Switzerland - Unbreakable - Sinplus

11 - 45 pts in semi 1

Sinplus a.k.a. Sin+ have won the Swiss national final + their song Unbreakable is the first song for the Baku Eurovision Song Contest.

Sinplus are brothers Ivan and Gabriel Broggini from Tessin kanton and they wrote Unbreakable themselves.
Unbreakable was selected for the Swiss final by the Italian broadcaster RSI. (see below)
In 2008 the band released their first EP Get Control with lead track 1984 getting airplay in Switzerland + Italy. In 2009 Shoot from the Are You happy + Free EP was used as an anthem for the World Hockey Championships.

Listen to the winning song at the Sinplus website or  Myspace


Watch the official video with the new version at Sinplus TV
The new Eurovision version is now available from digital stores like Amazon and iTunes.

Update: A remix by 7th Heaven is available at the tunes.
Listen to the remix here at Sinplus TV (at the tube)





versions:
Unbreakable - Eurovision version ♫
- re-recorded vocals, on Baku 2012 CD
Unbreakable - promo CDrom version (see comments)
- on two promo cd-roms
Unbreakable - Original version (3:09)
- On CD Disinformation (first issue)

- A shorter 3:00 edit of the original has been on the net and is still herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3vUIoqwHTM
Unbreakable - 7th Heaven remix
- digital release (discontinued)
Unbreakable was performed in a two minute version at the Swiss final (like all other NF songs).
The digital release studio version is a three minute version.
The new (Eurovision) version has been recorded with some changes in the pronounciation.

Charts
Unbreakable enters the Swiss charts at # 34 the week after the victory, but falls out after just one week.
Full chart run: 34, - re-entry:24, 54

Debut album Disinformation was first out early januari but is now released through Warner on May 18. (Warner Music 5288724) The new edition includes the new Eurovision version of Unbreakable plus 10 other tracks including follow up single Do You Wanna Dance.

Baku Collection Frontpage

The Swiss Final
On December 10 the Swiss national final: Die Grosse Entscheidungsshow was the first to pick a song for the 2012 contest.
You can still listen to the 14 finalists here at SF's Glanz und Gloria.

French language broadcaster RTS had selected three of the finalists. All 27 RTS songs can still be heard here.
The Italian broadcaster RSI picked two songs for the final. One ended up winning, the other finished in third place.
Three spots in the final were allocated to DSR3 (radio). You can still listen to their songs here.
SF, the German language broadcaster, picked six song out of an extensive webselection. All songs sent in are still here. One song they picked was by Lys Assia, the very first Eurovision winner (1956). She eventually ended in 8th place in the final with the Ralph Siegel penned song C'Etait Ma Vie.

- Links and sources -
Sinplus website
SF Selection pages
RTS Eurovision pages
RSI Eurovision page
DSR3 Eurovision page




Also check out Switzerlands other recent entries
2011 - Anna Rossinelli
2010 - Michael von der Heide
2009 - Lovebugs

Baku Collection Frontpage

Finland - När Jag Blundar - Pernilla

12 - 41 pts in semi 1

Pernilla represents Finland in the Baku contest with the Swedish language song När Jag Blundar( When I Close My Eyes).

Pernilla (Pernilla Karlsson) won the Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu with the song written by Jonas Karlsson, Pernillas brother and member of rap outfit Elokuu.

You can listen to first version of the song the song here at YLE. A live version from the club-concert stage of the competition is here at YLE.

The song has already been releasesd on the UMK CD (see below). The version that appears on the official Baku 2012 CD is a shorter edit with the intro cut. No cdsingle or promo was released.

Versions:
När Jag Blundar - new version, Eurovision edit (3.00) ♫
- on Baku 2012 CD
När Jag Blundar - new version (3.13)
- on CD UMK 2012
När Jag Blundar - first version (3.20)
- on YLE website
När Jag Blundar - karaoke version (3.00)
- Eurovision.tv downloads

Swedish is an official language in Finland, spoken by around 5% of the population. It is the 2nd time in Eurovision history that the country is represented with a song in Swedish. The first time was in 1990 when the group Beat entered with the song Fri.

