his man-boy days of Melodifestivalen 2010. His second digital album called 'Eric Saade Vol 2'

saw a release last month- the new albums from Eric has experienced its fair share of criticism back home in Sweden strangely. The most recent 'Vol 2' offering for me seems to put those critics at bay- for sure Eric has his own style of very pure Electro-Pop- but why knock something that is proven to be popular.

If you need further proof check out the long awaited great new Video for the single

'Hotter than Fire'

Charlotte Perrelli the Girl is Back- & the Artists for Melodifestivalen 2012 Semi 3 & 4

2011-11-30T19:51:00.010+11:00

It is certainly all schlager-smiles -as here we have now complete list of the Artists- just realeased a couple of days ago at the press conference over at Svt-

As expected and now it's confirmed -Charlotte's Perrelli will return to Melodifestivalen for the third time with

another Fredrik Kempe tune called 'The Girl' meanwhile Fredrik has a brand new act for Melodifestivalen 2012

called Youngblood- with a tune of the same name. In this batch there is alot more newbies- artist who maybe known in sweden yet never been before in Melodifestivalen. One name we were hoping for -was certainly Magnus Carlsson- however that rumour turned out to be untrue- ahhhh! there is always next year...

Danny from E M D makes it 2-years running in Melo- 2012- he will follow-up 'In the Club' with 'Amazing' - that's one way to describe Melodifestivalen 2012- let's see the list-

Semi Final 3- Leksand 18th Feb 2012

Mattias Andréasson (from EMD) – Förlåt mig
(Mattias Andréasson)
Maria BenHajji – I mina drömmar
(Nanna Svensdóttir, Thomas Cars)
Love Generation – Just a little bit
(RedOne, John Mamann, Jean-Claude Sindres, Teddy Sky, Yohanne Simon, Bilal “The Chef” Hajji)
Andreas Johnson – Lovelight
(Andreas Johnson, Peter Kvint)
Björn Ranelid feat. Sara Li – Mirakel
(Fredrik Andersson, Björn Ranelid)
Carolina Wallin Pérez – Sanningen
(Michael Clauss, Martin Bjelke, Carolina Wallin Pérez, F Dread)
Molly Sandén – Why am I crying
(Molly Sandén, Aleena Gibson, Windy Wagner)
Youngblood – Youngblood
(Fredrik Kempe, David Krüger)

Semi Final 4- Malmo 25th Feb 2012

OPA – Allting blir bra igen
Michael Sideridis)
Danny Saucedo – Amazing
(Danny Saucedo, Peter Boström, Figge Boström)
Lotta Engberg & Christer Sjögren – Don’t let me down
(Lasse Holm, Lars ‘Dille’ Diedricson)
Hanna Lindblad – Goosebumps
(Hanna Lindblad, Linda Sundblad, Tony Nilsson)
Axel Algmark – Kyss mig
(Axel Algmark, Mattias Frändå, Jonathan Magnussen)
Dynazty – Land of broken dreams
(Thomas G:son, Thomas ‘Plec’ Johansson)
Charlotte Perrelli – The girl
(Fredrik Kempe, Alexander Jonsson)
Lisa Miskovsky – Why start a fire
(Lisa Miskovsky, Aleksander With, Bernt Rune Stray, Berent Philip Moe)

Andreas Lundstedt is back- with a bittersweet Tune called 'Never, Never' ( in swedish)

2011-11-26T10:03:00.010+11:00

With the release of the stars of who will be in Melodifestivalen 2012 -we had a few surpises but not too many well- kept secrets as alot of the artists had been revealed from recent swedish press stories. Let's have a look at a few of the names- One firstly we all know so well is Andreas Lundstedt-

he is internationally known as the core member of Alcazar who broke-through with their massive hit 'Crying in the discoteque' a track that in 2001 was more successful in Australia, UK & Europe than at home in sweden where it only made 29 in the Swedish singles chart- however it did kick-start a career clocking up more than 12 million record sales by the end of 2005- alone.

Then alcazar reformed as a 3-some again in 2007- til 2011 when they took the 2nd break of the band's career- during this time they gave us one of their best albums with 'Disco Defenders' at the time of Melodifestivalen 2009 when 'Stay the Night' finished in 5th.

Andreas began his career in the big apple NYC he lived there from 1992-1995 making a name for himself in choreography -even training stars like Julia Roberts in dance. Then Andreas returned to Stockholm and began a Pop & stage career from back in 1996 when Andreas first debuted in Melodifestivalen -2 years running -as a solo artist- then a third time in 2007-

"Driver Dagg Faller Regn" (wrote by Alexander Bart Ola Hakansson & Tim Norell)

Finished in 2nd place to winner One More Time-

"Jag Saknar Dig Jag Sakner Dig" (wrote by Alexander Bart Ola Hakansson & Tim Norell)

Finished only in 5th place - when Blond won with 'Bara hon alskar mig'

-- At this time Andreas Lundstedt released a self-titled solo album with some great songs all in english- remember during the 90s Melodifestivalen/Eurovision rules meant entries had to be song in the native language. That was different for Andreas at Melodifestivalen 2007- with:

"Move" (wrote by Andreas Lundstedt-Joan Rohr)

Finished 6th in Semi-final 1 in Jonkoping-

So now for 2012 Andreas will sing again in swedish the tune 'Aldrig Aldrig'- in a recent short interview he revealed this new song as a bitter-sweet break-up

tune perfect for him to sing- and wrote with Andreas in mind- He was not sure if he should have a go at Melodifestivalen again solo-

however the song changed his mind- it will be a tough year in Melodifestivalen to enter again- up against some of Sweden's biggest names.

Andreas may even be up against his one-time fellow band-mate ( in Alcazar ) &

also former BF- if Magus Carlsson also makes a comeback for 2012.

This would be pure joy to see both schlager boys at Globen in 2012!

The Artists for Melidifestivalen are out -for the Semi Final 1 & 2

2011-11-22T18:10:00.012+11:00

Revealed today from the Svt press conference the first part of the Artists list- showing just who will sing the song-titles and song-writers revealed

a couple of weeks ago- It's interesting to see not too many of the Swedish Media rumours are wrong! One schlager-return that is off the cards- is for Lili & Susie

as the song 'Baby Doll' (wrote by Susie) is to be sung by dansband Top Cats- who have never been in Melodifestivalen before-

There was a bit of a question-mark also over Loreen - as she was one of the highlights of Melodifestivalen 2011 'My heart is refusing Me'

a tune that went on to become one of the summer's best Hits. So this time Loreen with a Thomas G:Son tune is set for maxinum impact, we felt Loreen has a certain Eurovision wow-factor that could do well.Equal joy to find no Alcazar but Andreas will be solo- and singing a swedish tune- this is something he has not done in Melodifestivalen since way back in 1997 certainly going back to his roots!

