Saturday, April 30, 2016

THE CAFFE` LATTE`
TOP 10 ALBUMS – APRIL 2016
 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2016 STOCKHOLM VARIOUS ARTISTS 2 CD NEW
1 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST STOCKHOLM 2016
   Various Artists  NEW
2 SUPER Pet Shop Boys    NEW
3 LEMONADE Beyoncé     NEW
4 RUMOURS Fleetwood Mac  6 3
5 THE ESSENTIAL Michael Jackson   NEW 
6 WONDERFUL CRAZY NIGHT Elton John 2 3
7 THIS UNRULY MESS I'VE MADE Macklemore & Ryan Lewis      1 3
8 25 Adele   3 6  
9 PURPLE RAIN Prince & The Revolution   NEW 
10 THE HITS / THE B-SIDES Prince   NEW
The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week

1 J'ai Cherché AMIR  1wk                                                                                                             9 2

2 Loin d'ici ZOE                                                                                                                NEW

3 Color Of Your Life MICHAEL SZPAK                                                                         NEW

4 Twenty-Something PET SHOP BOYS                                                                                       2 3

5 You Are The Only One SERGEY LAZAREV                                                                         8 2

6 No Degree Of Separation FRANCESCA MICHIELIN                                                          NEW

7 Hear Them Calling GRETA SALOME                                                                              NEW

8 We Are Your Tomorrow DAVID LINDGREN                                                                             5 7

9 Slow Down DOUWE BOB                                                                                           NEW

10 Make Me Like You GWEN STEFANI                                                                                        3 3

EUROVISION 2016... This update: #10. The Top 10 songs will be added daily. Scroll down for earlier posts.
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EUROVISION 2016
A RANKING OF THIS YEAR’S 43 SONGS
Each day, a song will be previewed here from the 43 entries locked in for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.  The songs will be added in order of preference, from the least promising climbing upwards to the pick of the bunch.
NOTE: Songs have been ranked in terms of audio track. Choreography and overall presentation during the Semi- Finals may influence a different perspective once the ESC begins in May.
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5
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10 NETHERLANDS
Flag of the Netherlands.svg
SLOW DOWN Douwe Bob
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/nl16.jpg
A country-flavoured song took Dutch group The Common Linnets to 2nd place in 2014. This year's entry is a pop/ country crossover track which should attract enough votes to qualify in Semi Final 1 for the Grand Final. Its lyrics, co-written by the artist, remind us to not be restricted by the demands of modern living.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016netherlands

Friday, April 29, 2016

ESC 2016- #11> 30. Another song added daily. The higher the rank, the better the song. Scroll down for today's addition. Songs 31-43 are in an earlier post below.
EUROVISION 2016
A RANKING OF THIS YEAR’S 43 SONGS
Each day, a song will be previewed here from the 43 entries locked in for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.  The songs will be added in order of preference, from the least promising climbing upwards to the pick of the bunch.
NOTE: Songs have been ranked in terms of audio track. Choreography and overall presentation during the Semi- Finals may influence a different perspective once the ESC begins in May.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 AUSTRALIA
Flag of Australia.svg
SOUND OF SILENCE Dami Im
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/au16.jpg
After being invited last year, Australia has been permitted to return but is required to qualify. This entry will battle it out in Semi Final 2. While the song is typical Eurovision fare, it is far from spectacular. If Dami Im can give a powerful vocal on the Eurovision stage, she will easily go through to the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016australia
12 SWEDEN
Flag of Sweden.svg
IF  I WERE SORRY Frans

Having won last year, Sweden is the host country for Eurovision in 2016 and has therefore already been allocated a place in the Grand Final. The country is only 1 victory away from equalling Ireland's record 7 wins. Young performer Frans will represent his nation with a song that is different from the usual style of song Sweden traditionally selects. Whether this works in its favour remains to be seen. It should finish strong. As far as this blogger is concerned, the song is weak but should find favour with younger voters. 
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016sweden
13 DENMARK
Flag of Denmark.svg
SOLDIERS OF LOVE Lighthouse X

This year's Danish entry has a positive message built around a contemporary pop structure. It will compete in Semi Final 2. It may struggle to qualify but the song's catchy and upbeat style may help it stand out.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016denmark
14 GERMANY
Flag of Germany.svg
GHOST Jamie-Lee Kriewitz
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/d16.jpg
Germany's recent entries have been consistent and interesting. "Ghost" is one of the superior songs and is already pre-qualified for the Grand Final. Jamie-Lee's attitude will remind many of 2011 champion Lena. The former is a fresh and individual artist. Her song deserves to do well.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016germany 
15 LITHUANIA
Flag of Lithuania.svg
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS NIGHT Donny Montell

Back to represent Lithuania after his first attempt in 2012, Donny Montell will be performing a stronger song during Semi Final 2 this year. It is one of the most upbeat songs in the current crop and this may give him an advantage. Delivering the energetic entry live won't be easy but his experience should help him. It should qualify.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016lithuania 
16 SERBIA

