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This is the thread where we watch the Eurovision Semi-Finals

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They're being streamed on the internet! www.eurovision.tv or www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision should be streaming them both from 8PM tonite British time... about four hours from now, basically.

And this is the thread where we watch them! In four hours time.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 14:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Would you like some previews with that?

― mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 19 May 2005 14:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Or would you prefer them in a printable format?

― mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 19 May 2005 15:37 (twenty-one years ago)

GO AUSTRIA! The Global.Kyner album is GREAT! Sorta!

I'm irked that I'll be stuck @ work until two hours into the damn thing. I would also gladly link to the Eurovision thingy I pooped out for P!tchfr0ck, but I'm guessing most of the folks that'll happen on this thread already know 90% of what I talk about, so I'll save ye the blue text.

Mike, the Irish entry should get negative points.

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 16:02 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I've heard most of the tunes, so here goes with my preview!!!

01. Austria. Pretty decent- cuban folk and yodelling!!!!!

02. Lithuania. OK- Texas-tyle rock-dance hybrid...

03. Portugal. Reasonably catchy, but nothing special...

04. Moldova This is my favourite!!!! Great catchy rock number, with great "whistle" hook!!!!!

05. Latvia Ballady stuff in the vein of Savage Garden!!!! Not bad actually...

06. Monaco Like one of those orchestra-laden ballads you used to get in 70s Eurovision!!!!!!!! Yawn!!!!!!!!!

07. Israel Sounds like one of those ballads that J-Lo or Christine Aguilera use to fill up their albums!!!!!!!!! Avoid!!!!!

08. Belarus Bit bizzare this one!!!!! Starts off sounding all guitary like an 80s Bonnie Tyler record, then suddenly turns into something like Ronnie Hazelhurst ripping off an old Bobby Orlando record!!!!!! To the tune of "I Will Survive"!!!!!!!! Despite this, it's not particularly good.

09. The Netherlands Really really terrible ballad!!!!!!!!!!

10. Iceland Very well executed pop
but not exactly impressive... One of many gazillion entries this year either influenced by Middle Eastern strings and percussion!!!!! Or at the very least ripping off elements of Britney's "Toxic"!!!!!

11. Belgium Hilariously over-the-top kitchen-sink ballad!!!!!!!! I'm surprised they didn't have fireworks exploding at the end of it!!!!!!!!!!1

12. Estonia A bit like the Donnas, only not quite as good!!!!!

13. Norway Big Hair 80s rock a la Bon Jovi!!!1! And it's a pretty decent tune as well!!!!!

14. Romania Another Ronnie Hazelhurst Does Dance!!!!! (Though a bit better than the Belarus one...)

15. Hungary One of those "modern pop with folkie bits thrown in" numbers!!!!!!! This is supposed to be one of the favourites!!!! Despit this, it's not bad.

16. Finland Sounds very much like a 70s folkie-rock number!!!!! You half expect Gerry Rafferty to come in on the chorus!!!!!

17. FYR Macedonia Pop on auto-pilot!!!! Yawn!!!!!!!

18. Andorra More auto-pilot pop!!!! ZZZzzz!!!!!!!!!!

19. Switzerland Crikey, this is a dark tune by Eurovision standards!!!!! One of the lines goes: "Cool vibes, why don't you kill me?" then jumps in a 80s rock arrangement of the type that Cher used to sing along to!!!!!!!!!

20. Croatia The song's a bit meh, but the arrangement's quite nice!!!!!!!

21. Bulgaria Not heard yet!!!!!!!!

22. Ireland I think Ireland's trying to a do a Father Ted here and enter the worst possible song in order to not stand a chance of winning and hosting the thing the following year!!!!!!! The tune really is utter bobbins, the arrangement might as well be done on a Bontempi organ, and it appears to be sung by the Irish equivalent of Cindy and Bert!!!!!!!!

23. Slovenia This is a bit wierd as it appears to be a cross between a standard syrupy pop ballad and one Muse's more dramatic show-stopping numbers!!!!!!!! Doesn't exactly save it though!!!!!!!

24. Denmark Hmmm... Starts off like a ballad then turns into a bit of light reggae for the chorus!!!! Like that's going to lift it up!!!!!

25. Poland Not heard yet, but I'll be interested to see what they'll come up with!!!!

My fave 3 are: Moldovia, Austria, Norway!!!!!

― Old Fart!!! (oldfart_sd), Thursday, 19 May 2005 16:14 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, Norway Norway Norway. Norway. Europe. Norway.

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 16:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Indeed. Norway all the way!

― mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 19 May 2005 17:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Lor', what is up with this stream?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Neither work so well for me. The BBC one just doesn't work (probably something to do with real player), and the Eurovision.tv one is still pretty dodgy. I tried the "high quality" one, and it was like watching a webcam updating every 5 seconds or so. Then I tried the "low quality" one, and the framerate's fine (the quality is low, as advertised).

The thing is, they both played from the start, so I assume I'm about five minutes behind everyone else?

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, we've got Austria.

If this qualifies, I'd be a little surprised.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh fantastic, both feeds are starting from where they're supposed to be now. Framerate's pretty terrible on both though.

What I heard of Austria was nuts!

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:12 (twenty-one years ago)

They appear to be pinning their hopes on Tyrolean maiden fetishists and people who enjoy comedy yodelling noises. Hmm. Nice song though.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Voila Lithuania.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:13 (twenty-one years ago)

The Irish entry is fucking terrible.

But it was mostly voted for by the public!

― Ronan (Ronan), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:14 (twenty-one years ago)

This is a good song, but the singer's voice ain't especially suited for the English language. Lovely chorus though.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:15 (twenty-one years ago)

Keep us updated! I'm downloading the latest realplayer (I'll worry about what it's done to my computer later tonight). Which stream are you using?

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:17 (twenty-one years ago)

I've no idea who we've currently got, but they sound like they're being played on the PA at Woolworths.

Ah Portugal. Yer right, Mike, this is dreary as all hell.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:19 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm running the low stream off the eurovision.tv site. The sound ain't great, but even if it weren't the Portuguese entry would still suck. Man and woman sort of shout some platitudes at each other over the Lighthouse Family attempting a jazzier edge to their work. This won't make it past this stage.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Now, the Ukraine collectively shits itself for - MOLDOVA!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:21 (twenty-one years ago)

This is FANTASTIC

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:22 (twenty-one years ago)

This is completely insensible. Imagine the Levellers fronted by King advertising Dairylea by covering The Dismemberment Plan. This must make the final.

And now. Drumming Grandma. Fucking hell. WINNER.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:24 (twenty-one years ago)

LATVIA!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh dear. Twin acoustic guitar boys on stools... cross yer fingers...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:25 (twenty-one years ago)

And they're up!

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:26 (twenty-one years ago)

This song is actually getting good, though the one on the left looks like Richard Clayderman and is trying far too hard with the singing.

first "C'MON EUROPE!" of the night...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Monaco! What do we want from them?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:30 (twenty-one years ago)

This is truly the death of culture.

― Daniel Cohen (dayan), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:31 (twenty-one years ago)

ILX went down briefly during Monaco, we missed Pretty French Girl In Tedious Ballad Shocker.

Israel next.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Israel's - dull as dishwater.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Three ballads in a row, the last two of which have been flat-out average. The Israeli girl's been made up to look like Mariah Carey, regardless of the fact that she quite obviously Isn't Very Tall.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh dear. Twin acoustic guitar boys on stools... cross yer fingers...

??
http://www.rocktoys.com/1594.jpg

― jaymc (jaymc), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Belarus. Concerted crowd chanting for them. Ooh, moody intro.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Good old fashioned Eastern European disco, without the 'good' bit. When's her dress come off, then?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:38 (twenty-one years ago)

Please don't sing loudly madam, people might hear you.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:38 (twenty-one years ago)

Belarus was pretty dire.

― Daniel Cohen (dayan), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Off comes the dress, to reveal... trousers. They won't be staying for the weekend.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Sounds not made to be played over a low-bitrate internet stream, #674: Fireworks.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:42 (twenty-one years ago)

Up next,The Dutch.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:42 (twenty-one years ago)

Netherlands - This is dreadful, the worst so far. Inspired intro video with couples kissing and picking tulips.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:43 (twenty-one years ago)

"The gauntlet has been thrown/My colors have been shown"? Ronnie James Dio couldn't write a couplet like that.

― Daniel Cohen (dayan), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Good spot on the Whitney Houston comparisons there, Mr Diva. This, much like the majority of Whitney's work, is awful but incredibly fucking loud. I don't think I could stand it twice.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Y ASI FUCKERS

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Also, Old Fart!!!!!!!!'s comments re: Israel are SO WRONG!!!!!

