TOP 45 ESC SONGS THAT WERE CULLED AT THE SEMI-FINALS.: #14. More: twice daily.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE TOP

EUROVISION SONGS

THAT FAILED TO QUALIFY

 AT THE SEMI-FINALS

As more countries wished to participate in the  Eurovision Song Contest, Semi-Finals became necessary by 1993 in order to limit the duration of the Grand Final. This countdown looks back on 45 culled – but worthy- entries that failed to progress from a Semi-Final and therefore missed out on competing in the Grand Final:

14

IK BEN VERLIEFD (SHA-LA-LIE)

SIENEKE

2010 NETHERLANDS

Dutch musician Pierre Kartner had previously written the novelty hit "The Smurf Song" He recorded it as 'Father Abraham'. In 2010, the song "Ik Ben Verfiefd (Sha-La-Lie)" represented The Netherlands. Kartner created the fun entry. Performed in Semi-Final 2 by Sieneke, the song finished 14th out of 17 contenders. 

 

To get you in the mood for Eurovision in Kiev, check out Caffé Latté’s special ESC playlist on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:4alanrosscaffelatte

BEFORE THE HIT VERSION. This post: LVIII- TI AMO. Continues: tomorrow.

BEFORE IT WAS A HIT SONG…

These songs are well known but you may not know about the earlier attempts to score a hit record with prior versions of the same song.

Ti Amo

Laura Branigan scored 2 major hit singles that were originally songs recorded in Italian by singer / songwriter Umberto Tozzi. Having already enjoyed breakthrough success covering his "Gloria", the American singer sang new English lyrics written by Diane Warren when she cut a remake of "Ti Amo". In 1984, she reached the Top 10 with the new interpretation. The song's title means "I love you" in Italian. 

Tozzi's original version was released in 1977. The single was a #1 hit in Italy, France, Sweden and Switzerland. It was later a chart hit in other European countries as well as in Australia.

 

Each new song will be added to the spotify playlist named: ‘Before It Was A Hit Song’.  You can check out the previous earlier / original versions of the hit songs you know and love.

The playlist and other Caffe` Latte` selections can be found at:

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte

TOP 45 ESC SONGS THAT WERE CULLED AT THE SEMI-FINALS.: #15. More: twice daily.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE TOP

EUROVISION SONGS

THAT FAILED TO QUALIFY

 AT THE SEMI-FINALS

As more countries wished to participate in the  Eurovision Song Contest, Semi-Finals became necessary by 1993 in order to limit the duration of the Grand Final. This countdown looks back on 45 culled – but worthy- entries that failed to progress from a Semi-Final and therefore missed out on competing in the Grand Final:

15

I WANT YOUR LOVE

EDUARD ROMANYUTA

2015 MOLDOVA

Moldova's entry was the 1st song performed during Semi-Final 1 in 2015. Eduard Romanyuta put in a mighty effort in his execution of "I Want Your Love". Only the 10 highest scoring songs progressed to the Grand Final. Romanyuta finished in 11th place out of a field of 16 competing songs.

To get you in the mood for Eurovision in Kiev, check out Caffé Latté’s special ESC playlist on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:4alanrosscaffelatte

HISTORY OF THE ESC. Part 28: 2010. Continues: tomorrow.

THE HISTORY OF THE

EUROVISION

SONG CONTEST

Caffé Latté  looks back on the key moments of Europe’s annual competition.

2010

After "Fairytale" achieved a record- breaking score in 2009, Eurovision returned to host city Oslo for the first time since the 1990s in the following year. Not even an erupting Icelandic volcano prevented the 39 participating entries from attending.

Belgium attracted the highest score in Semi Final 1. Turkey did the same in the second. The Grand Final produced a rare outcome. One of the "Big 4" countries emerged as the victor. German entry "Satellite", performed by Lena (Meyer- Landrut), finished with 246 points. Runner-up Turkey was way behind with 170.  The winning song reflected contemporary music trends. Lena's style was reminiscent of British pop singer Lily Allen. "Satellite" drew a positive response from a younger audience. The song became a chart hit in many countries.

 

TOP 45 ESC SONGS THAT WERE CULLED AT THE SEMI-FINALS.: #16. More: tomorrow.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE TOP

EUROVISION SONGS

THAT FAILED TO QUALIFY

 AT THE SEMI-FINALS

As more countries wished to participate in the  Eurovision Song Contest, Semi-Finals became necessary by 1993 in order to limit the duration of the Grand Final. This countdown looks back on 45 culled – but worthy- entries that failed to progress from a Semi-Final and therefore missed out on competing in the Grand Final:

16

VODKA

MORENA

2008 MALTA

In 2008, Semi-Final 2 included the Maltese entry "Vodka". Female soloist Morena gave a spirited performance, but failed to qualify for Eaurovision's Grand Final that year. Her song finished #14 out of 19 entries. 

To get you in the mood for Eurovision in Kiev, check out Caffé Latté’s special ESC playlist on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:4alanrosscaffelatte

BEFORE THE HIT VERSION. This post: LVII- SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU. 
Continues: tomorrow.