Here is the list- in no-particular order (not the running order)

Semi Final 1- Vaxjo 4th Feb 2012

Euphoria Loreen
(Thomas G:Son & Peter Boström)
I Want To Be Chris Isaak (This Is Just The Beginning)- The Moniker
(The Moniker)
Jag Reser Mig Igen- Thorsten Flinck & Revolutionsorkestern
(Thomas G:Son & Ted Ström)
Mistery- Dead By April
(Pontus Hjelm)
På Väg- Abalone Dots
(Abalone Dots & Viktor Källgren)
Salt & Pepper- Marie Serneholt
(Lina Eriksson, Mårten Eriksson & Figge Boström)
Sean Den Förste Banan- Sean Banan
(Sean Banan, Joakim Larsson, Hans Blomberg & Mårten Andersson)
The Boy Can Dance - Afro-dite
(Figge Boström, Catrine Loqvist & Johan Lindman)

Semi Final 2- Gothenburg 11th Feb 2012

Aldrig, Aldrig- Andreas Lundstedt
(Niclas Lundin, Maria Marcus, Randy Goodrum)
Baby Doll- Top Cats
(Mårten Eriksson, Lina Eriksson, Susie Päivärinta)
Det Går för Långsamt - Mimi Oh
(Anton Malmberg Hård af Sederstad & Niclas Lundin)
Ge Aldrig Upp- Thomas Di Leva
(Thomas Di Leva)
I Din Himmel - Sonja Aldén
(Sonja Aldén, Bobby Ljunggren & Peter Boström)
Shout It Out- David Lindgren
(Tony Nilsson & Fernando Fuentes Vargas)
Soldiers- Ulrik Munther
(Ulrik Munther, Johan Åberg, Linnea Deb, Joy Deb, David Jackson)
Stormande Hav - Timoteij
(Kristian Lagerström, Johan Fjellström, Stina Engelbrecht & Jens Engelbrecht)

Zeljko Joksimovic-Serbia's own Mr Eurovision will return in Baku 2012-

2011-11-19T12:05:00.008+11:00

-it's Belgrade- calling already!

Many will remember Zeljko from Serbia- as just about a perfect host on stage at Eurovision Song Contest 2008-

Yet Zeljko's entry in Istanbul in 2004 was equally his best achivement as he sung and wrote the 2nd placed

tune "Lane Moje" (see video-clip)

This track has become a firm all-time favourite song from the contest- at the time he managed to take on competion of Lena Philipsson & Greece's Sakis Rouvas to put Serbia & Montenegro one step away from Eurovision glory. So it's not

too surprising Serbia have picked Zeljko to sing for Serbia in Baku 2012 next year for a 2nd time as an artist.

However Zeljko has returned before in Eurovision 2006 as a songwriter of Hari Mata Hari's "Lejla" this gave Bosina & Herzegovina a third place at Eurovision

in Athens. He also wrote another success for Serbia at ESC 2008 the song 'Oro' was an amazing hit sung by Jelena Tomsasevic on her home-soil in Belgrade- Jelena finished 6th that year.

Early next year RTS Serbia Tv will present a new Eurovision entry also to be penned by Zeljko Joksimovic as well.

I am certain this may well be an early favourite to win Eurovision next year-

it's so good to have some Eurovis' Royalty returning in Baku-

Red One's Love Generation is lookin to go all the way to Baku on the Melo- Bus 2012

2011-11-12T10:45:00.014+11:00

Melodifestivalen 2012 is turning out to be a good year for Big Stars following Eurovision Song Contest 2011- that gave Sweden a 3rd placing with Eric Saade -a new confidence seems to have returned to Melodifestivalen. One such internationaly famous star is- producer/song writer RedOne who has made his name from writing alot of Lady Gaga hits-

'Bad Romance' 'Poker Face' & her debut 'Lets Dance'

Last year he brought to the Melodifestivalen stage a new girl band- Love Generation. And according to the Swedish press Love Generation will sing a new Red One song for Melo 2012 called 'Just a little bit' . Le Love Gen Girls could find more than one girl bands to chalenge them -with the return of Afro Dite (song 'The Boy can Dance'). The three piece pop dance group who won Melodifestivalen back in 2003 already with 'Never Let it Go' are rumoured to be with us in Melo 2012.

Marie Serneholt has also worked with RedOne before when he produced A-Teens album 'Teen Spirit' before his Gaga

glory days. Marie who was our wonderful host in Melo 2011 is set to make a return for a 2nd try for Melodifestivalen success- and we hope this time Marie will make it to Globen- with some 'Salt and Pepper' for her tune!

This News - has come via the Swedish press- who speculate each year who will be in Melodifestivalen the following spring. The press are normally not far off the truth- however- the offical list of artists- is due out at the end of November 2012...

Timoteij- which translated into Australian means The TimTams !!

Also another schager-tastic return for the folk girls Timoteij - there gave us one of the best Melodifestivalen entries of recent times with 2010's 'Kom' since then they have had great success in scandinavia & overseas & dueted with Alexander Rybak- his folk tune blended perfectly with Timoteij. Their song for Melo 2012 is one of many swedish tunes 'Stormande hav' I just cannot wait to hear this track- as 'Kom' has always been one of our favourites- even in it's english version as 'Run' (check it out)

What's in a Song! title-Melodifestivalen Songs for 2012-are announced

2011-11-09T21:57:00.014+11:00

Molly- Eric Saade's girlfriend is she set to follow in his footsteps?

Normally around this time of year we get from the Melodifestivalen camp- a few teasers as to who will sing which tune in the heats

starting in Feburary 2012. However it is a songwriters competition so firstly we get a list of the song titles- With those song writer credits

here is the full list announced already- as always these give some big glues as to who will sing as well.

It looks like Sonja Alden is likely to sing her penned tune 'I din Himmel' and the return of Molly Sanden as well as Andreas Johnson is likely.

Then The Moniker is back the second year running with a tune called 'I want to be Chris Issac'

-O M G what is he thinking?

Ohhh but wait (sigh) I can see now -three schlager anthems from Thomas G:Son- that's Fantastic.

I spy a schlager veteran in Lasse Holm who gave us the classics before like 'Dag efter dag' 'Framling' & 'Bra Vibrationer' to name a few- this brings to mind one other name- Kikki (-we wish? it is likey to be a return of 'Lotta- Engberg instead! )

Then only two tunes from Fredrik Kempe next year !

but double kempe magic is better than only one- we are hoping

one of the songs are made for Magnus Carlsson- finger-crossed- toes crossed- whever else.

The tune- Sanningen' is rumoured to be a comeback for Magnus! - as he has worked with Michael Clauss before.

check out the list- here for yourself-

Aldrig Aldrig (Niclas Lundin, Maria Marcus, Randy Goodrum)

Allting blir bra igen (Michael Sideridis)

Baby Doll (Mårten Eriksson, Lina Eriksson, Susie Päivärinta)

Det går för långsamt (Anton Malmberg Hård af Segerstad, Niclas Lundin)

Don't Let Me Down (Lasse Holm, Lars Dille Diedricson)

Euphoria (Thomas G:son, Peter Boström)

Förlåt mig (Mattias Andréasson)

Ge aldrig upp (Thomas Di Leva)

Goosebumps (Hanna Lindblad, Linda Sundblad, Tony Nilsson)

I din himmel (Sonja Aldén, Bobby Ljunggren, Peter Boström)

I mina drömmar (Nanna Svensdóttir, Thomas Cars)

I Want To Be Chris Isaak (The Moniker)

Jag reser mig igen (Thomas G:son, Ted Ström)

Just A Little Bit (RedOne)

