Back in the UK

So I arrived safely back home with my mother after a 2 day long jaunt across Europe (my mother doesnt like to fly anymore, so we went by boat and train and eurostar). I say home, although it doesnt feel much like it. It hasnt done for a few years now though, and I'm confident when I get back to Guildford I'll start to feel more normal again. I'm not sure I'll have much to say on here for now, or if I'll even carry it on. We'll see when I get back to Guildford. Of course you might still get the odd post from me, but given the title of the blog, it seems a bit silly to carry it on.

I'll leave you with a pretty Finnish song that I listened to over and over on the journey home. A certain special someone translated their whole album for me, so I now know exactly what they are singing about. I'm not going to tell you though. You'll have to listen to my radio show to find out, hehe. Talking of which, on a side note, I got around to emailing the manager today to ask to have the show back so fingers crossed.

In the meantime, here is Vieläkö Soitan Banjoa? by Scandinavian Music Group

Se Malja Vain Sua Oottaa

I bought Jenni Vartiainen's album last week. I listened to it this week. Its very good. I've been told the lyrics are very clever, but what with it being in Finnish, its a bit lost on me. But the music is quite funky. Not your cheesy pop, more mature than that. And not so typically Finnish either. I shared Ihmisten Edessä with you all a while ago, which is also the name of the album, but this is another good track from the album called Malja.

Lyrics used to be worthless to me

The cold has struck with a vengeance and I feel rubbish :( Also, went into work today to start an experiment and decided to stick around and do some more work on my report. I was there for 3+ hours, and only wrote around 200 words. So frustratingly slow progress today.

Anyway, since I won't have much time over the next few weeks, what with last minute planning for my mums arrival, and this report, along with finishing up at work (just 7 more working days, can you believe the year is almost over?!) I thought I would go back to the good old days of sharing music.

I heard this song on the radio in the lab the other day, and the lyric "No hot water, I'm stood in the shower, I think that my boiler's died" just made me laugh so much at its naff-ness, that I couldnt help but remember to look for it on youtube later.

Its called Every Song I Hear by Koop Arponen, the winner of the latest series of Finnish Idols (beating Anna Puu, posted below). Its so incredibly 'Magic FM' and I love it...

C'est La Vie

A few days ago I was introduced to this song by Finnish singer Anna puu, and I found the video so darkly humorous that I thought I would share it with you. I think fans of Duffy and the like will particularly enjoy it. Although saying that, I hate Duffy and still like it...

I found my place in the world

Not thinking much of Antti's outfit here. And whats with the emo hair? But the scenary in this video is very pretty indeed. I approve...

Roots? Like Beetroot?

This week saw the release of Antti Tuisku's latest single for radio airplay. I don't listen to Finnsih radio much, but I found it on trusty youtube. Can't say that I'm immediately in love with it, but I like enough that I will be listening to it a lot in the coming weeks, and I think its a grower, so will be in love with it in no time I expect. I guess its just that he has taken a break for a year or so, and I was expecting something big to signal his return. Am excited to hear the album though, which better be being released before I leave. Anyway, here it is. It's called Juuret, which means roots. Thats all I know.

Music Music Music

I've been on a bit of CD spree lately. Ok, maybe 'spree' is a bit of an overstatement. But I found a number of albums that I will get round to buying. Its just I feel I should buy them one at a time, else I wont listen to them properly. But this week I bought 2 new CDs.

The first one is from an artist called Olavi Uusivirti. He was one included on my friends list. She pointed me towards his song 'On Niin Helppoo Olla Onnelinen', which Rach found to be a hilarious title. I guess there are a lot of O's going on there, hehe. Its means 'Its so easy to be happy'. I'm not sure if he's being ironic though. Anyway, the video is quite nice.

But I clicked around and found some other songs from him that I quite like. For example, Hautalaulu is a beautiful moving song. The lyrics are quite sad, so I wont translate the title for you as it might put you off listening to it. But think of it like a lyllaby. Both these songs are on his latest album, but I found an older album in the sale at Anttilla, called Minä Olen Hullu (I'm crazy). Its quite a cool album, quite brit-pop in a way, apart from it being in Finnish obviously. I think its an album you should listen to as a whole, but it includes my current favourite track from him, called 6:06. Check it out;



The second album I got was one I'd been looking for for a while. I posted a song by Katri Ylander called Unta a while ago, and I still like it very much. I think her voice is very pretty, and she sings songs of a style fitting to her voice. They arent exactly modern pop hits, maybe they are a bit old-fashioned, but the album is a nice relaxing listen. There are some songs with a bit of bite though, one of which is called Valehdellaan;