Baku Collection Frontpage

UMK

Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu  (New music competition) is a new format for YLE.

A selection of 40 songs is still online, 12 songs were picked by a jury and a later stage 8 were picked for a live tour. 6 of them were chosen to perform in the final on Februari 25.
The selection this year only features new artists.

Six songs remained for the Finnish final.

We are the night - Iconcrash

Habits of human beings - Kaisa Vala

Antaa mennä - Mica Ikonen

När jag blundar - Pernilla Karlsson*

Laululeija - Stig*

Lasikaupunki - Ville Eetvartti*
* went to the ultimate final.

40 songs in the 2012 Finnish selection are still available for listening at YLE.

There is also a CD release. The CD Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2012 is released by Fried Musik / Warner on Februari 1.  (5053105074624)

The album has the 12 songs chosen by the juries to proceed.
All 12 have been re-recorded and the new versions are the ones included on the album.

links and sources

YLE UMK / Eurovision pages

You can still listen to the 40 original songs here.

Or listen to the finalists here
BeaRecords sells the UMK CD
Thanks to Lior

Finlands recent entries:

2011 - Paradise Oskar
2010 - Kuunkuiskaajat
2009 - Waldo's People

Baku Collection Frontpage

Israel - Time - Izabo

13 - 33 pts in semi 1

Tel Aviv band Izabo (איזבו) was appointed to represent Israel with the song Time.

The band have noe released the official video for Time, watch it at Izabo's Youtube channel

Izabo are:

Ran Shem-Tov - Vocals and Guitar

Shiri Hadar - Keyboards

Yonatan Levy - Bass

Nir Manzur -  Drums

Time is written by Ran Shem-Tov and Shiri Hadar. The song is in a mix of English and Hebrew.

cdsingle promo
A 1-track cdsingle has been popping up on the bay. It turns out to be an official 1 track promo. It's issued by Anova productions.

A digital release has three versions
Time - Eurovision version in Hebrew and English ♫
Time - Full English version
Time - Karaoke
Update: Available at itunes and other digital sources.
The same three tracks are also issued as a cdsingle.

Leak
A demo of the was leaked through the Mako website, but Izabo are keen to stressed that this is just a demo version and the real thing will be completely different (it wasn't that different really. ed). The demo has been taken offline.

Life Is On My Side
Meanwhile, Izabo have just premiered a new single I Like It (out May 7th) instead of Time. It is hailed as the first cut from the forthcoming album Life Is On My Side out May 21st. (100% records)
Provisional tracklist show that Time is included on the new album as the last track.

Baku Collection Frontpage

links and sources
Izabo website
Izabo Myspace, Facebook
Labeleh records, 100% records

Israels recent Eurovision entries
2011 Dana International
2010 Harel Skaat
2009 Noa and Mira Awad

Frontpage

San Marino - The Social Network Song Oh Oh Uh Oh Oh - Valentina Monetta

14 - 31 pts in semi 1

San Marino is represented by local singer Valentina Monetta at the Baku Contest. The song is in English and is written by German Eurovision veteran Ralph Siegel with lyrics by Tom Terrific (Timothy Touchton) and José Rodriguez.

The F-Word:
At first the song was titled Facebook Uh Oh Oh.
Within minutes after the presentation of the song controversy has erupted. EBU, Big Giant Head of Eurovision, have certain rules about commercial messages in songs (ask Coca Cola) and face it, Facebook is a commercial venture.
San Marino had to change the lyrics or the song and the opted for the first.

