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General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 12:59:39 PM

Title: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 12:59:39 PM
Inspired by Eddie's statement in another thread.

What do you think is the best national anthem of any country past or present.  Sadly, I live in a country that has a terrible national anthem.  The star Spangled banner is an aweful song.  It's hard to play, hard to sing and isn't very impressive.  This is odd since we have so many more stirring patriotic songs.  Perhaps it's a Missouri thing, Harry Truman didn't like it either.

Anyway, in my opinion, the best national anthem is La Marseillaise.  Catchy, and distinctive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K1q9Ntcr5g

For those fuckards who have no idea what it sounds like.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 01:02:14 PM
A tie between La Marseillaise and Le Chant du Départ -_-

Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
Russian/Soviet anthem is pretty badass (they went back and took the same song, but with new words, right)?

God Save The Queen is nice in it's simplicity.

I agree Star Spangled Banner isn't a great anthem.

I always thought we should have stuck with Maple Leaf Forever as out anthem. :ph34r:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 01:04:36 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
I always thought we should have stuck with Maple Leaf Forever as out anthem. :ph34r:

My father agrees with you.  One of his oddest quirks is how 'Oh Canada' fills him with rage because he loved the old Canadian anthem so much.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 01:04:49 PM
I like Kimigayo (Japan's anthem).
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Cecil on May 05, 2011, 01:05:49 PM
New Russian/Soviet is the best imo. French is good as well.

I write new russian because they apparently had another after the fall of the USSR but that one was never liked much so they went back to the old awesome one and wrote some new lyrics.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 01:08:06 PM
While vastly inferior to the French ones I have always had a soft spot for the Romanian Deşteaptă-te, române for some reason.

Oh and Poland's Dąbrowski Mazurka.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:11:18 PM
Quote from: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 01:04:36 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
I always thought we should have stuck with Maple Leaf Forever as out anthem. :ph34r:

My father agrees with you.  One of his oddest quirks is how 'Oh Canada' fills him with rage because he loved the old Canadian anthem so much.

How old is your father?

I thought O Canada was somewhat the de facto national anthem since WWII or so (togetehr with God Save The Queen of course).
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 01:13:33 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:11:18 PM
How old is your father?

65
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Syt on May 05, 2011, 01:13:42 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyVN5xy6ue0
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Cecil on May 05, 2011, 01:14:32 PM
So anyone but me on youtube listening to all sorts of anthems right now?
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 01:16:08 PM
I like Ohio's national anthem too (Hang On Sloopy).
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:16:50 PM
Quote from: Cecil on May 05, 2011, 01:14:32 PM
So anyone but me on youtube listening to all sorts of anthems right now?

Do yourself a favour and check out Maple Leaf Forever. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Camerus on May 05, 2011, 01:18:35 PM
In no particular order, and with no reference to politics, I've always liked the anthems of: 

Denmark, Russia/USSR, France, and the PRC.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 01:21:05 PM
Israel has a fairly good one as well.  Less bombastic then most.  Sadly our best patriot songs are associated with one part of our nation beating the shit out of the other part and couldn't be made a national anthem.


I didn't think the Russians had new words to their national anthem.  I thought they just had the tune.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Slargos on May 05, 2011, 01:24:16 PM
Horst Wessel Lied.  :sleep:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Cecil on May 05, 2011, 01:25:47 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:16:50 PM
Quote from: Cecil on May 05, 2011, 01:14:32 PM
So anyone but me on youtube listening to all sorts of anthems right now?

Do yourself a favour and check out Maple Leaf Forever. :thumbsup:

Very nice when played with an organ.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 01:36:30 PM
Quote from: Slargos on May 05, 2011, 01:24:16 PM
Horst Wessel Lied.  :sleep:
Is that the one they played in Last Crusade when Indy gave the grail diary to Hitler by mistake? :hmm:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 01:38:02 PM
Quote from: Slargos on May 05, 2011, 01:24:16 PM
Horst Wessel Lied.  :sleep:

Actually, that's a terrible song.  It's just not very good.  It's probably not even the best song written about a pimp.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 01:38:46 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 01:36:30 PM
Quote from: Slargos on May 05, 2011, 01:24:16 PM
Horst Wessel Lied.  :sleep:
Is that the one they played in Last Crusade when Indy gave the grail diary to Hitler by mistake? :hmm:

Nope.  I think that's an old Prussian song.  Koniggratzer or something
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Josquius on May 05, 2011, 01:50:23 PM
I don't like God Save the Queen, a bit much of a dirge. The anthem should be Rule Brittania, much more uplifting.