Flag of Serbia.svg
GOODBYE (SHELTER) Sanja Vucic ZAA
 
With a strong powerful track, Serbia should easily qualify during the 2nd Semi. Given the singer's vocal strength, the mighty song should finish within the Top 10 in the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016serbia
17 CZECH REPUBLIC
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg
I STAND Gabriela Guncikova

This entry is the type of song that, if performed well in a live setting, can attract votes. It's a mighty production number written by an international team. Singer Gabriela Guncikova is launching her solo career with this event.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016czech_republic
18 FINLAND
Flag of Finland.svg
SING IT AWAY Sandhja

The positive song "Sing It Away" will be the first entry performed this year, kicking off Semi Final 1. Expect to see many Scandinavian countries competing in the Grand Final. Sandhja co-wrote the upbeat song. 
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016finland
19 NORWAY
Flag of Norway.svg
ICEBREAKER Agnete
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/n16.jpg
Norway may just snatch victory this year, given its close alliance with host nation Sweden. Female singer Agnete co-wrote the song and it should easily qualify in Semi Final 2 for the Grand Final. It's not remarkable enough to deserve a win, but it is one of the entries to watch this year.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016norway 
20 ISRAEL
Flag of Israel.svg
MADE OF STARS Hova Star
 http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/il16.jpg
The Isreali entry is a majestic ballad performed by one of the country's biggest stars. He is fulfilling a childhood aspiration representing his nation at Eurovision. The song is worthy of proceeding from Semi Final 2 to the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016israel 
21 SLOVENIA
Flag of Slovenia.svg
BLUE AND RED ManuElla

This song was given a revamp last week, injecting it with more urgency. It's a worthy entry and may attract votes in Semi Final 2. It is a very infectious song that will hopefully progress to the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016slovenia  (old version with video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmG7Xgeb0o (audio of new version)
22 BELGIUM

WHAT'S THE PRESSURE 

Belgium will be performing last in the 2nd Semi Final. It will be represented by a Bruno Mars / funky song that should help it attract votes. It is one of the few upbeat songs this year which will work in its favour. 
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016belgium
23 MALTA
Flag of Malta.svg
WALK ON WATER Ira Losco

At the national finals, the Maltese audience voted for a different song. For some reason, it was switched and now Malta will be represented by "Walk On Water". Both songs would have worked. The new entry s strong, but is unlikely to bring Malta its first ever win. It will be performed last during Semi Final 1, which may give it some adavantage.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016malta
24 ALBANIA
Flag of Albania.svg
FAIRYTALE Eneda Tarifa

This entry is a well crafted song with pop hooks aplenty. The chorus is strong and, if delivered well on stage, should qualify in Semi Final 2.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016albania
25 AZERBAIJAN
Flag of Azerbaijan.svg
MIRACLE Samra
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/az16.jpg
Azerbaijan has made a habit of selecting strong entries to Eurovision. In its short ESC history, the country has achieved a remarkable track record. "Miracle" maintains the consistency, but is not special enough to stand out among the other contenders. It should have a good chance of qualifying in Semi Final 1.  
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016azerbaijan
26 UKRAINE
Flag of Ukraine.svg
1944 Jamala
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/ui16.jpg
This entry is the dark horse to watch among the year's crop of songs. It deals with the plight of the Crimean Tatars at the hands of Josef Stalin. It will be performed in English and (a Eurovision first:) Crimean - Tatar. The title "1944" refers to Jamala's relatives being deported by the Russian army. The song may be considered too serious for the ESC, but may prove to be politically charged and genuine enough to see it finish high. It should easily qualify in Semi Final 2 and progress to a strong finish in the Grand Final.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016ukraine
27 IRELAND 
Flag of Ireland.svg
SUNLIGHT Nicky Byrne
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/ir16.jpg
Ireland is the country with the most Eurovision victories and will this year try to widen its lead with "Sunlight". The pop song will be performed by former member of boy band Westlife Nicky Byrne. It will fight it out during Semi Final 2. Despite possessing pop hooks, it isn't special enough to secure Ireland an 8th triumph.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016ireland
28 SPAIN
Flag of Spain.svg
SAY YAY! Barei
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/e16.jpg
For the first time in Eurovision history, Spain is to be represented by a song performed in English. The upbeat entry is already in the Grand Final as Spain is 1 of "The Big 5" countries that do not need to qualify in a Semi Final.  
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016spain
29 CYPRUS
Flag of Cyprus.svg
ALTER EGO Minus One

This entry sounds like a contemporary radio hit. The downside is that it has no distinguishable features that help associate it with Cyprus. As long as Minus One can make it sound as good live as the studio version, it ought to qualify in Semi Final 1 for the big night.

