Understanding the Russian mind is something that has confused learned men for centuries.

For many who have watched Russian politics and society over the past few years may have been alarmed at the rehabilitation of Soviet leader Stalin by politicians and state run TV and newspapers.

Without doubt one of the strongest songs in the contest this year and going down well around the continent. Germany’s best attempt for quite a while.

Without taking anything away from Dima Bilan’s 2008 win, for he is very popular in the former Soviet countries, there is no doubt that Russia’s win was the result of political voting. This voting problem is the reason for the change in 2009, to a split televoting/jury system which hopes to readdress the issue and balance the votes.

It’s been a while since the UK won and the chances of it doing again is slim. The UK doesn’t have the disapora of people some of the countries in the east have. It doesn’t benefit from political voting.

There’s no denying the enthusiam in this one from Spain. It’s well polished and a very good attempt at a Eurovision song.

France made a very brave attempt at the 2008 contest with Sebastien Tellier song. It was appreciated more in the UK than in France where it upset quite a few people for using English in the lyrics.

Hmm…well…yes. You’ve done better Netherlands in the past. This one sounds like it has been written by a committe and failed a tallent show.

We can’t help but have a soft spot for Estonia’s song this year performed by Urban Symphony called “Rändajad”.

Is that chocolate Svetlana Loboda is covering herself with? Looks a bit creepy to be said.

Albania’s fortunes over the past few years have been improving. Let’s hope this entry from Kejsi Tola called “Carry Me In Your Dreams” will also raise their profile a little more.

Little Moldova has had it’s fair share of problems recently. Let’s hope this track from Nelly Ciobanu called “Hora Din Moldova” can cheer them up.

Lithuania’s song this year isn’t a bad one but we don’t think it’ll be enough to rock the Eurovision points table. It may pick up a few points from Poland and Latvia but the rest of Europe may consider giving their points to another.