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:46 (twenty-one years ago)

Hello Dave.

ooh, the Ice types. This is a definite improvement.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Cheap Britney Spears - Toxic ripoff.

― Bas van Duren (BvD), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:48 (twenty-one years ago)

This sounds like one of those Emma Bunton numbers that are great but would be even better sung by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Most likely overall winner thus far.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:48 (twenty-one years ago)

And now, portentously, here come the Belgians.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:50 (twenty-one years ago)

If this were the Eurovision Beard Contest, I think we'd have our winner right here.

― Daniel Cohen (dayan), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Estonia!

My fave.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

(a naff girls aloud, so i'm told)

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:52 (twenty-one years ago)

He really does look like Travolta's about to beat the shit out of him.

That is the least necessary introduction of guitar ever.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Hello to everyone joining the thread in progress, by the way. Stream wise, the BBC have given up the ghost totally, but http://www.eurovision.tv appears to be going OK.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:53 (twenty-one years ago)

hehe Estonia rocks.. Tongue in cheek!

― Ludo (Ludo), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:54 (twenty-one years ago)

thank you, good to be here.

I'm watching via http://www2.songfestival.nl/ pretty decent stream, Dutch commentary.

Estonia: finally get out from behind those silly mixing desks.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:55 (twenty-one years ago)

Augh! I want to watch this! Damn you CORPORATION X!

(Howdy, Mr. S!)

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:55 (twenty-one years ago)

No, that Songfestival link works beautifully - broadband, all the shit. Marvellous. Thank you very much Koens. Here's Norway.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Antony of the Johnsons goes glamrock.

― Ludo (Ludo), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:57 (twenty-one years ago)

The boys in Wigwam make much prettier girls than the girls in Suntribe, for what it's worth.

― Daniel Cohen (dayan), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:58 (twenty-one years ago)

what was that? the shouty one sounded like Helen Love. "lets get down" indeed.

― elwisty (elwisty), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Hang on. Waving orange flag. In the Ukraine. That's some slightly dodgy ground, innit?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 18:59 (twenty-one years ago)

This feed makes everything sound very Pavement. A lo fi Darkness? My mind hurts.

― elwisty (elwisty), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Anyhow. Norway. Decent, probably through, not terribly special, maybe saving it for Saturday.

now, Romania bring the flutes.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Whoosh! Into The Stars Of The Hit West End Musical STOMP!

TERRIFYING HIGH NOTE! EUrOdIScO! Will finish 9th.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:02 (twenty-one years ago)

ANGLE GRINDERS!

ANGLE GRINDERS!

ANGLE GRINDERS!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:03 (twenty-one years ago)

I dunno if anyone's ever terrorised their way into the final before, but that has a good shot as any. Argh.

And now, Hungary.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Anyone care for some cup of Michael Flatley?

― Bas van Duren (BvD), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

So, my mother calls to say the bloke from Norway's entry "isn't a very big man". Should I be as disgusted as I am, or just happy she's watching the semi-finals too?

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Hungary is indeed Riverdance + bandwagon-jumping 'Eastern' feel.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:06 (twenty-one years ago)

I like this, it sounds like one of their intermission shows.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:07 (twenty-one years ago)

If there's any Hungarians reading this, do your folk dancers always look this petrified?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:07 (twenty-one years ago)

Újra Társ a házban pályázat!

I think.

― Bas van Duren (BvD), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:07 (twenty-one years ago)

Did the Finnish bloke just rhyme 'surveillance' with 'silence'???

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Finland now, with a man who metaphorically has 'TWAT' written all over him. AKI RIIHILAHTI! YOUR BOY... is rubbish.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

God, these are some dreadful hand gestures. And his backing singers have to replicate them. What you're missing sound-wise is David Brent's version of 'If You Don't Know Me By Now'.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:10 (twenty-one years ago)

We are all asking WHY , i think.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Last with a bullet.

Next... it's the Green Room. Dutch Man is talking all over our hosts. Good boy.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:11 (twenty-one years ago)

What you're missing sound-wise is David Brent's version of 'If You Don't Know Me By Now'

OTM

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Is it my imagination, or is he not taking the piss out of them?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:13 (twenty-one years ago)

FYR Macedonia! They've got more words in their name than you!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Is it my imagination, or is he not taking the piss out of them?

Sorry, I try not to hear them. They are the Dutch Terry Wogan AND Simon Cowell. Of sorts.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:15 (twenty-one years ago)

FYR Macedonia! They've got more words in their name than you!

They've got more words in their name than in their song.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:16 (twenty-one years ago)

1) Is this man miming?

2) Is this man Nick Faldo?

3) This dancing is ...

Oh jesus, he's got gigantic drums too. For Macedonia, I would imagine it ends here.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Here's Andorra, letting them eat bagpipe in a very slow and underpowered manner.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Isn't that the same dress the lady from Monaco was wearing?

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:21 (twenty-one years ago)

And now, some Estonians repping it for The Swiss.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Of course, it's hard to distinguish between the wardrobes of most acts, when this stream makes it look like they're all wearing gold cotton wool.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Looking good. Woman with guitar is always a big up. Hmmm...

― Bas van Duren (BvD), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:23 (twenty-one years ago)

Switzerland! They've got more guitars than you! This is definitely one of the better songs thus far - nice and structured and powered, even if the lyrics are a bit meh.

(astro - get on the Dutch stream, it's tons better.)

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:24 (twenty-one years ago)

Dutch person - "Guurl Powerr."

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:25 (twenty-one years ago)

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART OH YEAH

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:25 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm not watching, but, y'know, "Cool Vibes".

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Still not convinced by the Swiss song. It's Vanilla Ninja, should be great, but isn't.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Dave - you got it working then? I'd like to know if the stream works in the US...

Croatia have hired a generic tall bloke with a side parting. More fucking kettle drums.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Kettle drum man does handstand, attempts to clap along with his feet. A valiant effort, but a rubbish one.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:28 (twenty-one years ago)

What is this, the Eurovision Drum Contest? (xpost!)

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Nononono, I wish! I can't watch until I leave work.

They wouldn't be broadcasting this on BBC America, would they?

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Bulgaria attempt smooth 80's ness, but forget the Kangol hats. Dull, but my instincts suggest that because it's not sounded like much else so far this evening it might well come through.

Dave - I don't think so, but there'll be internet streams all over the place. The Dutch one's been dead reliable thus far. The BBC, not so much.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Is this really the 21st song? Time really does fly when you're enjoying yourself.

However, this sounds like music from a slow level in a Sonic the Hedgehog game.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Stevie Wonder did that trick a thousand times better kid!!

― Bas van Duren (BvD), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Jamiroquai ballad, or a Style Council one.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:32 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm sorry to be missing this but work calls (for once). Sounds amusing though...

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:33 (twenty-one years ago)

But no big drums or flutes, thankfully.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Jeebus it's almost over?

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Jamai!

― Bas van Duren (BvD), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Nice to hear Ireland are getting some use out of the awful "orchestra hit" sound on the Yamaha keyboard I had as a kid.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:36 (twenty-one years ago)

I go to the loo and return to the sound of deafening silence oh no it's just Slovenia.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:38 (twenty-one years ago)

Nice xylophone though.

And there's the change of tone.

It's a bit of mess.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:39 (twenty-one years ago)

It's Joey from Friends. And he has no clue what he's doing there.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, that facial expression is perviness in a bottle. Let it qualify.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:40 (twenty-one years ago)

I share the same sentiment as his shirt. STOP

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Danish reggae!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:41 (twenty-one years ago)

It's an even bigger cunt than the Finnish man!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Denmark! clunkiest transition in a song so far.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:42 (twenty-one years ago)

Denmark - more awful hand gestures. I mean, the international sign for "ocean" when he's singing "devotion"?

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, what will he do when he sings 'ranking'?

Actually, it's not that bad.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:44 (twenty-one years ago)

PATRICK KIELTY EYES! God, the synchronised camera looking is genuinely fucking terrifying. This might go all the way, though, if only because he's just plain evil.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Poland!

Holy shit, it's something faster than 5 BPM!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Lai lai lai laaai - I'm sold!

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Complaining about the oil barrel percussion hmpf. You young people don't know how good you have it. When I was a kid we would sit there watching, clutching our Neubauten LPs, dreaming of seeing oil barrel pounding on Eurovision.

― OleM (OleM), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Fantastic! No verses! No clue! Plus - blonde accordion girl! Man, this is what people mean when they talk about the genius of Mike Jones saying his name a lot... yes please.

That's the songs, now the voting. Can someone who knows what happens let us know?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Swiss got my vote.

― Bas van Duren (BvD), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:49 (twenty-one years ago)

It's the chimes of rubbishness to herald - Voting Time!