Japan's is rather good. Really sounds like Japan.
Germany also has a nifty one. Needs the original words though.
Can't really think of one I like best though...One of those jaunty hurried eastern european anthems?
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Cecil on May 05, 2011, 01:53:04 PM
Quote from: Tyr on May 05, 2011, 01:50:23 PM
I don't like God Save the Queen, a bit much of a dirge. The anthem should be Rule Brittania, much more uplifting.

Japan's is rather good. Really sounds like Japan.
Germany also has a nifty one. Needs the original words though.
Can't really think of one I like best though...One of those jaunty hurried eastern european anthems?

Jerusalem is nice.  :)

Or for that matter Land of Hope and Glory.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 01:53:07 PM
I don't know man Rule Britannia is kind of clunky to sing.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: derspiess on May 05, 2011, 02:01:33 PM
Quote from: Barrister on May 05, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
Russian/Soviet anthem is pretty badass (they went back and took the same song, but with new words, right)?

Agree.  I know what some of the words mean from the old anthem, but to me the whole thing sounds like "we are a massive red steamroller and we are going to conquer the world".  I almost can't blame them that they only changed the words. 

QuoteGod Save The Queen is nice in it's simplicity.

It has been ruined for me ever since 2nd grade.  I had a teacher who made us sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" each day after the pledge of allegiance, and the original British words still don't sound right to me-- the song sounds too American, despite its actual origin :mellow:

QuoteI agree Star Spangled Banner isn't a great anthem.

I like it better than any of our alternatives (save for maybe the Team America theme song).  The fact that it's hard to sing is actually a good thing IMO.

I think Germany's national anthem would be up there in the top 5.  France's would have to be in it as well as it is pretty rousing. 

I can't think of too many others, but all the Asian ones sound horrible to me.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:03:53 PM
Though it is awkward to sing, I still like l'Internationale...

I have fond memories of singing it after a particularly ehm... nice conference in Cambridge, alongside a number of scholars of varied origins - it ended up being sung in Spanish, Italian, French, Romanian at the same time... Unsuprisingly, the American scholars didn't know it.   
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: derspiess on May 05, 2011, 02:04:52 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 01:38:02 PM
Quote from: Slargos on May 05, 2011, 01:24:16 PM
Horst Wessel Lied.  :sleep:

Actually, that's a terrible song.  It's just not very good.  It's probably not even the best song written about a pimp.

I don't care much for the words, but the instrumental part sounds good.  Great accompaniment to grainy WW2 eastern front footage (as are several Russian songs).

Btw it was written *by* a pimp, not about one.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 02:14:10 PM
Quote from: Tyr on May 05, 2011, 01:50:23 PM
The anthem should be Rule Brittania, much more uplifting.
+1
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 02:15:47 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:03:53 PM
Though it is awkward to sing, I still like l'Internationale...

I have fond memories of singing it after a particularly ehm... nice conference in Cambridge, alongside a number of scholars of varied origins - it ended up being sung in Spanish, Italian, French, Romanian at the same time... Unsuprisingly, the American scholars didn't know it.

The American-English translation of it is bizarre and absolutely unsingable.  As a result it never gained much currency in the US.  The Red Flag was much more popular with American Socialists.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 02:15:47 PM
The American-English translation of it is bizarre and absolutely unsingable.  As a result it never gained much currency in the US.  The Red Flag was much more popular with American Socialists.

At the time, I figured it had a lot more to do with the relative absence of American Socialists in the politcal landscape, but now I'll check the translation out of curiosity. 
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
At the time, I figured it had a lot more to do with the relative absence of American Socialists in the politcal landscape, but now I'll check the translation out of curiosity. 

We had lots of socialists back before the Cold War.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: derspiess on May 05, 2011, 02:27:43 PM
Quote from: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
At the time, I figured it had a lot more to do with the relative absence of American Socialists in the politcal landscape, but now I'll check the translation out of curiosity. 

