Not terribly eventful - and piles of marking to get through over the next week.
The election campaign has continued. I can't get very animated about the issue of supposed 'lying'. First, I think that Blair sincerely believed he did the right thing on the war, I don't agree, but I don't think he lied. When it came down to 'yes or no', the Attorney-General did say yes, and that would have been good enough for any government.
The reality of the thought of the slithery toad Howard in no. 10 means I may have to join Polly Toynbee's peg-on-nose club. You go to the polling station and hold your nose whilst voting Labour again, thinking of Gordon Brown as PM.
Something I have had to think about is that if it wasn'tfor the war, I would be voting Labour, I'd probably still be a member of the Labour party.
Stiull haven'tmade up my mind completely, but the Tory campaign has been abhorrent. Keeping them out has to come first ( remembering that they too would have gone to war)
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
A time of change
On Friday, David and I decided to leave our church. It has been coming for a while, for any number of reasons.
First, and this is for me alone, I feel my own spirituality is chganging, in fact moving back towards the religious humanism of my Quaker years. Whilst the sojourn into Anglo-Catholicism was inspiring and at times enlightening, I always felt I was very much on the liberal side of that movement, and at heart, I am a liberal, not a catholic Christian.
Second, our disillusion with the Church as an institution has reached far greater proportions, and I don't feel that our congregation is in the front line of resistance to its worst elements. In particular, I feel that its position is becoming more, not less catholic, and recent piety concerning the death of JP2 summed it up, along with the lukewarm at best attitude towards women in the priesthood. There can be absolutely no excuse for discrimination on those grounds, particularly when it comes from non-celibate gay priests only too willing to sit on their hands when it comes to achieving real change.
Third, our own church faces some real problems which I think it is neither capable of facing nor prepared to take the radical action necessary. A congregation which is 70% , 70+ is not viable, and whilst there are those who want to look towards new ways of doing and being church, I don't think it will work without the enthusiastic and wholehearted support of the incumbent, and its clear enough that he is doing all he can to undermine change.
Fourth, I recognise that many ethical positions held by the conventional church are far from what I believe - in particular (obviously) gay and lesbian equality, but also voluntary euthanasia, which I strongly and passionately believe in.
So ... where to now?
I am going to meet up with a couple of clergy I respect in the next couple of weeks, go back to Quaker meeting for a few weeks, and continue to contemplate and seek direction.
Incidentally, on the voluntary euthanasia issue - if you are undecidsed on the issue, then go and see the marvellous Spanish film ' The Sea Inside'. A call for dignity, autonomy, and freedom.
First, and this is for me alone, I feel my own spirituality is chganging, in fact moving back towards the religious humanism of my Quaker years. Whilst the sojourn into Anglo-Catholicism was inspiring and at times enlightening, I always felt I was very much on the liberal side of that movement, and at heart, I am a liberal, not a catholic Christian.
Second, our disillusion with the Church as an institution has reached far greater proportions, and I don't feel that our congregation is in the front line of resistance to its worst elements. In particular, I feel that its position is becoming more, not less catholic, and recent piety concerning the death of JP2 summed it up, along with the lukewarm at best attitude towards women in the priesthood. There can be absolutely no excuse for discrimination on those grounds, particularly when it comes from non-celibate gay priests only too willing to sit on their hands when it comes to achieving real change.
Third, our own church faces some real problems which I think it is neither capable of facing nor prepared to take the radical action necessary. A congregation which is 70% , 70+ is not viable, and whilst there are those who want to look towards new ways of doing and being church, I don't think it will work without the enthusiastic and wholehearted support of the incumbent, and its clear enough that he is doing all he can to undermine change.
Fourth, I recognise that many ethical positions held by the conventional church are far from what I believe - in particular (obviously) gay and lesbian equality, but also voluntary euthanasia, which I strongly and passionately believe in.
So ... where to now?
I am going to meet up with a couple of clergy I respect in the next couple of weeks, go back to Quaker meeting for a few weeks, and continue to contemplate and seek direction.
Incidentally, on the voluntary euthanasia issue - if you are undecidsed on the issue, then go and see the marvellous Spanish film ' The Sea Inside'. A call for dignity, autonomy, and freedom.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Dr. Merseymike PhD
I did it!
Viva today, went well, and have just a short additional appendix to compose - but have been awarded my doctorate!
Viva today, went well, and have just a short additional appendix to compose - but have been awarded my doctorate!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
EVERTON 1 Scumchester United 0
Thats EVERTON: the Pride of Merseyside, 1, Scumchester United 0
Some of the chants about a certain king Chav who looks like Shrek and only scores in a brothel were priceless.
