BS: Eurovision

Subject: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 May 14 - 06:48 PM

Well? Who saw it? Who thought Austria deserved the win? I liked Switzerland, France and the UK. But, what do I know?

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 May 14 - 07:21 PM

I thought the Austrian tv's was among the better efforts, and quite a reasonable choice of winner. Disagree about the French, who IMO finished up with 3 more points than their ballsaching effort deserved; and couldn't understand the number of 12s awarded to the unconscionably bland & boring effort from the Netherlands -- must have been that beautiful hat the guy had on! I rather liked the Polish entry myself (& not only 'cos of the beautiful bosom of the strapping lass with the bucket&washboard!); and the Norwegian started rather feebly but rose to an excellent climax. Our cat liked the Polish one also because she happens to share the name (Cleo) of the Poles' lead singer!

~M~

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 10 May 14 - 07:23 PM

Yes I admit it I did and like you I rated France if not to win to do better than they did, they were interesting to watch and quirky. This year I thought the presentation of the contest was very slick which added polish to most of the performers so I had difficulty in choosing tonight. For the first time in ages my elderly mother sat through the whole of the competition and enjoyed the whole thing. In recent years she would have given up and headed to bed before the voting reached halfway but it was a good atmosphere too which helped to make it enjoyable.

Austria deserved the win but there were so many this time it could have been any one of them. Netherlands, Germany, Finland, Italy, Spain. I was a little bit suspicious of Italy and I thought I could recognise a few bars from a particular rock song of the past (Hanging on a Rope?). Still watchable though.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: gnu
Date: 10 May 14 - 07:27 PM

Thank goodness for Google.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 11 May 14 - 02:54 PM

Is that Polish entry on YouTube yet?

Only asking

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: akenaton
Date: 11 May 14 - 03:08 PM

Freak Show.....a reflection of what society is becoming?

Simon Cowell has much to answer for.

how can people who know and understand traditional music, even watch this nonsense?

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 May 14 - 10:51 AM

Simon Philip Cowell, born October 7, 1959 in Lambeth, London

The Eurovision Song Contest or Eurovision, is an annual song competition held among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) since 1956.

Pretty damn good trick by Cowell is that.

I understand, play and sing traditional music as well as enjoying social and ritual dance. I also fully enjoy the spectacle and some of the music of Eurovision. I would not dream of calling something that anyone enjoyed nonsense, even if I thought it was. But I guess that someone who does not hesitate to call a man with a beard dressed in women's clothing a freak has no such sensibilities.

Do you really like to debate, ake, or just argue? If it is the former I suggest such provocative language is out of place.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: akenaton
Date: 12 May 14 - 02:13 PM

Well Dave, I mention Cowell because he produces "freak shows" for UK TV.....most of it ritual humiliation for the delectation of our moronic society.....it's worse than nonsense, it's cruel humiliation of people with often serious problems.....maybe the whole entertainment industry is full of people like that, I don't know, but I do know that the ritual has nothing to do with the music and culture that I know and love......and I include Morris and Hie'lan dancing in that.....the meaning is in the tradition.

You would not dream of calling something that anyone else enjoys, nonsense?.....Oh? I can think of many things which some people enjoy, that are "nonsense", or many times worse than nonsense.
The cruelty of killing "wild" animals for sport and pleasure being top of my list.

Provocative language.....hah! I haven't even started yet, though I make sure that I have the means of backing up everything I say.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 May 14 - 03:14 PM

I don't think I have ever seen a post so unrelated to what I actually posted. Probably my fault so let's go though it bit by bit. I do accept responsibility for not making myself clear enough in the first place.

You mentioned Mr Cowell in the context of referring to the Eurovision. Forgive me for not understanding that you were referring to something entirely different. If I made that mistake, I think anyone who does not know better would assume that Eurovision is just another version of Britain's got the X factor or whatever it is called. It is not. It is an event established in 1956 to showcase the best of Europe's pop music. It contains no cruel humiliation as far as I can tell. It is not a talent show and some of the best known performers from Europe and beyond have jumped at the chance to perform in it.

