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unnursvanablog · 3 years ago

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ESC 2022 - my top 10

Happy Eurovision week folks. I finalized my top 10 Eurovision list weeks ago, but I just never thought about actually posting about it here. Until now. I have fully embraced the Eurovision takeover of this blog. My kdrama followers will just have to bear with it a bit longer. I would say that I am sorry... but I am not. This is my civic duty as a European.

10 - Netherlands

This is a ballad heavy year I feel and this is probably my favorite ballad of the year. I enjoy Greece a lot, but damn wouldn't I just enjoy it more in Greek. And S10 is singing in Dutch, which I think is just wonderful. It's atmospheric and melancholy and it comes across very well without being in English. There seems to be enough going on here where I am not bored and it does not leave me cold ether. Every ballad get’s a big plus if it’s not sung in english. I do worry about it being underwhelming on stage tho.

9 - Lithuania

Monika Lui is a goddess, I adore her so much. Sentimentai is just a very chill vibe, it is so classy, almost sensual in it’s presentation and very atmospheric and it's in Lithuanian which just adds to the magic of it all. I liked the staging of the national final and Monika is so charming that I hope it translates well to people at home on Tuesday.

8 - Serbia

This is an performance art and something that is destined to become one of the eurovision moments of this years contest. I adore this. This is different, this is odd but in a good way. It's not in english. It's a Serbian woman washing her hands for 3 minutes. This is just so great. And Konstrakta is such a stunner. She is an artist, she is a legend and she is the moment. I like her performance maybe a bit more than the song, but whenever it comes on I enjoy myself a lot. You got to clap along to Biti zdrava bit.

7 - Spain

A standard, high-energy, extremely well choreographed, maybe a bit paint by number fun pop song is a must at eurovision for me. It brings the party. It's fun. I enjoy a good dancy pop song. Chanel is so good on stage, it's a joy to watch, this is going to be a moment for sure. It's just fun. There has to be at least one of these in every eurovision and Spain brought it for them. I hope Chanel brings Spain a very good result. She deserves it. Because watching this at Benidormfest was spectacular and it will also be so at eurovision.

6 - Austria

This is such a basic, edm dance track. It's bit dated even. But damn, I have a good time listening to it. I do worry about how this is going to turn out live tho. And it has slipped in my ranking a bit since it came out. It's just fun. I enjoy this a lot. I am just a simple girl that likes fun pop. What can I say.

5 - Czech Republic

I am hoping the Czechs can get a good result with this one, because it's a bop. It's simply just such a fun song. And from the rehearsal footage it looks like it's going to be very good live. I can't wait. And the band I am Domi just look like such nice, lovely people. I wish them the world and a good eurovision results.

4 - Moldova

Moldova always brings something fun to Eurovision, they just seem to get the spirit of the contest and don't take it too seriously ether and Zdob si Zdub are Eurovision legends. They were the first ever act that Moldova sent to Eurovision, they came back in 2011, and they are back with another bop. I love a good eastern European folk song. It's extremely fun. Eurovision needs at least one of these types of song each year, I think. It's a must! A fiddle AND an accordion. Oh this is some good stuff. This is pure fun. It puts a smile on my face every time.

3 - San Marino

I love the little chaos micro nation of San Marino at Eurovision. They brought us Senhit and Fo Rida last year, in 2019 we got the iconic disco dad that is Serhat and now they give us the one and only Achille Lauro with some more Italian glam rock. I mean what's not to like?

I am of course familiar with Lauro from Sanremo and I have been waiting for him to go to Eurovision ever since Sanremo 2020. I enjoy a lot of his songs and stripper is no exception. It’s not his best song maybe, but it’s still very much him (which I enjoy) and very fun. I think we need a bit of Italian glam rock every year at eurovision. We have ballads and dance pop every year, so why not? I have previous attachment to him so that also probably plays into me having San Marino this high on my list. But I just enjoy him so much as an artist and I know he will BRING IT on stage. He is a true performer more so than a singer. And I am going to enjoy every minute of it.

2 - France

A rave song with some folky, traditional sounds thrown into it sung in a minority language? yes please! There is honestly nothing about this that I don't utterly love. This is what I want from Eurovision (or one of the things). This is just so great. It stands out, it picks up where Go_A left off. I demand that we get at least one of these songs at eurovision every year from here on out.

1 - Ukraine.

There are moments when I think France has become my favorite song of esc 2022 but then Stefania comes on and the flute solo starts playing and my heart just soars with that melody. It's so great. This is what I want from Eurovision. There is just something about eastern european folk music at eurovision that just does things to me and I like the rap part as well. It's a nice mix of modern and traditional stuff. This is what Eurovision is about. It was the same with Go_A last year. I know people are going to say that they won because of the war if they actually manage to win the whole thing. But the song is good, it stand out from the rest and Ukraine just always brings it at Eurovision. They are the best eurovision nation imho.

#eurovision #albania slovenia and ireland are just shy of missing this list btw

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eileentothestars · 4 years ago

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A RANDOM AMERICAN’S THOUGHTS ON THE 2021 EUROVISION SONGS

Albania -- My ears stopped functioning once I saw those outfits

Israel -- "Set Me Free” Yep, that’s the Mood

France -- This is the most French thing I’ve ever seen, 10/10, way better than last year’s

Lithuania -- The song isn’t as good as “On Fire” but I am delighted to see that they have not lost one ounce of weirdness

Czech Republic -- I listened to it twice and I’m still not sure. It’s catchy but also doesn’t feel quite... put together? Idk.

Finland -- You know how every year there’s that one band that screams a lot and tries to give you seizures? That’s them.

Norway -- The pageantry! The costumes! The fact that he very vaguely looks like Crowley from Good Omens!

Germany -- I don’t know if this is actually good or not but how DARE you be this entertaining. German entries have no business being so delightful.

Ireland -- This is last year’s song with a new music video

Slovenia -- I like her voice but also the staging and costuming reminded me of Xanadu and who needs that

Albania -- This went in so many different directions

Belgium -- Disney’s Haunted Mansion has gained sentience and entered the Eurovision Song Contest

Romania -- The video is like Mika’s “Good Guys” but dark

Moldova -- WHY MOLDOVA WHY

Netherlands -- Absolutely epic perfection also I am definitely not crying right now no I am not

Serbia -- Clearly trying to recapture that “Hasta la Vista” spirit and I do not object

Estonia -- Congratulations, I was less bored than last year

San Marino -- I was expecting something kinda weird and I sure got it

Portugal -- Why do these 1930s gangsters sound exactly like Elton John

Cyprus -- Well it ain’t “Fuego” but it grew on me

Australia -- I really can’t get over how much I dislike her voice

Ukraine -- Mad Max: The Musical???

Spain -- I didn’t hate it but I’m probably not going to remember it either

Russia -- I love her

Switzerland -- I see this person has not cheered up at all since last year (fair enough)

Denmark -- This. This is why I watch Eurovision.

Austria -- If you’re going to be all sad sack then please dispense with the laughable animation

Croatia -- Please give those poor dancers some shirts :(

United Kingdom -- It seems the best the UK can ever hope for is “at least it’s catchy.” They achieved that this year. Dig the horns.