Land Of Broken Dreams (Thomas G:son, Thomas Plec Johansson)

Lovelight (Andreas Johnson, Peter Kvint)

Mirakel (Fredrik Andersson, Björn Ranelid)

Mystery (Pontus Hjelm)

Porslin (Björn Olsson, Martin Elisson)

På väg (Abalone Dots Rebecka Hjukström, Sophia Hogman, Louise Holmer, Viktor Källgren)

Salt & Pepper (Lina Eriksson, Mårten Eriksson, Figge Boström)

Sanningen (Michael Clauss, Martin Bjelke)

Sean Den Förste Banan (Sean Banan, Joakim Larsson, Hans Blomberg, Mårten Andersson)

Soldiers (Ulrik Munther, Johan Åberg, Linnea Deb, Joy Deb, David Jackson)

Stormande hav (Kristian Lagerström, Johan Fjellström, Stina Engelbrecht, Jens Engelbrecht)

The Boy Can Dance (Figge Boström, Catrine Loqvist, Johan Lindman)

The Girl (Fredrik Kempe, Alexander Johnsson)

To the Sky (Fernando Fuentes, Tony Nilsson, Danny Saucedo, Peter Boström, Figge Boström)

Kyss mig (Axel Algmark, Mattias Frändå, Jonathan Magnussen)

Why Am I Crying (Molly Sandén, Aleena Gibson, Windy Wagner)

Why Start A Fire (Lisa Miskovsky, Aleksander With, Bernt Rune Stray, Berent Philip Moe)

Youngblood (Fredrik Kempe, David Krüger)

Lena does us proud with a New look at MTV Music Awards in Belfast

2011-11-07T18:05:00.007+11:00

Lena Meyer-Landrut winner of Eurovision 2010- and the girl who cameback in 2011. Lena's success goes on firstly she won the Mtv Europe Best German-Act & Best European Act awards in October- this year.

Following this our very own 'Lena went for the Mtv Top International Act Award in the awards ceremony in Belfast yesterday. On the night she did not take this third prize- however up against the likes of Katy Perry & Lady Gaga - we think Lena certainly did us proud- just check out her new look & outfit for the night on the arrival Pink carpet.

What a dress - her look even hit the Australian press today in Melbourne.

Lena is a true Eurovision-star who will continue to impress & comeback with her wonderful bright personality

- we cannot wait for her next venture..

What happened to UK's Song For Europe 1979: Schlager-Pop 5-Guys'n'Dolls

2011-11-05T22:50:00.011+11:00

As Eurovision history goes 1976 gave us Brotherhood of Man- The UK's winning Vocal-pop group of the moment - but that same year a second group gained greater populality this same year- In fact the group even had there own TV music show in 1976 'The Guys'n'Dolls Show' on ITV this was on the back of 2x Top 5 British hits 'There's a whole lot of loving' & 'You don't have to say you love me'

As well a Eurovision song- that was called

'How do you mend a broken Heart?'

this tune was submitted for Song for Europe 1979. Along with irish sisters The Nolans- 'Harry My Honolulu' these 2 songs alone gave UK a great chance of winning honours at Eurovision in Jerusalem. Instead the dreaded 'Mary-Ann' came to pass? How could this have happened we ask? How did a nation come to be represented by Black Lace! when UK had so much more to offer?

The answer was- BBC industrial-action, a whole 'Song for Europe' Live contest after been rehearsed & set to go on air Live on Thursday 8th March 1979 at Royal Albert Hall was pulled on the night- When suddenly the whole audience was sent home & the artists told the show would not go on! The full account of the event-horror can read here in Paul Griggs (Guys n Dolls) Memories here So it ended up that a small panel listened to records of the 12 entries and came up with Black Lace as a winner- did they play the other 11 songs all at the wrong speed we ask! or a power cut.

So it came to be Guys 'n' Dolls just perfect for Eurovision never had a real chance of Euro fame. Guys 'n' Dolls had recently been slimmed down to just a 4-piece band as the duo of David Van Day & Thereze Bazar had been dropped from the original 6 -piece. They went on to greater huge success in the 80's as Dollar. Another pop band of the eighties that never ventured into the Eurovision arena, Dollar were constantly compared to Buck Fizz of course- and there was even the copy-cat Bardo duo- they sung 'One Step Further' in 1982. This could so easily have been a Dollar hit

of the early eighties. As well as one of UK's biggest pop-hits from Eurovis' Land at this time.

Certainly 'How do you mend a broken heart?' would have been a better choice for Eurovision 1979. Guys 'n' Dolls did have great success following 1979 only in Holland with a new record deal with EMI, in fact during the 80's the foursome relocated accoss the channel in Holland. More recently all 6 original members reformed Guy'n'Dolls for the dutch fans in 2008. See them with Thereze & David Van Day on their 'Love Train'

Dollar- became the pop duo of the eighties

However sadly Guy'n'Dolls never went near Eurovision/Song for Europe again! could you really blame them after 79?

A New Playlist -The Best Tunes-Nov 2011

2011-11-01T10:26:00.003+11:00

Anne Marie David- the Euro Diva: is back at the top!

Encore une fois!

1- Tu Te Reconnaitras (Encore une fois)-Remix- Anne Marie David -NEW

2- Glad you came (Alex Gaudino Radio Mix) -The Wanted -NEW

3- Till Tomorrow- Alexander Panayotov

4- Eaten Alive (Clubmix)- Man Meadow-NEW

5- Bailamor (English Vers) - Lili & Susie -High MOVER
6- We don't wanna put in- Stephane & 3G -High MOVER

7-Get up -DiscoBrothers & Weather Girls (DR-2002) -High MOVER
8- Calling a Friend-A Friend from London -NEW

9- Bearforce 1 Disco Medley- Bearforce One -NEW

10- A song for all Our friends- German Tennors (DR 2001)

11- Under Sjernerne Pa Himlen- Rasmus Seebach -NEW

12- Boom- Lo-Fi Fnk

13- Speak to Me (Bassflow Remake) -Roxette -NEW

14- You Came to Me Classic NRG Mix- Anne Marie David

15- Madness of Love (Giles Petersen Remix)- Raphael Gualazzi -NEW

16- Guess who rules the world- Roger Cicero
17 -Yes Man- Bjorn Johan Muri

18- Wake up (Ola Salo/Jens Anderson Remix)- Lo-Fi-Fnk

19- Or (Light)- Chen Aharoni (Isreal 2011) -NEW

20- Pusti Me U san- Luka Nizetic (Croatia 07)

Sarah Dawn Finer is moving on -to become a Host in Melodifestivalen 2012

2011-10-31T17:21:00.006+11:00

Not many artist have made such a huge impression with just two entry's for Melodifestivalen - Sarah's debut was the ballad 'I remember Love' was sung in 2007- It went on to become the ballad of the contest that year- as well as giving Sarah her first hit album in Sweden- debuting at No:2 in the album charts. Although born in stockholm Sarah Dawn has an American mother- and of Russian heritage.

She returned in Melodifestivalen 2009 singing a Fredrik kempe tune 'Moving On'

this became her biggest hit- and brought us a fantastic studio album of the same name "Moving On"-

So for Melodifestivalen 2012 Sarah will be just one of the Presenters- not as a contestant it seems.