So after much deliberations they changed it to The Social Network Song, Oh Oh Uh Oh Oh. References to Facebook have been changed to words like Hello, ooh ooh and even beep beep, but most of the song remains the same.
Watch the new version here at Valentina's Youtube

CDsingle 
The cdsingle of the Sammarinese Eurovision entry does include 6 versions of The Social Network Song Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh. No version of the original Facebook version is on it, but with a few new remixes.
The enhanced disc also has extra content
tracklist:
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Eurovision version ♫
I'll Follow The Sunshine *
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Euro-club version
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Club remix by Claudio Bruneletti
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Karaoke version
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Club mix by Lennix & Miller
The extra features include: Open letter from the writers (regarding the F-word debacle), biographies in English and French, lyrics, Video and making of video, photo's and additional information.
(Euro-Song records ESR 2012 0001), available now at BeaRecords

A demo cd-r has Eurovision version, Euro Club version, Karaoke and Instrumental. The instrumental version hasn't been available elsewhere yet.

The Eurovision version also has a digital release similar to the old Facebook one (see below), but with the new lyrics of course. The Social Network Song EP features:
The Social Network Song Oh Oh Uh Oh Oh
I'll Follow The Sunshine*
The Social Network Song Oh Oh Uh Oh Oh- Euro-club version
The Social Network Song Oh Oh Uh Oh Oh - Karaoke

The first chosen version is also still available on the digital Facebook Uh Oh Oh EP at several digital outlets (like itunes, amazon).
The original 4 track release includes:
Facebook Uh Oh Oh
I'll Follow The Sunshine*
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Euro-Club version
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Karaoke
Watch the video at Valentina's Youtube

Digital Club Mixes EP
5 remixes of the The Facebook Song are now available in a digital release. It also features radio edits of two of the mixes.
The Facebook Song Uh Oh Oh
- Club remix by Claudio Bruneletti
- Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller
- Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit
- Club mix by Lennix & Miller
- Club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit



The same 5 remixes are now also released for the Social Network Song version
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh)
- Club remix by Claudio Bruneletti
- Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller
- Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit
- Club mix by Lennix & Miller
- Club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit

The remix by Claudio Bruneletti, can also be heard through Valentina's Youtube channel

* I'll Follow The Sunshine is a coverversion of a song from the Malta Song semi final in 2011. It's (also) written by Ralph Siegel but didn't make it to the Maltese final.

In all there are more versions of the Sammarinese entry than Bono has Facebook shares, Recap: Here's a list of all the versions:
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Eurovision version
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Euro-club version
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Club remix by Claudio Bruneletti
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Karaoke version
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Club mix by Lennix & Miller
- above on cds, digital release
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit
- both radio edits digital release
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Instrumental
- only on demo cd-r
The Social Network Song (Oh Oh - Uh - Oh Oh) - Live Jazz version
- on Valentina's 2013 CD La Storia Di Valentina Monetta
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Original
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Euro-Club version
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Karaoke
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Club remix by Claudio Bruneletti
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Baltic club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Club mix by Lennix & Miller
Facebook Uh Oh Oh - Club mix by Lennix & Miller radio edit
- all Facebook versions have been released digitally only

Digital Monetta's at Amazon and iTunes.

2013
Valentina Monetta will represent San Marino again in 2013. Read all about it at the Malmö Collection.

Baku Collection Frontpage

Video competition (date expired)
You can now enter the Social Network Music Video Contest. You can win prizes ranges from an exclusive trip to San Marino, a trip to the German Oktoberfest or just plain hard cash.
You have to put your creativity to work and create a video for The Social Network Song Oh Oh Uh Oh Oh.
Check out all details on how to participate here at San marino TV. You have to May 14, good luck at get to work now!
Note: The competition is now closed, check Valentina's facebook for the winners


Ralph Siegel
For composer Ralph Siegel it's his 20th Eurovision entry. He co-wrote 12 entries for Germany, three for Luxembourg and one for Switzerland, Montenegro and now San Marino.
His best result is of course Ein Bisschen Frieden by Nicole penned with Bernd Meinunger, the winner of the 1982 contest and a #1 hit in many European countries.

links and sources

News at Giornale.sm
Special thanks to Lior Carmel and Eran Stone.