North Macedonia -- The song is okay but posing dramatically among historical artifacts is where it’s at

Latvia -- Yes Queen whatever you say Queen

Iceland -- There is DISCO and there is FIRE. What more can one ask from one’s Eurovision?

Sweden -- I didn’t think any entry could be better than last year’s. I was right. Dig the smoking jacket, though.

Bulgaria -- Not really my thing

Azerbaijan -- Add another one to the “2020 entrant clearly trying to recapture last year’s magic” pile. Which is basically everybody returning from last year.

Greece -- Once again manages to cram an entire movie into 3 minutes, good job

Georgia -- Feel asleep ten seconds in

Malta -- Was not expecting the horns, but you know what? I like it.

Italy -- Italy always brings it but could we not with the Surprise Bugs and Weird Face Stuff. Don’t like that.

Poland -- Oh man oh boy am I ever a sucker for ‘80s throwbacks yes gimme more

Belarus -- Sir Not Appearing in this Contest

#eurovision #eurovision 2021 #i don't think germany's live performance could top the vid but i look forward to seeing them try

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apurehetalian · 5 years ago

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Hello, I just love this pairing so much. I believe there is a certain fanfiction that got me on this pairing. Here's some personal headcanons that I have on them both. Plus, this will be my first headcanon post ever. Also, the edit I did above is not perfect so sorry about that. ^^'

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How they Begin

Iceland first met Romania when he came to Norway's home for a club meetup. He had seen Romania at the nation meetings, but never talked to him as he usually stuck with the other nordics. The club meeting was actually the first time he talked with the other nation and found out he enjoyed his company so he exchange numbers with him.

Through texting each other they became fast friends. They send each other memes, talked about their brothers, family, and friends. Even though Romania's weird stories freak him out, Iceland still listen to them when they were on the phone together.

It wasn't until Romania started to teach Iceland magic, since Iceland didn't want to learn from Norway because his brother would tease him about it, that Iceland started to crush on Romania real hard.

Even though Romania can read the atmosphere, he never noticed Iceland's crush on him.

Romania also had a crush on Iceland, but it freak him out, so he ingored his feelings for the other nation.

The more each other hanged out, the more they both started to fall for each other. However, Romania would always try to deny his feelings. Iceland was still young after all and his own fears always seemed to stop him.

It wasn't until Iceland started to look twenty-one in human years that he had enough and decided to be the one that made the first move. He started to flirt awkwardly with Romania and started to take him on dates, but his efforts went unnoticed. Romania, however, did noticed but was still too scared to be with him due to his past.

Iceland started to feel down as he felt like Romania didn’t love him back, but he didn't want to give up so he asked Norway for help. They made a plan to used a truth spell on Romania at the next magic meeting at Norway's place to see how he really felt about Iceland.

After the meeting, Norway told Romania he would like to meet him in his basement in a couple minutes before he walked away with Iceland. He took him down to his magic room and he made Iceland hide away so Romania couldn't see him.

They before waited patiently for the other nation to arrive. It wasn't long until Romania walked through the door. Norway said the spell quickly before he blasted his friend with his magic. Once the spell was in place he begin questioning his friend.

"I know you like my little brother, Romania. Iceland loves you. Do you love him in return? If you don't, than you better stop this little game of yours. You are my best friend, but my baby brother comes first so..."

Norway doesn't get to finished as Iceland watched in horror as Romania fell to the ground as he started to break down.

"I do love him! That is the problem. I don’t deserve to be with your brother. I am tainted, Norway. I don't want to taint him as well. Your brother is so great that he deserves someone better than me. I don't deserve to be loved!"

Iceland couldn't stand to be hidden anymore and came out of hiding as he slowly walked over to Romania. He knelt beside him as he gently wiped away the tears from the cheerful nation that he knew and loved.

Iceland didn't know if the truth spell at work or Romania willingly opening himself up, but it didn't make himself feel any less guilty as the man opened up about his past.

To say the least, there were two very pissed off nordics that wanted to murder the person who caused someone so precious to them so much pain. Since they couldn't, they both stayed close to the Romanian and comfort him together. Once Romania calmed down enough, Iceland and Norway apologize over and over again, however, he didn't forgive them and left right away.

It took about a month before Romania forgive them both. It took even longer before Iceland and him started to try out dating. Ever since, the two have been inseparable.

Relationship HCS

Romania is the one that always cooks since Iceland is a terrible cook, but Iceland always does the dishes.

They both take turns doing the chores.

Romania is always the cuddler of the two and always has his head under Iceland's chin or on top of his shoulder. Iceland let's it happen and even sometimes runs his fingers through his hair.

Iceland is actually an inch taller than Romania which he likes to tease him about.

Iceland and Romania can really be themselves around each other. They feel like they can be open and comfortable to one another.

They are always there for each other and will drop anything or everything they are doing just to support each other.

Iceland is the only one that can calm Romania down during one of his episodes and Romania is the only one that could cheer Iceland up when he is feeling down.

They had their first kiss at one of Iceland's hot springs. It was during their tenth date at the time and Romania always wanted to go to one so Iceland set up the surprise date for them. Romania was actually the first one to initiate the kiss.

It took a very long time before either of them were ready to have sex. When they were ready, it was during a romantic movie night date Romania had planned and he was the first one to initiate it.

Iceland actually let's Romania initiate most of the kisses or sexual activities because he doesn't want his boyfriend to be uncomfortable. However, there are times when he initiates stuff, but if he notices Romania becoming too uncomfortable than he stops right away.

Out of the two of them, Iceland is more dominate, but once in a while Romania will take the lead.

The both of them love using magic during their love making. It brings in a little fun to their sex life.

The two of them are total pranksters. Once they bring Hong Kong into the mix and everything will be in total chaos. The nations learned to be extremely afraid when those three are together.

Whenever Romania states he doesn't deserve to be love, that he is a terrible brother or states anything negative about himself, Iceland will put aside his pride and embarrassment to place gentle kisses all over Romania’s face. After every kiss he states everything he loves about him.

Iceland is good at baking. Whenever he wants Romania to do something or he just wants to cheer him up, he would bake him his favorite sweets.

These two dorks love having cake fights. It is usually Romania who starts it by smashing a piece of his cake in his boyfriend’s face.

Out of the two of them, Romania is the most romantic, but Iceland can be romantic as well, even though he doesn't realize it most of the time.

Romania suffers from PTSD, depression, panic attacks, and insomnia from the mental, sexual, and physical abuse that he experienced when he was a child by his father. Iceland suffers from depression, anxiety, and monophobia from all those years of being alone. They both understand that they will always have these disorders until they die and that they can't be fix. However, they did promised each other to always be there for one another, even if they break up.

They normally go to therapy together, but one of them usually waits in the waiting room unless one of them requests to be in there with him.

They respect each other's privacy. They feel like if it was important then they would told each other, but otherwise they mind their own business.

Personal space on the other hand...Romania needs to learn it, but at this point Iceland is used to it at this point. He just sighes and shakes his head.

Just like with any relationship, these two get into fights sometimes. They only had one serious fight that caused them both to break down in tears. They made up by Iceland making Romania's favorite sweets and Romania buying him a gift, usually something related to his boyfriend’s favorite music or band. They would apologize to each other before collasping into each other's arms in tears.