We had lots of socialists back before the Cold War.

I wouldn't say "lots".  Too many, but not lots.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Agelastus on May 05, 2011, 02:28:06 PM
Quote from: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 02:14:10 PM
Quote from: Tyr on May 05, 2011, 01:50:23 PM
The anthem should be Rule Brittania, much more uplifting.
+1

Also more depressing - "Britannia rules the waves"...not any more, we don't. It'd make me cry if that was made our anthem.

So I have to say...-1 to that idea.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 02:29:54 PM
Quote from: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
At the time, I figured it had a lot more to do with the relative absence of American Socialists in the politcal landscape, but now I'll check the translation out of curiosity. 

We had lots of socialists back before the Cold War.

Yeah, they were quite powerful before the Bolsheviks came to power.  The Chaos in Europe along with the rising standard of living really hurt the socialist cause.  By the end of WWII most people who would have been socialists were already in labor unions and had a stake in the corporation they worked at.  They sure as hell didn't want to over throw the company that was paying them so well!
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 02:30:29 PM
Quote from: derspiess on May 05, 2011, 02:27:43 PM
Quote from: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
At the time, I figured it had a lot more to do with the relative absence of American Socialists in the politcal landscape, but now I'll check the translation out of curiosity. 

We had lots of socialists back before the Cold War.

I wouldn't say "lots".  Too many, but not lots.

Never hear of the St.Louis commune?
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: derspiess on May 05, 2011, 02:38:44 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 02:30:29 PM
Quote from: derspiess on May 05, 2011, 02:27:43 PM
Quote from: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
At the time, I figured it had a lot more to do with the relative absence of American Socialists in the politcal landscape, but now I'll check the translation out of curiosity. 

We had lots of socialists back before the Cold War.

I wouldn't say "lots".  Too many, but not lots.

Never hear of the St.Louis commune?

Yeah.  Does that somehow prove that there were lots of Socialists in the US at any point?  IIRC, Socialist Party of America/Socialist Party USA membership never got much above a few thousand.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 02:48:11 PM
Quote from: derspiess on May 05, 2011, 02:38:44 PM
Yeah.  Does that somehow prove that there were lots of Socialists in the US at any point?  IIRC, Socialist Party of America/Socialist Party USA membership never got much above a few thousand.

What sorts of data do I need to prove an inexact subjective term like 'lots' :lol:?

They got about a million votes in the Presidential election a few times that is sure alot more than 'a few thousand' and alot of socialists supported other parties besides the Socialist Party.  In fact I bet the majority of socialists never actually voted for the Socialist Party.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 02:53:36 PM
Quote from: Agelastus on May 05, 2011, 02:28:06 PM
Also more depressing - "Britannia rules the waves"...not any more, we don't. It'd make me cry if that was made our anthem.

So I have to say...-1 to that idea.
You people should adopt Rule Britannia, and then strive to make the anthem ring true. :menace:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 03:20:00 PM
Quote from: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 02:20:26 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:18:55 PM
At the time, I figured it had a lot more to do with the relative absence of American Socialists in the politcal landscape, but now I'll check the translation out of curiosity. 

We had lots of socialists back before the Cold War.

Yes, I know. But I did not think it would have been enough for L'Internationale to remain in the political consciousness of many Americans of today.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Zoupa on May 05, 2011, 03:24:06 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:03:53 PM
Though it is awkward to sing, I still like l'Internationale...

I have fond memories of singing it after a particularly ehm... nice conference in Cambridge, alongside a number of scholars of varied origins - it ended up being sung in Spanish, Italian, French, Romanian at the same time... Unsuprisingly, the American scholars didn't know it.

I got a boner.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 05:31:03 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 01:38:46 PM
Nope.  I think that's an old Prussian song.  Koniggratzer or something
Oh, right: Königgrätzer Marsch.

I love that song. :cool:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 05:45:33 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:03:53 PM
Though it is awkward to sing, I still like l'Internationale...
*checks*

Oh yeah, I remember this song from Summer Games on my C64.  It is pretty good, yeah. :bowler:

P.S. Death to commies.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 05:50:06 PM
Forgot that I really like the Brazilian national anthem, too.

