Late last month I compiled a list of what I considered to be the most fantastically random Eurovision covers/samples/remixes ever. Since then I’ve realised that to limit the list to just 10 was absurd when there are so many brilliant (and not so brilliant) covers out there. To correct this I’ve trawled the depths of Youtube in order to bring you 10 more ultimate ESC covers – this time with added readers’ suggestions.

“Ooh Aah … Just A Little Bit”
Original: 1996, United Kingdom, Gina G (6th)
Cover: The Wurzels

After my last post Wiwi reader Tiggeh asked how I “missed this gem”. Well as promised here they are right at the top of the list. This British scrumpy and western band (I never knew such a genre even existed) certainly put their own unique spin on Gina G’s classic, sprinkling it with plenty of “Ooh Aarghs” and “Urple Burples”. Whether it’s a “gem” is debatable but it’s definitely a load of fun.

“Zaleilah”
Original: 2012, Romania, Mandinga, (12th)
Cover: Pinup Girls

Really what’s the point of covering a song if it’s going to be a carbon copy of the original? The Pinup Girls obviously see some merit to it, as the only difference between their version of “Zaleilah” and Mandinga’s is a language change. Even the instrumental arrangements are the same! Since there’s nothing new to say about the song I decided to see what I could find out about the band. After much searching I eventually found their Last.fm page. It was in Lithuanian so I turned to Google Translate for help. It gave me translations such as “Terrible as wilted razinka the three headless … and went on bleat Misguided text … Pale as a faded blanket.” Hmmm … are you sure that’s right Google? They’re not that bad, just a bit unimaginative.

http://youtu.be/G0REODlAAtE

“What’s Another Year”
Original: 1980, Ireland, Johnny Logan (1st)
Cover: Shane MacGowan

Once upon a time Shane MacGowan sang masterpieces such as “Fairytale of New York.” Unfortunately, those days are most definitely in the past. This cover  of  “What’s Another Year” is awful, horrendous, terrible …  I could continue but you get the point. Worse the song goes on and on, by the half way point it seems to be never-ending. Honestly this could be used as a torture weapon – it really is that bad.

“Satellite”
Original: 2010, Germany, Lena (1st)
Cover: Jennifer Braun

This is more of an alternate version rather than a cover. Jennifer was the runner up to Lena in the German 2010 selection process. Had she won this would have been the version of  “Satellite” to grace the Norwegian stage. Thankfully, the Germans saw sense and chose Lena. Because Jennifer is nothing but a fun sponge – she sucks all the vibrancy and cheekiness out of the song and turns it into something that would be dropped off an Adele album for being too morose. You have a nice voice Jennifer but seriously, lighten up!

“Save All Your Kisses For Me”
Original: 1976, United Kingdom, Brotherhood of Man (1st)
Cover: Kenickie

Here’s another Tiggeh suggestion. This cover is by the now defunct band Kenickie, who’s main claim to fame is that their lead singer was Lauren Laverne. Anyone familiar with Lauren will be aware that she is an indie chick through and through, what with her music show on BBC Radio 6 and all her various arty tv projects.  It’s hardly surprising then that she treats the song with a certain degree of apathy. And Lauren, just for future reference, there’s no need to shout at the 3 year old you’re singing to. That’s just mean!

“L’Amour Est Bleu”
Original: 1967, Luxembourg, Vicky Leandros (4th)
Cover: Paul Mauriat

When I first heard Vicky singing “L’Amour Est Bleu” I was convinced that the song must have won since it sounded so familiar. Therefore, I was quite surprised to discover that it only came 4th. In fact, it wasn’t Vicky’s version I recognised but this cover by Paul Mauriat and his orchestra. This arrangement topped the Billboard Charts for several weeks. And despite being over 40 years old, its popularity endures to this day. It is still used on film and television soundtracks including “The Simpsons” and “Mad Men”.

“You and Me”
Original: 2012, Netherlands, Joan Franka (15th SF2)
Cover: Jan Smit

Angus may have omitted it from his list but in my humble opinion the greatest injustice ever (well maybe not that big) was Donny Montell making it to the 2012 grand final ahead of Joan Franka. Well thankfully there’s still life in Joan’s song. Not only is it the only Eurovision 2012 song (excluding “Euphoria” obviously) which I’ve heard outside of a nightclub, it has also been covered by Jan Smit. Who apparently is quite a big deal over in the Netherlands. Take that Donny :-P.

