Eurovision

I never thought I would like it. But Radio Japan played Japanese Hip Hop. It was good.

On the heels of an Orange Revolution, Ukraine recently hosted the 50th Eurovison Contest. You know at least one previous winner. The song was Waterloo sung by Abba.

As singers sing, people throughout Europe call to vote their favorites. One restriction. Voters cannot vote for a song from the country they are calling from.

Take an hour. There is no shortage of excellent voices. But not every song is championship material. Most are worthy. Remember. This is radio. Ken Bruce is BBC's Radio Two, old, white haired commentator who is not politically correct - my favorite people. Therefore we get to see on the words of Ken Bruce what actually is on stage. Begins with a song from last years Ukrainian winner. Nice song.

The Eurovision Song Contest with Ken Bruce

Under BBC2, click on the link entitled "Listen Again".

The Economist recently summarized a study of how politics may play into the voting. Some countries are more likely to sponsor winners due to Euro-bias. UK is typically well received. France does not do well. Malta was a favorite for me. However that type of music is said to not win in Eurovision. I also liked Sweden's song. Again, judges did not agree.

I believe RealAudio must be on your computer for this to work. Another link that may replay this Eurovison Radio show (even via a modem):
Eurovision from BBC Radio 2
But unfortunately, this link may be into its last days. I believe Medialink will then charge to replay Eurovision 2005.

tw wrote:

UK is typically well received

I don't know if that's true... we got 10 points this year I think. But then our song was shite. I can never understand the notion of 'let's put the worst act we have in the country onto eurovision, that'll do the trick' /brisk self-satisfied slapping of hands/ only to complain when Eastern Europe votes for itself and we only get a pity vote from Ireland.

At 8 PM (UK time), BBC Radio One will stream Eurovision 2006. From 37 nations, the finalist were selected Friday. One entrant that has created the greatest buzz is Finland's Lordi. Best that you see them yourself to appreciate why.

The initial 37 entrants are listed at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/eurovision/2006/contestants/index.shtml

Finalists for Saturday include Russia, FYR Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lithuania, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Sweden, Turkey, and Armenia.
Try Eurovision 2006 for more information from Radio One.

I never "got" Eurovision. Then I went to Norway. Then it all made sense.

Catwoman wrote:

I don't know if that's true... we got 10 points this year I think. But then our song was shite. I can never understand the notion of 'let's put the worst act we have in the country onto eurovision, that'll do the trick' /brisk self-satisfied slapping of hands/ only to complain when Eastern Europe votes for itself and we only get a pity vote from Ireland.

1,000 posts Catwoman! Congrats!

But about the Eurovision Song Contest. For me it's always been about watching something I thought would be good and then at the end wondering why I had. There was a time when I would watch it each year in the hope that it would get better - I never took on board it wouldn't. Afraid it ambles past now without much attention here in the UK, banished to the edge of BBC3 on TV. Abba were to my mind the only memorable event in all the years it's been on, and I remember the days when Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson sang for the UK!

Cyclefrance wrote:

. There was a time when I would watch it each year in the hope that it would get better - I never took on board it wouldn't. Afraid it ambles past now without much attention here in the UK, banished to the edge of BBC3 on TV. Abba were to my mind the only memorable event in all the years ...

But this Finland group called Lordi seems to have so much attention. They don't even go into public 'out of costume' - or so it was reported.

But then how would we know what they look like?

well, Finns won......

TBH, I only watch for Terry's commentary........ this years show was 'amazing'...

Cyclefrance wrote:

1,000 posts Catwoman! Congrats!

PSST! dude, that was last year. i think she buggered off.

JayMcGee wrote:

well, Finns won......

Somebody told me the final score before I got to watch the game.

Lordi, Lordi, Lordi...... maybe I was wrong about Eurovision....!

:eek:

Makes Kiss look sort of conservative by comparison.

Hagar wrote:

I never "got" Eurovision. Then I went to Norway. Then it all made sense.

I take it all back. I still don't "get" Eurovision.

I can't decide if that's badass or pathetic...

Lordi. lol

kind of badass, but leaning ever so slightly pathetic.

I want to name a band "lol"

I was thinking it reminded me of GWAR.

They further their production in concert by dousing, spraying, and at times nearly drowning their audiences with imitation blood, semen, gore, and other bodily fluids.

Ah yes, GWAR....Flattus Maximus, Balsac the Jaws of Death, Oderus Urungus, Beefcake the Mighty and Jizmak Da Gusha. :rolleyes:

In fairness to Lordi, I've only seen the picture, I haven't heard 'em. He may sing like a boid.

Personally, I think they might as well stop Eurovision.
It's so retarded nowadays, people make decent songs but get no votes. Why? Because it's all down to countries voting for their next door neighbours, or because they have some deals and/or are friendly with them.

Such as Albania being friendly with Russia, and Portugal giving 12 (If I remember correctly) to Spain.
Coincidence? I think not.