They really need to do something about that godawful flag, though.  It looks like something a third grader made in art class.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Scipio on May 05, 2011, 06:15:44 PM
Russian Imperial Anthem, God Save the Tsar.  Good stuff.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Tonitrus on May 05, 2011, 06:55:30 PM
Waltzing Matilda
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 08:23:31 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on May 05, 2011, 06:55:30 PM
Waltzing Matilda

I don't think that's a national anthem.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 08:27:35 PM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 05, 2011, 08:23:31 PM
I don't think that's a national anthem.
It's not, but it damn well should be... just like Rule Britannia.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Grey Fox on May 05, 2011, 08:54:54 PM
I thought that the Uruguay national anthem was surprisingly good when it was sang at the World Cup last summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovHoqlRvi9o&feature=related
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Neil on May 05, 2011, 09:05:51 PM
O Canada plays well at hockey games where people have airhorns.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: DGuller on May 05, 2011, 09:21:17 PM
I like the Italian anthem, as well as a Brazilian one.  Too bad Massa isn't winning races anymore.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Admiral Yi on May 05, 2011, 09:47:21 PM
Quote from: DGuller on May 05, 2011, 09:21:17 PM
Too bad Massa isn't winning races anymore.

Yes, dat a cryin' shame.  Always made my heart swold up whenever Massa done good.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 05, 2011, 10:42:33 PM
Quote from: Admiral Yi on May 05, 2011, 09:47:21 PM
Quote from: DGuller on May 05, 2011, 09:21:17 PM
Too bad Massa isn't winning races anymore.

Yes, dat a cryin' shame.  Always made my heart swold up whenever Massa done good.

:lmfao:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Brazen on May 06, 2011, 03:55:32 AM
Of the British anthems, I quite like the Welsh national anthem, Land Of My Fathers best, if rather phlegm-inducing. Sounds best with either a male voice choir or rugby players :mmm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kUnCwV3AYE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kUnCwV3AYE)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMI5wpwXTCY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMI5wpwXTCY)

I think it's unfair Wales, Scotland and Ireland get their own anthems but England just uses the British one. :(

Talking of which Rule Britannia is much better than God Save the Whatever.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 04:20:20 AM
Quote from: Brazen on May 06, 2011, 03:55:32 AM
Talking of which Rule Britannia is much better than God Save the Whatever.
:cool:

I heard once that if Britain's national anthem were to be changed, a more likely option than Rule Britannia is that song that we always play in America for graduations... we call it Pomp and Circumstance but I don't remember the original title.  IMO Rule Britannia is a much better song.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Lettow77 on May 06, 2011, 04:35:04 AM
 Rule Britannia is an amazingly stirring song, and has no place in association with the modern UK.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 04:37:38 AM
I second/third/fourth anyone who said that Rule Brittannia would make a much better anthem. Is it regarded as jingoistic btw? The words are pretty defiant, but not what I would call xenophobic/nationalistic, so I don't see why (if it is) it would be considered inappropriate for a modern day Brittain.

And if you go into the outer space, you can replace "waves" with "space" and continue singing it. :P
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 04:38:14 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 04:20:20 AM
Quote from: Brazen on May 06, 2011, 03:55:32 AM
Talking of which Rule Britannia is much better than God Save the Whatever.
:cool:

I heard once that if Britain's national anthem were to be changed, a more likely option than Rule Britannia is that song that we always play in America for graduations... we call it Pomp and Circumstance but I don't remember the original title.  IMO Rule Britannia is a much better song.

Isn't Pomp and Circumstance "Land of Freedom and Glory"?
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 05:06:09 AM
Is that what it's called?  Yeah, that sounds familiar...
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
I prefer the Battle Hymn of the Republic over the Star Spangled Banner.  But my ideal choice would be to go with Stars and Stripes Forever.  Happy. Positive. Jingoist. Catchy.  It's got a good beat and you can dance to it, Dave.