You also referred to a freak show in relation to the Eurovision. The winner was a cross dressing man with a beard and a very good voice. Again forgive me if the assumption was that you consider him part of the freak show was incorrect. I think calling anyone who is different to yourself a freak is cruel and unnecessary. Don't you?

Finally, it was my mistake that I did not specify that I would not call the music that anyone enjoys nonsense. I feel it is wrong to do so. The most I have ever said about the type of music I do not like is that it is not my cup of tea or I like something else better.

As to your last point about not having said anything provocative, well, I have told you why I feel it is provocative. You disagree. If you feel the need to back up your views for some reason feel free to do so but how you can "have the means" to back up anything to do with one persons personal taste being better than another's is beyond me I'm afraid.

Please refer to the thread title in any further communication and try to remember that I can only assume that your remarks are pertinent to Eurovision or at least relevant in some way.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 12 May 14 - 04:26 PM

We always record the Eurovision, then with remote at the ready it's easy to fast forward over the crap - into which the first 13 fell, in particular the Austrian freak who was nauseating although did a pretty good impersonation of Kenny Everett!!!!!!!!!!

We shall of course endure our Molly who was brilliant.

It was all over much quicker in Soviet Union times!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Amos
Date: 12 May 14 - 04:29 PM

I like the Russian sisters, myself.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: akenaton
Date: 12 May 14 - 04:36 PM

The Eurovision Song Contest has been recognised as a "freak show" for decades.....Folkies have always treated it with derision, as they do the X Factor.

This year's seems to have been particularly putrid, though I did not have a strong enough stomach to sit through it....better things to do, but I did read a couple of reports which gave the flavour of the occasion :0)......The bearded Lady.....great voice?   I heard a small portion on the news and was completely underwhelmed, even in "sound only!"

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: akenaton
Date: 12 May 14 - 04:37 PM

Bonzo.....thanks for the laugh!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Musket
Date: 12 May 14 - 06:15 PM

Freak show.....

Anyone got a bucket handy?






They'll be allowing men to wear tartan skirts next.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 May 14 - 08:22 PM

first they came for the Big Brother contestants
and I did nothing
then they came for the Eurovision Song Contest
and I did nothing
then they came for the bankers
and I laughed my ass off....

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 14 - 09:14 PM

Bring back Terry Wogan!

On second thoughts....

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 13 May 14 - 01:56 AM

So, Herr ... errr ... Fraulein (?) Wurst, you're a gay transvestite who sings power ballads? Zzzzzzz!! Oh, sorry, seem to have dropped off for a moment there!

Anyway, you always anticipated being bullied and persecuted for being "different" but, in fact, you won an international singing contest?

Right ... hmmmm!

NEXT!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 13 May 14 - 02:40 AM

So, "Herrlein" ... Crack. Sorry! Wurst! You're back again, and this time you want treatment for exhibitionism, do you?

Right, let's make start. You've got two choices: Either take that frock off and get your hair cut or keep the frock on and shave that beard off. It's up to you!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 04:19 AM

The Eurovision Song Contest has been recognised as a "freak show" for decades.....Folkies have always treated it with derision, as they do the X Factor.

Point 1. By whom? Point 2. No they haven't. You have enough proof on here that some people who enjoy folk music also enjoy Eurovision. How about changing your encompassing statement from 'folkies', which seems to indicate all 'folkies' to 'some people', such as yourself, which is much more accurate.

To anyone who is engaged in 'freak' bashing may I suggest you go to Conchita Wurst's web page. The opening panel says it all in two words.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,guest ac
Date: 13 May 14 - 04:28 AM

Yes Dtg tolerance and empathy.The psychotic don't have this though.Didn't watch it this year but used to never miss it just for the voting,great craic.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Grishka
Date: 13 May 14 - 04:28 AM

Commercial showbiz is commercial showbiz. May the wurst win.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 04:57 AM

Grishka - :-D

Out of interest, of 14 separate contributors on here, 3 have said they like it, 5 seem to have seen it but indicated no preference. 5 have not indicated if they saw it or not and just one has called it a freak show and nonsense. I guess that is a good a straw poll as any.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 05:45 AM

Sorry - Correction. Of the 5 who did not express whether they liked the contest, 3 indicated that they enjoyed at least part of it.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 13 May 14 - 06:40 AM

I did feel sorry for the Russian sisters when performing their song knowing full well the reception they might get from the crowd. Although not impressed by the song I still thought they were brave to carry it through.

