Anouk - Birds

The Dutch contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 finals to be held in Swedish Malmö this Saturday is amazing. "Birds", co-written and performed by Anouk (Teeuwe), a big star in The Netherlands, is a big, sweeping ballad, that sounds decidedly European, in the tradition of Kurt Weill and/or Jacques Brel, with the added pleasure of a Scott Walker-style arrangement. Apart from the mediocre Norwegian contribution by Margaret Berger, I haven't heard any of the contestants this year, but I would be very surprised if there are any other songs in this year's finals (and semi-finals) as good as "Birds". I've completely fallen in love with this song.

Watch and listen