The Uh Oh Oh song is the third entry for San Marino.
Check out all about their 2011 entry Stand By here.

Montenegro - Euro-Neuro - Rambo Amadeus

15 - 20 pts in semi 1

RTCG (Montenegro TV) chose Rambo Amadeus World Kilo Tsar (Рамбо Амадеус) to represent the country in the 2012 contest. It means that the country decided to return after a two year absence.

The song is Euro-Neuro. It's in English and RAWKT doesn't sing but talks his way through the song.

Watch and listen: Euro-Neuro is here at RTCG
Read the lyrics here at RAWKT's website
Download the song here at RTCG, Download the video here at RTCG

Versions:
Euro-Neuro - Original / ESC version ♫
Euro-Neuro - karaoke
- karaoke at Eurovision.tv downloadshop

A 1-track cdsingle and a cd/DVD set were issued from promotion in Baku.

RAWKT has lent his services to the international Brain Awareness Week (BAW).
The Serbian Neuroscience Society supported BAW 2012 with an exhibition and a concert on 14-3 featuring the man himself.
The song Euro-Neuro is linked to the topic of anxiety and neurosis. Read more about the event here.

Rambo Amadeus now going by the name Rambo Amadeus World Kilo Tsar but known to his family as Antonije Pušić is a Montenergo born singer songwriter now based in Belgrade, Serbia.

His eclectic style of satirical pop comes in musical flavours like rock, punk, funk and jazz.

The self proclaimed World Mega Tsar released 10 albums since his debut O Tugo Jesenja in 1988, the most recent being Hipishizik Metafizik  from 2008.
He also released several compilation and live albums.

The song for Baku is recorded in Slovenia with producer Magnifico (Robert Pešut).
Robert Pešut is probably best known to Eurofans for his popular son Silvija from the 1998 Slovenian selection. He also produced the album of Aviational Slovenian Eurovision Superstars Sestre (2002)

Baku Collection Frontpage

links and sources
Rambo Amadeus website
RTCG Eurovision pages

You can listen to Hipishizik Metafizik here

The 2012 entry will be the 4th participation for Montenegro (Црна Гора, Crna Gora) as an independent country.
In 2005 the song for Serbia-Montenegro was Zauvijek Moja by No Name, a song that was selected by Montenegro TV for the Serbia Montenegro final. No Name also won the 2006 national final, but the participation was withdrawn.
In the days of Yogoslavia in Eurovision only two songs chosen by Montenegro TV won the national final and went to Eurovision, Džuli by Daniel in 1983 and Ciao Amore by Vlado and Izolda in 1984.
Džuli, first rejected by Croatian TV ended 4th in the contest and became one of the biggest Eurovision hits of the era.

Montenegro in 2009 at the Moscow Collection - Andrea Demirovic

Latvia - Beautiful Song - Anmary

16 - 17 pts in semi 1

Latvia selected their entry for Baku at the Eirodziesma NF. Beautiful Song by Anmary (Linda Amantova).  is written by Ivars Makstnieks and Rolans Ūdris.

You can listen to the Beautiful Song here at LTV.
A new version was recorded for the contest, next to a new arrangement, the lyrics have undergone a transformation. And Mick Jagger is now a Sir!
Watch the new version here at LTV (scroll down a bit in the article)

A promo cdsingle is issued with two versions of the song.
Beautiful Song - Euro In Your Face Hard Earbud Mix
Beautiful Song - US Out In Space Soft Radio Mix
(Plate records 140033)
The digital release has three tracks available from May 18, above two plus the karaoke mix.

Update: A second promo single exists with 4 versions of Beautiful Song plus two other songs.
Beautiful Song - Original version *
Beautiful Song - nWorks Club Remix
Beautiful Song - nWorks Remix 
Beautiful Song - EdgeCore's Remix
* probably not really the original but the Eurovision version. 
You can get one of the remixes here at Normand Rutulis' (nWorks) website. 
The nWorks remix can also be found on the N'Works CD N.O.A. and on the 3CD Ballermann Hits 2012 (Germany Edel records)
Thanks to Koen!

