So now, after a couple of weeks of working weekends and dealing with head colds, I'm finally back doing something fun--reviewing the seven songs that were performed in the Lithuanian national final back on December 20th.
I've got to admit that LRT, the Lithuanian national broadcaster, went all out. The selection process was an eight show program that went from the beginning of November through the end of December. It's interesting, considering most other countries are feeling the need to minimize the cost of Eurovision.
The Winner
Andrius Pojavis "Something"
I don't get this song really and it's be the contrast between the song and the presentation. The song is an alternative rock love song--Pojavis reminds me a bit of Michael Stipe or David Byrne. But the presentation is a circus theme? Totally confusing.
It's quite easy to understand how this one was chosen. It was the favorite of the jury during the final, and it was their choice to decide which song to send.
It's a shame, since this song should have won...
Should Have Won
Sometimes, the jury of professionals is absolutely wrong. "Something" is nothing compared to this song:
Gerai Gerai and Miss Sheep "War In The Wardrobe"
A homage to 1980s art rock trumps a homage to late 1990s alt rock.
Fabulous catchy song? Check.
Fabulous singer? Check.
Fabulous visual installation? Check.
Fabulous dancers? Check.
Weird guy pretending to play the drums. Oh. There's the weak point.
It won the televote in both the semifinal and final, but the jury ranked it last in the superfinal.
My Favorite
Gerai Gerai and Miss Sheep "War In The Wardrobe"
Not a big surprise there. This was the catchiest song and the song with the best presentation. I'm still confused by the jury vote, but that's neither here or there.
But I do want to highlight another song, that hits another sweet spot for me:
Božolė "Happy and Free"
The song is rather insipid, but these singers, members of larger choral group, are quite good. Perhaps they'll be back with a better song next time.
But neither of them were the winner, and yet again, I'm not particularly satisfied with the choice. But Lithuania has made the finals for the past to years, so perhaps Pojavis has the stuff...
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