Sillä Me Ollaan Yhdessä

One of my lovely Finnish friends recently compiled a list for me, of Finnish songs that she thought I might like. She has good taste, either that or she knows me well. I liked nearly all the songs she sent me. Some more than others obviously. One of the good things about it though, was that the list included some songs that I had heard around and liked, but didnt know the names of. Like the following song for example. I rather like it, and now thanks to my friend I know its by Jenni Vartiainen and is called Ihmisten Edessä;

Yksinäisiin Unelmiin

Apologies for the lack of posts. I will try and finish my travel diary sometime this weekend, but my laptop has been really getting on my nerves lately, and I've been trying to do most of my blogging at work. But this week has been pretty-busy work-wise. And its not likely to end for a while yet. Then also, there have been quite a few goings-on that I've wanted to blog about, but its always the way that when you have time to blog its because you have not much to blog about, and then when your busy, well your busy.

But the topic of todays post. Antti Tuisku again. I possibly like his music more than I care to admit to anyone. Its an incredibly guilty pleasure. I thought today that admitting liking Antii Tuisku to a Finn must be a bit like someone saying to me that they just adore Shayne Ward (sorry all you hard-core Shanye Ward fans, but come on...)

One of the many songs that I love of his is one called Lahtemässä. From what I can tell, its a break up song (lähtemässä = leaving). I quite like the lyrics of the second verse (again, maybe something I shouldnt admit - squirrels, apple trees, phosphorus stars, you get the idea...) but the main reason it became a favourite was because its so rhythmic and gentle, like a lullaby, and I ended up with it on repeat to help me sleep on the coach to/from Lapland.

As for Antti's voice, I tend to enjoy his music but acknowledge that he hasn't exactly a belter of a voice. Its enough, but nothing overly special. So usually I only watch 'live' performances where he dancing to a backing track, as he usually has some cool choreography (check out Levoton for a good example of the type of tracks you'll find on New York). But yes, anyway, I noticed there is a live performance of Lähtemässä on youtube and its actually quite nice. So thought I would share it with you. I think its a pretty song.



I'm surprised at how much I've written about Antti, and ashamed yet again to admit that I could easily write more. However, I will save it for the return of Sounds of Europe. Poor Rach isn't an Antti fan, but I'm afraid she doesn't have a choice anymore.

Finnish Esc Selection - The Final, Part 2

So yes, last night was the Finnish national selection for eurovision, and as I said already that Waldo's People got through, but I thought I would elaborate on the whole proceedings a bit more, since I was lucky enough to be able to watch it, whereas I know the rest of Europe were deprived somewhat. Still, there was plenty going on last night I believe...

So the show got started at 8pm. I was still on my way to a friends house to settle down and watch it, so we missed the first few performances. These however were the 'second chance' songs. Those that had not qualified from previous weeks. These included Riikka, Tiara, Passionworks, Sani, Vink and Janita. We caught the last 3 or so, and got to enjoy the interval act (Scandinavian Hunks - think a topless version of stomp) while the voting took place. The two acts that were then announced to be through to final were Passionworks and Vink. I was happy for Vink. I liked the song, but felt they were in the hardest of the three semi's, so this worked well for them.

So then onto the final.

• We started with Kwan. The woman still hadnt improved and continued to sing out of tune. Not good.
• This was followed by Jari. The judges seemed to think he was wonderful, but were not sure that the song is a good fit for eurovision. My friend pointed out it sounds like a christmas song/hym, and she could be right. Nice ballad, but no good for esc.
• Then was the fabulous Signmark. Another good performance, with strong vocals from Osmo. You can't fault any of it really, just depends if the song can overcome the obvious genre barrier.
• Next up was Tapani Kansa. Well, he managed to get through the whole song without starting again this time. Still, the song was just as boring. My friend kindly translated some of the lyrics. Sounded all a bit depressing and not eurovision at all. Like Peace Will Come, but without the positive vibe.
• After that we have Waldo's People. I was 100% behind signmark until this came on. Its just so infectiously catchy. And tonights show took place on a bigger stage, so the performance is even more striking. Love the poi/fire juggling.
• Then we have Remu. I really didnt understand how this qualified. I took the time to watch the video a few days before, and now see it as a quirky 'joke' entry. I found myself enjoying it with this new perspective. Still, I dont think Europe would get the joke.
• Finally, we have Passionworks back again. The poor singer was suffering from larengitis, and so the vocals were somewhat raspy. However, the giant snowflake on her back did enough to distract from that. I do like the blokes vocals, but this is a typical metal song for Finland. Its time to try something new.
• Then, last but certainly not least, was Vink. a good, cheesy pop-punk song. Perhaps a little 'middle-of-the-road' though.

