JOY Eurovision

28 May 2012

Musings – A landslide and a wake up call

As I woke up this morning in inner-suburban Melbourne I had no idea that half a day later I would be so amazed by a Eurovision outcome.

I came to life as Loreen was claiming the Grand Prix and that odd microphone trophy.

But I, and the rest of Australia, had to wait for the delayed telecast.

My personal media black out worked although the intensity of my demands NOT to hear any Eurovision news discombobulated some people I came into contact with !

And when Hikaru Freeman and I took to the air at Joy 94.9 for five glorious hours – aided admirably by Shannon Power, Bret Sweeting & Chris Jackson – the complete ignorance was still in tact !!!

But the outcome was know before the singers were even close to turning into the metaphorical straight.

Sweden won in a canter with a certifiably good song and so the ESC returns to one of its spiritual homes in 2012.

The margin of victory was unprecedented – a landslide with support across the continent.

Melodifestivalen proved itself again.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SCb0nrjVno]

But what of the rest ?

Russia’s second came courtesy of a unseemly effort – no disrespect for the lovely ladies from Buranovo, but their three minutes of fame didn’t contribute much to music or much else. Warm and fuzzy it might have been, but groundbreaking or memorable it wasn’t. Sorry, it was just “not right”

Its redeeming feature was that it was mainly in “language” – Udmurt had its moment in the sun.

And Serbia stuck with its language too for a most creditable third.

Azerbaijan’s fourth was a surprise – their sub-contracted Swedish song writers did them proud.

And Albania had a great night in 5th – “Suus” is one of 2012’s songs that will endure.

A wonderful performance.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVvDxR8k5LY]

So non-English songs still have a place, especially with the heft of the eastern voting bloc.

And another “non anglo song” will stay in my heart for a long time.

Spain’s Pastora Solento was magnificent in her rendition of “Quédate conmigo”.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvP6iO9NHRI]

How it failed to get into triple figures I just don’t understand. Or, to be cynical/realistic, was it because the natural voting bloc for Spain is limited to … Portugal.

Ah yes, the politics of the voting was never clearer than this year !

As for the UK. Well, it’s 1am in Australia after our delayed broadcast and I am knackered, so I will sleep on the disaster that was Engelbert.

Rest assured Hikaru Freeman and I will have plenty to say and podcast about “Humpgate” in the coming days.

Personally, Eurovision 2012 is a standout with the success of this website and the Joy 94.9 programming.

To you who visit and download – thank you and keep coming back.

To my collaborator, comrade and friend Hikaru Freeman I say the deepest of thank yous.

Now will it be Stockholm or Malmö or in ’13 ??