Iceland was jealous of Bulgaria. Even though Romania doesn't realize his friend flirting with him, Iceland does. It pisses him off to no end when the Bulgarian would look at him with a smirk on his face while he does it. The jerk even kissed Romania on the cheek once and Iceland lost it. Instead of yelling at the nation, he got revenge by kissing Romania passionately in front of him, even though he isn't a fan of PDOA, but he wasn't going to let him get away with that. After the kiss, he dragged Romania away so they could have some privacy.

Romania gets jealous of Hong Kong sometimes as well. He actually turned him into a rat once for smacking Iceland's butt once. Even though Hong Kong didn't mean anything by it, he knew never to do it again. Romania could actually be scary when he wants to be.

Brothers are important to both of them, especially to Romania. He lost his other brothers a long time ago and Moldova is all that he has left as family. For him, it was important that Moldova liked Iceland. His little brother at first didn't like his boyfriend, but soon they started to grow on each other after Moldova threatened Iceland not to hurt his big brother. He calls Iceland big brother now.

For Romania, it wasn't hard for him to be accepted by the other nordics since he was best friends with Norway way before he started dating Iceland. Technically, nationwise Norway is older then Romania so he tries to get Iceland and Romania to call him big brother, which both of them refuse to do.

If anyone makes their boyfriend cry, then that person better run for the hills. These two will be out for blood.

Iceland kind of freaks out sometimes about how accurate Romania’s fortune telling is, but most of the time he is just amazed.

These two dorks are sensitive so they cry at sad movies all the time. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Where the Red Fern Grows, Air Bud, Old Yeller, Marley & Me, Dear Zachary(documentary), and Grave of the Fireflies are some of the movies that made them cry. Iceland has also has seen Precious and cried, but he refuses to let Romania to watch it because of what happens in the film.

They love to read together at night. They both take turns picking out books to read. Romania usually brings fantasy, horror, romantic, and old Romanian folklore books while Iceland usually brings thiller, historical, and old Norse folklore books. They only bring their magic books when they go to a club meeting.

Since Romania doesn't sleep well, he is the first one awake and the last one to fall asleep, but he doesn’t leave the bed right away. He stays to cuddle with Iceland until his boyfriend finally wakes up.

Romania has a pet lynx named Vasile. The big cat acts like a normal house cat, but he doesn’t like people that are not Romania. Just like Moldova, it took him some time to warm up to Iceland.

Mr. Puffin actually really really likes Romania. Some might say he likes him more then Iceland and that is saying something since the bird never let's anyone touch him, but Iceland. The two of them get along pretty well much to Iceland's dismay.

Iceland loves to fish and takes Romania out on his fishing boat sometimes.

Iceland is good at figure skating while Romania is good at gymnastics.

The human name that Romania prefers is Cătălin Albescu while Iceland prefers Eiríkur Sigurðsson, but only they know each others' true names. Everyone else either calls them Vladimir/Vlad or Emil.

Since Romania celebrates Valentines Day twice, the international Valentines Day on February 14th and Dragobete on February 24th, Iceland and himself set away sometime so they could be together on both of those days.

On Valentines Day, Iceland plans the dates and bakes for Romania in the morning. When his boyfriend arrives, he takes him out to dinner before taking him out star glazing, sight seeing, or to the hot springs. After a long day, he would take Romania home where they would eat cake, cuddle, and watch sappy Valentines Day movies.

On Dragobete, Romania is in charge since this is his holiday after all. This boy here is going to go all out. He kicks Iceland out of the house until he gets everything ready. He cooks up a very nice meal before he decorates the house. He would have rose petals lead into the kitchen as he has romantic music playing like one of those cheesy romance movies. He would have candles set on the table along with a glass of Tuica and Brennivín. Romania would dressed up nicely and have flowers braided into his hair. He would call Iceland back and once he arrives, he would place a flower crown on top of his head that he made for him. (Iceland keeps every flower crown that Romania has made for him, but will deny it if asked.) They have a nice romantic dinner together before they head to bedroom for the night. ;)

For Halloween, Romania makes their costumes. They usually win the cutest couple costume much to Iceland's embarrassment.

Since he can get away with it during the month of October, because of Halloween, Romania will go to a nail salon and will get acrylic nails done. He usually gets his nails painted with a maroon matte polish, but depending on his mood he might asked for glitter to be painted on top of one of his nails.

Iceland loves when his boyfriend gets his nails done, because long nails equals great back scratchers with you have an itch you can't reach. Plus, he just loves running his fingers over his painted nails because of how smooth it feels. He also thinks it suits Romania and makes him look even more gorgeous.

"So this is the real reason why you keep me around." Romania would always joked to him whenever he wanted his back scratch.

For Christmas, Romania brings Moldova over to the Finland's house. Moldova usually runs off to play with Sealand while he carries the Christmas presents over to the tree before walking straight into his lovers arms before chatting and drinking with the other nordics. Norway would always have a mistletoe above Romania and Iceland as the two were forced to kiss each other as Sweden took photos much to their embarrassment. Denmark would bring them both into a big hug and started to tease them until Finland called dinner was ready. They would have a big feast before they opened presents. Romania’s eyes were already misty from how generous the nordics were to him and Moldova, but he doesn’t start crying until they started to call him part of the family. Iceland, Norway, and Moldova were the only ones able to calm him down while Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Sealand were confused. Romania apologize afterwards and was grateful that they didn't ask anymore questions. The rest of the night went wonderful as they watched Christmas movies, ate sweets, sing Christmas Carols. That had to be the best Christmas that he ever had and he was happy that he experienced it with Iceland, his little brother, and his new family.

The gifts Iceland gives Romania is scented candles, earrings, flowers, magic books he doesn't have, bath bombs, bake goods, nail polish, hats, chocolate, or stuff for Vasile or Moldova.

The gifts that Romania gives Iceland in return is magic books, stuff for Mr. Puffin, licorice, a pair of ice skates, music cds, a dish of one of his favorite foods, flowers, a deck of his very own tarot cards, chocolate, and something homemade by him.

They don't usually wait until an holiday, anniversary, or a special occasion to give each other gifts. They pretty much give them to each other whenever they want.

They love taking showers and baths together for them it feels more intimate that way. Leave it to Romania to bring out the candles, rose petals, and wine when they bathe together.

These two will sing in the shower together and they both have wonderful voices. They don't care what song it is either. They one time sing What does the Fox Say without realizing Norway was in the house. Let's just say Norway had awesome blackmail material on these two.

Out of the two of them, Romania has more of a sense of style than Iceland, but he slowly helping him to fix that.

If these to decided they want to get married, it will be more likely that Romania proposes and he would do it on his own. He is considered a romance nation after all. If Iceland did proposed, he would asked help from the Italy brothers, Spain, Portugal, Moldova, the other Nordics, and maybe France.