So the votes are calculated to see which 3 acts will go through to the SuperFinal. I voted for Signmark... just.

The 3 acts that made it to the SuperFinal to are Signmark, Waldo's People, and Passionworks. That was a surpise. I didnt understand the point of the 'second chance' round as I didnt believe that a song that didnt qualify the first time would stand a chance in the final. I was clearly wrong. So each act performs again (the poor woman from passionworks for the third time tonight, you could feel her pain, really).

A break for the news while the votes are casted and calculated. I vote again for Signmark.

When we return, it is announced that in third place is Passionworks. Signmark and Waldo's People make their way to the stage. Teräsbetoni from last year present the envelope with the results. Along the bottom of the screen we are shown that the winning act received 45% of the votes, and the second placing act 42%. And Waldo's People were announced to be the winning act. They perform once more. Good luck to them. I think this was a very wise choice. I am sad for Signmark, but it was an exciting final, with a lot of great songs to choose from. Well done YLE.

Finnish Esc Selection - The Final, Part 1

So I watched (almost) the whole thing last night, and the result was very pleasing :)



Yes, Waldo's People won. By quite a small margin. Signmark with Speakerbox was in a very close second. I love speakerbox and did vote for it, but looking at it from a eurovision perspective of what will do well, I think Lose Control ticks all the boxes. The rapping is a bit naff, but the chrous is so catchy, and that little drop-kick in the beat towards the end is just perfect. I think I'm happy with this choice, even if I'm a bit dissappointed for Signmark, but it would have been visa versa if Signmark had won and Waldo's People were second. Can't we send them both?

Oh, and after hearing the British choice today.... hmmm.... think I'll be adopting Finland as my eurovision home this year. I mean, its ok, but for a collaberation between supposedly britains best songwriter and a famous lyricist, I think it was fair to expect something more than just ok. Maybe they can work on it. Well, its the lyrics that bother me the most. Whats it all about. Generic and forgettable I'm afraid. Gotta give Jade credit though, she does sing it well.

Finnish Esc Selection - Week 3

About time I get round to writing about Finland's final semi then eh?

Well, I was quite looking forward to this weeks, as it only had one song that I wasn't keen on in it. Also it had my new favourite for Moscow in the shape of a rap artist called Signmark. He opened the show and since I'm behind in writing this up you can watch the performance already. Someone has uploaded it along with the interviews before hand, so you can watch the whole thing if you're interested in watching him signing through the interview. Of course, not knowing much sign language or Finnish, it was a bit pointless for me, but some of you might appreciate it;



So wasnt that good? I think it would be good for Finland to send something a bit different.

After Signmark, was Janita with her song Martian. It seems she's quite successful, having gone off to record albums in New York. Can't say I thought much of the song or performance in the end though. I didn't care for her voice much.

After her, newcomers Vink were up. I quite liked this song. Sort of pop-punk with a hint of the Ark. However when it came to the performance, I think they struggled a bit to keep up the energy of the song, and it felt a bit lagging by the end. Nice attempt though, I think I'll stillbe listening to this song for a while.

Then, the middle-aged housewives favourite, Jari Sillanpää. I hadnt listened to his song before the show, but knew it was going to be a big dramatic ballad. I was actually quite impressed. I thought it was quite pretty, the staging was strong, and the vocals were good. I was quite alarmed by how flexible his backing dancer was, but have since learnt she is a Finnish Olympic gymnast (similarities to the Dima-Plushenko stunt anyone?)

Anyway, when it came down to it, Signmark and Jari got through. I was pretty happy with this, I feel they were the best songs, so justice was served, hehe. When it came to vote percentages, Signmark got considerably more than Jari. So I th

Preview

ink its basically down to a battle between Signmark, Waldo's People, and Kwan now. So long as its not Kwan, I'd be happy with either of the others.

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Signmark are Through!

I'm sort of all blogged out at the minute, so will reserve a big blog about tonights show for later in the weekend. However just wanted to say quickly - hurrah for signmark! I really like this song, and the whole concept and execution. So either this or Waldo's People to Moscow please (but more this actually...).