BEFORE IT WAS A HIT SONG…

These songs are well known but you may not know about the earlier attempts to score a hit record with prior versions of the same song.

Saving All My Love For You

 

Whitney Houston's self-titled debut solo album was issued in 1985. "Saving All My Love For You" was lifted as a single and became her first American #1 on the Pop Chart. 

Few would have noticed the original version of the ballad when it was included on the album 'Marilyn & Billy'. The 1978 LP was a duet project by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. The married couple were former members of the group The 5th Dimension before splintering off as a duo. 

A comparison of the 2 interpretations highlights the power of Houston's impressive vocal talent.

Each new song will be added to the spotify playlist named: ‘Before It Was A Hit Song’.  You can check out the previous earlier / original versions of the hit songs you know and love.

The playlist and other Caffe` Latte` selections can be found at:

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte

200 ESSENTIAL 90s SONGS: #70-61. More: next week.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

200

 ESSENTIAL SONGS

 of the  

1990s

Many new sub-genres were launched during the 1990s as hybrids of various styles were fused to create innovative new sounds. Females infiltrated the once misogynistic world of rap as it evolved into hip-hop. New Jack Swing gave way to New Jill Swing. Grunge exploded around the world. The music industry grappled with dwindling sales and the threat of piracy. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most -in terms of lasting impact, influence and enduring quality- in the final decade of the previous millennium.

70

INFORMER Snow

Canadian rapper Snow scored a hit with "Informer" in 1993. Born Darrin O'Brien, his recordings combined reggae with rap. The first single lifted off his debut album 'Twelve Inches Of Snow' helped break down the resistance to rap. It reached #1 in America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In the UK, the single peaked at #2.

69

COME AS YOU ARE Nirvana

'Nevermind' was unleashed in 1991. The following year, "Come As You Are" became the 2nd single issued from the watershed recording. At the time, grunge was taking hold in pop culture, fueled by the immense success of Nirvana's album.

68

HISTORY

Red Hot Chili Peppers developed its own distinctive sound which is often categorized as funk metal. "Give It Away" drew from heavy metal, hard rock, funk, rap, R&B and indie rock. Although its 1991 parent album 'Blood Sex Sugar Magik' was the band's 5th studio release, this was the record that parachuted the RHCP into the mainstream pop arena.

67

SEXY BOY Air

"Sexy Boy" is a brilliant moment in European dance music. French duo Air threw in ingredients such as ambient, trip hop, electronica and a distinct fuzztone effect to construct an aural delight. The track was included on its 1998 'Moon Safari' album. The lead vocal is deceptive: while it sounds feminine, it is in fact performed by the male members Jean Benoît-Dunckel and Nicolas Godin.

66

WHERE IT'S AT Beck

Beck incorporates numerous samples on "Where It's At", his 1996 self-penned single. It was the lead single from the critically lauded release 'Odelay'. This was the result of his teaming with producers The Dust Brothers. The alternative rock / funk song collected a Grammy.

65

GONNA MAKE YOU SWEAT C+C Music Factory

As dance music gathered momentum in the early 1990s, the C+C Music Factory assembled elements of house, rap, funk and hip hop to construct the hit "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)". The 1990 hip house anthem featured the mighty vocals of Martha Wash. Freedom Williams provided the rap. In the US, the track reached #1 on the R&B, Dance and Pop charts. The C+C referred to writer / producers David Cole and Robert Clivillés.

64

ONE U2

Irish rock outfit U2 dropped one of the musical highlights of the 1990s with "One". It remains one of the best recordings served from the world's top group at the time. Bono's lyrics are enhanced by his vocal approach. The other 3 members provide gravitas to the track with their musical input. The single raised funds for A.I.D.S. charities. It was lifted off the band's 1991 album 'Achtung Baby'.

63

QUEER Garbage

The eponymously -titled debut album from alternative / indie rock group Garbage was released in 1995. "Queer", its 3rd single, further showcased the ethereal power of Shirley Manson's lead vocals. Drummer Butch Vig shines in his additional role of producer. 

62

REGULATE Warren G & Nate Dogg

The spotlight discovered Warren G and Nate Dogg thanks to the gangsta rap hit "Regulate". Featured on the soundtrack for the 1994 US sports film 'Above The Rim', it remains a pivotal G-funk staple. The single peaked at #2 in America and #5 in Britain.

61

ICE ICE BABY Vanilla Ice

At the commencement of the 1990s, rap was still struggling to cross over to the mainstream. A handful of exceptions did, however, make inroads. Although it is the target of much derision today, there's no denying the immense sales and popularity of Vanilla Ice and his smash "Ice Ice Baby". Attitudes thawed towards rap when Robert Van Winkle became the first white rapper to score global success. He owed much of his hit's success to the bassline from Queen and David Bowie's 1981 #1 "Under Pressure". Nevertheless, Ice's debut album did sell in excess of 7 million copies. The single reached #1 on the American, British and Australian charts in 1990. He paved the way for other white rappers, most significantly Snow and Eminem.