The thing with Eurovision everyone knows that it is camp or should do by now. It is hardly a surprise. The only thing that does bother me is the trend to include complex dance routines to it. It is either just a song contest or it's not IMO.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Musket
Date: 13 May 14 - 06:46 AM

Perhaps the one was the (Scottish) inspiration for the Little Britain character played by David Walliams who throws up all over the vicar whenever anyone mentions gay or transvestite?

I didn't watch it. No reason not to, other than Saturday nights never have been cuddle up with the telly nights.

Never been the same since Cheryl Baker got her kit off. (Or at least the dress...)

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 07:38 AM

The dance and spectacle are part of it for me, Patsy. Dance and music are, in my mind, inexorably linked. I do enjoy music for itself and will quite happily listen to many different genres but something that has a foot tapping beat is just asking for either Morris dancers or traditional Polish getting kit off routines ;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Stu
Date: 13 May 14 - 08:53 AM

ABBA were folkies before they became pop stars.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 May 14 - 09:03 AM

terry wogan was a human being before he became terry wogan -probably...

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 10:03 AM

That is also rather unkind, Al. Yes, OK, I know it was a joke but to suggest someone is less than human is what causes upset and arguments on here. Many times! Still, as I know you are thoroughly nice chap that sends me CDs for free, I will forgive you :-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 10:05 AM

BTW - Mr W doesn't commentate on the contest for the BBC any more. It's Graham Norton now but we had better not mention that in some quarters.

;D

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Musket
Date: 13 May 14 - 10:08 AM

Feckin' Irish eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 10:17 AM

Mr Norton is probably more famous for something else we had best not mention, Musket. But I suspect he can be cured of being a TV presenter.

:D tG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 13 May 14 - 10:36 AM

Didn't watch the qualifying rounds this year, but those songs that did make the final
are surely the weakest and least interesting for many years ?

Graham Norton was rarely amusing; he sounded tired and sour throughout the broadcast.

Please BBC relegate the 'piss-taking' overlay commentary to optional red button
for future Eurovisions.

I actually want to enjoy the show as broadcast by host nations.

Me and the mrs can make up our own self satisfying sarcastic comments as required...

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 11:09 AM

I must, punkfolkrocker, that there did not seem to be as many nods to the traditions of the countries concerned as there have been in the past. I can't recall when it was but I seem to remember one contest that had a good proportion of songs that could have gone down at few of the more liberal folk clubs and sessions I have been to. I don't really know if these were the weakest or least interesting because I have one of those memories that does not hold things like that so I will take your word for it.

I don't think Norton has a patch on Wogan for the commentaries but I thought he had a good try at times. I love the idea of making our own sarcastic comments and will endeavour to implement this next year. Possibly with a drinking game that will make said comments funnier and funnier as the evening goes on :-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 13 May 14 - 11:29 AM

Yeah, the influx of East European nations back about 10ish years ago
truly invigorated Eurovision with a positive mash up of catchy 'ethnic culture' techno pop.

This contest I fell asleep for 3 or 4 songs,
but woke up just in time for Poland's gloriously cheesey soft-core knocker fest...

The winning entry is clearly the best Bond movie theme song that never was.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 13 May 14 - 12:08 PM

Funny enough I was thinking at the time the winning song would have made a cracking Bond theme. Hope the powers that be think on the same lines whenever the next Bond film is planned. It would be a bit of a twist on the macho all action male that Bond is supposed to represent. Could be interesting!

Anyway now for the World Cup!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Musket
Date: 13 May 14 - 12:17 PM

Yes, The World Cup..

All ready to plan with my lads where to watch each game. Mrs Musket hasn't cottoned on yet, but I have just ordered a new 50" telly for the lounge.

Not bad for someone who claims he rarely watches telly. (The one it replaces, which to be fair has a dicky power on reaction... was bought in time for the last World Cup.)

RRROOOOOOONNNNNNEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 13 May 14 - 12:30 PM

Norton a much less dreadful anchorman than the obnoxiously self-satisfed facetious Wogan, who would drive one mad with his officious unwanted patronising idiocies. Jolly good riddance!...