So long as Moldova get in and Finland don't, I'm chipper.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:50 (twenty-one years ago)

10 minutes to vote have started, and they're doing a recap - which'll take up most of those 10 minutes I guess.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Go Moldova!

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, Moldova. I was rooting for Estonia, but they were disappointing.

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:52 (twenty-one years ago)

On the recap, I noticed that what lets Iceland down most is the chorus, which is totally unimaginative.

― OleM (OleM), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:56 (twenty-one years ago)

AUSTRIA DAMN IT! Going first in these sorts of things is always gonna screw ya.

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Also, be on the look out for this year's Ukrainian entrant in the finals. Makes Ireland's sound really damn good.

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:57 (twenty-one years ago)

01. Austria.
02. Lithuania.
04. Moldova
05. Latvia
10. Iceland
14. Romania
15. Hungary
19. Switzerland
23. Slovenia
25. Poland

is what I'd go for. But I have no credit on the phone. Bugger. GO DRUMMING GRANNY!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Hm - no Norway? Is this because he isn't a 'big man' too?

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 19:59 (twenty-one years ago)

No, it's cos that orange-flag waving was, quite frankly, cheap. And the song just wasn't that hot, really.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Ooh, excitement. I ended up voting for Norway, Estonia, Israel and Moldova. Did anyone else notice a dip in sound quality during Norway?

― mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:01 (twenty-one years ago)

Why Israel, Mike?

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Yep, my mum said there was, and she was watching on BBC3. I didn’t notice anything on the web stream though.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:02 (twenty-one years ago)

Strange that she should mention that really. Was it really bad?

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Really liked the way she delivered the song, Koens. Proper singing, that was. I've heard it a few times and it's grown on me.

Also enjoyed copying Glennis Grace's Big Arm Movements...

― mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:05 (twenty-one years ago)

(xposts - I'm referring to the dip in sound quality, not Israel's entry)

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:09 (twenty-one years ago)

omg Bosnia & Hercegovina's girlgroup is called Femminem!?

― OleM (OleM), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Still to come on Saturday night - MORE FUCKING DRUMS, Malta rip off Armando Iannucci's idea about the dead doing a dance, the Spanish entry might be half decent, Serbia probably won't be, Martin Stenmarck Is Not Alcazar, Russia are more rock than Germany, and France have a song too. Hooray for France.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Dutch bloke: "Oh.... Jeesus."

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Hungary get slot 1!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Second in the draw, 4th on the night - Romania!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:12 (twenty-one years ago)

5th on the night - Norway! ROCK! or something.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:12 (twenty-one years ago)

MOLDOVA ARE THROUGH! C'MON!!!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:12 (twenty-one years ago)

They get slot 7. Slot 11... Israel! The Dutch sound surprised.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Slot 13, it's the terrifying Danes and their jelly-legs.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:13 (twenty-one years ago)

MACEDONIA?

Dutch bloke: "Hej?"

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:14 (twenty-one years ago)

omg Bosnia & Hercegovina's girlgroup is called Femminem!?

I downloaded this about a week ago, it's not as bad as you might think! I'll gmail if you want.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:14 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, this is weird. Next through are CROATIA, for fuck's sakes.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:14 (twenty-one years ago)

The Ninjas are through for the Swiss, finally it's...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:14 (twenty-one years ago)

Woo Switzerland!

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:15 (twenty-one years ago)

Latvia!

The dutchmen sound right fucked off. If you'd just lost to Croatia, so would you be. This also means that the Icelandic entry's gone too. Oh dear.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:15 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh well, at least we've been spared Finland.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:16 (twenty-one years ago)

fair enough result!

― Koens (Koens), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Isn't it about time that the former Yugoslav republic unite again now? At least for ESC only?

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:17 (twenty-one years ago)

And, I mean: No Iceland? No Estonia? What were they thinking?

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:18 (twenty-one years ago)

I am now starting to think there might be a point about the East European voting block. Macedonia and Croatia really did suck quite badly. And where was Lai lai lai lai lai lai lai etc.? Justice by and large, but... hmm.

C'MON DRUMMING GRANNY!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:18 (twenty-one years ago)

I downloaded this about a week ago, it's not as bad as you might think! I'll gmail if you want.

In fact, it is the only decent entry from the former Yugoslavia this year.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:19 (twenty-one years ago)

Wot, no Glennis? No formation scratchers? No arriba-oompahs? No Polish gabba-nipples? Gutted, mate.

But what's this: the Danish reggae? Ver Ninje? The Latvan sign language? That Macedonian nonsense? Gobsmacked, frankly.

― mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Did anyone else notice a dip in sound quality during Norway?

I most certainly did, but it was considerably worse during Ireland.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Btw. Been watching elsewhere than here, but that Romanian number certainly brought several new dimensions to the world of musical instruments. :-)

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Hmmm, I'm a bit miffed about Lai lai lai actually.

― astropatty (adr), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Fucking hell, I forgot about Austria too. Hmm. When you put it like that, Mike, it gets upsetting.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:23 (twenty-one years ago)

The speaker on Norwegian TV expected Poland among the favourites, but they didn't even reach the finals (in spite of being last one out, which is usually an advantage). To me it sounded more like the kind of stuff that is usually played during the break to give a taster of the host country's ethnic music and dance though.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Thursday, 19 May 2005 20:25 (twenty-one years ago)

FCKING FOREIGNERS! What's not to love about a yodeling polka track about a Cuban girl and an Austria dude hooking up to DANCE? There's a reason you people drive on the wrong side of the road and don't speak English. For fck's sake. I'm gonna go eat a burger.

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 21:17 (twenty-one years ago)

I didn't watch this, but I got a phone call from a friend this morning VERY EARLY saying "Edward, I know you weren't planning on finding out results before delayed telecast, BUT I AM UPSET AND MUST TELL YOU".

Iceland's song was very overrated, and if Selma failed to sing it well, it wouldn't have surprised me. I'm far more upset that the best song in the competition, Lithuania's, didn't get through.

I'll be rooting for Bosnia, Greece and Norway, and to a lesser extent, Switzerland, as I wuv Vanilla Ninja to death and will claim quite genuinely that their album of last year (Traces of Sadness) is actually a really top listen from beginning to end.

Feminnem should do very well as they're quite popular in a few of the ex-Yu countries. Their single of last year, "Volim Te Mrzim Te" was great.

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 19 May 2005 21:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Btw, "Lorraine In The Rain" must be the dumbest pun ever, no?

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Thursday, 19 May 2005 21:40 (twenty-one years ago)

I'd love to know how a in-title rhyme qualifies as a pun.

Feminnem ugh.

― David R. (popshots75`), Thursday, 19 May 2005 22:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Feminnem's is the most ABBA-esque song in the finals. By which I mean that it sounds like Charlotte Nielssen's "Take Me To Your Heaven".

― edward o (edwardo), Thursday, 19 May 2005 22:08 (twenty-one years ago)

It sounds more modern, from what I've heard of it. I mean, the song itself is rather similar to "Take Me To Your Heaven", but the latter sounded like an early ABBA effort, while the Femminem one sounds a bit more 80s.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Friday, 20 May 2005 00:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Sadly, Femminem's best work would be done with the mighty Slavic pop-production powerhouse that is Colonia, who I don't believe had a hand in "Call Me".

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 20 May 2005 00:15 (twenty-one years ago)

Glennis' manager on the radio this morning felt that she wz robbed. But i don't know. It was one of the worst songs, and no arm waving can make up for that.
No Estonia is unfortunate, but it just didn't work on the night, no matter how great their recorded version sounded.

Rooting for Moldova now.

― Koens (Koens), Friday, 20 May 2005 05:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Estonia should've sent some real Estonian girls, those girls were fake. (probably Russian :P)

― Ludo (Ludo), Friday, 20 May 2005 06:23 (twenty-one years ago)

Anybody else agree that there are now so many songs with "ethnic" elements that, while those elements sounded like a breath of fresh air a few years ago, there is now way too much of it and it has become a rather naff cliche rather than an interesting element?

IMO the ethnic entries kind of kill each other because there are too obviously many of them.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Friday, 20 May 2005 07:44 (twenty-one years ago)

For fans of Nox's Riverdance-turbo-folk, here's a video of a single they did last year: (2.5Mb WMV)

http://s30.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3H8166VJK2H113G1WJVDB6D6U0

Highlight: bad dancing, ugly people not in the band lip-synching and a musical instrument formed by an unholy union between some bagpipes and a chicken. Sounds like it's sung backwards, which I thought might be a trait of Hungarian language, but no other Hu-pop song I've heard has this trait.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 20 May 2005 09:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Having watched it now, I'm actually convinced by "Cool Vibes" now. Vanilla Ninja are a quintessential video band, they're so much better when you can watch them (fave video of theirs is "Don't Go Too Fast" which has them rocking out in a women's prison and being felt up by dykey prison guards), and the song has grown on me a bit.

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 20 May 2005 10:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Anyone know where I can get my hands on the Swiss, Norwegian and Slovenian entries? I don't really want to buiy the whole Eurovision album

― re (rde), Friday, 20 May 2005 14:24 (twenty-one years ago)

1) SLSK

2) Eurovision dot net (I think)

3) Buy the Eurovision album

― David R. (popshots75`), Friday, 20 May 2005 14:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Estonian entry = Chicks on Speed

― moley, Friday, 20 May 2005 21:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Listening a bit more to the Femminem entry, I do find it slightly too banal. Sounding a bit like the stuff Sweden have usually come up with lately.

In fact, this year, I find myself liking the Norwegian entry best, which has only occured three times earlier (1993, 1995 and 2003)

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Saturday, 21 May 2005 02:03 (twenty-one years ago)

The Norwegian entry is quite triumphant, and they look hilarious but great. I fancy them as winners this year. Overall I think the songs this year are more interesting, if only because people are experimenting more.

― moley, Saturday, 21 May 2005 05:15 (twenty-one years ago)

The experimentation would normally be a good thing, but when half of the songs are "ethnic" in some form or other, it basically leads to them killing each other more or less. The first instances of Balkan pop were refreshing breaths of life in the contest, but by now, half of the entries are Balkan pop, which is too much for its own good.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Saturday, 21 May 2005 09:50 (twenty-one years ago)

AUSTRIA WUZ ROBBED

― joseph (joseph), Saturday, 21 May 2005 17:20 (twenty-one years ago)

so anyone watching the final? or am i the only one?

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Me, I'm watching it. Four songs in and I'm predicting a win for the fellow fat chick that is the Maltese girl.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:23 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm a bit confused with all this metal working for the romanian entry.

The Maltese one sounded a bit too much like that 'but I'm your angel' song.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Scratch that. Norway have just come on.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:25 (twenty-one years ago)

yeah. erm WTF? I want norway to win just for breaking all the eurovision stereotypes

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:26 (twenty-one years ago)

OH MY GOD! They must win! Text now!

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:26 (twenty-one years ago)

this Norway act are totally crap - every cliche AOR Heavy Rock

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:28 (twenty-one years ago)

From now on every rock band should have see through monitors instead of those dull black ones.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Turkey, dismal.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:32 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm backing Chiara thus far. Wigwam have the air of winners, though, which is depressing. I think I can get why, but they're just so... meh. You have a flag. Well done.

Now, though - DRUMMING GRANNY!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:34 (twenty-one years ago)

It's the Moldovian Red Hot Chilli Peppers!

― marianna, Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:34 (twenty-one years ago)

the lead singer of the modolvans is trying too much of a rhcp thing though. it's putting me off. though the drumming granny is a good thing. They should put her at the front of the stage

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:35 (twenty-one years ago)

My money's on Chiara, but my heart is in Norway. Plucky Moldova though, you have to love them.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:36 (twenty-one years ago)

If the Albanians don't shoot someone during their song, then everything people have told me about Albania is a lie.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Albania, welcome to 14th position.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:38 (twenty-one years ago)

Did Moldova just like, win the universe?

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Clearly

― Jena (JenaP), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:41 (twenty-one years ago)

there's a lot of drumming this year isn't there?

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:43 (twenty-one years ago)

all the songs are utter rubbish.

If Britain entered elizabeth fraser doing a similar type track to "Song to the Siren" they would win easily.

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Um, you have seen the Eurovision before, haven't you? It's always like this.

I want to kill the Spanish women now.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:46 (twenty-one years ago)

WHERE THE FUCK DID THOSE SPANISH BLOKES COME FROM?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:46 (twenty-one years ago)

It is the Spanish Einar!

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Isn't this just the Spanish version of that group who did 'No Way No Way'?
xpost

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Arrggh the israel entry wants to be mariah carey.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:49 (twenty-one years ago)

She's translated her song already! She clearly thinks she's going to win.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Reading the lyric subtitles, the Spanish song seemed to be all about kinky bondage sex.

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

hmm, ketchup song anyone?
also : if you have teletext or digital/freeview turn on the subtitles, they translate all the lyrics for added hilarity value.

― zappi (joni), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

this sounds like GLORY OF LOVE by Peter Cetera sung by a woman

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Israel have really shifted this up a gear from the semi-final, though, perhaps now they aren't being drowned out by the sheer terror of Glennis Grace.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:52 (twenty-one years ago)

(Woah, I didn't realise this was on. I went for a lie down after getting back from the pub watching the footy and woke up to this. The FA Cup Final and Eurovision on one day. It's all too much.)

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Lordy. Serbia & Montenegro. Nul points.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:54 (twenty-one years ago)

I never thought that Serbia & Montenegro could be cause for hilarity.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 18:54 (twenty-one years ago)

Terry on Denmark: "This is a terrific little song."

No it isn't.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:00 (twenty-one years ago)

tonight UKIP's pulling out of Europe agenda seems appealing

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Is it still 1984 in Denmark?

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:00 (twenty-one years ago)

The Danish singer's shirt is hurting my eyes.

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Watch the shoes!

― djangojones (djangojones), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:01 (twenty-one years ago)

The Danish singer and song could be right out of a Richard Curtis film.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:01 (twenty-one years ago)

is this Denmark's Huey Lewis ?

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:02 (twenty-one years ago)

ewww bad 90s boyband, including dance routine.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:02 (twenty-one years ago)

is this Sweden's Huey Lewis ? Hip to be Square

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha ha ha! Even the Swedish singer almost cracked up laughing in his first verse!

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

"You're like a turd in the bowl of the dice?" what kind of lyric is that?

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Terry on Denmark: "This is a terrific little song."

That's because it sounds like stereotypical Radio 2 playlist material.

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:06 (twenty-one years ago)

maybe it's supposed to be you're like a turd in the bowl of rice...

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Ah, the "neon lights". Cue prop. Just in case you didn't know what a neon light was.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:06 (twenty-one years ago)

About 30% of the songs tonight have had the same intro.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Daneman is rather Ljungberg-like, which seems to be quite common.

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:08 (twenty-one years ago)

What a modern heartbreaker that Macedonian boy is. I'm quite shocked.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

At least 3 have featured a 'le la leeeeeeaaa laaaaa' too!

― marianna, Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh no, compared to this now, Martin Stenmarck is fucking manna.

I swear this feller's miming.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Macedeonia. Pink jacket. Lots of pointing.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Are hoodies allowed on Eurovision?

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Pink corduroy, wasn't it?

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Oooh, a German rock chick according to Terry... I'm looking forward to this already...

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:15 (twenty-one years ago)

well the song sounds more like the german version of bon jovi.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:16 (twenty-one years ago)

i thought this sounds a bit like 4 non blones...

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:17 (twenty-one years ago)

the opening sounded like it was going to go into Always.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:18 (twenty-one years ago)

I thought of 4 non blondes too... her voice was grating though.

― marianna, Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:18 (twenty-one years ago)

i thought this sounds a bit like 4 non blones...

That was my reaction at the start, but I think that was only because of the intro.

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Nu-metal still popular in Europe I see.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Croatia. More finger-pointing.

That was my favourite so far.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Blimey, more big drums.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:21 (twenty-one years ago)

It's all getting a bit dreadful now.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:21 (twenty-one years ago)

And now the favourite.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:23 (twenty-one years ago)

quality lyrics from Greece..

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:23 (twenty-one years ago)

O my goodness.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:24 (twenty-one years ago)

There are *far* too many samey-sounding songs this year.

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:24 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh no you di'ent!

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:25 (twenty-one years ago)

(the vault n' fiddle thing)

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:25 (twenty-one years ago)

But she plays men as though they are instruments! Do you see? It is delicious, no?

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:25 (twenty-one years ago)

if you mashed these songs together:

FakeBollywood Asian Vibes + AOR pop rock + bad lyrics + cliched singing

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:26 (twenty-one years ago)

So that was the favourite? That was pants. I stand by my original choices.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Russia getting a warm response from the Ukrainians.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:27 (twenty-one years ago)

this one = more yanky AOR tripe sounds

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:28 (twenty-one years ago)

'A mullatto, an albino, ....'

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Crumbs, she's a bit out of tune, though but.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Martian, have you enjoyed anything so far? Or is just like the way you keep an eye on the NME so you can be outraged by it?

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Distressingly, the Russian entry could not inaccurately be described as being 'more like it'. Distressingly, because it's not actually that good.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:29 (twenty-one years ago)

this is worse than T'Pau + Doro + Starship

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:30 (twenty-one years ago)

just listening on radio 2 via web from norway onwards

all total rubbish so far

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh Bosnia. Oh, Herzegovina.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:31 (twenty-one years ago)

THE BOSNIANS HAVE COME FOR US ALL! ARRGH!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Bosnia and Herzegovinia Sounds like Abba produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:32 (twenty-one years ago)

oh dear. it's like the last 20 years never happened
(Bosnia)

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:32 (twenty-one years ago)

if NME entered the UK choice: we would be stuck with something like Maximo Park

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Bosnia-Herzegovina: That was my (new) favourite so far.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Those Bosnians though... ROWR!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:34 (twenty-one years ago)

ARRRRGH

ARRRRGH

ARRRRGH

I AM HAVING NIGHTMARES AND I'M NOT EVEN ASLEEP YET

And yet I love it. Bosnia will either win or come dead last.

And now - Vanilla Ninja.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:34 (twenty-one years ago)

Vanilla Ninja.. Heavy rock chix who are huge in Germany... and come from Estonia...

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:34 (twenty-one years ago)

VANILLA NINJA!

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

DJ Martian is really going to love the Swiss entry.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

I think if Maximo Park were on this I'd probably do whatever the musical extravaganza equivalent of Marking Out is, which makes me feel a bit dirty.

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

There's been a higher than usual rock-ratio this year hasn't there...

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

I mean, they're only a B- band but y'know, a skinny geordie dude with a combover in a charity shop suit and trainers doing Eurovision would just be great.

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:37 (twenty-one years ago)

There's been a higher than usual rock-ratio this year hasn't there...
Was about to say the same thing....

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:37 (twenty-one years ago)

This is Ghastly Pomp AOR tripe

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:37 (twenty-one years ago)

Shadows on your destiny, love? You should get that looked at.

Oh god, I'm turning into Terry Wogan.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:38 (twenty-one years ago)

In other slightly above average indie band news, the keyboard player in the Swiss band looks like the singer from the Duke Spirit.

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:38 (twenty-one years ago)

WELCOME TO EUROVISION DJ MARTIAN

Man, I'm from AMERICA and I know what to expect from this stuff!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:38 (twenty-one years ago)

No, that's just cos everyone's got DRUMS.

I still reckon everyone's under-rating this one. I'd struggle to pick a winner, but this has definitely got a shot. There's no Ruslana-like ULTIMATE DESTROYER in this field. Fairly open.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:38 (twenty-one years ago)

It's Latvian Extreme!

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:38 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, this is so not extreme.

Oh hang on, that Extreme...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Actually, they're more like China Crisis, innit?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Why aren't there any entrants ala A-ha - Take on Me - type vibes?

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Are they doing sign language with the Latvian entry?

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:41 (twenty-one years ago)

this sounds as sappy and crap as wet wet wet

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh dear, Latvia.

Martian you are making yourself look very silly.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:43 (twenty-one years ago)

france: sounds euro-pap

Patsy Kensit sounded better in the 80s than this

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:44 (twenty-one years ago)

Martian, watch out, because I might find some Pig Destroyer thread and get all "OMG DEF LEPPARD KICKS THE CRAP OUT OF THIS".

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:46 (twenty-one years ago)

Who the heck are the hosts?

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:47 (twenty-one years ago)

OK, I predict victory for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:47 (twenty-one years ago)

OMG THE KLITSCHKOS!!!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:47 (twenty-one years ago)

OMG THE VOTING!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Jesus Christ, that was hilarious. The baddest men on the planet get upstaged by some chimes. The Ukranian Jack Dee did genuinely look shit scared.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Crumbs, I just saw the reprise of Norway's entry!

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Moldova was the favourite in this house....

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Vote Moldova, you know it makes sense.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:50 (twenty-one years ago)

I just saw the reprises of Norway and Moldova. I can't believe I missed the best two.

Javine doesn't have a chance.

― Matt DC (Matt DC), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:52 (twenty-one years ago)

(More reprises)
Caitlin: I think you may be right about the corduroy.

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:53 (twenty-one years ago)

I fear Latvia will win.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:55 (twenty-one years ago)

I have heard them all now - all rubbish

In a parallel universe - are they voting for the worst one?

because they may as well, judging on the lack of talent on display tonight

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:55 (twenty-one years ago)

From what I saw in that recap, I think Israel might be the one. Voting patterns notwithstanding. Then Switzerland, and then I dunno. Moldova - ehh.

AUSTRIA UBER ALLES

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Lord, if Europe goes for the wrong set of blondes, I don't know.

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 19:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Fucking hell they really love their big drums here.

― Billy Dods (Billy Dods), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:00 (twenty-one years ago)

Latvia may win the entire thing, simply because it is so different. About half of the entries are aping last year's winner with lots of drums, and they will kill each other by sounding too similar to each other. Thus, I am pretty sure the 2005 winner will not be Balkan pop with lots of drums.

May end up with Latvia, Norway, or possibly Denmark or Bosnia, who do both have the kind of extremely simple and catchy songs that tend to go home among the European televoters.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:01 (twenty-one years ago)

I think Javine might have more of a shot than you'd think. She was very good this evening. She was surrounded by some strong songs, but the key is they were strong songs that didn't sound much like hers. If she'd come along later, she'd definitely be stuffed.

Moldova will come third. Your winner... I'm going for Switzerland. This is quite probably because the singer looks a bit like Nicola Roberts.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:01 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh yeah Norway!

What's the turnaround on getting voting results?

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:02 (twenty-one years ago)

This interval show lasts fifteen minutes or so, normally, then the results trickle in. Have you seen the voting before, Dave?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:05 (twenty-one years ago)

The voting is the best bit!

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Years ago they did not have public votes, instead there would be panels made up of Middle Aged folk from Radio 2 type stations.

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:06 (twenty-one years ago)

The show is on for another hour.

Man, the Ukrainians are really proud of this girl, aren't they?

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:06 (twenty-one years ago)

My bet's on Norway at the moment.

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:08 (twenty-one years ago)

No, I haven't! I am a noob!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, so they should be. If all the Eurovision winners were to meet in a car park and have a fight, I reckon she'd probably win.

Anyway - if there's Americans on the thread, try out the various streams. I'd be interested to see if they work.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Serbia & Montenegro in early lead!

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:11 (twenty-one years ago)

SERBIA GOT 12? Christ. I'd picked them as a lock for last.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:11 (twenty-one years ago)

It occurs to me far too late that I have no idea how the scoring system works.

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Jesus, what is the Portuguese woman wearing?

I do like their groovy scoreboard, with its little point bubbles. Cute.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Right, the new leader is, er, Croatia. But Moldova are close behind...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Here's Portugal. Marvel at how totally not political and fair the Western European countries are.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:14 (twenty-one years ago)

(OK, maybe I'm wrong)

― caitlin (caitlin), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:14 (twenty-one years ago)

the public vote and they select the top scores and then have a points system

top = 12 points

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:14 (twenty-one years ago)

Moldova take the lead! 12 for Romania off the Portuguese puts them joint second with Latvia, four behind Granny.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:15 (twenty-one years ago)

So like, you have a top 12 and all the ones below that get nothing?

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:16 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm watching right now! The Eurovision feed is a bit wonky, but OK!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:16 (twenty-one years ago)

correct

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:17 (twenty-one years ago)

WRONG!

12 / 10 / 8 through 1!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:17 (twenty-one years ago)

correct this bit ...all the ones below that get nothing

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Loukasheno fixed the results for Belarus for sure

― Jena (JenaP), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Russia shockingly get twelve off Belarus, but a 10 for Switzerland puts them in the lead by one from Israel and Moldova.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:19 (twenty-one years ago)

top 10 scores within each country's national vote assigned points ala WBS

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:20 (twenty-one years ago)

OK... the not-at-all bitter Dutch give twelve to Turkey, and put Israel six clear at the top.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha ha! 12 points for Norway! (from Iceland)

― Snnap Dragon (snnap dragon), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:20 (twenty-one years ago)

I know!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:21 (twenty-one years ago)

They're still lagging behind, though, and your joint leaders are Moldova and Switzerland on 37 each, one point ahead of Israel.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:22 (twenty-one years ago)

why is everyone voting for that terrible romanian track....

null points for UK so far...

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Israel back ahead, but it's still very tight up the top. At least half the field still in with a shout, but the UK, Cyprus, and France have still got 0 points.

Estonia give Vanilla Ninja 12 shock, Switzerland back in front.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:24 (twenty-one years ago)

Wait a sec - Estonia voted for their countrywomen? I AM SO SHOCKED! (As was the announcer!)

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Someone needs to create an international supergroup, and seal this thing up.

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Switzerland! I don't even remember their track.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:25 (twenty-one years ago)

12 off Finland, Norway back in it, but 10 for the Ninja and they get some breathing space - 11 in front.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Jesus, Europe is huge.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Andorra get France off 0. Bugger. Javine Was Not That Bad. Their 12 unsurprisingly goes to Spain, but makes bog all difference to the business end, where the Ninja are 4 points in front.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:28 (twenty-one years ago)

..but USA has more States

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Fuck. It's Dana. I hate that woman. HATE!

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:29 (twenty-one years ago)

If there could actually be an American version of this, it'd be fantastic.

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:30 (twenty-one years ago)

Surprise surprise, we gave the UK points.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:30 (twenty-one years ago)

Odd voting off Bulgaria, but 12 for Greece puts them in the hunt - Ninja still lead, but 10 points separate the top six. Also, 10 for Cyprus leaves the UK as the only ones on 0. This is odd.

Here's Dana. Oh Christ.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:30 (twenty-one years ago)

8 for Javine, but it's the twelve for Latvia that count, as they take a five point lead from seemingly out of nowhere...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:31 (twenty-one years ago)

Effing Latvia.

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Latvia's lead extends by one after the Slovene points, and the Croat tries to look excited at getting twelve.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:33 (twenty-one years ago)

just play the fuckin' note

― N_RQ, Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:35 (twenty-one years ago)

The Ukes get Poland's twelve, which buggers Israel a bit, and leaves Latvia and Switzerland at least ten ahead of everyone else at the top.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Bucks FIZZZZZZZZ

― DJ Martian (djmartian), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Hang on, were all these other people their respective countries' equivalent of Cheryl Baker?

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:36 (twenty-one years ago)

Latvia's lead continues to be eaten into - two ahead, plus good scores for Romania and Israel means there's ten points covering the top four. 12 for Greece means the favourites might yet find a way back...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:37 (twenty-one years ago)

YOU'RE MY FIRE
MY DESIRE

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:37 (twenty-one years ago)

I was expecting Andrew Marr or someone for ours.

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:38 (twenty-one years ago)

A second straight twelve for Greece off the UK sees them vault over the Ninja into second, though still about six points adrift of Latvia.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:38 (twenty-one years ago)

STOP VOTING FOR SUB-FOLK LATVIANS

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Arnie never had to do this stuff.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:39 (twenty-one years ago)

AND NOW PUNCH HER IN THE FACE!

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Malta give Greece 6... and then give Latvia ten, as the Turin Brakes of the east extend their lead to ten.

I type this in between shoving my fingers in my ears. WLADIMIR - GET ONE NEW VOICE.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Is Wladimir the male co-host that sounds like a broadcasting school reject?

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:42 (twenty-one years ago)

Wladimir is the large chap in the white suit who isn't as good at being a heavyweight boxer as his brother.

10 for Greece! None for Latvia! Romania give us a tie at the top.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Eight for the Latvians, four for the Greeks, but five for Israel, who are seven behind in third. 12 for Denmark off Norway keeps them in the hunt. Moldova look to be gone, annoyingly.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh-ho! 12 for the Greeks and nowt for Latvia, and The Greeks go clear for the first time - by eight!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:47 (twenty-one years ago)

STOP VOTING FOR LATVIA DAMN IT!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:48 (twenty-one years ago)

Which is immediately wiped out by Moldova, who give Greece 4 and Latvia 12. Israel now ten adrift.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Albania comes through w/ 12 for Greece! SUCK IT LAVTIA!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Only 1 from Cyprus for Latvia! KEEP SUCKING!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:51 (twenty-one years ago)

ANd up next, Cyprus. Even Dave might be able to guess where their 12 points are going.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Ding-a-dong, it's 12 for the Greeks, and a 23-point lead to boot.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha ha - my bad grades in geography precede me!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:52 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm genuinely surprised not to be seeing more props for Norway.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:53 (twenty-one years ago)

And there's twelve for the Romanians, which plonks them in second, as Richard Clayderman and chum begin to fade. Greece 24 up.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:54 (twenty-one years ago)

The second 12 in a row for the Romanians cuts the lead by five.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:55 (twenty-one years ago)

But 12 from Serb / Mont for Israel kicks 'em back up!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:56 (twenty-one years ago)

12 more for Greece, though, and they're looking very strong - a 28 point lead with 12 juries left.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:57 (twenty-one years ago)

shit that norwegian singer is absolutely terrifying.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Latvia now reduced to tieing for third with Malta. Ooh dear. Greece now lead by 27 anymore. 12 for Norway off Denmark, there.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 20:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Stick a fork in it - 12 for Greece off Sweden, 37 points up...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:00 (twenty-one years ago)

it's all over.... greece have won it....

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:00 (twenty-one years ago)

I just signed on. This is insane.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:01 (twenty-one years ago)

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

oh yeah!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:02 (twenty-one years ago)

funny that the four countries that automatically get entry without qualifying are sitting in the last four positions...

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:03 (twenty-one years ago)

The audience is outraged!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:03 (twenty-one years ago)

And w/ the home country giving the votes, too!

I smell scandal!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:03 (twenty-one years ago)

AND NOW THE GERMANS TAKE OVER!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:04 (twenty-one years ago)

What is up w/ the stick up the ass of the male co-host? He's a total wet bag of douche!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:04 (twenty-one years ago)

is that thomas gottschalk in hamburg?

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Technical difficulties with the home jury. Nothing for the top two off Ukraine anyway, but with Greece 42 clear it hardly seems to matter.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:05 (twenty-one years ago)

"HERE ARE THE RESULTS FROM THE GERMAN VORLD!"

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:05 (twenty-one years ago)

"You know ve're having a parrrrty tonight..."

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:06 (twenty-one years ago)

This broadcast is like when the translators go on strike at the UN, isn't it.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Greece hit 200 points thanks to Germany, with Malta moving into second ahead of Romania. The gap is a mere 47 points.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Macedonia need a snappier country name or they'll never win.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:07 (twenty-one years ago)

The Ukranian co-host really does not want to be there, does he?

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:07 (twenty-one years ago)

Will Greece stab their own in the back?

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:07 (twenty-one years ago)

as long as Latvia doesn't win...

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Hang on, Malta are second?! I've only just realised who that was.

― M Philip O'Nyman (Ferg), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Ned - a country can't vote for their own entry!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Thus the Cyprus choice.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Wargh, is the Russian presenter Marc Almond's female doppelganger?

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:10 (twenty-one years ago)

12 for Cyprus off Greece. Dave, Ned, welcome to Traditional European Customs 101.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:10 (twenty-one years ago)

It's all about diplomacy, even in the pop music.

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:11 (twenty-one years ago)

I am taken by your mystic folkways.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:11 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh hello. Malta get 12, cutting the gap to 32. Four juries left, though, so we're looking at quite a miracle being required.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:12 (twenty-one years ago)

12 for Croatia, nothing for Malta, the Bosnian jury seals the Greek victory.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:13 (twenty-one years ago)

Mathematically, I mean.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:14 (twenty-one years ago)

does anyone know why the italians refuse to play in this game?

― Jack Battery-Pack (Jack Battery-Pack), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:15 (twenty-one years ago)

San Remo is their preference?

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:16 (twenty-one years ago)

So between this and Euro 2004 Greece rules the universe now, yeah?

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:18 (twenty-one years ago)

And here comes the final jury, which is France, but Greece have won, and Chiara comes second again for Malta. Romania third, Israel snatch fourth on the line from Latvia.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Ned's so right. Greece has regained its place at the forefront of world culture. It is a new golden age.

Thanks, ILM, I've enjoyed your commentary enormously. See you next year.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:19 (twenty-one years ago)

EMPEROR PALPATINE WELCOMED TO STAGE!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:21 (twenty-one years ago)

Hm, it's a very J-pop song, the winner.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:23 (twenty-one years ago)

does anyone know why the italians refuse to play in this game?

Insufficient stripping housewives? Actually, that might very well be the reason. It has something to do with it being too naff, or expensive, or something.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:24 (twenty-one years ago)

So between this and Euro 2004 Greece rules the universe now, yeah?

Euro 2004, Athens Olympics, Eurovision win. Greece rules the world. Plato come back, everything's forgiven.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Eureka!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:27 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh yes, Chiara was third in Brum, wasn't she? Imaani came second at the last minute.

Whatever happened to Imaani, anyway?

The BBC Three programme's on the live stream. Chiara's singing impromptu live and sounds fucking gorgeous.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Christ, Geir Ronning is a twat.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:34 (twenty-one years ago)

um yup he is.

i've been watching it on the stream all night. hurrah for the bbc streaming things online.

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:36 (twenty-one years ago)

This post-Eurovision retrospective is actually well worth watching. Ronning just hijacked it to unveil a gigantic banner saying "WE R NO LOOSERS & U KNOW "WHY"". 'Why' being the name of his Finnish entry that failed to make it out of the semi-final, by virtue of sucking unbelievably hard. He then started singing the chorus to the song acapella. I never thought I'd say it, but poor Paddy O'Connell...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Wigwam: "Hello Plymouth! We love you!"

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:40 (twenty-one years ago)

Jesus Christ. Glam from Wig Wam is all over Juliet Morris. She used to present Newsround. THey are both blatted. I never saw Club X...

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:43 (twenty-one years ago)

Seriously, get the BBC stream up, this is quickly becoming classic. Paddy O'Connell is interviewing Femminem. They appear to be like that all the time.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:45 (twenty-one years ago)

is this random karaoke to fill in the time?

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Javine is being blocked out by Glam from Wig Wam's arm.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:48 (twenty-one years ago)

not the best place for an in depth interview is it?

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:48 (twenty-one years ago)

The BBC have run out of sofa. Wig Wam have invaded the studio, and are now completely blocking out Juliet Morris. There is some poor sod on the right hand sofa who hasn't been spoken to yet and now he's fucked off.

Wig Wam are off their faces. So is Juliet. If this programme did have a running order, it has just died very hard.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Juliet Morris has now put on an Australian accent. For no reason. At all.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:51 (twenty-one years ago)

Actually, that'd be because she'd be Australian comedienne Julia Morris and not Juliet Morris, Newsround presenter at all. Juliet probably doesn't have anything to do with this programme.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:52 (twenty-one years ago)

She doesn't look like the woman who used to do newsround...

xpost

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Right, here's a political correspondent playing some Johnny Logan on the Casio. Wig Wam have now departed, to be replaced by the Romanian entry. Security are, putting it mildly, having a 'mare.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:55 (twenty-one years ago)

well it doesn't help if Paddy keeps on inviting everyone in does it?

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:56 (twenty-one years ago)

LINK!!!!

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:57 (twenty-one years ago)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/eurovision/2005/

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Paddy O'Connell has just taken the piss out of the host shilling the Eurovision book.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Their slapdick site opened with the stupid INTRO.

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:59 (twenty-one years ago)

FEMMINEM! Hit the live broadcast link.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 21:59 (twenty-one years ago)

I guess I shouldn't have stepped away!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:01 (twenty-one years ago)

it's calmed down a lot now from the early madness

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:03 (twenty-one years ago)

GOT IT!

And now it's a Javine travelog, I guess. Could you shrink the RealPlayer screen a bit more, please?

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Considering that when Paddy O'Connell presented World Business Report I was convinced that he was a quite gigantic twat, he's doing very well this evening.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:04 (twenty-one years ago)

The Latvians are in a band called Chicken Run.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:13 (twenty-one years ago)

OMG LATVIA IS CRYING

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:15 (twenty-one years ago)

I liked the AC/DC/Latvia crossover.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:15 (twenty-one years ago)

(substitute "ME" for "LATVIA")

― David R. (popshots75`), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:15 (twenty-one years ago)

They stopped the stream! BASTARDS!

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:21 (twenty-one years ago)

:(

― jellybean (jellybean), Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:22 (twenty-one years ago)

From now on every rock band should have see through monitors instead of those dull black ones.
-- jellybean

Yes, we were stoking on those foldback wedges too.

I have a theory about how the UK does so badly in the Euro in spite of having the best pop music. They try to go for the overwrought classical Euro angst thing (done so well by ABBA), but they don't really have it in them as they are an island. They'd be better off doing something they're good at - something a bit more down-to-earth. Then they'd win more often - it works for Ireland, after all.

― moley, Saturday, 21 May 2005 22:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Britain, like most Northern European countries, are trying to innovate Eurovision and make it more modern. But the Southern Europeans don't want a more modern Eurovision, and with all those new Eastern European countries in, Southern Europe is now in majority. Next time around, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Åland and Liechtenstein should all enter the competition to ensure more balance between North and South. Plus Yugoslavia needs to reunite now - their voting proves they are all good friends anyway.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Saturday, 21 May 2005 23:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Geir OTM, I'll be rooting for Åland next year.

― Jena (JenaP), Saturday, 21 May 2005 23:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Geir, we were all saying much the same thing. Devolution for the UK NOW! UK's only votes came from our obvious friends: Ireland, Malta, Cyprus (army bases), plus Turkey, where Javine has been a hit, but even then only ONE point.

Did anyone notice that the bottom 4 countries - UK France Germany Spain - are also the "big 4" who stump up most of the money, thus getting automatic entry to the finals? I'm seeing major re-thinks next year. Greece's win baffled me: great in the studio version, considerably less so on the night. Still, I'm going to Athens next year, so YAY.

― mike t-diva (mike t-diva), Sunday, 22 May 2005 00:38 (twenty-one years ago)

The final scores in total:

1) Greece - 230
2) Malta - 192
3) Romania - 158
4) Israel - 154
5) Latvia - 153
6) Moldova - 148
7) Serbia & Montenegro - 137
8) Switzerland - 128
9) Norway - 125
10) Denmark - 125 (fairly sure Norway got more twelve point votes, which would put them ahead)
---- (cutoff point for automatic qualification for next year)
11) Croatia - 115
12) Hungary - 97
13) Turkey - 92
14) Bosnia & Herzegovina - 79
15) Russia - 57
16) Albania - 53
17) FYR Macedonia - 52
18) Cyprus - 46
19) Sweden - 30
20) Ukraine - 30
21) Spain - 28
22) UK - 18
23) France - 11
24) Germany - 4

Weighted voting might seem like an idea, but that would mean the entire contest would basically hinge on Russia, which isn't overly desirable. Plus, Russia wouldn't be able to get any points from themselves, so they'd hardly be delighted by the idea.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Sunday, 22 May 2005 02:41 (twenty-one years ago)

I did write an analysis of who got what points and where/how, but by God it was dull. I made it as far as Moldova, which, going from bottom up, wasn't bad. Anyway - politics was the only reason Russia got anything, I'd guess, and certainly was a serious factor in FYROM getting as high as they did (note they were lowest placed of all the qualifiers by 45 points - how the hell did they make the final?) But it also helped Norway out an awful, awful lot (have a squint at where their 12 point scores came from), and quite definitely didn't harm Serbia & Montenegro's chances.

Play at home fun - explain the Monegasque public's voting.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Sunday, 22 May 2005 02:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh, and one other thing - using the assumed political voting patterns can be an easy indicator of when a country's selection has really fucked up. Sweden, for instance, got absolutely nothing off Iceland, and one point off Norway. This is perhaps slightly less embarassing, however, than France getting nothing off Monaco.

― William Bloody Swygart (mrswygart), Sunday, 22 May 2005 02:53 (twenty-one years ago)

the beautiful,bronzed,blonde bimbo from israel has big,bouncing boobies.

― bat penetar, Sunday, 22 May 2005 05:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Geir, my impression was that there was something about the UK song selection process which was flawed? Or is it that UK pop stars give the Euro a wide berth as it's so uncool?

I would guess that your standard Brit (or Swedish, or even Norwegian) pop idol in the SAW tradition would have a good chance of creaming the Euro - but who ever sees a big UK name perform there? It's rare. I didn't see this years entry, but in general UK entries are always a little limp and dull compared to what the UK is capable of offering...? Certainly they haven't had the hooks of late. Even lame old Bucks Fizz has a bit of life and spark about them, in their own gormlessly bright and perky way.

― moley, Sunday, 22 May 2005 05:41 (twenty-one years ago)

I voted for Norway, twice.

― jel -- (jel), Sunday, 22 May 2005 08:49 (twenty-one years ago)

Did anyone notice that the bottom 4 countries - UK France Germany Spain - are also the "big 4" who stump up most of the money, thus getting automatic entry to the finals?

Yes, Terry Wogan noticed. As did I once he'd pointed it out.

Britain would totally win if we put Girls Aloud or Rachel Stevens or Emma Bunton or Jamelia in. You couldn't ignore them for any amount of political reasons. Either that or Charlotte Church.

"pop idol" a good choice of words as at least three (Jessica Garlick, that guy that was on last year that looked a bit like Darren Day and Javine) British entries have been losers of Pop Idol/Popstars, haven't they? However Jemini were probably the perkiest Eurovisionest ones yet, but they were also bollocks.

― ailsa (ailsa), Sunday, 22 May 2005 09:59 (twenty-one years ago)

Britain would totally win if we put Girls Aloud or Rachel Stevens or Emma Bunton or Jamelia in.

Doubt so. Way too modern for the Southern Europeans.