Another choice is Gina Dirawi - who's fame on SVT started with her popular Blog- However in a few days- Melo 2012 will made public the offical list of hosts to take part in Melodifestivalen 2012 & this year there is planned to be more than the standard two stars.

The three female -Mf hosts 2012- Sarah Dawn Finer & Gina Dirawi with Helena Bergstrom-

Ell & Nikki comeback together in London- and chat about Baku + that Loose Dennzy Report from 2011!!

2011-10-23T10:00:00.011+11:00

Ell & Nikki -

the duo who have made Eurovision history as well as Azerbaijan history in 2011- Infact the last time a girl/boy

duo won Eurovision - we have to go back to Denmark's first win in 1963 when Grethe & Jorgrn Ingmann sang 'Dansevise' in London.

So will this mean a lot more Love-duo's will be seen in the Eurovision contest in the future? it certainly was alot more common place back in the 60-70's

Meanwhile Ell & Nikki have still to record even a debut album together or a follow-up single to 'Running Scared'

the couple did come together a few days ago for 'a celebration of 20 Years of Azerbaijan' independence held in Central Hall

in Westminster- For Nikki it was a short bus ride from her home in Palmers Green- where she lives, but for Ell it was his very first time in

London amazingly!

Thankfully ESCtoday/Russel Davis -was there to record this event for everyone in an interview with these Eurovision 2011 winners this casual chat about the next

Eurovision 2012, Baku- a New album, wine !- we think Nikki is so much fun

telling us how she still scans U-tube watching more Eurovis' clips- It's time to make her an honest -

Recording artist Ell?

view Here

Ell & Nikki sung there one & only tune (to-date) 'Running Scared'

Nikki had alot more to chat about on ITVs Loose Woman -with the faab Denise Welch- very funny

& recap of 'Dennzy Does Dusseldorf' (Loose Woman's Eurovis' report with Blue) - this must rank as the best Eurovision Report of the 2011 ( send Dennzy to Baku -pleeeze for 2012)

Lena Philipsson Pop-Power is on the way back with an album for 2012!

2011-10-22T15:00:00.007+11:00

Lena Philipsson-

is one of the icon's of Melodifestivalen -she has been in the song contest 4-times previously & most of Lena's tunes had become swedish Schlager classics:

Kärleken är evig (1986),

Dansa i neon (1987),

Om igen (1988) & last time Lena's 2004 winner 'Det gör ont'/'It hurts' that has gone on to be one of the most popular

songs ever to come out of Melodifestivalen.

So each year there is speculation on if Lena will comeback to improve on her winning position of 2004. It's a bit of a risk that diva's like Carola & Charlotte Perrelli have already taken the plunge and returned to the Melo stage to follow-up on a past win. Now even if Lena was

to return- it would be one of the best kept Melo-secrets for sure. However Lena Philipsson's lable maybe

just giving us a 'massive hint' with the up coming Pop album of Lena's due for release very soon.

The lead single has come out Nästa säsong & climbing the swedish chart lists.

The album was due for release at the end of November 2011- It has been delayed by her lable now until February 2012. It seems a little strange to want to release this long-awaited album - right in the middle of the Melo- season and at the time of the Melodifestivalen Globen-final. Unless the reason is Lena Philipsson will have another stab at Melo/Eurovision glory!

-Or it could mean just another Melo-guest appearance as Lena Ph did this year in the semi final in Linkoping

when she sung 'Idiot' an eletro-pop single from this same album- whatever happens this new album promises to

be amazing pop treat for us all.

But- certainly the ultimate would be to have lena Philipsson back at Globen singing for Sweden.

Tim from 'A Friend in London' chats about life after Eurovision 2011 & makes a TV return on DR

2011-10-16T11:35:00.014+11:00

Tim Schou (from Denmark's 'A Friend In London') was recently in London to do a one off solo gig while the Danish rock band took a short break from putting together a debut international album. Tim Schou did a interesting

Interview with alfitude Infact Tim did have a solo career and his own album called "Far away from London"

that is actually very different from the danish rockers indie sound- certainly the band's Top 5 position seems to have

worked well in opening a lot of doors to a sucessful international career for 'A freind from London' certainly Tim

made an inpact himself on the night- with a look and style that very almost put Jedward in the shade-

Look out for the new single 'Calling a friend' and that new album promises to be just as good.

Check out the duran-ish NEW VIDEO here

--and for something very completely different from Danish DR Tv see Tim Schou singing Moves Like Jagger (Maroon 5) & even 'somewhere over the rainbow' on Hidden Stars (winning finale-performance)

UK's 'The Wanted'- Are wanted your country needs you

2011-10-15T17:24:00.005+11:00

There has been alot of talk on the Eurovis' UK streets as to just who can follow up on Blue's massive appearence in Dusseldorf- although the lads scored 11th place in the final

they brought UK back onto the Eurovision favourites.

For Baku there has been talk of JLS or even Steps- Well Steps have confirmed a comeback massive 2012 tour but no Eurovision. Perhapes a more curent band like The Wanted? they would be just perfect- if you want any further evidence check out the boys most recent single "Glad you came" -it's even 3 mins long and a tune like this would certainly go down a storm, even create a full on lovestorm! this single is now big hit downunder as well

Of course the BBC would still need to have a National competion to choose the best track- come on lads you are Wanted in europe as well.

Swiss German TV -DRS3 Are going all R&B on us with Songs for Baku 2012

2011-10-15T08:46:00.006+11:00

The swiss National final is coming up soon on 10th December 2010- So alot of Web voting has been going on to select the finalists- it's all very confusing actually how-when the songs are selected! we are confused. The first of the three stations in Switzerland DRS3 have choosen the first 3 tunes for the Swiss final.

Two of them have a very R&b flavour which is a little different for the swiss entry.

Guillermo Sorya (above) is a popular swiss soul singer- who is very easy on the eye & has a great voice to boot! his song is 'Baby baby baby'

it's certainly is a popular entry already- however check out some of Guillermo's other singles - 'Donut' & more recent 'Love Trigger' I am not completely sold on the song 'Baby Baby Baby' certainly as an artist Guillermo is great for Baku.

The other two tunes- are not real winners however the swiss answer to the Sugababes are in with a chance with a tune called 'Black Symthony' check out their vid as well as Fabienne Louves & Patric Scott singing 'Real Love' the third song- Here

Atomic Angels -so which one is Jade?

Bearforce 1- Are ready to lift off ..... All the way to Baku 2012 !

2011-10-08T09:48:00.009+11:00

Last year at Dusseldorf Eurovision 2011 we had Blue- comeback to represent UK with 'I Can' this must have inspired another boyband to reform with a bid for Netherlands 2012.

Ok certainly Bearforce 1 are not as well known as our Blue lads! Yet Bearforce1 have certainly made international name for themselves as being the world's first gay-bear man-band, they even had minor hits downunder in Australia. The band's tracks get regular airplay on Melbourne's 94.6 JOY Fm check out

-This great Dance Medley of anthems like I Feel Love / You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) / Boys Boys Boys / Respectable / Don't Go / You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) on one track

Bearforce Anthem (what a grrrr -clip) from 2008.