“The Voice”
Original: 1996, Ireland, Eimear Quinn (1st)
Cover: Celtic Woman

Contrary to what the name suggests Celtic Woman is actually a collective of Irish women. They have had great success pedaling cover versions of Celtic themed songs in America. But like the Pinup Girls they suffer from a severe lack of creativity. Since most Americans are oblivious to Eurovision it’s easy to see why the band haven’t put much effort into giving a fresh take on the song. However, in Europe it inevitably leads to unfavourable comparisons with Eimear Quinn. The absence of any originality only highlights Eimear’s superiority. Girls if this is your best effort y’all should just go home.

“Diva”
Original: 1998, Israel, Dana International (1st)
Cover: Philipp Kirkorov

Now for another reader suggestion, this time courtesy of Frank Naef. Phillipp Kirkorov represented Russia back in 1995 coming 17th. Since then he’s developed a bit of a reputation for ESC covers. This cover of Dana International is definitely divalicious, as can be seen from the video. Whether he’s embracing the song’s other main theme of powerful women is questionable. He’s definitely dedicated to the song, having recorded it in Spanish (below), Russian and Hebrew.

“Fångad Av en Stormvind”
Original: 1991, Sweden, Carola (1st)
Cover: Black Ingvars

I read recently that when scientists played heavy metal to a group of mice, the animals killed each other. I’m no expert on this genre of music, is it heavy metal? Anyways, it didn’t fill me with a desire to attack the rest of the Wiwi team. Although, the verses are a bit unbearable and the satanic chanting is unnecessary, you can’t help but be uplifted by the chorus. The Eurovision theme tune at the beginning is a nice touch too.

So what do you guys think? What other covers/samples/remixes are out there? Let us know in the comments below. And click here to see some of the Eurovision covers we’ve covered previously.

Padraig Jude contributed this report from Ireland. Follow him on Twitter at @PadraigJude. And while you’re at it, like our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with the latest Eurovision news and gossip.

16 Comments
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beccaboo1212
10 years ago

Celtic Woman’s version of “The Voice” is OK.

Ri
Ri
10 years ago

I love the pinup girls’ version of Zaleilah. It’s so cool! I also like Jennifer Braun’s version of Satellite.

Nanda
Nanda
10 years ago

Geez. This Satellite version is SO bad. The “original” is not THAT great, but this one is really bad.

BTW, have u guys heard the “metal” version of Quedate Conmigo (Spain 2012)?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJs4z_Lrtbw
(The singer won The Voice Spain)

Zachary Thomas
10 years ago

The Celtic Women were really good! Obviously Eimear is better but they did the song justice in my opinion.

Brendan
Brendan
10 years ago

That Fangad Av En Stormvind cover just made me want to listen to the original

Angus Quinn
Angus Quinn
10 years ago

The reason Donny didn’t crop up is that I quite liked the song, and I liked Joan’s too but it didn’t have strong enough impact to make the final for me anyway 😉 also I feel they should use the USFO selection again, USFM ended in disaster!

RogerL
RogerL
10 years ago

We have these singing game shows here in Sweden.
– Så ska det låta, Dobidoo, Musikmaskinen, Sing-A-Long
and of cause lots of popular songs are covered every year…

To get into the right mood begin with
Djingis Kahn (Dschinghis Khan) – cover by Fredrik Swan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i426aHNuGuQ

and surf away… (ask for help if you can not find what you look for)

Melissa Kutcher
Melissa Kutcher
10 years ago

Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme did an English version of Milk and Honey’s Hallelujah.

D
D
10 years ago

I love the covers of ‘Satellite’ and ‘Zaleilah’

Emily
Emily
10 years ago

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but my favorite is Phillip Kirkirov and his cover of “Diva”.

Gavin
10 years ago

The Wurzles win! Hands down best cover ever of anything! Wurzles for Denmark2014. Then to open the contest at the ESC2015 in Norwich in a converted haystack with glass roof.

GermanFan2012
GermanFan2012
10 years ago

I would suggest a better cover would be the rock version of Lena’s satellite by floppydee

Tiggeh
Tiggeh
10 years ago

What can I say, I thank you for being true to your word 🙂

Wiwibloggs is just too awesome for words!

eurovision-berlin
eurovision-berlin
10 years ago

Again me. You forget the Spanish cover from Teardrops:
“Only Teardrops – Emmelie de Forest – Índigo – Spanish cover”

Same as Satellite: The cover version is much better.

eurovision-berlin
eurovision-berlin
10 years ago

This is the real version of Satellite. She sang it in the pre-selection, is it a cover? However, I love this blue and melancholic version from a good singer.