If they were going to have a wedding, their theme would be romantic starry night meets gothic fairytale. Their main two colors would be maroon and dark blue and their minor colors would be black, light blue, white, and purple. They both would be wearing tuxes, but if Romania had his way he would wear a dress. He would only wear one just to piss off Hungary because, according to him, he looks better in a wedding dress then her. That would start a cat fight that both Iceland and Bulgaria will have to pull them apart from each other. Of course, it starts a whole different fight when Bulgaria gets handsy with Romania when pulling him from Hungary. Iceland may be smaller then Bulgaria, but that doesn't mean he won't kick his ass for touching his man. Yeah, so no wearing dresses for Romania unless you want WW3 to break out.

AUs

Harry Potter:

Hogwarts Houses- Romania would be either a Hufflepuff or a Slytherin and Iceland would either be a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin.

Ilvermorny Houses- Romania would either be a Thunderbird or a Horned Serpent while Iceland would either be a Pukwudgie or a Horned Serpent.

Tarot Cards:

Major Arcana- Romania would be the Empress while Iceland would be the Emperor.

Minor Arcana- Romania would be the Queen of Cups while Iceland would be the King of Cups.

Constellations:

Romania would be Andromeda while Iceland would be Pegasus.

Zodiac Signs:

Romania would be Sagittarius while Iceland would be Gemini.

Elements/Elementals (I used their Zodiac Signs to help me out with this one):

Iceland's element would be air while Romania's would be fire.

Miraculous Ladybug:

Non-canon Miraculouses-I feel like Vasile and Mr. Puffin could be their kwamis, but I am not going to used their pets. Since Romania’s national animal is a lynx, I am going to stick him with a lynx miraculous, but his kwami's name is Doina. Now Iceland's miraculous will be his national animal as well which is gyrfalcon so he has the gryfalcon miraculous. His kwami's name would be Soffía. Okay, time for names! I decided to combine their true human names and their miraculouses animal type. So Romania's would be Cătynx and Iceland would be Eirícon after they both transform.

Canon Miraculouses- From what I know about the power of each miraculouses now, not all miraculouses powers have be revealed yet, I would have to say that Romania would have the peacock miraculous while Iceland would have the dragon miraculous.

Hero or Villian: I would say they would be on neither side truly. If anything Iceland would be a neutral good until Romania gets ahold of him and then he switches over. Romania would be a neutral evil. The only way these two would ever join a side is when it is for their own personal gain.

Dungeons & Dragons Classes:

Iceland is a Cleric and Romania is a Sorcerer.

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This took me two days on my phone to type. There might be mistakes and the formatting might be werid so I apologize for that. I might add more stuff later on to this post or I will make a part two. I haven't decided yet. ^^'

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borisbubbles · 5 years ago

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Eurovision 2010s: 30 - 26

30. Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz - “Midnight Gold” Georgia 2016

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When rating Eurovision entrants, it’s important to also take note of the journey, and Nika Kocharov had one of the best ever? Similarly to The Shin, everyone was just about:blank towards “Midnight gold”, not understanding the concept and ranking it last in unison. Like Shin & Mariko, I was mostly intrigued and willing to give it a chance. Unlike the Shin though, I thought “Midnight Gold” was a good song for its genre, just not one I was that entheused by. The revamp, which provided the setting of a mad scientist’s laboratory, was a step in the right direction, providing a hint of entropy, a dash of absurdity, a spark of insanity. And then, at long last, the dénouement:

STAINS OF MUD

ON UR SKIN

THE NIGHT WILL COME

AND SO WILL SIN

Winning LIFE *and* everyone over with that <3 I don’t think ANYONE could have anticipated that “Midnight gold” would deliver a non-stop absynthe-minded ACID TRIP in Stockholm. 😍 The visuals were so ICONIC they are still setting the special effects bar in the present day. This is Sacha Jean-Baptiste’s best staging. Period. Not “Euphoria”. Not “Alter ego”. Not “Fuego”. "Midnight gold”. BY FAR. Would it be even considered a stretch to go as far as saying that “Midnight Gold” has the best staging of any Eurovision entrant to date? I don’t think it does, but it is definitely a contender.

Who would have thought that THIS song would become one of the more memorable, epic entries of a great year such as 2016? Of course the flawless staging also made me retroactively appreciate “Midnight gold” as a song as well and I regularly give it play time whenever I can. 😍 STAINS OF MUD.

ps: I don’t care about fashion much, but I want his hat.

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29. Naviband - “Story of my life” Belarus 2017

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[2017 Review here]

HEY HEY! HAYAYAYA HO!

What superlatives can I still use for describe the pure, unshattering LIGHT that is “Historija majho zyccia”? It leaks mirth from every pore, infecting everyone around it with the irresistable urge to tap their feet along to the HEY HEY HA JA JA HO’s!

At the center of this wonderful hovercraftian masterpiece lie Artiom and Ksenia, two of the most adorable humans ever to exist, who are also a couple irl and it shows. The two have chemistry and charisma in spades, especially Ksenia who is the living embodiment of the “^__^” emoji. I am ALWAYS happy when I listen to this song and I am thrilled we got to hear it twice.

Eurosnob contempt for happiness is a well-documented feature in this ranking, but it reached its nadir with Naviband: You see, in addition to being ‘A Happy Song’ (a term used with contempt, imagine that O_O), Naviband are also folk singers from Belarus, who -shocker- sing in Belarusian. However, don’t be harsh on the Eurosnobs because the area of the dopamine receptors in the brain of a Naviband hater are always attached to a person who isn’t living happily ever after. Naviband is life at its best. EMBRACE IT. Like this Lithuanian frump did:

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28. Måns Zelmerlöw - “Heroes” Sweden 2015

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lol I JUST spoke about “Midnight gold” having one of the best, but not the best staging. Well, that’s because “Heroes” is, in my opinion, the most visually impressive Eurovision entry of all times. 🤗 I don’t think it’s even a stretch to call it that? “Heroes” as a song is widely regarded as pretty whatever, winning due to its act. However, while I don’t necessarily disagree this is why Måns won, I feel this take very much undersells Måns. Using it at an excuse to dismiss his goodness is ridiculous.

First of all; “Heroes” IS a really, really good song. Infectuous, upbeat, irresistably positive with highly quotable lyrics (”now go sing it like a hummingbird the greatest anthem ever heard” 😍) and an earnest anti-bullying message (<3). It may not be *as* original as some of the entries ranked around it on this list, but it definitely handles its own, with and without an act.

Another defining factor in making “Heroes” a great entry is Måns himself. Måns Zelmerlöw is arguably the most attractive human to ever set a foot on a Eurovision stage. The man is irresistable even on a platonic level. He puts every other charismatic performer to shame and does it effortlessly.

However, even with these two trump cards, the staging is indeed the best part of “Heroes”. It bears repeating that I think this is the best Eurovision act to date. Impressive visual effects, flawless choreography and impeccable camerawork elevate “Heroes” to a much higher level. It tells it story with more clarity and efficacity than any other entry I can think of.

Ultimately, Måns staging is a testament of his goodness, and an acceptable reason for winning Eurovision. Because of “Heroes”, many countries have upped their staging game, resulting in more visually impressive entries (specifically the Sabotage Baptiste ones in 2016, and Sergey I guess), which is a positive development. Live music isn’t so much about which song you perform, but about how you perform it, and “Heroes” is the best example of that.

