The Winners
SAGES by Ólafur Arnalds and Loreen – “SAGES” (EP)
So here is a surprising project that took me by surprise. SAGES is a musical project that sees Ólafur Arnalds & Loreen work together. Yes, that is double Eurovision winner Loreen working together with Icelandic composer/multi-instrumentalist and personal favourite of mine Ólafur Arnalds. The three songs we get from this surprising collab features, in typical Arnalds fashion, a wide range of musical genres and energies, but always emphasizing grand, soaring soundscapes that take you on a journey. Loreen’s voice is a great fit for this, and I would recommend this project even to those who aren’t a fan of hers. EP of the month!
AVDYSH – “One Way Ticket” (feat. Salvador Sobral)
Salvador Sobral is back in the studio as himself again after that fascinating album that he dropped as part of Noko Woi last month. This time he bought a “One Way Ticket” to work with AVDYSH, a Ukrainian contemporary jazz project led by Kateryna Avdysh. Despite what you might think based on the title, this song is fully in Ukrainian which means, yes, this is yet another language in Salvador Sobral’s broad discography. This pleasant free flowing but tightly recorded jazz song is all about flying like a bird, taking that one way ticket and freely finding a new place to be.
Артем Пивоваров & The Вуса – “Підманула (feat. Kalush Orchestra)”
The ever present Kalush Orchestra went for something a bit different this month by being the featured artist, instead of inviting someone over themselves. Artem Pivoravov and his project The Вуса (The Moustache) bring this energetic, comedic work about being Підманула (Deceived). The lyrics include lines from a Ukrainian folk song and the video is described as an integral part of the experience and, well, just watch it and figure out for yourself what it all might mean.
Herreys – “Everytime”
It might have been quite a while since the Herreys won Eurovision, but they still get brought up pretty much “Everytime” May rolls around. “Everytime” is inexplicably styled “EVERY TIME” on the artwork. Where is the consistency? Well, you can find it in the music, with this being quintessential Herreys. Louis Herrey wrote the song together with Julia Hallåsen, Nadine Lindblad, and the song’s producer Nils Lennartson. And, despite all three appearing on the cover it’s just Louis and Richard Herrey singing, so all you Per-heads have nothing new to chew on here.
Conchita Wurst – “Waters Run Deep”, Marianne Rosenberg feat. Conchita Wurst – “Er gehört zu mir”
Just like Salvador Sobral, Conchita Wurst has now also returned to the studio under the regular stage name. First this month was the official release of a song that was debuted back during the Luxembourg Song Contest: “Waters Run Deep”. This was swiftly followed by a feature on a song by German schlager icon Marianne Rosenberg. “Er gehört zu mir” (He belongs to me) is a new version of Marianne’s 2004 song of the same name, and it has been transformed into a classy, stripped back ballad for this duet.
Lordi – “Limited Deadition” (LP)
It’s here! After the singles “Syntax Terror“, “Retropolis“, and “Hellizabeth“, Mr. Lordi and his band now present the 16-track long LP “Limited Deadition”. There is a lot of new music on this album, but also some intermissions denoted by SCG that set the mood for this devilish throwback to all things 80s. Lordi stray little from their usual brand but why should they, as this is their 19th (!) studio album and they still remain as relevant and fun as ever.
Stereoact – “Theo, wir fahrn nach Lodz”
Wait a minute, Stereoact aren’t Eurovision winners? Correct. But Vicky Leandros is, and they have taken her vocals from the spelled-subtly-different 1974 hit “Theo, wir fahr’n nach Lodz” to create a new version. The song, which translates to “Theo, we are drivin’ to Łódź” has roots all the way back to at least 1915 and now gets another update in the most schlagerrific/party DJ way possible.
Charlotte Perrelli – “Vaggvisor med Perrelli” (LP)
It’s time for “Vaggvisor med Perrelli” (Lullabies with Perrelli”), a 14 track album full of lullabies. I am firmly, decidedly, absolutely not in the target market for this, but I must say that Charlotte Perrelli still has an amazing voice and uses it beautifully on this album.
Victoria, Tommy Genesis, Miss Bashful – “T-Shirt”
The baffling musical journey continues. Victoria De Angelis aka Victoria Måneskin aka Victoria works with Tommy Genesis and Miss Bashful for her latest trashy (affectionate) party track which is all about tits and t-shirts.
Secret Garden – “Secret Spring” (LP)
This is unrelated to the impending re-master of their debut album in May. Yes. Really. As I understand this album is (mostly? entirely?) a compilation of pre-existing Secret Garden songs that all work together as a bit of a spring compilation.
Next page: New music by the artists taking to the stage this May!
Giwrgos Oiko