Tuesday, January 31, 2017

EUROVISION 2017: The 43 Countries. XXV: RUSSIA. Continues tomorrow.
Caffe` Latte` previews…
EUROVISION
2017
As countries begin selecting their entries for the Eurovision Song Contest in May, this blog will look back on the stats and the best from each of the 43 participating nations.
UKRAINE
ITALY
FRANCE
GERMANY
UNITED KINGDOM
SPAIN
BELGIUM
SWITZERLAND
THE NETHERLANDS
DENMARK
AUSTRIA
SWEDEN
NORWAY
FINLAND
PORTUGAL
IRELAND
MALTA
ISRAEL
GREECE
CYPRUS
ICELAND
CROATIA
SLOVENIA
ESTONIA
RUSSIA
Flag of Russia.svg
Since its debut in 1994, Russia has sent a song to Eurovision 20 times. Dima Bilan's "Believe" finished in 1st place in 2008. The years following that victory has seen Russia finish as runner-ups twice - in 2012 and 2015. The 2016 Russian entry "You Are The Only One" came 3rd and featured an innovative stage presentation. Sergey Lazarev's performance and the technology has set a new benchmark for the ESC.
Of course, Russia's participation remains controversial in light of policies and acti0ns under Vladimir Putin's rule. This will be tested further in 2017 with Ukraine hosting the Contest.
WINS: 1
BEST ENTRY EVER:
YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE Sergey Lazarev
ESC2016 - Russia Meet & Greet 08 (crop).jpg
HONOURABLE MENTION(S):
PARTY FOR EVERYBODY Buranovskiye Babushki
Buranovskiye Babushki 2011 5.jpg
NEVER LET YOU GO Dima Bilan
NeverLetYouGoCDSingle.jpg
To get you in the mood for Eurovision in Kiev, check out Caffé Latté’s special ESC playlist on Spotify.