Nova? I dont think so...

Its been a long boring day, so forgive the sudden increase in blog posts.

Anyway, I've decided that Radio Nova, despite seeming to be played in every cafe in Turku, along with every lab in my department, is actually pretty rubbish. I mean, for about the third time this week I've heard that terrible Kwan song 10,000 Light Years, which is through to the final of the Finnish national selection, and as previously stated, I have my ipod in my ears most of the time.

So I was worried that it was rather popular with the Finnish public and has the best chance of getting through to ESC. So I thought it may have recently been released and decided to look for the first time in a long time at the Finnish charts. I'm surprised how many songs are in the top 10 that I have never heard on Radio Nova. Lets review (in no order as the websites im using cant seem to agree which order they are in either);

Lady GaGa; As I couldnt seem to be able to watch the official video for Just Dance anywhere on youtube, I assumed it was being saved up for a Finnish release. I was sure Radio Nova would play it, as it would fit well with the Anna Abreu and Katy Perry that they often play. But no, never have I heard Lady GaGa. So imagine my surprise to find that Poker Face is number 1! And Just Dance is a bit further down, around 14. So why on earth haven't I heard it anywhere (clubs, shops, radios...)?

Waldo's People; Currently charting in the top 5 is their eurovision attempt. So why are radio nova playing Kwan and not this? Its a shame, I like this song, and clearly the Finnish public do too. I'm thinking this will be the overall winner for the Finnish national selection. Although I'm still watching the final 'semi' tonight to support Signmark :)

Finally, in the charts there is also the likes of Britney Spears, Paramore, Kings of Leon, and Fall Out Boy. Never heard any of them on Nova either. Why not? Why play the same 20 songs everyday is they're not even the most popular 20 songs?! Gah. To they're credit though, they do play some 'oldies but goodies' and they have played the likes of Katy Perry, Pink and Brit Alesha Dixon (who has also charted here at 19 apparently).

Another thing though, while I'm having a rant. I wish they would have a 'playing now' feature on their website so I could find out the names of the songs and artists that I like. I can never follow the Finnish talking afterward to work out what the song was. If Rix fm can do it, why cant Nova?

So the results are in and...

Waldo's People are through! Woo. With 44% of the vote. Puts them in good stead me thinks.
Bizarrely Remu also got through, with around 28% of the vote, and to be honest he looked as shocked as I was.

Means that between Passionworks and Sani there is less than a measely 30% of the remaining vote. They both go through to the second chance selection, but to be honest, its not looking good. I'm pretty happy with the results though. More so than last week at least :)

Finnish Esc Selection - Week 2

So I've managed to watch the stream tonight, which is good because Waldo's People were singing tonight. They were just on, with strong vocals and fire jugglers in the back. Quite cool. I just love the strong beat, its so catchy. So decided to give em a vote :)
Not sure if they are my absolute favourite anymore (Speakerbox by Signmark is slowly overtaking), but that is for next week's selection. As for tonight's performances...

• I missed Sani Doctor Doctor, but watching the replay clips during the voting it seems like your typical esc pop song, complete with terrible pun-filled lyrics, but I dont see it as a good fit for Finland somehow.
• Passionworks were ok, but the female's vocals and and outfit were questionable.
• Remu - dont even know where to start..!
• And then Waldo's People, delivering a strong performance, although looking a bit confined on such a small stage...

We await the results...

I Put My Headphones On in the Waterfront Dance Club

Going to see The Rasmus the other week has reawakened the gigging girl in me. I've also had the iPod on shuffle lately so been digging up so old songs from my angsty teen years. Has been good.

So a week today Disco Ensemble are playing at a club in Turku. Should I go? No idea. They had a song called We Might Fall Apart that they released in the UK 3 or so years ago and then did nothing else there again. But I really liked that song, and really liked the new single from them that I heard on the radio on the way to Salo. Its called Headphones;



Also, in two weeks time, Funeral For A Friend are playing in Helsinki. I've been meaning to see them for years now, ever since they released Streetcar really, but then the thrid album was kinda sucky so went off them a bit. However, they released a new album earlier this month, and although I havent bought it (yet) the single is sounding like a return to form. So I would love to go and see them. But the gig is on a sunday night, and in a city 2 hours from here. So not sure if I can go, but will keep it in mind, and we'll see I guess. Anyway, the new single is called Waterfront Dance Club, check it;

Rasmus Gig Review

I was running a tad late for the gig on saturday after having woken up late and getting sucked into the sales at the department store in town. Anyway, I finally made it, and it was just great. Finnish crowds are pretty different to those back home at London gigs. For starters, despite turning up over 30mins late, I still got a spot right down the front. And not only was I down the front, but I has plenty of room to move around/dance, and it wasnt ridiculously hot. In a lot of ways it didnt feel like a proper gig, particularly when everyone sat down between the support act and the band.