.http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016cyprus

30 MOLDOVA
Flag of Moldova.svg
FALLING STARS Lidia Isac
The Top 30 consists of songs with a wider appeal and should attract votes during the 2 semi finals. Moldova's entry is modern and upbeat. It augers well for its chances in Semi Final 1.  The only concern is how well this song will go performed live.
 http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016moldova
ESC 2016- Songs #43-31.
EUROVISION 2016
Eurovision 2016 Official Logo.jpg
A RANKING OF THIS YEAR’S 43 SONGS
Each day, a song will be previewed here from the 43 entries locked in for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.  The songs will be added in order of preference, from the least promising climbing upwards to the pick of the bunch.
NOTE: Songs have been ranked in terms of audio track. Choreography and overall presentation during the Semi- Finals may influence a different perspective once the ESC begins in May.
31 SWITZERLAND
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg
THE LAST OF OUR KIND Rykka
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/ch16.jpg
The Swiss entry is a song possessing some potential but fails to really stand out. It may qualify in Semi Final 2 but is not impressive enough to claim a new victory for Eurovision's first winning country.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016switzerland
32 BELARUS
Flag of Belarus.svg
HOW TO FLY Ivan
Александр Иванов
Belarussian entries have covered a range of styles and this year's is a fresh sounding upbeat track. It will be performed during Semi Final 2 by singer Alexander Ivanov. He has taken on the shortened name Ivan.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016belarus
33 BULGARIA
File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg
IF LOVE WAS A CRIME Poli Genova

This one is a cute song which, if delivered well in the second Semi Final, could qualify through to the Grand Final. Poli Genova is however, unlikely to secure a first Eurovision victory for Bulgaria on the big night. On the plus side, it is quite possibly that nation's catchiest entry ever.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016bulgaria
34 GEORGIA
Flag of Georgia.svg

MIDNIGHT GOLD Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Loloitaz
 http://www.escdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Georgia-Band-e1457734445469.jpg
The retro feel of this entry could attract votes from those looking for something that differs from the usual Eurovision fare. The concern here is how well the group will duplicate the song in a live context. 
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016georgia
35 ROMANIA - DISQUALIFIED
Flag of Romania.svg
MOMENT OF SILENCE Ovidiu Anton
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/ro16.jpg
A powerful vocal is delivered, but the song fails to be special enough to stand out. While this is the type of number that often features at Eurovision, it may lack the qualities needed to be remembered at voting time. This song has been disqualified & will not be part of the ESC this year.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016romania
36 GREECE
Flag of Greece.svg
UTOPIAN LAND Argo

Musically, this entry is interesting and should stand out as one of the few "cultural" songs among this year's crop. It will be performed in Greek, Pontic (a form of Ancient Greek) and English. The point of the lyrics will, however, be lost to a mass audience. This entry could go either way. It may be embraced for its traditional sound or fail to qualify in Semi Final 1 because its lyrics will be most relevant to Greeks and they cannot vote for their own entry.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016greece
37 SAN MARINO
Flag of San Marino.svg
I DIDN'T KNOW Serhat
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/sm16.jpg
This entry sounds like a Leonard Cohen song. It was given a last minute re-vamp, so it now features a disco beat underneath. It sounds like a leftover from the 1970s and will struggle to go beyond Semi Final 1.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016san_marino
38 ARMENIA
Flag of Armenia.svg
LOVEWAVE Iveta Mukuchyan
 
This entry begins with a breathy spoken intro before a loud sound effect kicks off the song proper. It's one of the best offerings yet from Armenia, but is not memorable enough to bring that country its first Eurovision victory. It will try to qualify during Semi Final 1.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016armenia
39 CROATIA
Flag of Croatia.svg
LIGHTHOUSE Nina Kraljic
 
The Croatian entry is a well crafted pop song that is to be performed in English by Nina Kraljic during the first Semi-Final. Her vocals are powerful but the song may not stand out enough on the night.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016croatia
40 FYR MACEDONIA
Flag of Macedonia.svg
DONA Kaliopi
http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/mac16.jpg  
Kaliopi is returning to represent FYR Macedonia again at Eurovision. She last did so in 2012. This year, she will perform a song in Macedonian during Semi Final 2.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016fyr_macedonia
41 HUNGARY
Flag of Hungary.svg
PIONEER Freddie
Gábor Alfréd Fehérvári (Freddie) will represent Hungary at the Eurovision festival in Stockholm. Photo: Duna TV.  
Hungary will try again for its first ever win at Eurovision this year during the first semi final. Freddie's song has already topped the singles chart in his homeland bit, while he has made a valiant vocal effort, the entry lacks any wow factor.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016hungary
42 BOSNIA - HERZEGOVINA
Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg
LJUBAV JE Dalal & Deen featuring Ana Rucner & Jala
While the song has some interesting moments, the fact that it is performed in Bosnian will make it difficult for others to relate to it. The entry is scheduled for Semi Final 1.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016bosnia_herzegovina
43 MONTENEGRO
 Flag of Montenegro.svg
THE REAL THING Highway
 http://www.eurovisioncovers.co.uk/mn16.jpg
This entry has a heavy rock sound that is dated but will appeal to those who don't like the upbeat or cheesy numbers. The song will be performed in English.  It will try to qualify in Semi Final 1.
http://eurovisionworld.com/?eurovision=2016montenegro