I have never made out why Auntie Beeb thinks we need these jumped-up famous-for-just-being-famous nonentities to present us with their unsolicited comments and fatuous opinions. Why could't they just have played the music & let us listen to it undisturbed by the likes of the nauseating Wogan?

~M~

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 13 May 14 - 01:15 PM

Sorry, I am about to commit a sin I accuse others of - I am not going to read the previous posts.

I have one thing to say: Bellowhead for UK next year. Simples

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 13 May 14 - 01:57 PM

Possibly Michael, because Wogan is one of the wittiest, clever entertaining anchorman they have ever produced?

Just a thought.

Norton may ham up his campness for the cameras but he is also a great ad libber.

Err.. That's what they are paid for.   You could always sign up Mick Fleetwood and Samantha Fox to do it next year?

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: akenaton
Date: 13 May 14 - 02:26 PM

Grinska, once again, makes the most pertinent comment.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 13 May 14 - 05:58 PM

Indeed a pertinent comment. It is commercial. If you don't like it, don't watch it. If you don't like it, why post to a thread about it?

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 May 14 - 08:03 PM

I sort of resent it. its bollocks, isn't it?

one of the glories of England is its music. not only do get represented by a load of tat - we get piped into our houses a pile of complete bum. wankers worldwide.

yes you can avoid it. avoid all mention of it. but you feel like a fugitive in your own house.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST
Date: 13 May 14 - 08:47 PM

39 comments from some of the most profligate posters around and yet nobody mentioned the one folk instrument played in the lot of them, one of the guys from the Maltese entry playing a Mountain Dulcimer.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 May 14 - 09:34 PM

god! i'm SO ashamed! I did not miss it. I didn't watch it.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 14 May 14 - 01:43 AM

I certainly didn't watch it - just couldn't avoid all of the post-contest drivel. Still, I'm looking on the bright-side - at least it's not as endless and as all-pervasive as football drivel!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 14 May 14 - 03:39 AM

Quite a few other folk instruments too. Synthesisers , pianos, guitars, brass sections, drums, bass, strings section....

Al. If what you consider music was put forward it wouldn't receive mAny votes, trust me. I have lived and worked in the land of Beethoven and Bach. I still have business dealings in the area that spawned Vivaldi. I wake up in Bologna, open the shutters to let the cultural heritage of the renaissance flood my room in a four hundred year old hotel, and shut my eyes to take in the sounds.

And you know what?

The sounds coming from the street cafe below me include a medley of Chas & Dave knees up sing in Italian by a bunch of session singers with a computer drum beat behind it.

Same as in every factory, office and shop from Calais to Baku.

Many years ago, I even heard an orchestra with what suspiciously sounded like The Mike Samme Singers knocking out a jolly version of The Stranglers Golden Brown. I was having breakfast in a hotel in Munich and the waiter turned it up, started singing along.

Naw, in the land of people with dildos on their heads, you need to fix a dildo before gaining credibility.....

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 14 May 14 - 05:13 AM

Are you lot ignoring on purpose have I not made my message aggresive enough?

Bellowhead, yes Bellowhead for Eurovision next year.

I love Bellowhead. One of the most exciting live acts singing and playing old songs and tunes I have ever seen.

Yes I know lots of you don't like them. That's they may music is. You hear it and you either like it or you don't. It's intuitive not a rational judgement.

I think with the right song they could do better than we generally do.

Does this matter? No of course not.

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 14 May 14 - 05:27 AM

Yes, they are great.

Let's not ruin them like we did with Sandy Shaw eh?

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 14 May 14 - 06:59 AM

Bellowhead would be great. Trouble is it does have to be an original song so they could not do what they are best at - Traditional songs. Maybe we could write an original Eurovision shanty for them? :-)

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 14 May 14 - 08:33 AM

Remember Ireland sending out Dervish and how much good that did them?

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 14 May 14 - 04:20 PM

For the Dutch song there was a pedal steel guitar in the backing, but it was nowhere to be seen on stage!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Eurovision
From: akenaton
Date: 14 May 14 - 04:56 PM

Dervish are excellent, but I don't think a beard would suit Cathy? :0(