Today we're going to sample the world of Estonian pop rock. (Wait, come back!) The band in question is Claire's Birthday, formed in 1997 when lead singer and songwriter Vaiko Eplik was only 16. By 2000, the band had become popular in their native country, but I first became aware of them in 2003 when they represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest under the name Ruffus. (Wait, come back!) Their song Eighties Coming Back stood out for me because it was clearly far too good to be there, hence it finished 21st of 26 entries!
Claire's Birthday - Eighties Coming Back (available for 7 days)
Sadly, I have to assume the band have now gone their separate ways since their website has not been updated since 2003, but they've left behind them three quality albums full of pop rock. Plus they were hailed as the "saviours of Estonian rock" and supported Alice Cooper on tour in Estonia and Lithuania. Not a bad achievement.
Ladies Love Me from Claire's Birthday debut album 'Venus' was their breakthrough single and topped the popular TV chart '7 Vaprat' in 1999.
Claire's Birthday - Ladies Love Me (available for 7 days)
Defunct Claire's Birthday website | Buy Claire's Birthday albums
1 comment:
21st place? Conclusive proof there that Eurovision juries don't know their backsides from their elbows!
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