Vi gratulerer - Kirsti, Oddvar og Arne

1968 was a famous year in Eurovision history: Cliff Richard, who seemed destined to win the competition with his song 'Congratulations', was beaten by a young singer called Massiel with the deceptively simple-sounding 'La, la, la'. This single by Kirsti, Oddvar and Arne presents both songs, with Norwegian lyrics provided by Arne Bendiksen.

The trio Kirsti Sparboe, Oddvar Sanne and Arne Bendiksen didn't just record this single: they also released the singles 'Hver Lördag En Fest' (1967) and 'Du Er Det Aller Kjæreste Jeg Har' (1965), the latter of which contained a Norwegian version of the Beatles' 'Yesterday'.

My collection: 7" single no. 7084
Found: Discogs.com, received 6 December 2023
Tracks: 'Vi gratulerer' / 'La, la, la'

Napoleon und Josephine - Kirsti

Kirsti Sparboe represented Denmark at the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest with the song with the remarkable title 'Oj, oj, oj, så glad jeg skal bli'. I was happy to find a copy just two months ago - and that was before I knew that she also recorded a German version!

This single, 'Napoleon und Josephine' presents that version on the B-side. On the sleeve it is announced as 'Oi, oi, oi', but she doesn't even sing these words. The song is actually called 'Eins, zwei, drei' and is translated by Kurt Hertha, a German songwriter and composer, who also added German lyrics to songs like 'Stupid Cupid' ('Sexie Hexy') and 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport' ('Halt Das Känguruh Fest'). 

My collection: 7" single no. 6728
Found: Discogs.com, received 16 June 2022
Cost: €3
Tracks: 'Napoleon und Josephine' / 'Eins, zwei, drei'

Oj, oj, oj, så glad jeg skal bli - Kirsti Sparboe

At the 1969 Eurovision Song Contest, Norway was represented by Kirsti Sparboe with the song 'Oj, oj, oj, så glad jeg skal bli' ('Oh, oh, oh, how happy I must be'). The song was the last of three Eurovision appearances in five years for Sparboe. The lyrics of the song – in which the singer appears to tolerate her partner's philandering ways by trying to convince herself that one day he will give them up and devote himself to her – caused a considerable degree of adverse comment from some sections of Norwegian society and became the subject of a good deal of debate. The song finished in last place with just one point. 

Since the Eurovision Song Contest, she has released singles mostly in Germany, where she found moderate success. She also showed off her acting talents for a one-off BBC TV Show, Jon, Brian, Kirsti And Jon, in 1980. 

My collection: 7" single no. 6688
Found: Record fair, Den Bosch, 9 April 2022
Cost: €5
Tracks: 'Oj, oj, oj, så glad jeg skal bli' / 'Hvem har sagt jeg savner deg'