In the original lyrics Anmary refers to a Eurovision legend: "I was born in a distant 1980, The year the Irish Johnny Logan won.
Now he’s old, you know, still kinda famous
Could be my way, today’s my day, I’m singing of my song".
Johnny Logan is still there in the new version, but he's not old anymore.

Versions:
Beautiful Song - Euro In Your Face Hard Earbud Mix
Beautiful Song - US Out In Space Soft Radio Mix  ♫ (= ESC version)
- both on cdsingle
Beautiful Song - original version
- has been on websites only
Beautiful Song - karaoke
- Eurovision.tv download shop

Beautiful Song - nWorks Club Remix
Beautiful Song - nWorks Remix 
Beautiful Song - EdgeCore's Remix
- remixes on 2nd promo


Baku Collection Frontpage

Policistas

In 2009 Anmary already had a go at Eurovision glory. With the trio Policistas (pic below) she ended 11th in the first round with the song In Love We Trust, just missing out on the final 10.

You can still listen to the Latvian 2012 finalists here at LTV

Listen to the semi final songs: Semi 1 - Semi 2

Latvian TV received 69 valid songs to compete in the 2012 preselection.

All 69 have been available on the  Eirodziesma 2012 website. with only the titles of the songs mentioned. Artists and composers names were originally withheld.

links and sources

LTV Eurovision pages
Anmary Draugiem page
Policistas MySpace
Anmary at BeaRecords

Latvia's recent entries

2011 - Musiqq

2010 - Aisha

2009 - Intars Busulis

Baku Collection Frontpage

Belgium - Would You - Iris

17 - 16 pts in semi 1

Flemish TV (VRT) has chosen Iris to represent Belgium at the Baku Eurovision Song Contest.

The song selected is Would You, written by Nina Sampermans with Jean Bosco Safari and Walter Mannaerts.

Watch the live selection performance here at VRT

Would You enters the (Flemish) Belgian charts at #34.
Chart run: 34, 19, 25, 32, - re: 35, -

cdsingle

Would You is out now on cdsingle. The second track is an instrumental version of the song.

Versions:
Would You - Original ♫
Would You - Instrumental
- both on cds
Would You - karaoke
- Eurovision tv downloadshop


Baku Collection Frontpage

Seventeen
Iris has just released her debut album Seventeen. It includes Would You and the other preselection song Safety Net. You can also find last years hit Wonderful on the album.
(Sonic Angel 17525431)

The Belgian Eurovision entry entry was chosen on March 17 from a selection of two: Safety Net and Would You.

Just like two years ago, when they were responsible for the Eurovision entry, Flemish TV, VRT, opted for an internal chosen artist. Tom Dice scored the best result for a Flemish entry ever at Eurovision with Me And My Guitar.

17 year young Iris (previously known as Airis but Laura Van Den Bruel to her mom) is under contract with Sonic Angel records, who also have Tom Dice on their roster.

She scored a hit with Wonderful in the Flemish charts earlier in 2011.

links and sources:

Eurosong.be

Sonic Angel

Iris at BeaRecords

Belgiums other recent entries:

2011 - Witloof Bay

2010 - Tom Dice

2009 - Copycat (Patrick Ouchène)

Baku Collection Frontpage

Austria - Woki Mit Deim Popo - Trackshittaz

18 - 8 pts in semi 1

Austria was represented in Baku by Trackshittaz who were shaking their nicely shaped backsides to Woki Mit Deim Popo (liberally translated as Shake Your Booty).
Trackshittaz are Lukas Plöchl a.k.a. G-Neila and Manuel Hoffelner a.k.a. Manix and they wrote the song themselves.
The song is performed in Mühlviertel Mundart (regional language, see below).
Watch and listen at the 'Shittaz Youtube

A cdsingle with original and German version is released in Austria Germany on March 12 (Sony/Ariola 886919755022)

Sleeve insert also has the lyrics of the original version.

