Eurovision Song Contest 2008 Analysis
Weirdness from Bosnia in the form of Laka
Well Eurovision has come and gone again. It was a good competition this year – although I thought the winning Russian entry wasn’t all that wonderful. I would have preferred Bosnia-Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Greece in that order. But I think the general quality has greatly improved since the Eastern countries have become independent and more liberated in their approach to music. I love the hybrid musics resulting from the combination of modern rock and dance rhythms etc with their various ethnic traditions.
There does seem to be a problem with countries voting for their near neighbours and political allies, but wasn’t it ever so? The resulting hoo-ha about whether Western European countries should continue entering is a bit of a red herring. The truth is these countries just do not take the competition seriously enough. The only way to overcome the tribalism inherent in the voting structure is to produce some better songs.
Andy Abrahams’ song was probably the best we’ve entered for some years now but it really was pretty conventional and totally lacking in innovation or drama. It wasn’t even modern R’n’B, but more a standard second-rate 70s sould song. If it hadn’t been our entry to the Contest it wouldn’t have stood a chance in our charts let alone anywhere else.
You’ve only got to analyse the pop charts in the UK to pick out dozens of better songs than his tawdry effort. Our entry should be the best song available from a much wider spectrum than those that get into the ‘Song for Europe’ handicap each spring. Why aren’t the likes of Lily Allen, The Streets or Girls Aloud entering the fray. I’ll tell you why – it’s because the whole British establishment thinks that Eurovision is a joke – much in the way the Irish entry by Dustin the Turkey portrayed it to be [and sadly but justifiably got knocked out in the semi-final].
A joky song is one thing but as long as the competition is looked down upon in such a way then it will be a self fulfilling prophesy that we won’t stand a chance. Terry Wogan has always been a most amusing compere for the UK, but maybe his likely retirement from the annual bash will offer a chance for a new start in the attitude department. We don’t want to be so serious that to lose will lead to hara-kiri in the streets by performers and fans. But if we could build a team of presenters who treated the whole thing with a little more respect and exhibited a little less cynicism especially towards the Eastern block, then perhaps some of our more accomplished and creative songwriters and performers would put themselves forward as entrants.
Kalomoira - Greece's very own Britney
I love Eurovision. I think it’s one of the most entertaining evening’s TV of the year. It would be a great shame if we opted out for little more reason than sour grapes – for that’s what it would be. Let’s press the powers that be to treat the contest with the seriousness and respect we exhibit in some of the finest sporting events where we struggle to compete. Cricket and cycling, for example – we know we’re unlikely to be top dog but we respect the other entrants and go all out to do the best we can under the circumstances. Let’s show some of the Eddie the Eagle spirit and be heroic losers rather than pick up our ball and stomp off home in disgust.
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