But nothing touches La Marseillaise as a national anthem.  To arms, citizens.  Form your battalions.  Chop off some motherfucking heads.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 06:55:18 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
But nothing touches La Marseillaise as a national anthem.  To arms, citizens.  Form your battalions.  Chop off some motherfucking heads.
Yeah, at least the French can win in their songs even if they can't do it in real life. :)
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 07:07:30 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 06:55:18 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
But nothing touches La Marseillaise as a national anthem.  To arms, citizens.  Form your battalions.  Chop off some motherfucking heads.
Yeah, at least the French can win in their songs even if they can't do it in real life. :)


History says otherwise, hater.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 07:08:53 AM
Kicking Hitler in the ankle when he's already been machine-gunned in the head and stomach by Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt ain't winning, chief.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Grey Fox on May 06, 2011, 07:29:05 AM
No, I think it actually is.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 07:38:42 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
I prefer the Battle Hymn of the Republic over the Star Spangled Banner.  But my ideal choice would be to go with Stars and Stripes Forever.  Happy. Positive. Jingoist. Catchy.  It's got a good beat and you can dance to it, Dave.

But nothing touches La Marseillaise as a national anthem.  To arms, citizens.  Form your battalions.  Chop off some motherfucking heads.

I agree, it's an awesome song, both music-wise and lyrics-wise.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Grey Fox on May 06, 2011, 07:44:09 AM
What's really good is the first part before the chorus

Allons enfants de la Patrie
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé
Entendez-vous dans nos campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras.
Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes!

Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Syt on May 06, 2011, 07:51:14 AM
I like this prussified version of God Save the King:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgQh3_N_GoQ&feature=related

Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Brazen on May 06, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 04:38:14 AM
Isn't Pomp and Circumstance "Land of Freedom and Glory"?
Land of Hope And Glory
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 06, 2011, 08:01:55 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 07:08:53 AM
Kicking Hitler in the ankle when he's already been machine-gunned in the head and stomach by Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt ain't winning, chief.

Sorry the glorious French ended up beating your beloved Krauts pal :console: no reason to be bitter about it all the time. -_-
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Duque de Bragança on May 06, 2011, 08:54:32 AM
The Marseillaise is a classic and inspired many anthems such as the Portuguese A Portuguesa.
Le Chant de guerre de l'Armée du Rhin has more than one stanza but the one indicated by Grey Fox is the most commonly sung indeed.

I like the Italian anthem as well and my favorite rendition of the German anthem (Deustchland lied) is in the movie Escape to Victory  :D
The Marcha Real is nice as well but fails for having no official/PC lyrics.

While I do find some lyrics of the Marseillaise old-fashioned/un-PC those who criticise it in France are much worse so the Status quo is fine.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
Quote from: Valmy on May 06, 2011, 08:01:55 AM
Sorry the glorious French ended up beating your beloved Krauts pal :console: no reason to be bitter about it all the time. -_-
"My Krauts"?  I ain't a German.  I am: American. :)
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 06, 2011, 09:04:10 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 09:02:18 AM
"My Krauts"?  I ain't a German.  I am: American. :)

Oh sure hop off the Kubelbandwagon when the going gets tough.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Drakken on May 06, 2011, 09:10:20 AM
Quote from: Valmy on May 06, 2011, 08:01:55 AM
Sorry the glorious French ended up beating your beloved Krauts pal :console: no reason to be bitter about it all the time. -_-

The French beat no one, they were trounced like never and in got only by the backdoor because the Germans were too busy fending the Allies in the North.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Ed Anger on May 06, 2011, 09:27:57 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
I prefer the Battle Hymn of the Republic over the Star Spangled Banner.


Damn right. The Battle Hymn makes me cream my pants.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: derspiess on May 06, 2011, 09:34:00 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 05, 2011, 05:45:33 PM
Quote from: Oexmelin on May 05, 2011, 02:03:53 PM
Though it is awkward to sing, I still like l'Internationale...
*checks*

Oh yeah, I remember this song from Summer Games on my C64.  It is pretty good, yeah. :bowler:

P.S. Death to commies.

Was that the one they had for the Soviet Union?  I assumed that was the Soviet anthem until I watched The Hunt for Red October in the theater :ph34r:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: derspiess on May 06, 2011, 09:35:02 AM
Quote from: Scipio on May 05, 2011, 06:15:44 PM
Russian Imperial Anthem, God Save the Tsar.  Good stuff.