Woki is also available on the 'Shittaz latest album Zruck Zu De Ruabm (Sony Music Austria).
The German version Wackl Mit Dem Popo can be found on the album Traktorgängstapartyrap which is a collection of tracks from their three albums, several re-recorded in German. (out on Februari 27, Ariola 88691929542, Germany)

It also includes the German version of Oida taunz (see below)

The Popo remix contest
After Belarus, Russia and Croatia now Austria have their own remix contest. You can make your own bootyshakin'version of Woki Mit Deim Popo. The five best mixes will be released on a digital EP.
Here at the 'Shittaz homepage you can find all the details and download the necesary soundfiles.
Details can also be found at Trackshittaz Soundcloud, where the 15 best mixes will be uploaded for evryone to hear.
Update: 5 remixes are available on Amazon and other sources.

Versions:

Woki Mit Deim Popo - original version ♫
- on CD Zruck Zu De Ruabm (Sony) and cdsingle
Wackl Mit Dem Popo - German version
- on CD Traktorgängstapartyrap (Ariola 88691929542) and cdsingle
Woki Mit Deim Popo - Instrumental
- source unknown
Woki Mit Deim Popo - JKbeats remix
Woki Mit Deim Popo - Chris Armada Ft. Naamio
Woki Mit Deim Popo - DJ Breite
Woki Mit Deim Popo - DJ Dany D
Woki Mit Deim Popo - NuszbaumR
- above five remixes are digital releases
Woki Mit Deim Popo - Mix bits
- the audio files available for the Remix Contest include vocal and instrumental base tracks. Several versions (like so called solo versions) are home made with this kit and are not officially released versions

Charts:
Woki Mit Deim Popo already entered the Austrian charts before the National Final at #38.
Chart run: 38, 36, 2, 5, 9, 15, 21, 31, 36, 51, 49, 60, 53, 57, 29, 46, 70, -

Coverversion.
A coverversion was recorded by Die Dorfer, self proclaimed Schärfste Showband of Austria.
Their album is also titled Woki Mit Deim Popo and is released on MCP records

Baku Collection Frontpage

Austria and the 'Mundart'*
The Popo song is the 4th entry for Austria presented in a regional language/dialect.

Here's the list of regional language entries:

1971 - Musik by Marianne Mendt (16th place)
This entry was sung in Viennese, of course the German variant as spoken in Vienna.
1996 - Weil's Dr Guat Got by George Nussbaumer (11th)
Sung in Volarlberger dialekt. Vorarlberg is the western tip of Austria bordering on Germany, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
2003 - Weil Der Mensch Zählt by Alf Poier (6th)
Poier sang his entry in a mix of German and Steiermarkish. Steiermark (Styria) is a large region in the south of Austria, bordering Slovenia.
2012 - Woki Mit Deim Popo - Trackshittaz
Performed in Mühlviertel Mundart. Das Mühlviertel is a region in the north east of Upperaustria on the north west, bordering the Czech Republic.

*The word Mundart (lit: way of the mouth) is used for regional languages / dialects.

Oida Taunz
Trackshittaz entered the Austrian 2011 selection with their debut hit and #1 single Oida Taunz, but they ended 2nd behind Nadine Beiler in the race for the Düsseldorf ticket. Oida Taunz entered the Austrian charts at #1 in November 2010 and stayed 27 weeks on the list (incl. 2 re-entries).
Trackshittaz are credited for having the first #1 hit for an Austrian rap act and the first #1 hit for a download only single. (both for Oida Taunz). Oida Taunz was finally released as a cdsingle in Germany in januari 2012 with both the original and German versions included.

You can still listen to the ten songs from the Austrian national final Österreich Rockt Den Song Contest here at ORF / OE3

links and sources
Trackshittaz Website
ORF / OE3 Eurovision pages

Last years Austrian entry:
2011 - Nadine Beiler

Euphoria!