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27. ZiBBZ - “Stones” Switzerland 2018

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[2018 Review Here]

WILD JOKAH ON A GOLD THRONE

Here we are again, our annual appointment with everyone’s favourite sibling alliance. 😍 “Stones” is powerful kick-ass diamond of indie-rock and a serious contender for my favourite Swiss entry of all time.

The song is a masterclass in mental health awareness and self-empowerment, dismantling bullying and depression with perfectly timed percussion and AHUMs, truth-bombing lyrics and an insanely charismatic lead who sounds like Joss Stone on five packs a day. 😍 It’s catchier than ebola, more addictive than sugar and soars higher than a kite.

In addition to all of that jazz, “Stones” is also responsible for some of the most iconic visuals in 2018:

God the shot of Coco with the flare still sends shivers down my spine. WHAT A CRUSADER OF THE DOWNTRODDEN. 😍 Whenever I’m feeling down, this is the song that lifts me back up again.

Really, the only thing not good about ZiBBZ was the camerawork and that wasn’t their fault. FY Hans Pancake. 🙄 If ever there were a robbed NQ who deserves a Genovaesque return, it’s the Zibblings. BRING THEM BACK!!!

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26. Paula Seling & Ovi - “Playing with fire” Romania 2010

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Speaking of highly addictive songs, holy cow Ovi I need rehab for that beat alone because I CANNOT get it out of my head.

Anyway, who else would be the #1 for Romania if not for Paula Seling and Ovi? “Miracle” was a beautiful example of tacky taste, but “Playing with fire”, man, :takes a sip of gin:, now that is the real stuff.

I’ll start, I guess, where I’ve begun my write-up which is the composition: “Playing with fire” has one of the best underlying beats in this decade, which gives it infinite replayability. Layered on top of that is some delightfully aggressive piano (😍), on top of THAT some amazingly playful lyrics (”BOY BOY BOY If we’re mean, i would start a fight tonight” songs about playfighting <3) and on top of THAT, Paula Seling. Paula is the STAR of this performance, stealing the show every time she’s shown with deliciously flirtatious facial expressions

and some vocal masturbation in the guise of a dolphin impersonation.

She and Ovi and ignite the place with both insane pyrotechnics and spontaneous chemistry. So fun, SO GOOD, so dynamic especially for an act where the main singers sit down in front of a double-headed plexiglass piano (😍). Duncan Laurence DEAD in a motherfucking DITCH.

And with this update we have eliminated FIVE countries. Check their reviews below:

GEORGIA

Georgia is such a bizarre Eurovision country, often churning out absolutely BONKERS entries that leave Europe stunned in silence. <3 It may not be reflected in their vital statistics but I always look forward for what they have on offer because even in the rare case of them being boring, they are always interesting.

BELARUS

Belarus was one of the worst countries in the 00s, but in the 2010s they’ve evolved into a bargain bin Moldova, which makes them solidly good. It’s really astounding that a country SO GOOD at being entertaining gets dismissed so easily because of their flag (and dictatorship (and gay rights)). They’re mostly good and 100% worthy of our time, tyvm!!

SWEDEN

The worst part of Sweden’s success streak is that it made them conceited and lazy. They no longer need to be innovative, creative or entertaining in order to get a top five position and worse, they are fully aware of it. This resulted in a marked drop in quality and if they don’t curb their hubris quickly, I predict it will soon come back to bite them. (ie: another NQ)

SWITZERLAND

B A S I C. Zibbz and Luca did a lot of the heavy lifting here, which caused Switz to mathematically outrank Sweden, and while that’s hilarious it also feels absurd and wrong. Don’t be fooled by all that green though. Switzerland are basic bitches and have no idea what to do in order to be cool.

ROMANIA

Romania are one of the better hit-or-miss countries in Eurovision, imo even if the chart doesn’t fully reflect it. The problem I have with them is that their entries don’t have a long shelf life. Like, the Cezars and Ilincae of this world grow stale very quickly because they’re exhausting and shallow. Having said that, this is by far preferable over being consistently boring (UK) or violently oscillating between great and demonic entries (Germany, Demark).

#Eurovision #Eurovision Song Contest #Georgia #Belarus #Sweden #Switzerland #Romania #Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz #Midnight Gold #navimumbai #Story of my life #Historija majho zyccia #Måns Zelmerlöw #Heroes #ZiBBZ #stones #Paula Seling #Ovi #playing with fire

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melekseev · 6 years ago

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so i FINALLY bring you my esc19 toplist, all under the cut, with short comments.

also be aware i literally... enjoy my top 31. so twenty something places might sound bad.. BUT THEYRE REALLY NOT, I JUST LOVE A LOT. i went into this year thinking it was weak, and then after i had this playlist on so much, hello, i love a ton. nevertheless, just my taste and opinions and good luck to all of them~