Not sure if I've ever heard it.  Got a link to a decent version?
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Cecil on May 06, 2011, 09:36:58 AM
Quote from: Brazen on May 06, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 04:38:14 AM
Isn't Pomp and Circumstance "Land of Freedom and Glory"?
Land of Hope And Glory

Which is a good one but seriously the english national anthem if they ever get one must be Jerusalem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKaJ4b0XYmI&feature=related

One of the most stirring hymns I know. Always make my heart race when I hear a good version.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: derspiess on May 06, 2011, 09:45:53 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
I prefer the Battle Hymn of the Republic over the Star Spangled Banner

Hmm, you may be on to something with that.  I always got a kick out of singing it in church-- it's Hymn #717 in the official United Methodist hymnal, to the dismay of southern Methodists and hippies, who regularly campaign to have it removed.

QuoteBut my ideal choice would be to go with Stars and Stripes Forever.  Happy. Positive. Jingoist. Catchy.  It's got a good beat and you can dance to it, Dave.

I thought about some Sousa marches, but they're maybe a little too upbeat for a national anthem.  The best thing about The Star Spangled Banner is that it tells a defiant story from some of our darkest days, and it's pretty easy to visualize.

QuoteBut nothing touches La Marseillaise as a national anthem.  To arms, citizens.  Form your battalions.  Chop off some motherfucking heads.

You're actually making it sound worse.  It's best for me if I think of it as just a general "French" song.  It was a tragedy when they lost their monarchy, as it was with most Euro countries that lost theirs.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Valmy on May 06, 2011, 10:15:04 AM
Quote from: Drakken on May 06, 2011, 09:10:20 AM
The French beat no one, they were trounced like never and in got only by the backdoor because the Germans were too busy fending the Allies in the North.

:console:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 10:24:17 AM
Quote from: Valmy on May 06, 2011, 09:04:10 AM
Oh sure hop off the Kubelbandwagon when the going gets tough.
I may be of partial German ancestry, but remember the Germans threw my ancestors out of their homeland.  I feel a certain kinship with: the Jews. :cool:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: The Brain on May 06, 2011, 10:32:16 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 10:24:17 AM
Quote from: Valmy on May 06, 2011, 09:04:10 AM
Oh sure hop off the Kubelbandwagon when the going gets tough.
I may be of partial German ancestry, but remember the Germans threw my ancestors out of their homeland.  I feel a certain kinship with: the Jews. :cool:

:rolleyes: Come on, Kin of the Jews.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Gups on May 06, 2011, 11:26:06 AM
Quote from: Cecil on May 06, 2011, 09:36:58 AM
Quote from: Brazen on May 06, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 04:38:14 AM
Isn't Pomp and Circumstance "Land of Freedom and Glory"?
Land of Hope And Glory

Which is a good one but seriously the english national anthem if they ever get one must be Jerusalem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKaJ4b0XYmI&feature=related

One of the most stirring hymns I know. Always make my heart race when I hear a good version.

It's better than the others but I'd prefer the Enigma Variations - Nimrod by Elgar.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: jamesww on May 06, 2011, 11:35:53 AM
Quote from: Gups on May 06, 2011, 11:26:06 AM
Quote from: Cecil on May 06, 2011, 09:36:58 AM
Quote from: Brazen on May 06, 2011, 07:59:49 AM
Quote from: Martinus on May 06, 2011, 04:38:14 AM
Isn't Pomp and Circumstance "Land of Freedom and Glory"?
Land of Hope And Glory

Which is a good one but seriously the english national anthem if they ever get one must be Jerusalem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKaJ4b0XYmI&feature=related

One of the most stirring hymns I know. Always make my heart race when I hear a good version.

It's better than the others but I'd prefer the Enigma Variations - Nimrod by Elgar.

Always brings a tears to my eyes when it's played at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 06, 2011, 09:52:00 PM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
I prefer the Battle Hymn of the Republic over the Star Spangled Banner.  But my ideal choice would be to go with Stars and Stripes Forever.  Happy. Positive. Jingoist. Catchy.  It's got a good beat and you can dance to it, Dave.