The four bears have comeback together to be part of The Netherlands Nationaal Songfestival competition 26th February 2012 with a tune called 'Action Man' they have a secret weapon for this journey to represent their home land Holland. In the songwriters - Dimitri Stassos who has written the 2009 Spanish entry- but wait there's more.......schlager-writer Gerard James Borg who penned dozens of National Final songs in Malta -his most successful being a 2nd placed 'Seventh Wonder' by Ira Losco at Eurovision 2002.

However Borg is better remembered for entries like 'On Again..Off again' (2004) 'Desire' (2000) & 'Vertigo' (2007) as well a tune we luv although it did not qualify back in 2003 at

the Dutch Nationaal Songfestival 'Heatwave' Ebonique.

We are excited and can't wait to hear 'Action Man' and could the bears lift off their shirts and bring Netherlands back to the Eurovision Final in 2012 let's see- Meanwhile check out a interesting ESCtoday interview with Bearforce1

Vote for Yuri - send him to baku 2012

Alexander Panayotov "Till tomorrow" The Video clip- making of...

2011-10-07T19:03:00.008+11:00

Alexander Panayotov or александр панайотов as he is know to his friends- has an album

coming out soon 'Cocoon' in homeland Russia sung in english- we are hoping Alexander will hold back a tune for Baku- as he has competed in the russian national final 3 times before 2005-2007 & 2008- and one time for Ukraine in 2009- for now here is a great teaser for Alexander's new vid'

for 'Til Tomorrow'

+see just the Full video-music clip from Russia

The current Melodifestivalen 2012 Rumour-Mill from Stockholm

2011-10-02T14:22:00.014+11:00

-Erik from EMD puts on his Melo-socks for 2012

To quote Donna Summer-'there's a rumour- rumour has it- all around the town' ..

This is certainly is true in Stockholm-town- as Svt prepare for Melodifestivalen 2012. The press story's we like the best

and hope will become a reality is for E M D the three guys gave us the fab 'Baby Goodbye' in Melo 2009. Although the

lads have a new album coming up- they will only appear in Melo 2012 as solo artists. Last year we had Danny-

(In the Club) so next year could see 2 submissions from both Erik Segerstedt & Mattias Andreasson.

Another boyband to go head-to-head is both members of 'Rebound' Eddie Razaz & Rabih Jaber who recently split-up.

Lili & Susie could be following up on 2009's 'Show me heaven' as well as Timoteij another great idea, we approve of these two.

Former Eurovision winner Helena Paparizou is said to be part of a schalger-diva battle between Helena & Charlotte Perelli. We think charlotte could have the upper-hand here in the shape of some Kempe magic for her song.

As well as Jenny Berggren formally with Ace of Base- and Jenny did sing in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2011. However Jenny has never done Melodifestivalen. (she did do Dallas! no sorry- that was Debbie- lol)

Martin Rollnski from BWO & Alcazar's Lina Hedlund both could to be going solo for Melo next year. As well as Eric Saade's main love interest Molly Sanden & huge euro-dance artist September who has never done Melo before.

A strange-but maybe true rumour is for Fredirk Kempe to write a rock-tune for H.E.A.T who have the added advantage of a popular new lead vocalist Erik Gronwall ( he won Sweden's Idol 2009 ) We are thinking young Erik has just enough time to grow his hair longer before Febuary 2012 !

-Turning up the H.E.A.T for Melo 2012

The rumour we so want to be true is the return of Magnus Carlsson- it's been 5 years since his a-ha inspired Melo submission 'Live Forever'

Magnus previously from Barbados- has always been just perfect for Melo/Eurovision and coupled with the right tune could do Sweden proud.

so stay schlager-tuned to find out more--

A New Playlist -The Best Tunes-Oct 2011

2011-10-02T12:35:00.017+11:00

1- You Came to Me Classic NRG Mix- Anne Marie David

2- Boom- Lo-Fi Fnk

3- Yes Man- Bjorn Johan Muri

4- Pusti Me U san- Luka Nizetic (Croatia 07)

5- Till Tomorrow- Alexander Panayotov -NEW

6- Eaten Alive- Man Meadow

7- A Song for Our Friends- German Tenors (Germany 00) -NEW

8- I'm so in Love- Sanna Neilsen

9- Hearts in the Air- Eric Saade feat.J-Son

10- Magic (Peacy & Murphy Mix)- Olivia Newton-John

11- Bailamor (English Vers) - Lili & Susie -NEW

12- We don't wanna put in- Stephane & 3G -NEW

13- Get up- DiscoBrothers & The Weather Girls (Germany 02) -NEW

14- Running Scared (Niclas Kings Mix)- Eldar & Nigar

15- Songs that live forever- Thomas Anders (Germany 06) -NEW

16- I Believe in You- RXM Project & Jenny Silver -NEW

17- Little Lies- Tone Damli Aaberge

18- Wake up (Ola Salo/Jens Anderson Remix)- Lo-Fi-Fnk

19- Guess who rules the world- Roger Cicero -NEW

20- Fantasy Island (New Version 2010)- Tight Fit

Le Playlist chart - is what's on the listening-pod of schlagertunes- each month our playlist

of The 20 best songs we have -on repeat--

So you may well notice alot of German melodi

pre-selection songs in the chart for October. Like the grand tune from Modern Talking's Thomas Anders (No:15) who has wrote of Eurovision before- however in 2006 was 2nd placed

when Texas Lightning won with 'No No Never' Plus certainly the tune what may take the prize for the best ever disqualified tune in Eurovis' History In 2009 -Georgia 's Stephane & 3G who did not really want to put in?

or did they? the group have turned out to be more than a political novelty (No:12)

Two Eurovision legends come together with a bid for Baku 2012

2011-09-30T18:45:00.008+10:00

Although it's only September- it's never to early to put in bids to be in Eurovision 2012 in Baku. However normally we have only the ole rumour mills of scandinavia to bring us hope at this early stage of the proceedings- among the promised returns to Eurovision or Melodi Grand Prix is Alexander Rybak as a songwriter only -with Maria Haukaas Storeng on vocals. Maria is a firm favourite of mine since her performance of 'Hold on be strong' for Norway in 2008 this coupling could be a winning combination in Norsk Melodi Grand Prix.

Over in stockholm there is so much confusion of 'who will or won't' take part in Melodifestivalen 2012 contest- we expect songs from pop-master Fredrik Kempe -of course and according to the press -Kempe has been making plans for Charlotte Perrelli's comeback with one of his new tunes- We are not too confident this will become true -for our schlager 'Hero' (but fingers crossed)- As we recall just last year Charlotte Perrelli was said to have turned down performing the great tune 'Something in your eyes' that Jenny Silver made her own in Melodifestivalen 2011. So we know our Charlotte is rather picky with her Melo'song choices - and it's hard to follow up 'Take me to your heaven' or even 'Hero'

But wait there is more.. in the words of Iceland's Yohanna- 'is it true!' Yes, this one is true Take a listen here to

a tune called 'C'etait ma vie'

This is the 'wildcard' for Switzerland 2012 -who have there Pre-Selection TV show coming up shortly. This has to be the hottest contender to win as it will be the return to the competition for Lys Assia who won the very first Eurovision Song contest of 1957 with 'Refain' She is in her eighties now and Lys is known as Le grandmother of Eurovision. She is a very smart lady as she has comeback with two amazing songwriters in Ralph Siegel & Jean-Paul Cara- Ralph is called Mr Melodi Grand Prix in Germany -and wrote 19 past eurovision entries no less - the most famous being Germany's winner 'Ein Bisschen Freiden' by Nicole in 1982. While Jean-Paul wrote 'L'oiseau et l'enfant' the french winner of 1977 - so we can expect a more traditional french chanson from this terrific songwriting team. What a start for the new Eurovision season.