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte
100 ESSENTIAL MICHAEL JACKSON SONGS. Concludes with the Top 10 in this post.
A new countdown commences tomorrow.
Caffe` Latte` presents…
100
 ESSENTIAL SONGS BY
MICHAEL JACKSON
Audiences around the world were first in awe of Michael Jackson’s talent in 1969 when the wunderkind was still only 11 years of age and singing lead on “I Want You Back”. Soon, his solo career would eclipse the Jackson 5’s success. The brothers would quit the Motown label in 1975 and became The Jacksons. Michael remained a member, but his solo output went into overdrive with the albums ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Bad’ and the record-breaking ‘Thriller’. This period forever cemented his place among pop music’s greatest influences. Here are the 100 most essential recordings- solo and with his siblings- in terms of influence, popularity and quality. The tracks span the years 1969-2014.
10
WANNA BE STARTIN' SOMETHIN'
MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael composed "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'", one of his funkiest singles. The "mama-say..." chant was based around Manu Dibango's "Soul Makossa". Lifted as a single in 1983 from Michael's record-breaking album 'Thriller', the song reached the Top 10 in the USA, Britain, Europe and Canada.
Michael-jackson-wanna-be-startin-somethin-epic-us-vinyl-seven-inch.jpg
9
NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE
JACKSON 5
Although many older performers have covered "Never Can Say Goodbye" following The Jackson 5's original version, none have injected more heartache and emotion into the lyrics. Disco / dance remakes by the likes of Gloria Gaynor and The Communards were glorious, but their emphasis on the beat detracted from the lyrical content. Despite his young years, Michael brought emotion to the fore. The Jackson 5's version was included on the 1971 album 'Maybe Tomorrow'. Released as a single that same year, the disc made the Top 10 in America, UK, Canada and Australia.
Never Can Say Goodbye - Jackson 5.jpg
8
ROCK WITH YOU
MICHAEL JACKSON
The success of 'Of The Wall' launched the re-invented and adult Michael Jackson. His chart fortunes were re-boosted. In 1980, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" had already shot to the top of the world charts and was followed by the euphoric beauty of "Rock With You". This was another gem from the pen of Rod Temperton. The disc followed its predecessor to #1 in America. While it drew a wider audience to Michael, the single became a Top 10 hit in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
7
I'LL BE THERE
JACKSON 5
In less than a year, The Jackson 5 had released 4 singles on Motown. All 4 had reached #1 in the USA. The 4th, "I'll Be There", was so successful that it became the label's biggest hit to date in 1970. Again, Michael stole the show with his impassioned vocal delivery. The brothers augmented the sweet ballad with precise harmonies. On the R&B chart, the disc gave the brothers another #1. In the UK, it peaked at #4.
J5-ill-be-there-45.jpg
6
BEN
MICHAEL JACKSON
Decades later, it's hard to fathom that the beautiful ballad "Ben" was actually about a rat! Michael's sweet vocal earned him an Oscar nomination in the Best Original Song category. In 1972, the single- from the film 'Ben'- became his first solo American #1. If Motown had any lingering doubts about his 2 simultaneous recording careers, "Ben" offered the label complete re-assurance. In Australia, the single became the first #1 for any Jackson family member. The disc was a Top 10 hit in Britain and Canada.
Ben Michael Jackson.jpg
5
BEAT IT
MICHAEL JACKSON
As the 3rd single from the behemoth 'Thriller', "Beat It" had a lot to live up to. "The Girl Is Mine" and "Billie Jean" had already reached #2 and #1 respectively in the USA. "Beat It"- written by Michael- sped up the charts around the planet, landing at #1 in America, Europe, Canada and New Zealand. It peaked at #2 in Australia and reached #3 in the UK. Eddie Van Halen performed the famous guitar solo.
4
I WANT YOU BACK
JACKSON 5
The Jackson boys had already released a single in 1968 on the Steeltown label, but it took signing with Motown Records to finally make the brothers stars. When audiences saw The Jackson 5 perform "I Want You Back" on TV, eyes were instantly locked on young Michael. His sharp vocal skill and energetic performance gave a strong hint of the potential he possessed. The single topped the Pop and Soul charts in the U.S. In Britain and Canada, it peaked at #2. The Jacksons had arrived. This was their label debut in 1969. In 10 years, Michael would be one of the dominant musical acts on the planet.
Iwantyoubacksingle.jpg
3
THRILLER
MICHAEL JACKSON
Few songs are more synonymous with a music video than is "Thriller". While Queen and ABBA were among the first music acts to use film clips as a marketing tool, Michael took the music video to an unprecedented level. "Thriller" grabbed global attention. Its television premiere was a major event. Rod Temperton wrote the song and it was to become the title track from the best selling album of all time. Horror film legend Vincent Price has a cameo. Despite the massive sales of the parent album, the single was a Top 10 hit across the planet.
Michael jackson thriller 12 inch single USA.jpg
2
DON'T STOP 'TIL YOU GET ENOUGH
MICHAEL JACKSON
In 1979, Michael and his brothers' careers had lost the momentum they had shared in the early years of the decade. The 'Off The Wall' album radically altered that situation. Suddenly, grown-up Michael had evolved into the coolest African-American on Earth. The video for "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" re-introduced him to a global audience. This re-discovery propelled the album and single to the upper rungs of the chart. The latter reached #1 on the North American, European, African and Australasian continents. Michael wrote the song and was now in the elite pantheon of musical greats. The next few years served to further entrench his place among the most influential performers.  
A adult African American male with short black hair. He is pointing forward with his right hand and is making a facial expression and he is wearing a black bow tie with a black and white tuxedo. Behind him, there is a pink background.
1
BILLIE JEAN
MICHAEL JACKSON
Billie Jean US 7-inch vinyl Side-A.jpg
'Thriller' had been selling well upon its release in late 1982, buoyed by lead single "The Girl Is Mine". That duet with Paul McCartney climbed to #2. "Billie Jean", a song penned by Michael and dealing with paternity accusations, was selected as the follow-up single. Sales went into overdrive after his performance of the song on the TV special celebrating Motown's 25th anniversary, where he premiered his 'Moonwalk' dance routine. In 1983, "Billie Jean" topped the American, British, European, Canadian and Australian charts. Its success put Michael in the record books. From here on, he would remain in his own unique stratosphere.
A male is shown standing in a bent down position on his toes on top of an illuminated tile. He is wearing a black jacket and pants with white shoes and a pink shirt. Behind the male a grey narrow path can be seen as well as buildings in the far background.
STARTING TOMORROW: The 200 Most Essential DANCE Songs

