Chansons pour ceux qui s'aiment - Kun rakastaa

The year 1976 was very productive year when it comes to Finnish covers of Eurovsion Song Contest entries. There was an whole compilation album made consisting solely of ESC songs. One of those was this "Kun rakastaa" (When one is in love) by Matti Asla. This is one those forgotten songs that deserved something better, if only for the magnificent voice of the singer Matti Asla. Unfortunately Matti never reached the fame and fortune which shoulfd have been destined for him. The original song was called "Chansons pour ceux qui s'aiment" (Songs for those who love each other), the Luxembourgish entry in 1976 ESC (placed 14th). It was performed by Jürgen Marcus (b.Jürgen Beumer) a German schlager singer who was most successful during the 1970s. You can see him perform the song here.


Here's the pair:

Ce Soir Je T'Attendais - Odotin sinua

Marion represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1963 with "Tipi Tii" and in 1973 with "Tom Tom". In 1966 she recorded "Odotin sinua"" (I waited for you). The original was the Luxembourg's own entry in contest held in Luxembourg in 1966, called "Ce Soir Je T'Attendais" (I waited for you tonight). It was performed by French singer Michele Torr (b. Michelle Cléberte Tort). Lyrics can be found here. It placed 10th, sharing that position with Finland's "Playboy" (performed by Ann Christine). The winning song in that year came from Austria; "Merci Cherie". Eleven years later, in 1977, Michele Torr again took part in Eurovision, this time representing Monaco with the song "Une petite française". That was also covered in Finnish, perhaps we will present it here in the future.

Here's the pair:

Parlez-vous francais - Tää me osataan

We continue our "Baccara Week" with the song recorded by all-girl vocal group Mirumaru in 1978 with the title "Tää me osataan" (Now, this we know). Mirumaru consisted of singers Titta Kokkonen (b. Leena-Maija Jokinen), Paula Nurminen (b. Paula Karppanen) and Päivi Paunu. We have presented Päivi before (see earlier entry). Titta is famous comedienne, who has performed in various TV- and stage shows and movies. She also participated in Eurovision Song Contest 1976 as a chorus girl in Fredi's "Pump Pump". Paula was one half of the 60's vocal duo Tuula ja Paula, who had couple of hits back then. Mirumaru recorded two albums and some singles, without any bigger success. The tongue-in-cheek lyrics for "Tää me osataan" are provided by Kari Tuomisaari. The original Baccara song was "Parlez-vous francais". It represented Luxembourg in the in ESC 1978, placing 7th in the contest, but becoming one of the best-sellers in that year. You can see the performance, here.

Here's the pair:

Brasilo Brasila - Brasilo brasila

Let's have another one from Taiska. In 1976 she recorded "Brasilo brasila". It reflects the well-known tendency of the Finns to love anything EXOTIC in those days. It usually was a sure bet to pick up an exotic sounding song for the artist to cover. The exotism might have been in the name of the song or in the melody or arrangement. This Taiska's song has it all - carnival music from Brazil. But it was not from Brazil. Not a long way. The song was the Eurovision Song Contest entry in the national semi-finals of Luxembourg in 1976 (it placed in 2nd). It was presented by a group called Best Wishes, of which we haven't heard anything since. But the composer of the song was ESC -legend Ralph Siegel. He has been composer for 18(!) ESC entries and his big moment came in 1982, when Nicole won with his 'Ein Bisschen Frieden'.

Here's the pair: