Let's get the ball rolling, shall we?
Spain finished its selection process yesterday, this is the winner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxuO0qZITko&ab_channel=EurovisionSongContest
It's the first flamenco act in 40 years (since Remedios Amaya, who managed 0 points in 1982). I feel they could have sent something a bit more daring, there's a quite rich flamenco fusion scene these days, and this song is pretty run of the mill.
Much much bigger fan of the second-placed entry :(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz8q2eUgU6I&ab_channel=RTVEM%C3%BAsica
There was what I would describe as continental gay rage on Twitter last night at Spain making the wrong decision over this :( :ph34r:
I'm sad at Ireland for not doing what the world wanted.
The Swedish selection process has started. Ukrainian 17 y/o refugee singer Maria Sur has qualified for the Swedish finals, with a song that screams Eastern Europe Eurovision. :)
Sweden has now officially decided to send Loreen to Liverpool.
:w00t: Love Loreen and that song :blush:
Final trailer for Liverpool hosting on behalf of Ukraine this week :w00t:
Comments on the video from Ukrainians are very moving. Also Paul O'Grady :(
Probably a good idea not to hire any real Liverpudlian actors. But still a little Disney.
:lol: Yeah - not a great day for the kid actor industry in Liverpool.
Also love the women with the Eurovision placards were the two who were vox popped on BBC Breakfast and weren't aware it was happening :lol:
https://www.tiktok.com/@bbceurovision/video/7195586867218140421
First time ever, I can now vote. :)
Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I'm free at last.
God, first the coronation and now this crap
Finland is suitably bizarre and gay. Best I've heard thus far. Has Japanese idol musicy vibes with a hint of rock and europop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJHe-iZ5HSI
QuoteFinal trailer for Liverpool hosting on behalf of Ukraine this week :w00t:
Scousers say mum?
Fecking midlanders.
QuoteSweden has now officially decided to send Loreen to Liverpool.
Oh Sweden. You used to be cool :(
Quote from: celedhring on February 05, 2023, 11:05:28 AMLet's get the ball rolling, shall we?
Spain finished its selection process yesterday, this is the winner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxuO0qZITko&ab_channel=EurovisionSongContest
It's the first flamenco act in 40 years (since Remedios Amaya, who managed 0 points in 1982). I feel they could have sent something a bit more daring, there's a quite rich flamenco fusion scene these days, and this song is pretty run of the mill.
I'm getting Ghost in the Shell soundtrack vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTPNaUsjksM
What's up with that song about Edgar Allen Poe :lol:
Quote from: FunkMonk on May 09, 2023, 08:56:49 AMWhat's up with that song about Edgar Allen Poe :lol:
It's an absolute banger :ph34r:
Quote from: Josquius on May 09, 2023, 04:21:53 AMScousers say mum?
Fecking midlanders.
They usually say mom in the Midlands, at least the western parts
Europe has a lot of musical talent... it's just a shame that none of it is ever showcased on Eurovision.
Quote from: HVC on May 09, 2023, 12:23:33 PMEurope has a lot of musical talent... it's just a shame that it was only showcased on Eurovision until the late 80's/early '90s.
Fixed! :D
Quote from: HVC on May 09, 2023, 12:23:33 PMEurope has a lot of musical talent... it's just a shame that none of it is ever showcased on Eurovision.
This talent doesn't manifest in pop music. A barren wasteland for the most part.
Only catching up now.
I already loved Hannah but that french accent. :wub:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 10, 2023, 10:18:18 AMThis talent doesn't manifest in pop music. A barren wasteland for the most part.
I disagree. It's just that the real talent in Euro pop music tends to express itself in ways that are culture and language specific and so less accessible to people who are not enmeshed in that culture and language.
Quote from: Jacob on May 10, 2023, 01:39:13 PMI disagree. It's just that the real talent in Euro pop music tends to express itself in ways that are culture and language specific and so less accessible to people who are not enmeshed in that culture and language.
Would you care to give a specific example?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 10, 2023, 04:40:51 PMQuote from: Jacob on May 10, 2023, 01:39:13 PMI disagree. It's just that the real talent in Euro pop music tends to express itself in ways that are culture and language specific and so less accessible to people who are not enmeshed in that culture and language.
Would you care to give a specific example?
Sure... it's going to be a bit dated because I'm not in Europe anymore so it's about a generation out of date, but thinking of people like Kim Larsen, Anne Linnet, and Sebastian from Denmark; Björn Afzelius from Sweden. Excellent pop artists but with limited resonance outside of Scandinavia.
Wasn't nuts about the synth pop lady, but the 1st and 3rd dudes were Ok, and on that basis I will retract.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 10, 2023, 06:38:01 PMWasn't nuts about the synth pop lady, but the 1st and 3rd dudes were Ok, and on that basis I will retract.
:hug:
A few years back Norway had Ida Maria competing to represent them. A genuinely very good indie-known musician. She didn't qualify. <_<
Then there was Public Image Ltd being rejected by Ireland.
Makes me wonder what other genuinely awesome stars have been rejected
Completely unplanned I caught the end of both semis.
Austrias track seems quite good.
The 60s guys possibly ok too.
But my gosh so much generic tat.
Worse crop that I've seen so far.
Austria and Norway on top.
A distinct lack of stripper song this year. I find that surprising. Is it a cycle?
Do you mean songs performed by strippers, or songs to play while one is stripping?
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 12, 2023, 09:55:57 AMDo you mean songs performed by strippers, or songs to play while one is stripping?
Yeah. Songs written to be performed by strippers both by the Eurovision performer and in strip clubs.
Separately in-between bits look like they'll be great - they're really beautifully staged. From the first semi-final they had this song which had the Ukrainian host visibly emotional (I believe Alyosha has actually had to leave Ukraine):
And then on the second semi-final this celebration of Ukraine - from what I understand there's obviously the Holodomor at the start, I believe the rap is of a Shevchenko poem and then finally the Carol of the Bells (although better known in the UK as "the Home Alone song" :lol:):
But, as I say, I think the staging is superb for both of these so looking forward to the grand final (and it feels about as political as the EBU will get).
Going to a Eurovision party and pulled Finland out of a hat - which is great. But my attempted cinnamon rolls :ph34r:
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/d48af275d6875f448d72079bd211937e/d8938b28227f089c-b6/s400x600/59e50f42e33da6cf05b4dc616fec4eb4b770c12c.gif)
Spain with a nice palate cleanser. :)
Not sure what to make with Moldova. A dwarf dancing around with a flute then battling the singer.... Is this still OK in 2023?
Finland still takes it for me.
Sweden with a solid win.
Oh and Russia is just that petty. :glare:
QuoteThe home city of Ukraine's Eurovision act was hit by Russian missiles moments before the band took to the stage in Liverpool, reports say.
It's weird.
As I understand it the jury vote was invented to reward merit over typical political voting patterns.
Though there were some very political votes from the jury.
And of course the people got it right. Finland had the best eurovision song.
Swedens song... It just felt like cheating. A big star with a standard pop song. One who won eurovision already. It wasn't very eurovisionny.
Would be nice if they'd at least reward 2 other trophies for winner of the jury and people's votes.
Also I noticed in the jury votes a stark split between countries that get eurovision and those that take it seriously.
Also I feel sad for austria
Their song was good
I think going first killed them.
And Germany. Oh dear. They were OK I thought but it did seem a bit lordi wannabe.
Is there any background to, as Graham Norton put it, Iceland sending "the slowest stripper in the world" to give their score? :lol:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FwCsWCAXsAIbQeJ?format=jpg&name=small)
Member of a novelty act we sent a few years ago. ^_^
Cha Cha Cha.
That's it, no longer accepting Sweden into NATO. :P
I hate Graham Norton.
This is the time of year when I'm most ashamed of my country. Lots of people take this shit seriously. Like seriously, dominating news for 6 weeks for the national competition and 2 weeks for the international one. Dominating radio music for months.
A large plurality of all adults actually thinks this is good, like as if it is relevant in any way.
:yuk:
@Syt:
His guests tell bad jokes and lame stories then all of them and the audience laugh violently. It's Lettereman on meth. Or Bill Maher on coke.
He's definitely lost his edge with age. On channel 4 his show was great. Mandatory viewing.
Early days on the BBC it became more family friendly but was still good.
Lately I never bother.
On eurovision too his commentary was less biting than I remember. He's never been terry wogan but did used to have some good lines.
Apparently next year is the 50th anniversary of ABBA or something so Sweden REALLY wanted to host <_<
Of course his commentary wasnt as biting, his nation and he himself were hosting.
Still disappointed by our choice of entry. When you think what could've been :cry:
Quote from: Tamas on May 14, 2023, 03:06:41 AMOf course his commentary wasnt as biting, his nation and he himself were hosting.
They were in Ireland? :unsure:
:P
OK his employer's nation then. :p
I wish I could get some of that commentary. Going to have to look into that for next year since the YouTube streams don't include that.
Does he still use that running joke where every time they show the Eiffel Tower on the background of a French talking head he wonders where they are?
After a brief reprise last year for two of its members, good to see the UK/Span/Germany death pact going as strong as ever :lol:
Also absolutely love that the Aussie singer's day job is as an immigration lawyer who spoke to the BBC about the Djokovic case:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FwCQCpKXwAIzljF?format=jpg&name=900x900)
I think Norton is far, far better at commentating Eurovision because I think he genuinely likes it. By the end Wogan was pretty acid about it which is probably not the best place to commentate from. Although I did always love Wogan at the time, "who knows what hellish future lies ahead? Actually, I do. I've seen the rehearsals."
I'm surprised at Germanys last place tbh. Was clear it wasn't going to win, Lordi was a one off and they didn't do metal screams, but it was alright.
Certainly much better than the myriad of generic songs. How Israel and Italy performed so well I don't know.
France was interesting too. Sort of old school classic French pop from the days where such was cool mixed with disco. Quite catchy. But all the francophones I know hate it :lol:
Quote from: Josquius on May 14, 2023, 10:28:06 AMI'm surprised at Germanys last place tbh. Was clear it wasn't going to win, Lordi was a one off and they didn't do metal screams, but it was alright.
