Melodifestival- Gävle

Not a bad show last night in Gävle, no real stinkers, but I don't see a winner from here, either. Joining Gina Dirawi as co-host was old favourite Sara Dawn Finer. I'm really starting to like Gina, she's multi-talented!

Going through to the final was the single-named Frans and another old hand, Molly Sandén. Molly's staging was interesting, but her outfit was bizarre. Her skirt looked like to was going to be pulled off and turned into a stage prop at any moment, but it never did.

In other news, we watched the UK selection show on Friday night. It was, frankly, embarrassing. For a start, the show was on BBC4, with a C-list host. Måns performed "Heroes" at the opening, but he didn't participate at all elsewhere in the show. The production values were far worse than a Melodifestival semi-final in Gävle. And this from a country that was one of the world's first broadcasters, not to mention bringing us the Beatles and the Clash! Like I say, embarrassing.

At least the public picked the best of the acts performing that night. So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the entry of the United Kingdom, Joe and Jake:

Expat.com

I registered my blog a long time ago with expat-blogs.com. Over the years, I'm sure many people have found this site through their referral. I've probably disappointed many folks looking for information on work or life in Stockholm, though!

The website has changed recently to expat.com, and it is a much broader and sharper-looking site these days. It's easy to find information on most any city in the world now.

It is certainly worth a look if you're thinking (or just dreaming) of living elsewhere.

Melodifestival- Norrköping

Things were pretty "meh" last night in Norrköping. The highlight for me was the opening performance of "Under Pressure" by co-hosts Henrik Schyffert and Gina Dirawi:

As for the acts themselves, let's just say there won't be anybody playing in the Eurovision final coming from this heat!

Although, Lisa Ajax's "My Heart Wants Me Dead" must be in contention for the best/worst song title ever...

Back to Aspö

We've set the date of the first trip back to Sweden from our new London home.

We'll be there the beginning of April, just after Easter. Ollie will spend the time back in Ascot with Ethie, his dog-sitter from our previous time in the UK. Everyone is happy about that!

To maximise our time, we will take Norwegian Air Friday night and then back early Monday morning the following week. That will give us two full weekends with no jetlag. Perfect.

Melodifestival- Malmö

The second semi-final was last night in Malmö, with guest host (and previous Eurovision winner) Charlotte Perrelli.

There were a number of repeat acts again this show, David Lindgren and Isa (whom you'll remember from last year's blog) primary among them. In fact, David and Wiktoria went straight through to the final. Isa (with a new brunette hairstyle and a less poppy sound) made it to the second chance show.

Wiktoria's staging was very different. She wore a body stocking for her performance, which was a platform for an array of digital effects; it was an spectacular look.
 
Sooz had a great observation that many of the acts had unusual lighting schemes. Given that Måns won last year with his interactive laser show, it's no surprise that many artists are doing something similar. It's quite common for entrants to copy last year's successful entries!

The ABBA Museum

The recent edition of Intelligent Life magazine has a wonderful article about the ABBA museum. It really makes me want to go next time I'm in Stockholm!

The article covers much more than the museum, though. ABBA's place within mid-70's Swedish culture is discussed, and it is a fascinating read.

There's a podcast version, too, if you're into that.

The Melodifestival is back

Just a quick update today from the first semi-final in Göteborg. All of the acts were Euro-ready for sure. A bit disappointing that all of them were so professional!

Ace Wilder returned with a much more grown-up look and song, and went straight to the final with "Don't Worry." She is one to watch.

Sooz rather liked the second-chance duo, Samir and Viktor, with "Bada Nakna", or 'Swim Naked." Quite a bit of beefcake on stage.

We've also booked our place at a local pub to watch the final on March 12th live. That should be amusing. Next week, Malmö!

"A very nice hand for these Texan gentlemen"

December 1, 1957. Still sounds great today, over fifty-eight years later.

RIP Buddy Holly.