It seems Lys Assia needed not much convincing that a comeback after 57 years away from Eurovision was a good idea- it was back in June- at a birthday pary Ralph Siegel asked Lys if she would participate her reply was 'This would be my most greatest dream'

So Herr Ralph Siegel set about making the Eurovision dream become a reality- and this month a fine song has been recorded and ready for the Swiss early deadline- Lys has said to sing in Baku would be most certainly her crowning achievement of her career.

Netherlands will have a SongFestival Final 2012- with the help of this man-

2011-09-17T11:36:00.011+10:00

The Dutch Nationaal Songfestival 2012: will take place in February 2012- this will be made up of 6 - 7 acts and songs

that will compete for a ticket to Baku- the host is rumoured to be...

Hans Klok is a household name in Holland- as well as being know in USA for his magic tricks as a magician- like a dutch David Coopperfield. He has worked before with Pamela Anderson, this time he will host the first Song Festival Final that Netherlands have staged in many years- how exciting is that - we cannot wait and hope this new format will work as well for the dutch- as it has for most of the scandinavian countries in Eurovision and Euro fans have come to expect a certain standard of excellent 'pop' acts in the National competition. The latest news from broatcaster TROS is they have well over 100 songs submitted- to date.

Well this time Hans really needs to pull something out of a Eurovision-Hat to save Netherlands at Baku 2012.

Certainly some kind of 'magic' is needed as the last time Netherlands made the Grand Final was in 2004. For the past 7 years we have had no dutch act in the Eurovision final-It certainly worked for Switzerland this year- they broke a

semi-final elimination run of 4 years missing out.

The Swiss did the same and began to hold a National Final - as previously they had just a internal selection. Next year will see the first year when EBU have a new ruling for Eurovision that each country is required to have somekind of open public National selection to choose a song to go forward for Eurovision.

This new rule seems very fair as any TV company can invite their biggest national artist to go forward and promote

a new single/song at Eurovision.

As for the man producing the New Song Festival show that task has gone to John deMol

- who may turn out to be Holland's very own Christer Bjorkman?

Lets wait n see..

schlager Pop: 4- Marie Myriam - Le France winner of 1977

2011-09-14T09:23:00.012+10:00

This year at Eurovision saw the return of France as a top favourite to win in Dusseldorf - with 'Sognu' by Amaury Vassili - It has now been 30 years since France won Eurovision Song Contest. Amaury Vassili finished in a disappointing 15th place. This tune could well have topped the list 10-15 years ago, so this does raise the question is Eurovision still all about a good new song! or has the size and all those para-technics all taken this european song contest somewhere else.

With this in mind- we are placing the spot-light on 'Marie Myriam' a wonderful french singer who seems to have frozen in time- the past traditional chanson-melody with her excellent winner of 1977 'L'oiseau Et L'enfant' (the bird and the child)

France have the track record of being winners five times. Yet they have an amazing record of between 1957-1970 during this 14 year period only once (1966) did they finish outside the Top 5 at Eurovision. A success run like this we may never see repeated today.

Marie Myriam is of portuguese origin, she was discovered performing at her father's restaurant 'L' Auberge de Marie' by the songwriter Jean-Paul cara. Marie was a genuine unknown talent even in homeland France before 7th May 1977 at Wembley UK. This Eurovision win took her career to brand new heights- followed several hit albums and songs such as 'Sentimentale'

(check out fab vid) a tune she sang at the Japanese Yamaha Music Festival in 1981.

Her most recent studio album was the wonderful 'Encore' CD from 2007 when Marie did a new almost jazzy version of her Eurovision winner. Marie has remained faithful to her family and two children during her singing career, and made several appearance at ESC presenting the french votings as well as being an active member of many French juries.

As well as singing at the 50th Anniversary concert in Copenhagen in 2005.

A few Eurovision artists really do 'shine' - as not just for being wonderful singers/artist but also down-to-earth people with a kind & modest personality for me -Marie Myriam is one of them.

Marie recently spoke for herself in a wonderful interview about her life, career and continued support to the Eurovision cause even in more modern times- As well as the full story of how Marie was held up returning to the stage at Wembley in 1977 to sing her wonderful encore -

with host Angela Ripon on the night. (final encore view here)

indepth Marie Myriam interview

-with special thanks /and courtesy of 'Radio International'

'L'oiseau et l'enfant' that performance- that defined the French chanson

Just Perfect for Baku 2012 -Alexander Panayotov with his new English single

2011-09-13T16:02:00.009+10:00

Introducing a Russian artist Alexander Panayotov- many of you may remember his serious bid for Eurovision 2010.

With his tune 'Maya Showtime' it failed to go to Oslo- Eurovision 2010- this was the year Russia went with the strange choice of Peter Nalitch Band & 'Maya showtime' finished in 6th place.

Alexander Panayotov was born in Leningrad in 1984- and grew up in Kiev in Ukraine. He was a child-star who wrote his own songs from an early age- however rose to great fame in the Russian TV talent contest "Popstars" in 2002- Alexander had a fair few entries in the Russian National Final to date- the best for me was back in 2005 'Balalaika' (sung with Alexey Chumakow) Another huge hit for Alexander was 'Cresent & The Cross' this came a very close 2nd place to Dima Bilan in Russia 2008 competion. With only 1 point behind Dima's 'Believe' this is the closest Alexander came to a Eurovision ticket.

This month a new song 'Til Tomorrow' from his first english album, called 'Cocoon',that is scheduled to be released next month. A new video has created a lot of pre-release interest & to be directed by Roman Kucherskaya, who has done The'Formula of Love' Russian video. It's great to see Alexander finally showing his talent for singing in english- and if you have a listen to this first offering you may agree here is a singer perfect for Eurovision 2012- I hope he kept the best for last with a song for next year's National selecion for Russia or even Ukraine.

Check out 'Til Tomorrow'

Watch this space for the video-

Melodifestivalen is open for business - for next year's extravaganza

2011-09-03T09:03:00.005+10:00

There is never a doubt- that Sweden is back on the BIG Eurovision map - with Eric Saade's Top 3 placing in Dusseldorf 2011. How will this inject new confidence in Sweden's massive Melodifestivalen search for a perfect Eurovi' tune?

The format of this competion is more or less been the same since Melodifestivalen 2002. For the first 6 years after 2002 - this worked wonderfully for sweden (apart from Martin Sternmark in 2005) each time Sweden finished in the top 8 at least at Eurovision. Then after Carola sang her wind-power schlager-smash 'Invincible' finishing in 5th place- things went all a bit wrong with 4 year's of Sweden only managing 18th or 21st placing.

Finally in 2010- for the first time Sweden became a non-qualifier for the Eurovision 2010 final in Oslo. So is this the start of a new 5 -6 year success run for the swedes? we will stay tuned to find out.