1. France ABSOLUTE KIN G stuck in first place because this is undoubtedly my most listened song this year, and i'm absolutely hooked on it. i am somewhat worried about that coming revamp, but. but i fcking love this song, and he improved those vocals like d amn 2. Russia i.... am in love. every time i hear this song it gets me into that sort of dramatic ecstasy and it's so big and beautiful that it just... it kills me. i die. thats it 3. Italy soldi is still my jam, and i adore it to bits 4. Slovenia this masterpiece is one i just want to protect. so soothing, i LOVE listening to it, it's just ethereal 5. Netherlands this song, at one point, was almost at every possible spot on my list from middle to top 15, but then it stuck with me and now it's utter love 6. Hungary i adore his voice, no bias. his whole vibe, his unique delivery and technique, that folky sound, like... yes please 7. Switzerland i am not ashamed to say i am utter trash for this song. every single part i love about this. like holy shit, this time switzerland better make it thEY EARNED IT 8. Australia she is QUEEN, i considered dropping it from my top 10 when trying to readjust ONE TIME and upon relistening i instantly was like "okay no way it's going anywhere", i just unironically love it a LOT 9. Norway actual legends... this song just cheers me up to SUCH an extent! love the joiking... i love eveything, bless you norway 10. Belgium at first, i had issues with it, because i wanted a bigger drop near the end, but now i'm just absolutely... in love... it convinced me. the instrumental, the building up, the dark undertone, just. i adore this 11. Poland oH I LOVE THEM SO MU CH. li s t en. i can't explain it, but they give me like a lowkey vibe of soft punk-rock theme but also like...?? japanese pop?? but no, it's polish and slavic and traditional and i'm really really vibing with it, because some of it is familiar from my own culture, and these girls S LAY 12. Albania albania always delivering those vocals.. i love the mystical vibe with the ethnic sound, it's simply gorgeous 13. San Marino can you believe i unironically HONESTLY thoroughly enjoy this song?? serhat is an icon, but his voice actually really fits with this song and i always get super into it. i'm so happy this exists lmao 14. Azerbaijan i'm very very much into this song, and i'm EXTREMELY curious to see how he pulls this off live as it seems to be such a radio song, but i have hopes. i just dig it, like... like a LOT 15. Czech Republic this is the most chill song this year, and despite the silly, easygoing lyrics it's just... extremely fun, and it's been my jam since it came out 16. Croatia listen. l i sten. i love... theatrical. i love big strong voice explosions. this CHILD is talented as fuck. i know many people hate this, but the song actually grew on me, and then today i just honestly love it. i wish the whole song was in croatian, but even with the not so great lyrics, i'm eating it up and singing along. i know he won't make it, but oh well. it's okay Roko, i love your voice and song 17. Armenia i really love this one, too. she convinced me further in amsterdam bc she absolutely killed it (although i feel like she had a nervous slip in the very beginning) but then after that.. holyshit. such a tiny girl with such a huge voice 18. Spain honestly, if you tell me earlier it would end up this high at one point i wouldn't believe you.. i never /hated/ it per se, but i also wasn't really impressed or as into it as most people were. i think the revamp was the one that convinced me in the end, because it forced me to face the fact that i do honestly enjoy this more than i want to. also now im nostalgic towards anything spanish, even if its different, bye 19. Finland yes, this might be nothing special, but i just... enjoy it. i genuinely do, and there are certain parts i especially love, and so therefore. like. yes. 20. Estonia as much as i didn't want to like this originally, i do. like, i really do. it just happened, and i'm not mad about it 21. Romania this song is a big grower for me, and to this day the more i hear it the more i get into it still 22. UK Michael's live delivery elevates this otherwise not so amazing song like... so much. i feel like the UK does tend to send songs with this particular theme, but i actually enjoy it quite a lot when he's doing it live. his voice is impressive, and so... here he. 23. Sweden these two ^ i always moved around together for some reason, as if they were linked, which might be because John wrote both songs, although i learned that later(??? but in the end, i feel like i prefer UK a bit more. this is also really good though, it works, and it has a great vibe for esc 24. Portugal so this one slipped quite far off, as with time i sort of lost the enthusiasm for it. i still find it unique and enjoy it nevertheless though, so it could definitely be worse 25. Greece i'm in quite a pickle because after not necessarily being super into this song, i started to really like it (VOICE, BRUH) but then the amsterdam concert happened. I KNOW she was sick, though, so i sort of have this on hold. if she delivers later, which i'm sure she will, she stays, but if not, this might drop a few slots 26. Lithuania this is another song that just makes me happy and makes me smile, and i can't explain it. i love lionboy. i'm just here for it 27. Serbia her voice is quite literally pristine, i love that she's singing in serbian, and i do appreciate her a lot as i honestly enjoy this song when it's on. it tends to slip my mind, though, which i hate it does, because it's beautiful and i'm rooting for her 28. Cyprus super unpopular opinion, but i actually like this a lot more than Fuego, and don't necessarily compare the two. HOWEVER i do kinda feel like i'm seeing the same thing from the same country, like, immediately after, which makes me a little less excited about it, oof 29. North Macedonia see, the message is very nice. the song actually grew on me a bit compared to the first time i heard it, but i still just... wish it was better. i like it overall, but it's just about pushing it 30. Israel he's actually very talented and on point vocally. the only reason it's not higher is simply because it's just not really my style, but it's one i still appreciate on stage 31. Georgia there is something about this that i like. i respect him, and when near the end there's sooo much power, then especially i really dig it 32. Montenegro the revamp did help them quite a lot, but overall it still kinda feels like a high school chorus, and i'm just not really for it 33. Moldova her voice is really nice, and despite how i found it just... done several times and kind of boring (oops), her live made me appreciate this just a bit more 34. Ireland i feel like this song is just kind of... there, for the sake of being there. it's not even bad, it's just... meh? 35. Malta that chorus is a major turn off for me, and it's neeeearing that point where a song just starts to annoy me... which i feel like is worse than simply not liking something, so it's on thin ice 36. Austria first of all i think her voice is very lovely. BUT... after about the 4th yo-o-o-ouh it does tip and starts to annoy me, which i wish it didn't, but... but it does 37. Belarus i wanna talk about how they had a huge shot with Michael Soul, but i will not go down that road and focus on Zena. this song just feels like a mess to me. like... a young britney spears song, but bad. i really don't get the appeal, at all 38. Latvia hhhhhhh. this one annoys me so much, i just can't begin to explain. it's flat, repetitive, and the chorus (??) fries my nerves in a matter of seconds, IM SORRY 39. Denmark oof... o o of. i don't want to be rude but basically this feels exactly like what you'd expect a junior eurovision song to be like.... except those are actually better. it's just... no. no. way too much sugar. it’s all just... no 40. Germany speaking of songs that annoy me? i feel like this is definitely the one i can't stand the most. *screeches* SISTAH x4 41. Iceland listen i'm not going to talk about this for long but basically i really heavily dislike this for a few reasons and can never listen all the way through without like.. suffering. the funniest thing is that i love the beat. but then.. the singing (NOT even the style) it just. it makes me angry, cuz this could be good. but it's not. also i don't like the pretend-gay stuff. but that's just me

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invisiblehandsmusic-blog · 6 years ago

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BREXIT AND THE MUSIC BUSINESS

11 July 2018

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the consequences for the British music business of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union in the aftermath of the referendum held in June 2016. Personal anecdotal evidence suggests it’s pretty likely that if you work in the music business or you’re a musician, you voted to remain in the European Union (or you didn’t vote), so I probably don’t have to change your mind about the merits or otherwise of Brexit. Dialogue on the subject suggests that the full consequences of leaving are not widely understood, perhaps because our membership of the EU has lasted longer than most musicians’ and executives’ careers, so the benefits we enjoy are taken for granted; they have always been in place and we can’t imagine not having them, even as we charge at full speed towards that new reality.

Nearly everything discussed here will become reality even following the softest of Brexits, reducing our status to that of, say, Moldova, Serbia or Ukraine, with only a diplomatic relationship and a trade treaty of some kind but no say in the criteria for trade we must abide by if we want even moderately favourable trading terms, and no free access to the market for people or goods.

1. TOURING IN EUROPE POST BREXIT

I am sure that it will be possible to visit the European Union for holidays and for business trips without a visa, but that only gets us a meeting with our distributor in Hamburg or a weekend in Ibiza. Setting foot on a stage, even unpaid, counts as work and to do so we will need a work visa. A handful of dates in Germany, a showcase at Eurosonic, a festival in Spain? Prepare to be rounding up passport scans, contracts, insurance documents, bank statements, medical certificates, and fill in pages of paperwork, followed by a long wait in line at an embassy, and factor in travel time to London for those of us outside the capital as well (or put the whole lot including passports in the mail, which may be the one thing that is a worse idea than having to be on a Virgin Train to London at 0548 in the morning to be in line at the German embassy in London by 9). You could pay a broker to do it, which saves time but burns a lot of cash. By the way, with the possible exception of playing in multiple Schengen Treaty member states, this is a process that will have to be repeated for every country we’re planning to play in.

So we’ve got our work permit. But to play, we also need our gear, and presumably a van. As the resident of a nation that will no longer be a member of the European free trade zone, bringing in our own musical equipment will be considered an import. (Anyone who toured Europe in the 1960s will have stories of being stuck at Calais with French customs officials asking for ten grand in French francs because the officials insisted the band were really going to sell their gear in France.) Personal effects – clothes, laptop, a single guitar – are usually exempt, so when we have travelled outside the European Union as a tourist or businessperson, it is unlikely we will have encountered this degree of red tape, because we didn’t take a van and six guitars and five boxes of t-shirts with us when we went on a beach holiday in Thailand. But take a van, gear, merch, you’re going to deal with customs.

So to avoid paying masses of import tax and duty, we will need (as bands did back in those days) a carnet, which is basically a passport for goods instead of people. Getting a carnet is an expensive and time-consuming process for which we generally rely on the help of a broker, much as in the case of a work permit. It involves creating a manifest of virtually everything of value we are travelling with above a certain value and a lot of supporting paperwork (receipts from the time of purchase). Getting a carnet is sufficiently compex that you will need a broker to do it for you. It really is a field of expertise all of its own.

Overlapping in the areas of both live work and physical exports is “merch”. The carnet may prove our gear is staying with us for the return trip, but those five boxes of t-shirts, well, they are to be sold en route. For these we most certainly will have to pay import tax and duty, and sales tax too.

2. PHYSICAL SALES OF RECORDS IN EUROPE POST BREXIT

The other major handbrake on the music business post Brexit will be placed upon physical exports for labels and bands that will soon be in place. Without free market access, sending a box of records to our French distributor will be the same as sending a box of records to Mexico. Customs forms and commercial invoices will need to be filled in, import taxes paid, regular delays at customs endured with a constant risk of our shipments being impounded (we used the wrong harmonisation code; we forgot to include a copy of the commercial invoice in every parcel, a form that states the contents are not immoral/seditious has to be signed and scanned and sent to an obscure office who are only open on Thursdays). “Red tape” was regularly cited by the Brexit camp as a reason to leave the European Union, but it’s not there for the sake of it – harmonisation of regulations is what allows red tape to be done away with, and post-Brexit, you can expect a lot more red tape, not less.

Manufacturers of physical music and merch are already looking at offering services to British labels and bands whereby they manufacture within the European Union on our behalf and import to the United Kingdom only what we need for the domestic market, and store the rest inside the borders of the European Union for when we need it there (in the case of records), or for when the band next tour there (in the case of merch), so the product doesn’t have to cross a border and incur import taxes and duties en route.

3. GEOGRAPHY IS DESTINY

Brexiters talk in esoteric terms of trading with other parts of the world such as the old British Commonwealth countries, but no one who has ever been at the trade coalface thinks physical trade with a different continent is preferable to trade with an immediate neighbour. Admittedly, the kind of trade where the product can be transmitted down a wire is less hampered by distance and music streaming does meet that criteria, but with two important caveats. Firstly, streaming revenue is already the subject of a great deal of complaint as it generates so little revenue, and secondly, the majority of music consumers are not going to stream your track in decent numbers if you’ve never been to their country to do promo and play shows, so even digital sales are somewhat hampered by a lack of proximity.

No Brexit theoretician can diminish one essential truth: geography is destiny. The United Kingdom is currently a member of the European Union, a quasi-federal state comprising the world’s biggest single market, and in it reside the world’s richest half-a-billion people. Most importantly, it is so close to our own shores that on a clear day other parts of it, both France and Ireland, are visible to the naked eye from our own shores. When you hear a Brexiter say we can trade with Australia, New Zealand, Canada (the Commonwealth option) this is, of course, true and it is something we already do. As a consolation prize for losing access to the European Union, however, it’s a disaster, first and foremost because the cost of getting there is immense.

Even if the funds exist to fly the band long haul, that big ticket trip isn’t the end of it, it’s just the beginning. It takes multiple visits to a territory to make it big – you wouldn’t expect to be famous in Britain after ten shows, so how many times will you need to cross the Atlantic to crack Canada, how many times will you have to traverse half of the entire the planet to make it big Down Under? Five trips? There’s a reason Australia has so many tribute bands (Bjorn Again, The Australian Pink Floyd et al) – it’s too far for the real thing to go in person. Only when Coldplay levels of fame are reached does Australia become realistic, when jumping off from Tokyo to play Big Day Out becomes a possibility.

Crippling opportunity cost aside, even if five trips to Canada or Australia were financially viable (we’re entirely ignoring the environmental cost of such a carbon footprint), who are you going to play to? Australia, New Zealand and Canada’s population (23, 4.5, and 35 million) combined only adds up to Italy (59 million), itself a tenth of the European Union (510 million).

Another misunderstanding about access to Commonwealth countries: just because they have historical ties to the United Kingdom doesn’t mean you won’t need work permits and import licences for your stuff if you want to go and play there. Australia has a very tough immigration policy (indeed it is held up as a model by Brexiters); even Canada with its humane asylum policy, photogenic prime minister and our own Queen on the money requires plenty of time spent on visas and hassles at Pearson airport trying to avoid paying import duty for Hugh Cornwell’s black telecaster (we’re not going to sell it in Canada I promise!).

4. OTHER LONG DISTANCE TRADING PARTNERS CAN’T SAVE US

Brexit theoreticians tell us we can trade with a long list of other non-EU members. However I can’t name one country that isn’t off the list of suitable trading partners for small businesses in the United Kingdom for one or more of the following reasons: 1. It’s far away. 2. No one speaks English. 3. It’s in a vastly different time zone so even a simple phone call involves waking up at 5am or staying at work til 9pm. 4. No intellectual copyright laws. 5. Significant cultural differences that require years-long apprenticeships of misunderstandings and social faux pas. 6. No disposable income. 7. Small local population.

And wholly back on the subject of music, 8. outside the European Union, North America and Australia, the rest of the world’s populations have their own constellations of stars who sing in the local language. The British music business regularly falls into the trap of thinking the exceptions are the rule. Just because Cradle Of Filth do decent box office in Colombia doesn’t mean you have a chance of being famous there. “Big In Japan” is mostly a myth. (Before you commit to breaking your band to Japan, ask yourself when you last listened to pop music sung in Japanese? But you expect Japan to fall in love with music in an equally foreign language?)

One more Brexit false hope, which is the United States. It may have the population (318 million) that other export targets lack, a degree of stability, they speak English (kind of), and show quite a bit of interest in British music (most notably in the early 1980s, when one in three records sold in the United States was by a British act; right now it’s about one in eight, albeit highly concentrated in the hands of Adele, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith and Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook vol. XVII). Lest we forget, President Trump was elected pretty much on a single-issue platform of protectionism so literal that it includes walling themselves off from a neighbour and attempting to ban Muslims. As anyone who has aspired to as little as a SXSW showcase will tell you, getting work visas for the United States has long been famously problematic and eye-wateringly expensive. Our politicians and Brexit campaigners may bleat about the Special Relationship but besides a fairly closely aligned military, there is simply no such thing. (Plus even the United States is still an expensive seven hour flight away, unless you’re going to California, in which case it’s ten hours.)

Disclaimer – I’m not a snob. I’ve been to 65 countries, and the more of the above categories a particular place falls into (far away, no English spoken, no intellectual property rights etc), the more I’ve enjoyed visiting, with Iran, Bangladesh, Lebanon, and North Korea being particular highlights. Being poor doesn’t make Sri Lanka a bad country, and not speaking English doesn’t make Peru bad either. What’s up for discussion is how these countries compare to the European Union as trade partners.