1990s

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week

1 As I Lay Me Down WIKTORIA  2wks                                                                     1 3

2 Straight Up & Down BRUNO MARS                                                                     7 2

3 Big Boys CHUCK BERRY                                                                 2 2

4 Wait For It USHER                                                                       6 2

5 Wild Child ACE WILDER                                                                    8 2

6 Scared Of The Dark STEPS                                                                     4 4

7 Glorious MANS ZELMERLOW                                                                             3 6

8 Kiss You Goodbye ANTON HAGMAN                                                                       NEW

9 Shout Out To My Ex LITTLE MIX                                                                       NEW

10 The Getaway RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS                                                                     5 3

Hear this week's Top 10 songs (now with more hot tracks) as well as other special playlists on spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

 

TOP 45 ESC SONGS THAT WERE CULLED AT THE SEMI-FINALS.: #17. More: tomorrow.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE TOP

EUROVISION SONGS

THAT FAILED TO QUALIFY

 AT THE SEMI-FINALS

As more countries wished to participate in the  Eurovision Song Contest, Semi-Finals became necessary by 1993 in order to limit the duration of the Grand Final. This countdown looks back on 45 culled – but worthy- entries that failed to progress from a Semi-Final and therefore missed out on competing in the Grand Final:

17

BLUE AND RED

MANUELLA

2016 SLOVENIA

ManuElla competed in 2016's 2nd Semi-Final. She represented Slovenia with the country/ pop - flavoured song "Blue And Red". The toe tapper only managed to finish 14th out of a field of 18 on the night.

 

To get you in the mood for Eurovision in Kiev, check out Caffé Latté’s special ESC playlist on Spotify.

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:4alanrosscaffelatte

200 ESSENTIAL 90s SONGS: #80-71. More: tomorrow.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

200

 ESSENTIAL SONGS

 of the  

1990s

Many new sub-genres were launched during the 1990s as hybrids of various styles were fused to create innovative new sounds. Females infiltrated the once misogynistic world of rap as it evolved into hip-hop. New Jack Swing gave way to New Jill Swing. Grunge exploded around the world. The music industry grappled with dwindling sales and the threat of piracy. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most -in terms of lasting impact, influence and enduring quality- in the final decade of the previous millennium.

80

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT Montell Jordan

Montell Jordan's debut hit "This Is How We Do It" was a defining example of the New jack swing sound that dominated R&B during the decade. In America, the single topped the Pop and R&B charts during 1995.

79

SABOTAGE Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys continued redefining rap with the 1994 album 'Ill Communication'. Its lead single was "Sabotage". The album, which fused rap with rock, reached #1 on the Billboard Album Chart.

78

SADENESS (PART I) Enigma

Mixing ambient and new age with -of all things, Gregorian chants,- resulted in the thrilling 1990 hit "Sadeness". Enigma revolved around Micheal Crétu. The creative mix proved popular in dance clubs. On the UK, European and Japanese charts, the single reached #1. The track also made the Top 5 in America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

77

HIP HOP HOORAY Naughty By Nature

In 1993, Naughty By Nature expanded its fanbase with the rap chant "Hip Hop Hooray". Its release preceded the album '19 Naughty III' early in the following year. The infectious song attracted a wider audience for hip hop.

76

ONE SWEET DAY Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men

"One Sweet Day" brought together 2 chart titans. The 1995 collaboration, featuring Mariah Carey and the group Boyz II Men, dealt with bereavement. The public related enough with its theme to make it a massive worldwide smash. In the USA, the song spent a record-breaking 16 weeks at #1.

75

THE UNFORGIVEN Metallica

1991 saw Metallica's sound shift with a more mature focus. The metal band released its self-titled album that year. "The Unforgiven" was its 2nd single. 'Metallica' reached #1 in America, Britain, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The album was a game-changer for heavy metal. Its content catapulted the group to a mainstream audience.

74

CORNFLAKE GIRL Tori Amos

In the decade of Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple and Sinead O'Connor, Tori Amos was another integral woman in rock. Amos seemingly took over where Kate Bush left off. Her piano driven "Cornflake Girl" was an intriguing self-penned track. It was lifted off her 1994 album 'Under The Pink'.

73

OH CAROLINA Shaggy

Jamaican recording act Shaggy broke through in 1993 with "Oh Carolina". It was lifted off his debut album 'Pure Pleasure'. The reggae single was a remake of a Folkes Brothers 1960 hit. Shaggy was a key figure in bringing dancehall to a crossover audience. The single reached #1 on the British chart.

72

THAT'S THE WAY LOVE GOES Janet Jackson

"That's The Way Love Goes" was issued in 1993 and it unleashed a more mature, confident and sexy attitude for Janet Jackson on her album 'Janet'. The song's groove was built around James Brown's 1994 track "Papa Don't Take No Mess". Jackson's hit defined the sound of soul for the 1990s. The single went to #1 in America, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. On the UK chart, it peaked at #2.

71

BORN SLIPPY Underworld

"Born Slippy" mixed techno and trance with innovative dance beats. In 1996, its use in the Danny Boyle cult film 'Trainspotting' jetisoned Underworld to a wider market. The single reached #2 in Britain.

1990s