EUROVISION - Hold on, what...?!
AND SO IT HAS BEGUN!!!
THE FIRST SEMI-FINAL IS ON RIGHT NOW
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AND IT'S LOOKING FABULOUS!!!
The audience is cheering with wild abandon at anything happening on stage, light effects (quite rightly so, the stage looks amazing), singers being spun around by their legs, man running decoratively in enormous hamster-wheels, enormous drums, and - holy veteran, Batman! - it's Ralf Siegel himself at the piano!
LET'S HAVE ANOTHER POST RIGHT THE HELL NOW!!!
Damnation, it is such a terrible, sad shame that Germany can't take part in the tele-voting in this semi-final - I'd gladly blow my telphone bill into oblivion to support some of those songs! And thus - and to maybe at least offer some moral support - I'll ditch my plans of having one folk themed post and one with my favourites and just show you my favourite from this semi-final. Quick, before the voring starts!
*one semi-final and the voting results later*
ARE YOU BLOODY SHITTING ME, EUROPE?!?!
ALBANIA DIDN'T MAKE IT TO THE FINALS?!
AND LAME-ASS RUSSIA AND SAN MARINO DID?!?!
How by all that is holy and has some resemblance of a musical taste was that possible?! Let's do a little Compare&Contrast here - here's run-of-the-mill pop from Russia and so-old-school-it's-almost-a-parody-of-itself San Marino:
Russia: Tolmachevy Sisters "Shine"
Click to view(The audience in Copenhage actually booed when Russia result came through, which I thought was absolutely unnecessary and mean. I will agree that it was upsetting to see this stupid song succeed, but, come on, no need to behave that like assholes towards two young girls.)
San Marino: Valentina Monetta "Maybe"
(I'm glad for you that you made it through to the Grand Final, Ralf SIegel, but seriously not at the expanse of other, better songs... *grumbles*)
And now tell me, please, in which way those songs can possibly be deemed better than this one:
Albania: Hersi "One night's anger"
(In case you hadn't guessed it: Albania was one of my absolute favourites. I like her voice, I like the guitar solo, I like the way it changes from the sweet, lilting beginning to the powerful, rocky ending, which I think makes it more interesting and exciting and surprising than either of the above songs have any hope of being, and I don't bleeding care that it sounds like Shakira joined Evanescence! GAH!!)
Way to undermine my enthusiasm, Europe! *gives Europe evil glare of disdain* But tonight, Germany can vote as well, and I have a telephone and I won't hesitate to use it!
At least, Iceland's Pollapönk thankfully made it through, just like Sweden, Hungary, and Armenia who are among this year's favourites. I like them alright and I think they are good, though I must admit that both the Hungarian and Armenian entry are, to me, a bit overrated (Armenia's "You're not alone" has a bit of a weird structure, it all seems to build up and up and suddenly it's over, but I keep waiting for more. Maybe that's just me, though, but in comparison Albania had much more rounded, refined composition.)
Another song that made it through is:
The Netherlands: The Common Linnets "Calm after the storm"
What a beautiful live performance! I had been so worried this wonderful song wouldn't translate well onto a big stage, that it would be too calm, too sedated, (too good...) for Eurovision - but, hell, they are even better live! They have such a charismatic presence, it totally enhances and compliments the song, and just look at the two of them grin happily at the end, because they knew they totally rocked it!12 points!
Well, here's to hoping that the second semi-final will be more satisfying... at least I equipped myself with beer and ice-cream this time.