Eurovision 2011 may be over a month away

But we're already getting advance coverage of the contestants.

The UK is represented by Blue and Lee Ryan is up to his old tricks of being rather stupid but at least it's not as moronic as he's been in the past.
Here's their offering in all it's majesty.

Jedward, the eeriely talent-less X Factor twins, are singing for Ireland. Poor Ireland.
Their presence would make it bad enough but the lyrics "She's got her lipstick on, hit and run, then I've gone" sink it to new depths of bad-ness. If you must, it's here

Much is being made of Portugal's credit crunch protest song, which mixes the visuals of a miltant Village People with particularly weak Algarve folk aimed at tourists.
However special mention goes to Finland's Paradise Oskar. I can't imagine his brand of David Gray-uber-lite will reach the final, so go and enjoy.

What is noticeable is that there's a fair few acts, like Paradise Oskar, who are producing songs that don't sound like Eurovision but like actual proper pop. Listen to the Azerbaijan entry, which should place top three at least.
The absolute stand-out though is Italy's jazz entry from Raphael Gualazzi. It's up there with Jamie Cullum. Even if you don't like jazz piano, it's hard to deny his talent. He may need some luck reaching the final as voting in the semis always seems random but once there, he should win over a continent even if he doesn't win the competition.

The Bluetones upcoming farewell tour

Weddings are often sources of news.
You can find out how the scrawny kid from your running club has got on. See your old physics teacher jiving way.

And at a wedding this weekend I found out between courses that The Bluetones are splitting up after their September tour.
I knew it wouldn't make headline news but I'm slightly surprised that it took seven days for the news to reach me.
Last year I saw them for the first (and, now possibly, only) time in a small hall locally and they were terrific. Some new songs but the focus was on the Britpop era. And really good banter.

They are one of those bands who had more hits you know than you might think.
If.....
Slight Return
Solomon Bites The Worm.

They also featured on last year's Scott Pilgrim soundtrack.
So go see them in September if you have any sort of penchant for guitar music. You'll make new friends.
Tour dates are here