5. BREXIT

So what we are looking at as a country and as an industry is no easy access to local markets, and distant markets that are equally walled off plus high opportunity cost because of travel for personnel and shipping for product plus problems with language, culture, and/or the small size of their markets. Meanwhile we have the world’s biggest market right on our doorstep, in which we currently have completely unrestricted access to work, trade, live, enjoy protection under the law and receive free health care as citizens; all a band need is a van and a ferry ticket, all an exporting label need is a customer. Because of a small margin of votes in a Tory party leadership contest disguised as a referendum on a very complex issue in a campaign fraught with lies, we are soon to lose all of those rights. As is surely obvious from this piece, the effect on the British music industry will be devasting.

Societies and whole civilisations can choose the wrong path. History doesn’t care, God doesn’t care. Currency devaluations, failing industries, shortages, national unrest – it’s a familiar narrative, but only from newspaper headlines, happening exclusively to other people. Venezuela, the Soviet Union, Iran, Lebanon (to name just four) all enjoyed reasonably long periods of great wealth and stability that ultimately proved to be unsustainable because of structural weaknesses that could not be papered over, and/or the bad decisions of their leaders, and/or the bad decisions of their otherwise highly educated and rational citizens. The example of our musical acts not understanding that post-Brexit they will need a French work visa to go on stage at a gig at MIDEM is a useful if trivial metaphor – as a society we’ve had it good enough just long enough that we can’t imagine anything else and we’re under the illusion of thinking ourselves collectively immune to the consequences of taking the wrong fork in the road, and that in the instance of Brexit we will merely exchange one form of stability and prosperity for another, and that exclusion, irrelevance, failure and catastrophe can’t happen to us. I don’t know what to do to stop this madness, but understanding how much it will cost us is a start.

Charles Kennedy is the founder and managing director of London-based indie label Invisible Hands Music, and has worked with Tangerine Dream, Hugh Cornwell of the Stranglers, [From] The Jam, Thomas Dolby, Animotion, Miranda Lee Richards of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Mishka Shubaly.

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borisbubbles · 7 years ago

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4. NORWAY

JOWST - “Grab the moment” 10th place

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I always keep Eurovision songs separate from non-Eurovision in my mind. If I’m really honest, most “Eurovision Songs” are really, really average at best as songs, but elevated to the next level through a combination of petty politics, far-fetched gimmicks and campness. “Real music” is simply too good to bring itself down like that (and no, pale imitations such as... well... literally half this year’s contest if i’m honest, don’t even come CLOSE, I refuse to parttake in that sort of revisionism).

However, every once in a while, a song that i would fall in love with OUTSIDE of Eurovision somehow tumbles into Eurovision proper.Enter "Grab the moment”.

To its credit, the song survived its transition into a Eurovision entry quite well, with the aid of some serious Midnight Gold-esque special effects:

K1LL KILLL K1££ K1LLL KI££ V0IIIIIIC€ IN µY #€@D.

I love how Nika Kocharov, of all people, set a new standard for psychedelic special effects <3 Black+Amethist CGI mash-upfest <3 Similarly, JOWST has now set a new standard for live vocal interpretations, with all the inbetween chanting being pre-recorded. Such trend-setters <3

But to understand “Grab the moment”, we have to understand WHOM we’re dealing with first. I love the dynamic between JOWST and Aleksander. I’m normally don’t understand “bromos” (you’re in what is functionally a gay relationship despite being straight, without the sex but with all the emotional trench warfare? meeeeeeh), but omg talk about a cute bromance. Aspie musical progidy & laid-back hipster stonergod BFFmances <3

Like, Joakim is deeefinitely on the spectrum? It’s not just the “refusing to perform w/o a hoodie & fluorescent mask” thing, but also the “making off-hand Game of Thrones references during official press conferences” thing, the “loving your bromance partner but forgetting to credit him as the vocalist” thing and the “alternating between looking a point right above the camera and looking at your toes during interviews” thing. (all of which <3)

Aleksander otoh is basically... an antropomorphic carebear. Chatting up to JOWST while the latter is ~InDaZ0n3~ during the live performance sums up his entire essence, btw. It’s kind of funny to hear him sing (which he does EXCEPTIONALLY well, lbrh) stuff like “i’m tryna sound kewl, but i’m boilin’“ when he’s probably the least likely person to ever get angry or anxious at anyone ever. <3 He was certainly a good mama bear figure for Joakim and help him feel at ease in the public eye <3

So it’s only apt that these two provided us with an anti-anxiety anthem, yes?

The realization that “Grab the moment” isn’t about anger, but about dealing with extreme, crippling social anxiety as a young straight [autistic] man is what finally sold me on putting “GtM” inside of the God Tier of Eurovision songs. Mental health is a huge taboo, especially when young, vulnerable straight men are concerned!! On occasion, some [piers] MORON[gan] tells them shit such as “ugh man up” or “this is for guuuuurls” and “get over it” which never, EVER fucking helps why do people do that? ugh. Anyway, fortunately, there are people -like Joakim and Aleksander- who tell them “dude, you only live once. go for it. we’re here for you” a message which not only encourages but also actually helps. MENTAL HEALTH CRUSADERS <3

Also, again, “Grab the Moment” *is* a really fucking good song. It can’t be stressed enough that the verses are OUT OF THIS WORLD. It’s edgy, compelling, complex in form and function, has a relevant message, etc. I’m *elated* the juries carried it to the top 10 finish it deserved. I’ve seen some people (idiots) label it as “boring”, because idk, it’s fronted by men and is actually viable as a song(???) and grouse about their lost Tijana and Timebelle time (??? that is like saying someone ate your peas & carrots). Personally, I believe that if something is truly good, it can’t ever be truly boring, but each to their own, I guess...

Decade rank: 29/324

THE 2017 RANKING SO FAR:

-ADORE- 1. 2. 3. 4. Norway (29/324) 5. Lithuania (43/324) 6. Hungary (47/324) -LOVE- 7. Moldova (55/324) 8. Italy (61/324) 9. the Netherlands (63/324) 10. United Kingdom (67/324) 11. Finland (68/324) 12. Estonia (71/324) 13. Azerbaijan (84/324) 14. Latvia (87/324) 15. Israel (93/324)

-LIKE- 16. Bulgaria (100/324) 17. Portugal (105/324) 18. Croatia (115/324) 19. Austria (119/324) 20. France (138/324) 21. Poland (154/324) 22. Armenia (158/324) 23. Romania (164/324)

-OKAY- 24. Iceland (174/324) 25. Ukraine (190/324) 26. San Marino (203/324) 27. Albania (217/324) 28. Denmark (228/324) 29. Spain (237/324) 30. Cyprus (240/324) -DISLIKE- 31. Germany (258/324) 32. Montenegro (263/324) 33. Sweden (270/324) 34. Serbia (275/324) 35. Australia (280/324) 36. Switzerland (286/324) 37. Czech Republic (288/324) 38. Malta (291/324) -HATE- 39. Georgia (301/324) 40. Greece (303/324) 41. Slovenia (307/324) 42. Ireland (312/324)

#Eurovision #eurovision 2017 #Eurovision Song Contest #Norway #JOWST #Grab the moment

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