Should have sung it in German. :hmm:
Quote from: Josquius on May 14, 2023, 10:28:06 AMI'm surprised at Germanys last place tbh. Was clear it wasn't going to win, Lordi was a one off and they didn't do metal screams, but it was alright.
Certainly much better than the myriad of generic songs. How Israel and Italy performed so well I don't know.
France was interesting too. Sort of old school classic French pop from the days where such was cool mixed with disco. Quite catchy. But all the francophones I know hate it :lol:
Yeah. You could switch Italy & France songs I wouldn't know which was which.
France got my vote :lol: :ph34r:
Italy always does well but I think (with the exception of Maneskin) can be a bit samey. I wonder if it's the benefit and the cost of picking Eurovision through San Remo? :hmm:
I know Loreen was the far and away favorite, but it is such a generic Eurovision song.
I voted Finland, but I thought this year's lineup was the weakest in a while. Lots of generic Eurovision songs and even the madness bits felt a bit derivative.
So what's the over/under on Sweden just nominating ABBA as their entry next year, and the whole show just becoming a formality before their crowning in Stockholm?
I put it forth that next year the UK should present a song sung in Swedish.
As a sort of thanks/butt lick to Sweden for always singing English.
BTW I appreciate how via the "professional" jury votes they keep alive the tradition of votes visibly being cast entirely on ethnic and political grounds. :D
Quote from: celedhring on May 15, 2023, 03:14:35 AMI know Loreen was the far and away favorite, but it is such a generic Eurovision song.
I voted Finland, but I thought this year's lineup was the weakest in a while. Lots of generic Eurovision songs and even the madness bits felt a bit derivative.
I love Loreen because Euphoria, but yes. I think it's really telling that this is the first winner to not get 12 points from the public vote in any country.
I also think there's a growing split between jury and public. I. The first six years after this system was introduced they only disagreed once, in the last eight they've never agreed. I wonder if the juries need their criteria shifting because they basically seem to prefer classic pop songs and ballads, while the public are more open minded (and maybe influenced by staging?)
Can't help but wonder do whether the jury's naff taste is a big part of the UK usually (how Sam Ryder managed I don't know) being crap.
That this year's UK song was one of the best we've had in 10 years and still sucked....
No it's because the UK has a history of sending absolute dross based on an incredibly patronising attitude towards Europeans/Eurovision voters :P
Having said that, I get that going last is always tough (hosts tend to do quite badly in Eurovision) but I also think while it was a good song and I like Mae Muller, she's not the world's strongest vocalist and I think the staging was strange. And I think vocals are the one thing that will absolutely catch you out in Eurovision. Unless you're doing something totally different like Finland, you need to be a bit of a belter and Mae Muller isn't, it's not her style.
The UK song was the only very clearly autotune one. Yuck.
Autotune is not allowed at Eurovision (I love Eurovision's really weird rules on what is/isn't allowed/pre-recorded etc). We famously proved this in our catastrophic 2003 entry:
Nul points, you'll be surprised to hear - with people suggesting it was because of Iraq :lol:
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 15, 2023, 07:46:37 AMAutotune is not allowed at Eurovision (I love Eurovision's really weird rules on what is/isn't allowed/pre-recorded etc). We famously proved this in our catastrophic 2003 entry:
Nul points, you'll be surprised to hear - with people suggesting it was because of Iraq :lol:
Didn't Iceland with the guys from the last 2 years rely heavily on this? Albeit stylistically. Exceptions made there?
Autotune is banned at Eurovision - but pressure growing to allow it as it's becoming more common in national qualifying competitions.
The main singer has to sing live. Singers are not allowed to mime either so if you can have recorded backing vocals but, no backing singer miming (so just use dancers) or you can have live backing singers. You're allowed some enhancements/distortion but not autotune - arguably a fine line. But all music stuff is mimed - all instruments are pre-recorded because logistically it's a nightmare to change over.
I think Iceland was distortion?
Edit: I think it's why as well as the jury/public split I think there's sometimes a split between things that go down really well in the room/auditorium but don't hit home as well through TV.
Quote from: Tamas on May 15, 2023, 07:43:17 AMThe UK song was the only very clearly autotune one. Yuck.
Poland entry didn't even sing. Track all the way down.
I should probably post this in the old geezer thread but I hate autotune. It was a genius move from whoever managed to make it cool. I suspect even people with good voices end up using it, allowing record labels to sell people who can't sing but otherwise deemed worthy.
Quote from: Sheilbh on May 15, 2023, 07:31:16 AMNo it's because the UK has a history of sending absolute dross based on an incredibly patronising attitude towards Europeans/Eurovision voters :P
Having said that, I get that going last is always tough (hosts tend to do quite badly in Eurovision) but I also think while it was a good song and I like Mae Muller, she's not the world's strongest vocalist and I think the staging was strange. And I think vocals are the one thing that will absolutely catch you out in Eurovision. Unless you're doing something totally different like Finland, you need to be a bit of a belter and Mae Muller isn't, it's not her style.
Mae Muller was lost under her music. She should have had more spectacle if her vocals were going to be so weak.