In the Swedish press this week Mr Melodifestivalen - Christer bjorkman was quoted as saying

upon the Melo search of 2012-

'We will continue to have a mix of everything that is good in popular music.

You have to find what is new, the keep up with these genres. Then we hope to find the next great new artists,

those who become the next Eric Saade'

From 1 st September until 20th September -Svt have opened up for business of

taking any new songs for next year's Melodifestivalen- plus there will be just one web joker this year. The dates & locations for semi-finals & Globen Final are --

Semifinal 1: February 4th 2012, Växjö, VIDA Arena

Semifinal 2: February 11th 2012, Göteborg, Scandinavium

Semifinal 3: February 20th 2012, Leksand, Tegera Arena

Semifinal 4: February 25th 2012, Malmö, Malmö Arena

Second Chance: March 3rd 2012, Nyköping, Rosvalla Nyköping Eventcenter

Grand Final: March 10th 2012, Stockholm, Ericsson Globe

A New playlist Top 20 - as the Electro duo's take over !

2011-08-28T09:03:00.009+10:00

PLAYLIST -2nd September 2011.

1 Boom -Lo Fi Fnk - NEW

2 You came to me - Anne Marie David

3 Hearts in the Air- Eric Saade Feat J-Son

4 Eaten alive- Man Meadow

5 I'm In Love (Soundfactory Mix)- Sanna Neilsen
6 Yes Man -Bjorn Johan Muri
7 Smile (T.A.N.Y.A Mix) - Jamala

8 Running Scared (Niclas Kings in Air Mix) - Ell & Nikki
9 Pusti Me U San- Luka Nizetic (Nora-2007) - NEW
10 Fantasy Island (2010 Mix) -Tight Fit

11 Magic (Peachy & Murphy Remix)-Olivia Newton John

12 Gimme (Key Mix) - One (cyprus 2000)

13 Bad Behaviour -Jedward -NEW

14 Maya Showtime -Alexander Panoyotov

15 Sold it for a song -Dream Express

16 Popular (SoundFactory Radio Mix) -Eric Saade

17 So much in Love (SF 2001) - Ebonique -Re ENTRY

18 Save Tonight -E M D

19 My heart is refusing me -Loreen

20 Wake up (Ola Salo Jens Anderson Mix) -Lo Fi Fnk - NEW

- Here is my latest playlist: we can see lots of new electro-pop duo's with the new

Lo Fi Fnk (not a eurovis' act- yet we think they are ready could be ideal-) & Man Meadow with a fab new single - this duo have competed twice to sing for Poland- Lo Fi Fnk's new album as a follow up to 'Boylife' has just come out we luv it alot very summery electro

Schlager Pop: 3- Dschinghis Khan -or Genghis Khan

2011-08-20T09:42:00.005+10:00

Dschinghis Khan- are a german pop-group formed by schlager guru Herr Ralph Siegel back in Eurovision 1979 in Jerulsam.

A perfect example how a 6-piece band could find great success based on one-tune in Eurovision Song Contest. The song also titled 'Dschinghis Khan' sung in german - a-tribute to the historical leader, a tune in the style of Boney M- of the same times.

The group built on this Eurovision success having not even won the contest- in fact 'Dschinghis Khan' finished in 4th place for some reason. They found success in many european countries as well as Australia & Japan selling in the region of 20 million records during their whole career. One of the biggest hits being 'Moscow' that stayed at No:1 in Australia for an impressive 6-week run in 1980.

Over the group's histroy their has been many line-up changes, however back in 79 the original members were:

Edina Pop: from Hungary and no stranger to eurovis-hits she had a hit already singing 'knock knock who's there?' in german in 1971.

Wolfgang & Henriette Heichel: a married couple that were both former dentistry students no less- who had turned to singing, composing & producing music.

Lesley Mandoki: from Hungary a jazz musician who went over to schlager-pop

Louis Potgieter: from South Africa- dressed in a crown & cape with a long beard was the 'dancing Khan' of the band -he returned back to South Africa in the 90's and

later died of HIV at only 43- he remains the iconic Khan of the group and remembered as such.

Steve Bender: the bald guy in the group- his daughter Melanie sang with Mekado who sang for Germay in 1994 "Wir geben ne Party" he died in 2006 from cancer and is sadly missed in the band.

Louis- Genghis Khan

Dschinghis Khan never returned to the Eurovision stage - during their career except in 1986

they did try in the Germany Pre-selection with another Ralph Siegel tune 'Wir gehor'n zusammen' called 'Dschinghis Khan Family' they finished runner up to Ingrid Peters. A very dsifferent line-up & sound from the hits 'Hadschi Haref Omar' 'Moskow' 'Rom' & 'Loreley'

of the early 80's.

Schlager Pop History part two - Jürgen Marcus

2011-08-13T14:59:00.010+10:00

Jürgen Marcus- became a popular Schlager artist of the 70's & 80's - who had over 23 hit schlager hits in Germany alone - and became a regular singer on ZDF Tv music shows.

He was born in Herne, and started out as a locksmith no-less - however thankfully today he lives in Munchen, Germany with his partner Nikolaus.

Jürgen's main Eurovision claim-to-fame was infact singing in french for Luxembourg back in Eurovision Song Contest 1976

at Deen Haag. The song 'Chansons pour ceux qui S'Aiment' was perfect for Jürgen- he

only managed a low 14th place.

In the charts he had much greater success the year before in the German Pre-selection. This song was on the german charts for 26 weeks and made No: 3 - placed only 9th in the German Pre-selection- the song was 'Ein Lied zieht hinaus in die welt' ( we much prefer his haircut as well that year!)

In 1975 Joy Fleming won the place to sing for Germany. Yet the artists in the '75 lead-up to Eurovision featured Severine (1971 Monaco winner) Peggy March(2nd) Katja Ebstein (5th) Mary Roos & Marianne Rosenberg singing the now legenary song 'Er gehort zu mir' (10th place)

After a break from Eurovision Jurgen came back to sing in the Pre-selection of 1982- another tough year to find success as Nicole won the honour that year However the song 'Ich Wurde Gerne bei sein' came 5th this time, certainly over these years Jurgen has made his

own mark in schlager-history.

Playlist chart this week- August 2011 with a Norsk MGP invasion

2011-08-13T14:22:00.015+10:00

1 Yes Man -Bjorn Johan Muri

2 Hearts in the Air- Eric Saade

Ft J-Son

3 You came to me (NRG Mix) Anne Marie David -NEW

4 Smile - Jamala (Ukraine NF 2011)

5 Magic (Peachy & Murphy Mix) -Olivia Newton John

6 Running Scared (Niclas Kings in Air Mix) - Ell & Nikki

7 Karma Karma-Same Difference/Alcazar

8 Eaten Alive- Man Meadow -NEW

9 Beatiful Life -Jose Galisteo (Spain 2010)

10 Sold it for a song -Dream Express (Belguim 1977) -NEW

11 When we were Young (Club Mix)- Bucks Fizz

12 Popular (SoundFactory Radio Mix) -Eric Saade

13 Maya Showtime -Alexander Panayotov

14 Gimme (Key Mix) - One(cyprus 2000)

15 Fantasy Island (New Version 2010) -Tight Fit

16 Can't stop this feeling (Soundshakerz Club Mix) -Sophie Ellis-Bextor

17 Save Tonight -E M D

18 My heart is refusing me -Loreen

19 Little Lies -Tone Damli Aaberge -NEW

20 Something in your eyes -Jenny Silver

The One's that got away- part 3-Valeria Tarasova, Moldova

2011-08-04T18:55:00.007+10:00

Just when we thought we'd heard all the great tunes in the run up to Eurovision Dusseldorf 2011 The National Pre-selection of Moldova. featured a wonderful new talent of Valeria Tarasova who only finished in 7th place! The song 'This is my life' wrote by none other than German Schlager legend Herr Ralph Siegel

( who gave us so many Eurovision songs in the past- 19 in all ) It is the second time in Moldova's National Final for this great talent. And the perfect Eurovis' tune.

