Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Maraaya "Here For You"

For the record, I've reviewed all of the first semifinal performers. There are only two grand final-only participants and three second semifinal participants left, starting with Maraaya (pictured) with "Here For You" (Slovenia).

Maraaya is a duo, and "Here For You" is a great, break beat tune, that is atmospheric and free flowing. Great beats. I also thought this might've sampled a past work, like some others have in the past (which is a big no-no by the ESC rules), but just about tweaked it. Marjetka's voice is similar to former ESC champion Lena Meyer Landrut, that is in my honest opinion. Slovenia this year is sending a contender, and this is it. They should make the grand final next Saturday. They will perform next Thursday in the second semifinal. Good luck.

Up next: Edurne "Amanecer"

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Tinkara Kovac "Spet"

Slovenia is that 'other' former Yugoslavian country (besides Montenegro and Macedonia) that will participate in Copenhagen in a couple weeks. For that country, Tinkara Kovac (pictured) will perform "Spet."

"Spet" (not 'spit') is a great song with a great beat and great vocals. End of story. She will perform next Thursday (5/8) in the second semifinal. With a tough second semifinal (exceptions: Belarus and Poland), it will be close for her to qualify for the grand final next Saturday. With that in mind, she might not make it to the final. But it is a good song nonetheless. The Slovene version is the best version.

I really enjoyed "Straight into Love" by Hannah Mancini from last year (despite only eight points in the first semifinal in Malmo), however when it comes to Slovenia in the ESC, "Na Na Na" by Karmen Stavec (2003) is still the best Slovenian song in the event. Nusa Derenda's "Energy" (2001) is also good as well. Just to name a few. This could join the ranks as one of the best ESC songs for Slovenia since their first year of participation in this event.

Up next: Ruth Lorenzo "Dancing in the Rain."

Friday Jukebox 2.28.14

The final Sochi 2014 related song. First it was the Buranovo Babuski's "Sochi for Everybody" ("Party for Everybody" part 2), then it was "Shaybu," the theme of the Russian men's ice hockey team, and then "The Bobsled Song." Now the last one is the one you all have been waiting for (hints of sarcasm). Even though it was released late 2012, (now two-time Olympic gold medalist) Tina Maze's "My Way is My Decision" is corny and directionless as fuck, but enjoyable. The only things worst than this: Danny Garcia and Adrien Broner's rap freestyles.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Slovenia

35 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (34 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Slovenia.

Slovenia made their winter Olympics debut at Albertville 1992, and has competed at every winter games since. The Slovene contingent won seven medals, including two silver medals.

Skier Tina Maze (pictured) won both silver medals for Slovenia at Vancouver 2010, as she was runner up in both the super G and giant slalom events.

For Sochi, 78 quota spots available for Slovenia, including men's ice hockey, which was a huge surprise in the IIHF qualifiers, as well as spots in biathlon, cross country, luge and Nordic combined among others.

Up next: South Africa

Malmo 2013 39 For 39: Hannah Mancini "Straight Into Love"

This is the next to last semifinal 1 participant from Malmo 2013 who I will review.

 

"Straight Into Love" by Hannah is the Slovenian entry this year, however the song is good, except the biggest problem of the song: the dubstep. I hate dubstep. Take a listen:

 



 

Again, it is a great song and should make the final due to its atmospheric presence, could be a contender to win on May 18. However it is the dubstep that is the distraction. About a handful of songs this year has dubstep. Austria and Montenegro are among the others with dubstep-based tunes.

 

It is good, and far superior to "Verjamem" by Eva Boto from Baku 2012. Apparently that entry didn't make the final.

 

Hope for the best.

 

Up next: a review of El Sueno de Morfeo "Contigo Hasta el Final." 

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Slovenia

81 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Up next on the parade of nations: Slovenia (SLO).

Slovenia has participated in the summer Olympics since 1992. A total of 15 medals have been won by Slovenian athletes in the summer games. Three of the medals are gold medals.

Primus Kozmus (pictured) is the most recent Olympic gold medalist from Slovenia. He won the men's hammer throw (athletics) at Beijing 2008.

The other gold medals for Slovenia are by way of rowing duo Luka Spik and Iztok Cop, who won the men's double sculls (rowing) at Sydney 2000, the first gold medals for Slovenia.

As of now, 38 Slovenian athletes are heading to London to compete in ten events, including various athletics and swimming events, as well as cycling and taekwondo.

Up next: South Africa