Copenhagen 2014: Rankings of the 37, part 3: 25-21

Part 3 of my rankings of Copenhagen 2014. And shall continue right now!

Number 25!

Sergej Cetkovic with "Moj Svet" (Montenegro). First time (I think) a Montenegrin entry has made it to the grand final. I have enjoyed (yes folks, and I mean enjoyed) what this country had to offer in the ESC over the past few years. Even "Euro Neuro" by Rambo Amadeus from 2012. But this ballad is so great and one of the best ballads this year. Glad it made it to the final.

Speaking of ballads, 'Aram MP3' Sargsian, a contender in the grand final is number 24 on my list with the soft-dubstep backed track "Not Alone" (Armenia). Not as good as Dorians last year, but I would say it is now my second favorite Armenian ESC entry. The dubstep killed it, but still beautiful nonetheless.

The third year in a row the UK has sent a 'name-brand' artist to the ESC. In 2012 it was Engelbert Humperdinck. In 2013 it was Bonnie Tyler. This year it was Molly Smitten Downes, the lead singer of the Stunt project, with "Children of the Universe." It is number 22 on my chart simply because of even more powerful entries this year. Great song nonetheless. I have been a big fan of hers for sometime. Any guesses for who will represent the UK in 2015? Rikki Peebles? Daz Simpson? Jamelia? Sophie Ellis Bextor? Mike Skinner and the Streets? Dizzee Rascal? Who knows?

'Mei' beer is 'Finegold' the dry beer. Get it? Unlike Rheingold Beer, Mei Finegold's "Same Heart" (Israel) wasn't really extra dry. After listening to it, it is a great song, but decided to put this at number 21. Shame she didn't make the final. Now the question, for a country that has won the ESC a multiple times, despite the politics of the past few years, will they be able to return for Austria in 2015? Let's not forget the Gaza issues as well, including the most recent attacks that could be a key ingredient for a third World War. Something to ponder in the months to come.

After three posts:

37. Poland
36. Denmark
35. Belarus
34. Latvia
33. Macedonia
32. Austria
31. Sweden
30. Moldova
29. San Marino
28. Belgium
27. Spain
26. Albania
25. Montenegro
24. Armenia
23. Russia
22. Great Britain
21. Israel

Twenty big ones to number one, including Twin Twin and the Common Linnets, as well as Firelight and Softengine. Find out where they rank as the countdown is approaching halfway!

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Mei Finegold "Same Heart"

Mei beer is Finegold the dry beer. Extra dry. Get it? Finegold is not a beer, but the last name of the performer who will represent Israel in Copenhagen with "Same Heart."

"Same Heart" is a club effort in which her vocals--tailored for heavy rock--are great, but still an excellent piece of work. Some people might criticize simply because this is a club track, but most club tracks in ESC have been good to me; most make the grand final. She will perform in the second semifinal on Thursday, the 8th of May, and I predict that she will make the grand final on Saturday, the 10th of May.

Israel might not be geographically European (it is technically an Asian country like other ESC participating countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Cyprus), but it is a country who has a broadcast network that is a member of the EBU. Hence, their ESC participation, since 1973. From Izhar Cohen in 1978 ("A Ba Ni Bi") and 1985 ("Ole Ole") to Dana International in 1998 (winner with "Diva") and in 2011 ("Ding Dong") and Izabo "Time" in 2012, there have been some bright spots for this nation in ESC. This is even better than "Rak Bishvilo" by Moran Mazor from Malmo! Mark my words!

Up next: Emma Marrone "La Mia Citta."