Monday, January 30, 2017

UK ESC NEWS UPDATE: The 60th British Eurovision Song.
THE EUROVISION REPORT…
Keeping you up to date on all things related to Eurovision 2017.
Image result for eurovision 2017 ,logo
The UK has selected its song and performer for Kiev in May:
The song was written by Emmelie DeForest who won at Eurovision with the Danish entry "Only Teardrops" in 2013. 
The new British entry will see the UK compete for the 60th time at the ESC. Lucie Jones will perform the song "Never Give Up On You" in the Grand Final.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkNQIShMZfY
The song was selected by a combination of votes from the TV viewing public and a panel of judges.

EUROVISION 2017: The 43 Countries. XXIV: ESTONIA. Continues tomorrow.
Caffe` Latte` previews…
EUROVISION
2017
As countries begin selecting their entries for the Eurovision Song Contest in May, this blog will look back on the stats and the best from each of the 43 participating nations.
UKRAINE
ITALY
FRANCE
GERMANY
UNITED KINGDOM
SPAIN
BELGIUM
SWITZERLAND
THE NETHERLANDS
DENMARK
AUSTRIA
SWEDEN
NORWAY
FINLAND
PORTUGAL
IRELAND
MALTA
ISRAEL
GREECE
CYPRUS
ICELAND
CROATIA
SLOVENIA
ESTONIA
Flag of Estonia.svg
Tanel Padar & Dave Benton - Everybody.jpgEstonia first appeared at Eurovision in 1994. "Everybody" collected the top prize in 2001. Recent efforts have been impressive. The 2016 entry "Play" was a strong song that sadly finished last in Semi Final 1.
This year's Estonian entry and its performer will be announced in early March.
WINS: 1
BEST ENTRY EVER:
GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY - Elina Born & Stig Rasta
Elina Born & Stig Rästa - Goodbye to Yesterday - Cover.jpeg
HONOURABLE MENTION(S):
PLAY Juri Pootsmann
Play - Jüri Pootsmann.jpg 
KUULA Ott Lepland
Ott Lepland - Kuula.jpg
To get you in the mood for Eurovision in Kiev, check out Caffé Latté’s special ESC playlist on Spotify.

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte
100 ESSENTIAL MICHAEL JACKSON SONGS: #15 - 11. Concludes tomorrow.
Caffe` Latte` presents…
100
 ESSENTIAL SONGS BY
MICHAEL JACKSON
Audiences around the world were first in awe of Michael Jackson’s talent in 1969 when the wunderkind was still only 11 years of age and singing lead on “I Want You Back”. Soon, his solo career would eclipse the Jackson 5’s success. The brothers would quit the Motown label in 1975 and became The Jacksons. Michael remained a member, but his solo output went into overdrive with the albums ‘Off The Wall’, ‘Bad’ and the record-breaking ‘Thriller’. This period forever cemented his place among pop music’s greatest influences. Here are the 100 most essential recordings- solo and with his siblings- in terms of influence, popularity and quality. The tracks span the years 1969-2014.
15
ABC
JACKSON 5
After "I Want You Back" reigned on the US chart, "ABC" was chosen as the follow-up single early in 1970. When it too moved into the #1 position, it proved the Jackson 5's initial success was no fluke. In fact, "ABC" displaced The Beatles' "Let it Be" from the chart summit. It also topped the Soul Chart. In Britain, the single reached #8.
Abc-jackson5.jpg
14
THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL
MICHAEL JACKSON
Michael penned "The Way You Make Me Feel", the 3rd consecutive #1 single lifted off the 1987 album 'Bad'. It marked a return to the crossover blend of pop and R&B that had propelled him to superstar status in 1979. The single also topped the US R&B and Dance charts. Elsewhere, the disc made the Top 10 in Britain, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel.png
13
OFF THE WALL
MICHAEL JACKSON
The title track from Michael's 1979 landmark release 'Off The Wall' was written by Rod Temperton. Its blend of funk and R&B helped the singer re-invent his sound and image. The album changed audience perceptions forever. It announced Michael was an adult with more control over his musical direction than ever before. This song is sometimes overshadowed by the other 3 major hits from the album. On the American Pop and R&B charts, the single reached the Top 10.
12
BLACK OR WHITE
MICHAEL JACKSON
"Black Or White" was the lead single from 'Dangerous'. The funky track was written and produced by Michael and Bill Bottrell. In 1991, the single raced to the top of the charts in America, Britain, Europe, Canada, Australia, Mexico and New Zealand. It remains one of Michael's strongest releases.
Michael Jackson - Black or White.png
11
CAN YOU FEEL IT
THE JACKSONS
The 'Triumph' album was issued in 1980. "Can You Feel It" was lifted off the LP in the following year. The disc boasted an irresistible hook and a positive message. It was accompanied by an innovative music video. Film clips were slowly gaining more importance in the marketing of new music. Michael and his siblings were among the pioneers in using music videos to gain maximum exposure. He would leave the planet in awe throughout the remainder of the decade, but it began with "Can You Feel It" and its video clip. Michael wrote the track with brother Jackie. The Jacksons produced the song. It was a Top 10 smash in the U.K. and South Africa.
Can-You-Feel-It-The-Jacksons.jpg