Congratulations Loreen!

Eurosong News, Handbook For Baku

The yearly edition of the Eurosong News Eurovision handbook is out now.
As usual it's a must have accessory for every Eurovision fans coffee table.

It's hours of reading fun, or just a great quick fact reference book for the 2012 contest.

The 132 page glossy extravaganza includes biographies, song  info, pictures and details on the national finals.


You can order through the Eurosong News website or get it while you're shopping at BeaRecords. (Book department).


Special thanks to Ivor Lyttle.


Baku Collection Frontpage

The Official album: Baku 2012

Check the latest headlines HERE at the Baku Collection

All 42 songs from this years contest are released on the yearly official double CD.
The digital version is also available and so are the karaoke versions.
Most songs are included in their Eurovision versions but like every year, some are alternate versions.

Some problems with the initial release both digital and physical. The recording of the Norwegian entry Stay by Tooji appeared in a faulty mix with the main vocals pushed back in the mix.

Versions on the official CD are marked ♫ in each entries section

Frontpage

Armenia withdraws from ESC 2012

Armenia had originally confirmed participation in the 2012 Baku contest, but have now withdrawn.

links and sources
Eurovision Armenia

Baku Collection Frontpage

Armenia's recent Eurovision history
2011 - Emmy
2010 - Eva Rivas
2009 - Inga and Anush

Shopping tips

Never mind the digitals, here an overview of the 2012 material already available on CD.
The Nordics don't disappoint, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland all have their national final songs out on CD. Sweden will add their Melodifestivalen CD to the list early March.
Hungary also has an album out. All 20 songs from the preselection are on the CD A Dal Eurovision 2012. It's the first compilation for an Hungarian pre-selection.
Slovenia has changed their format to a talent show since last year but, even with only six songs in the selection there's a nice CD release.

Countries like Serbia, Croatia and Macedonia  have treated us on wonderful CD releases in the past. But this time they have internal selections, so no Beovizija, Dora or Skopjefest albums sadly.

The Baku Collection Frontpage

CDsingles
The first cdsingle to be released is the German entry by Roman Lob. Release of Standing Still is out now. Roman's page is here.
His album Changes is also out now
The second cdsingle to hit the shops is the one of Austria.
Jedward released their cdsingle March 19 in Ireland.
More cdsingles in the shops: Belgium, France, United Kingdom, Sweden

Albums
Swiss entry Unbreakable is already available on Sinplus' latest CD album Disinformation.
Two versions of Austrian entry Woki Mit Deim Popo can already be found on two Trackshittaz albums.
Ivi Adamou has re-released her latest album with a bonus cdsingle with the Eurovision and preselection songs.
Anggun will also re-release her latest CD with the French Eurovision entry added.
Spains Pastora Soler has now also re-issued her latest album with the Eurovision song and other new tracks included.
Izabo's new album Life Is On My Side will include Time.
Donny Montell released his debut CD with many versions of his Eurovision entry as bonus tracks.
Mandinga's CD Club De Mandinga is out on May 22.
Italy's Nina Zilli already released the original version (in Italian) of L'Amore È Femmina on her CD with the same name.

BeaRecords stocks all 2012 Eurovision releases where possible, including several that won't be in the shops. A must visit shop for the Eurovision CD collector.

Baku Collection Frontpage

Poland skips a year

Poland has announced that it won't be joining the Eurovision masses in Baku this year. Polish TV chooses to concentrate efforts and funds on the European Football Championship tournament it hosts this summer. (in a joint venture with Ukraine)

This does not mean Poland is out of Eurovision and I'll hope they'll be back with a song fit for the Eurovision final in 2013.

Take a look at all the details Polands recent Eurovision entries, their releases, versions and trivia:
2011 - Magdalena Tul (f.k.a. Lady Tullo)
2010 - Marcin Mrozinski
2009 - Lidia Kopania

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