The best way for a Northern European act to do well the Eurovision now is to do a ballad. Ballads tend to transcend the South/North boundaries while faster numbers don't.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Sunday, 22 May 2005 12:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Anyway - politics was the only reason Russia got anything, I'd guess

On the other hand, Ukraine usually gets 12 from Russian, and only got two points or something this time around. Obviously, the Russians didn't like their revolutionary number....

(Of course, one reason may be that it was completely fucked up, and one of the worst entries in the entire competition, too...)

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Sunday, 22 May 2005 12:47 (twenty-one years ago)

And btw. The Eastern European voting block is a myth. Russian, the Baltic countries, and to some extent also Ukraine and Poland, tend to vote for the Northern European entries, while the Southern part of Eastern Europe seems to agree with Southern European countries such as Greece or Cyprus.

However, I would said it isn't really that much a matter of political voting as it is of musical taste. Greece and Cyprus usually give each other 12 (this year was no exception), but they didn't in 1993, when Norway hosted "Alle Mine Tankar", a very Greek sounding song with bouzoki in it. There was nothing Greek about neither Silje Vige nor her family, but the song sounded Greek, which was enough for Cyprus and Greece to give 12 to Norway rather than each other for once.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Sunday, 22 May 2005 12:52 (twenty-one years ago)

do you have to sound like abba's"fernando"or aqua's "barbie girl " to win ?

― sandie shawthing, Sunday, 22 May 2005 13:35 (twenty-one years ago)

i really liked the revolutionary atmosphere of the show : the big four debacle, the lyrics of the ukrainian song, Viktor Yushchenko's final appearance...

― ---bruno, Sunday, 22 May 2005 14:39 (twenty-one years ago)

No one has mentioned the female presenter's voice.

It was so terrible, but I could listen to it all day.

― Sasha (sgh), Monday, 23 May 2005 02:35 (twenty-one years ago)

no one has mentioned the presenters' accents in general, ROUGH. and what was with the old guy from albania, he obvioulsy had some breathing problem, or maybe he was just nervous. spoke in french too, didn;t he? that's SO Eastern Bloc it's mindblowing.

― Jena (JenaP), Monday, 23 May 2005 03:13 (twenty-one years ago)

The UK's low position is probably down to politics - cf. Bardo's "One Step Further," by several giant steps the best song in the '82 competition, ending up in seventh place, and the singing Austrian nun winning with "A Liddle Peace" to teach us a lesson because THERE'S A WAR ON - viz. Britain not being very popular with the rest of Europe in general at present.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 23 May 2005 07:03 (twenty-one years ago)

Right, the fact that it was the second worst song won't have anything to do with it.
It's all about Blair's Stupid War. Which is why the war's most vehement opponents, France, finished so high up... oh wait.

― Koens (Koens), Monday, 23 May 2005 09:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Give it a couple of thousand years and we'll be so old Europe they'll all love us again.

Why does anyone like Terry Wogan?

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 23 May 2005 09:56 (twenty-one years ago)

1. fact -- (a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred; "first you must collect all the facts of the case")

2. fact -- (a statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened; "he supported his argument with an impressive array of facts")

3. fact -- (an event known to have happened or something known to have existed; "your fears have no basis in fact"; "how much of the story is fact and how much fiction is hard to tell")

4. fact -- (a concept whose truth can be proved; "scientific hypotheses are not facts")

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 23 May 2005 09:58 (twenty-one years ago)

OPINION:

1. opinion, sentiment, persuasion, view, thought -- (a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty; "my opinion differs from yours"; "what are your thoughts on Haiti?")

2. public opinion, popular opinion, opinion, vox populi -- (a belief or sentiment shared by most people; the voice of the people; "he asked for a poll of public opinion")

3. opinion, view -- (a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof; "his opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page")

4. opinion, legal opinion, judgment, judgement -- (the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision; "opinions are usually written by a single judge"

5. opinion, ruling -- (the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself))

6. impression, feeling, belief, notion, opinion -- (a vague idea in which some confidence is placed; "his impression of her was favorable"; "what are your feelings about the crisis?"; "it strengthened my belief in his sincerity"; "I had a feeling that she was lying")

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 23 May 2005 09:58 (twenty-one years ago)

Haha, true. Mea culpa.
Still doesn't make me agree with you though :-)

― Koens (Koens), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:01 (twenty-one years ago)

I liked Malta best, followed by Javine. This is probably because I am British and have British taste. The new Eastern menkos all vote for each other because they share similar taste too, not because they are all in evil corrupt foreign connivery, as Wogan would have it.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Hm. I'm Dutch and liked Moldova, Bosnia and Turkey best.
Do Dutch people have Balkan taste? Or just no taste?

Then again, Bosnia was an ABBA song in all but name, Moldova had a toothless granny and Turkey had a lovely rhythm. It could be - but this is a stretch of course - that I like ABBA, grannies with drums and lovely rhythms.

― Koens (Koens), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:10 (twenty-one years ago)

The Moldova one sounded like Cornershop.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Yes, and I politically favour British Asians.

(btw, the opinion that Germany's was the worst song must be so widely shared that it borders on fact, right?)

― Koens (Koens), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:12 (twenty-one years ago)

I also liked the ABBA tribute but the granny with drums seemed a little too calculated for my finely-honed British novelty palate.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:14 (twenty-one years ago)

I thought the German song was an entertaining variation on the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" template. The singer was also "hott."

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:14 (twenty-one years ago)

Alba: You're indoctrinated by The Wogan!

― Koens (Koens), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:15 (twenty-one years ago)

We'll leave the scab Wogan out of this.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:16 (twenty-one years ago)

The UK's low position is probably down to politics - cf. Bardo's "One Step Further," by several giant steps the best song in the '82 competition, ending up in seventh place, and the singing Austrian nun winning with "A Liddle Peace" to teach us a lesson because THERE'S A WAR ON - viz. Britain not being very popular with the rest of Europe in general at present.

The war, maybe, although I think that one would mainly harm the USA if they had entered.

A more reasonable explaination is that there has been a war going on against all the Northern European countries singing in English since that rule appeared somewhere in the late 90s. The Southern European countries have a huge problem with the fact that, for instance, Norway, Latvia and Finland are allowed to sing in English, not to mention the fact that they choose to do it. Thus they mainly vote for entries performed in a language they don't understand at all (like Serbo-Croatian, for instance...)

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Germany was disadvantaged by the fact that a BETTER eurovision-RAWK song came after it - Switzerland. Also, Russia's was more odd-ball, so Germany would have lost votes to them. It certainly wasn't the worst song in the final, Ukraine's was. UK and Spain didn't deserve to do so badly, but maybe France and Germany did.

― edward o (edwardo), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:22 (twenty-one years ago)

Geir - which song did you like best? Did you like the Latvian boys?

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:23 (twenty-one years ago)

Edward: France was alright. Grmany's singer ruined it, surely.

Geir: spite?
Don't see that as more reasonable, actually.

This link:
Voting behaviour
is a good scientific approach to the whole regional favouritism question. Ignore the Dutch (or run it through Babelfish), the three top 10s are:
-highest average number of points two countries have awarded each other
-highest no. of points awarded by 1 country to another
-how similar the voting of two countries is.

― Koens (Koens), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:28 (twenty-one years ago)

I liked our own entry best. But the Latvian boys were not bad at all. After a couple listens, I also found that the Croatian one was not too bad.

And btw. Spain did deserve to do badly. "The Ketchup Song" was awful already the first time around. Spain would have deserved zero.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:29 (twenty-one years ago)

And, yeah, forgot about Moldova, they were also among my favourites, obviously.

― Geir Hongro (GeirHong), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:33 (twenty-one years ago)

France was alright, yes, I actually thought it was decent and pleasant while it was going, but NOBODY was going to remember it come voting time.

And it was the last bloody song! It slipped out of the brain as soon as it was done!

Bad singing is NEVER a barrier to doing well. Julia Savicheva came 10th last year for Russia and she was WAY out of tune.

― edward o (edwardo), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:42 (twenty-one years ago)

I thought the German song was an entertaining variation on the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" template. The singer was also "hott."

-- Marcello Carlin (marcellocarli...), May 23rd, 2005.

My mistake - I was thinking of the Russian entry.

― Marcello Carlin (nostudium), Monday, 23 May 2005 10:53 (twenty-one years ago)

Right! That did have the "Smells like.." template.
The German one was more Four Non Blondes "What's Up" speeded up a bit (good intro though).

― Koens (Koens), Monday, 23 May 2005 11:10 (twenty-one years ago)

Oh yes - that keyboard flourish promised great things, then it all went to pot. I think it made an all too brief reappearance.

― Alba (Alba), Monday, 23 May 2005 11:16 (twenty-one years ago)


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