Sunday, January 29, 2017

200 MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS: #7. Continues next week.
THE CAFFE` LATTE`
200
MOST RECOMMENDED ALBUMS
Some are the best selling, while others may be obscure, but the albums listed here are all worthy of a listen. No compilation/ best of sets. Only exceptional live albums included. This is a personal listing of the albums I enjoy the most to this day.
#7
VOULEZ-VOUS: ABBA
ABBA - Voulez Vous.jpg
 [1979] 
ABBA enjoyed unprecedented universal popularity, spanning generations from young to old during the 1970s. What attracted the bulk of its fanbase to the songs was the band's upbeat and feel-good quality. Somehow, even the songs dealing with sadness (such as "S.O.S." and "Knowing Me. Knowing You") managed to cheer up the listener. The Swedes' upbeat songs were danced to, but did not adhere to the formula of disco music. In a way, it was inevitable that ABBA would flirt with the genre. Disco was everywhere in 1978, as the world caught 'Saturday Night Fever'.  Of all the ABBA albums, 'Voulez-Vous' is the most 'disco'. Members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson avoid the clichés associated with the genre. The songs on the album are very danceable, but the 2 created a unique hybrid of disco and the ABBA sound. The beat is pounding on tracks such as "Lovers (Live A Little Longer)", "If It Wasn't For The Nights" and the chart hit "Does Your Mother Know". The latter is injected with slices of funk, disco and rock. The title track delivers ABBA's own version of Euro-Disco and hints at where dance music would head in the 1980s. "Kisses Of Fire" begins with a sultry introduction before the rhythm takes over to create a beautiful blast of pop. Strings and guitar blend seamlessly on "As Good As New", the perfect choice to open the album. The song contains hints of classical music blended in with a strong disco beat. "Angeleyes" and "The King Has Lost His Crown" are the 1978-9 edition of that irresistible ABBA pop sound. Of course, the group remained mindful that its 2 vocalists were adept at ballads too. Frida Lyngstad does her best to resuscitate "I Have A Dream", the weakest track on the album. Agnetha Faltskog masterfully handles lead vocals on the stronger ballad "Chiquitita". The instrumentation on this popular song is impeccable. That ABBA could re-invent its own approach to disco is arguably why the album has stood the test of time. Later editions of 'Voulez-Vous' have added ABBA's most 'disco' track, "Summer Night City". Its inclusion completes the album. 
Highlight tracks:
* Voulez-Vous
* As Good As New
* Lovers (Live A Little Longer)
* If It Wasn't For The Nights
* Kisses Of Fire
* Angeleyes