But nothing touches La Marseillaise as a national anthem.  To arms, citizens.  Form your battalions.  Chop off some motherfucking heads.

During WWII the US did some propaganda movies for solider called "Why we fight".  You've probably seen them.  The one about the battle of France ends with La Marseillaise with images of the French cavalry charging in North Africa.  Great stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/user/2bn442RCT#p/c/3BBBE2CB1E41BF21/5/G4vVnt23bBI
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 09:55:12 PM
Quote from: derspiess on May 06, 2011, 09:45:53 AM
You're actually making it sound worse.  It's best for me if I think of it as just a general "French" song.  It was a tragedy when they lost their monarchy, as it was with most Euro countries that lost theirs.

That's bullshit, and you know it.  As an American you fail.  Go to Canada, and suck Neil's monarchist cock, you fag.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Legbiter on May 06, 2011, 10:07:07 PM
The Norwegian one is nice, in the stodgy Scandinavian tradition, except all the verses between the first and the last are basically cheat sheets for your history exam.

My national anthem is just a plea to God not to kill us all at once. :lol: The Finnish one boiled down is "this land we live on, it's rather nice." The American one is all "Where's the flag, you seen the flag, where is it, oh there it is".
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Barrister on May 06, 2011, 11:18:00 PM
Quote from: Legbiter on May 06, 2011, 10:07:07 PM
The Norwegian one is nice, in the stodgy Scandinavian tradition, except all the verses between the first and the last are basically cheat sheets for your history exam.

My national anthem is just a plea to God not to kill us all at once. :lol: The Finnish one boiled down is "this land we live on, it's rather nice." The American one is all "Where's the flag, you seen the flag, where is it, oh there it is".

I was always amused by Ukraine's national anthem.

Ukraine: we're not dead yet!
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Syt on May 06, 2011, 11:53:16 PM
I always thought, since 2004 this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylmwKwGp8zc) was the official Ukrainian anthem (starting at 0:40)?

Or was it this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RODg5ZlPct4)? I forget.  :blush:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Zoupa on May 07, 2011, 12:28:47 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 07:07:30 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 06, 2011, 06:55:18 AM
Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 06, 2011, 05:32:02 AM
But nothing touches La Marseillaise as a national anthem.  To arms, citizens.  Form your battalions.  Chop off some motherfucking heads.
Yeah, at least the French can win in their songs even if they can't do it in real life. :)


History says otherwise, hater.
BOOKMARKED FOR FUCKING ETERNITY
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: The Brain on May 07, 2011, 01:29:25 AM
Quote from: Razgovory on May 06, 2011, 09:52:00 PM
The one about the battle of France ends with La Marseillaise with images of the French cavalry charging in North Africa. 

:hmm:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: DGuller on May 07, 2011, 01:39:25 AM
I always wondered why some anthems go like "God save the Queen/King/Czar.  Do monarchs really want to make it sound like they need to be babied by God?
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Barrister on May 07, 2011, 01:51:31 AM
Quote from: Syt on May 06, 2011, 11:53:16 PM
I always thought, since 2004 this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylmwKwGp8zc) was the official Ukrainian anthem (starting at 0:40)?

Or was it this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RODg5ZlPct4)? I forget.  :blush:

err... no, it's been Sche Ne Vmerla Ukraina for as long as I've known... :unsure:
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: DGuller on May 07, 2011, 02:15:51 AM
Ukraine's anthem is another strange one.  "Ukraine didn't die yet."  How uplifting.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Lucidor on May 07, 2011, 03:58:16 AM
You got me listening to Laibach's Volk CD on Spotify. I love the version of the French national anthem. :D
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Caliga on May 07, 2011, 06:12:17 AM
Quote from: DGuller on May 07, 2011, 02:15:51 AM
Ukraine's anthem is another strange one.  "Ukraine didn't die yet."  How uplifting.
Seems appropriate for Ukraine, though.
Title: Re: Best National anthem
Post by: Razgovory on May 07, 2011, 11:15:52 AM
Quote from: DGuller on May 07, 2011, 01:39:25 AM
I always wondered why some anthems go like "God save the Queen/King/Czar.  Do monarchs really want to make it sound like they need to be babied by God?

Nicolas the II could have used all the help he could get.