Check out a great Video for 'This is my Life' here- this song's Live performance the tune so should have been in the Eurovision 2011 Final-

no gimmicks- oh well- there is always 2012 Valeria hope to see you then.

Schlager-Pop in Eurovision: Peter Sue & Marc- Part one

2011-07-30T10:34:00.012+10:00

It's time to look at some Eurovision History from that ole Book on the shelf ( -always repeating it's self ? )

Schlager today and here on schlagertunes is so often associated with the scandinavian countries, however its orgins do come from the Germanic parts of Europe- Germany, Austria & Switzerland. A good place to start..

The Swiss vocal band that formed back as far as 1968 in Bern. In the style of New Seekers with a German folk style the group was made up of Peter Reber (the songwriter of many Eurovision hits during the 70s & 80s), Sue Schell and Marcel Dietrich.

In europe long before Sweden's Abba set the blue-print for 70's European Pop. Peter Sue & Marc had a string of hits and represented Switzerland an amazing 4-times

In 1971, Switzerland was one of the first Countries to submit a pop-group for Eurovision Song Contest, in Dublin they sung Illusions of us vingt ans (The illusion of our twenty years) in this year only Sweden submitted a vocal group with Family Four singing 'Vita Vidder' Sweden finished 6th & Peter Sue & Marc came only 12th. The formal commentary of these Eurovision times - often refered to these groups with a title of..

'The Family Four- group' or 'The Peter Sue & marc -group' and seemed to highlight how out of place they were in a contest of solo vocal performers - with the odd -normally male/female -duo.

However this song scored a hit for Peter, Sue & Marc not just in Switzerland also in the charts of Germany, Austria, and even Japan, where they performed several concerts. The song was sung in French and a German version called Keiner hat gesagt (No one has said). No english version that we know of was recorded.

Meanwhile The New Seekers from UK proved Vocal pop could be winning force in Eurovision in Edinburgh in 1972- 'Beg Steal or borrow' came 2nd to the winner Vicky Leandros.

In 1975 the Peter Sue & Marc released the singles Ein neuer Tag and Zigeuner. As well as submitting a unsuccesful new tune for the Swiss Pre-selection for Eurovision 1975 with a song called Mild-toi, soleil.

The three-some returned in 1976 with Djambo, Djambo a song penned once again by Peter sung in english -all about a lovable clown that was also part of the act in Eurovision Song Contest 1976 In fact the clown accompanied them on stage. As Brotherhood of Man took the trophy home for UK -Peter Sue & Marc came 4th.

In 1977, Peter wrote Swiss Lady for the Pepe Lienhard Band who sung for Switzerland. This fun swiss-folk tune did well & came in 6th place with 71 points.

In 1978, Peter Sue & Marc switched teams and tried out in Germany at Pre-Selection with the song Charlie Chaplin, this pop tune and tribute finished in 3rd place in the Germany. Strangely Greece in 1978 had a song also titled Charlie Chaplin, which presumably would have left some confusion in the final back then.

In 1979 Peter Sue & Marc took their third Eurovision entry sung in german and called 'Trodler & Co' to Jerusalem- for Switzerland. At this stage the group had gained an even larger success in europe, so it could have been 3rd time lucky! however this new tune seemed to be all about a scrape-metal 2nd hand merchant! something like 'Steptoe & Son' they came 10th -this was the very same year UK sent Black Lace 'Mary-ann'- who got a 7th placing somehow! crazzy times indeed!

Thankfully in 1981 Peter Sue & Marc came back for Switzerland with 'Io senza te' (Without You), a beautiful melodic song that seems to be the favorite song in the history of Peter Sue & Marc this came

in 4th place for the Swiss- and become a Euro-classic featuring the bands famous pan-pipes intro-

As a songwriter Peter had another entry for switzerland back in 1980 Paola's 'Cinema' it was co-wrote by Veronique Muller (she sang for Switzerland in 1972) Peter conducted the orchester that year as well

the song finished .... yes again- 4th.

Danes A Friend from London- release a video for New Tomorrow-

2011-07-23T12:26:00.011+10:00

Rock bands in Eurovision can be very much make or break- however danish band A Freind from London- certainly did Denmark proud. Apart from winners Azerbaijan, Denmark managed to retain a Top 5 placing at Eurovision 2-years running. With 'New Tomorrow'- this may not be all the band will be remembered for either at Dusseldorf 2011 when the cute lead singer Tim Schou shouted out

"You know baby, I want to...I want to f**k you" to the camera during voting -amied at the 12 points from Netherlands. It was simply an excited reaction to Mandy Hudts the announcer for Netherlands votes. (see NL voting clip)

However this may go down in history as the only time bad language has taken place during the LiveESC voting!

Hey but wait there is more- strangely 2 months following all promo & buzz of Eurovision

A Freind from London have only just done the video for 'New Tomorrow' single!

had they used this clip at the time- who know how much further they could have gone to a top placing in Dusseldorf? check it out the vid here-

'New Tomorrow' 2011 Video

Playlist chart this week--

2011-07-18T18:50:00.012+10:00

Jamala- we think she should have been the smiling face of Ukraine!

PLAYLIST 17th July 2011.

1 Hearts in the Air- Eric Saade

Ft J-Son

2 Yes Man -Bjorn Johan Muri

3 Magic (Peachy & Murphy Mix) -Olivia Newton John

4 Can't stop this feeling (Soundshakerz Club Mix) -Sophie Ellis-Bextor

5 When we were Young (Club Mix)- Bucks Fizz
6 Running Scared (Niclas Kings in Air Mix) - Ell & Nikki

7 Karma Karma-Same Difference/Alcazar

8 Gimme (Key Mix) - One (cyprus 2000)

9 I Wanna be alive (Remix)-English vers Om du forlater mig- Mf 2000-Date

10 Smile - Jamala (Ukraine 2011) -NEW

11 Beatiful Life -Jose Galisteo(Spain 2010)

12 Maya Showtime -Alexander Panayotov

13 Fantasy Island (New Version 2010) -Tight Fit

14 Popular (SoundFactory Radio Mix) -Eric Saade

15 Save Tonight -E M D

16 My heart is refusing me (Amarillo & Finer Remix Radio version)

-Loreen

17 Don't tell it- Fabrizio Faniello (Malta 2005)

18 Vagar Du Vagar Jag (Soundfactory Remix)- Sanna Nielsen

19 When We're Together -Josan Catalin

20 Feel You -Magnus Carlsson