Talking of the support act, they were actually really good. I quite enjoyed their set. They played for nearly an hour, and I think there was only one song that I didnt like. They are called Von Hertzen Bothers, and its sort of synth rock I guess. You can check out their myspace page here. After the gig I managed to get the singer, Mikko, to sign my ticket :) It seems everyone knows Keira Knightly here too, so glad she spells her name the same way.


Anyway, after they finished the Rasmus came on. They started with Living In A World Without You, which was really good live. After that they went straight into FFF-Falling. So was glad to hear they were going to be playing some of their older songs too. And that they did, as well as playing tracks from the new album, they played, Guilty, No Fear, First Day of My Life, Chill and Sail Away (which was done as a duet with Mikko Von Hertzen coming back on stage).


Some of the new tracks that I has heard and werent overly impressed by have gone up in my estimation since hearing them live. For example, I didnt like the title track 10 Black Roses much, but its very good live. However, my favourite of the new songs is called Justify. Despite the intro reminding me of The Cure's 'Lullaby', the lyrics are what appeal to me most about it. Ghost of Love is also worth a listen.


They did some odd songs as well, such as Ghost Busters, and another song in Finnish, that had something to do with a moon... It took me a while to realise he was singing in Finnsih, but the guitarist held up a big ball of styrophone and said something about Kuu. Make of that what you will...

Finally for an encore they did In The Shadows.


Was a great night. And no worrys about rushing for the last train home. Just casually strolled round to the student village where I stole some posters off a notice board, and then caught a bus back to the Kauppatori where I had time for a cheeseburger before the next night bus home :)

Weekend Plans

So looks like I have plans for the weekend after all. My friend has double-booked herself this weekend, and so had a gig ticket for sale for .... The Rasmus!

I very graciously accepted the sale of the ticket and so will be heading over to the hotel (:/) in Turku where they will be playing. And the night buses will be running so will just head on home afterwards. Will make a change to go to a big gig in my 'home' town rather than having to worry about the last train home from London.

Perhaps I better go buy the album...

Finlands National Finals

So the 12 competitors to represent Finland at Eurovision this year have been announced. Most of them I havent heard of, so decided to do a little research on those that looked interesting. Here are my thoughts to the main contenders.

Waldos People
I had heard of this band before but couldn't remember any of their stuff. Now i realise why. The only way I can describe it is Cheesy Electro Rock. A very strange mix, that doesn't really do it for me I'm afraid. Although they have the potential to make a very catchy eurovision song actually, so maybe one to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afyNN4xSSZg

Vink
A new rock group with a poppy-rock style. I quite like it actually, but I don't think its right for eurovision. Think the semi's will be good exposure for them though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grYpwwEJ75g

Riikka
Used to be part of a folk group that I've mentioned on here before. Her current stuff on myspace seems more contemporary and chilled-out but still keeps a traditional Finnish vibe to it. Pleasant but easily forgettable in the grand scheme of esc.
http://www.myspace.com/riikkatoarie

Signmark
I think this is an innovative idea and the kind of thing that is perfect for eurovision in terms of vision. This is a hip-hop group formed of three members; a dj, an mc, and a signer (sign language). Its a way of showing that deaf people can make and enjoy music and trying to remove stigma's and bring more awareness of deaf issues to society I guess.
All in all though, it is hip-hop, which never does well at esc, so we'll see.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbKXlTXQCN0

Tiara
Singing a kind of mature power-pop, she actually seems like the kind of singer they would like back home (if she were singing in English of course). With the right song she could do very well at esc I think. Then again, what do I know?
http://www.myspace.com/tiaranmusiikki

Jari Sillanpää
But of course the main contender is Jari. I keep seeing his face everywhere I go! He was playing here in Turku a few weeks ago, and when I went to Naantali (not the biggest town) I saw his face on a poster on what I'm guessing was the town hall or something. So he gets about a bit. Think whatever he enters will get people ringing up to vote.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TkkphTOVWE