Some of the chants about a certain king Chav who looks like Shrek and only scores in a brothel were priceless.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Continued decline for the RC church
.. given the choice of a charisma-free, conservative dogmatist as pope. Why all the hypocrisy from those who should know better?
Speak the truth. He's a homophobic bigot and the only relief is that he's 78 and will hopefully die before he can do too much damage.
Speak the truth. He's a homophobic bigot and the only relief is that he's 78 and will hopefully die before he can do too much damage.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Fun weekend, impossibly busy week....
Went over to Leeds on saturday, to meet up with a few fellow ESC fans. We allp seem to like different entries this year, there's no obvious front runner, although nearly all my favourite songs are in the semi-final which means, if those I like don't get through, there could be very few I actually like this year.
Then headed over to Huddersfield, where I lived for six years, to meet up with an old friend (Nathaniel) and to eat a curry which was excellent. Its BALOOSHAI, 3 Viaduct Street. Superb food, very authentic. The place looks as if it has been spruced up a little since I lived there. David was having one of his ferry weekends, incidentally, so we both indulged in our respective anorak activity.
This week will be busy. PhD viva on Saturday, and supposed to have a job interview for some more hours Wednesday morning, but can't see how I can get a decent presentation together with the PhD revision to do as well, plus lecturing and writing lectures....see what personnel have to say tomorrow.
The election campaign drags on, with a notable lack of excitement. The Tories are fighting a gutter campaign. Will that persuade me to return to Labour? I honestly don't know, I'd say that the likelihood is more no than yes, but I don't want the Tories in government. Neither do I wish to vote for my MP.
Then headed over to Huddersfield, where I lived for six years, to meet up with an old friend (Nathaniel) and to eat a curry which was excellent. Its BALOOSHAI, 3 Viaduct Street. Superb food, very authentic. The place looks as if it has been spruced up a little since I lived there. David was having one of his ferry weekends, incidentally, so we both indulged in our respective anorak activity.
This week will be busy. PhD viva on Saturday, and supposed to have a job interview for some more hours Wednesday morning, but can't see how I can get a decent presentation together with the PhD revision to do as well, plus lecturing and writing lectures....see what personnel have to say tomorrow.
The election campaign drags on, with a notable lack of excitement. The Tories are fighting a gutter campaign. Will that persuade me to return to Labour? I honestly don't know, I'd say that the likelihood is more no than yes, but I don't want the Tories in government. Neither do I wish to vote for my MP.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Labour's manifesto
Its OK. Lots of jargon, some good suggestions, others I don't agree with.
Still no real change on foreign policy, and extra pledges on overseas aid have no connection with decisions to enter illegal wars - I'm not naive enough to be convinced by that.
Still don't want the Tories to get in, but can I justify a Labour vote? I don't know.
Still no real change on foreign policy, and extra pledges on overseas aid have no connection with decisions to enter illegal wars - I'm not naive enough to be convinced by that.
Still don't want the Tories to get in, but can I justify a Labour vote? I don't know.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Happy birthday to me!
21 again ( try doubling it and adding a year)
And an early birthday present was Everton's splendid 4-0 win against Crystal Palace. Not only did we get our act together and play better than we have played since Tommy Gravesen left, but James Vaughan, aged just 16, came on in the 75th minute and scored a goal for us. Fantastic!
Now, how about Claire Curtis-Thomas standing down and having the chance to vote for a Labour candidate who didn't support the war in Iraq? That would be good news! Still undecided....
And an early birthday present was Everton's splendid 4-0 win against Crystal Palace. Not only did we get our act together and play better than we have played since Tommy Gravesen left, but James Vaughan, aged just 16, came on in the 75th minute and scored a goal for us. Fantastic!
Now, how about Claire Curtis-Thomas standing down and having the chance to vote for a Labour candidate who didn't support the war in Iraq? That would be good news! Still undecided....
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Labour canvasser calls...and that burial in Italy
The Labour canvasser called today. I explained to him that as things stand, I probably won't be voting Labour, largely because of the Iraq war, and beacuse i don't wish to support the candidacy of Claire Curtis-Thomas MP. He gawped stupidly at me. I know well from previous experience that canvassing is largely done to identify supporters rather than discuss on doorsteps, but just a tiny stir of brain activity would have been helpful, and some attempt to discuss the issues with me.
The celebrity funeral of an ageing bigoted Pole took place today in Italy. What sort of collective hysteria exists which produces that sort of reaction. And if someone with those sort of views is a 'spiritual leader', then I choose not to follow.
The celebrity funeral of an ageing bigoted Pole took place today in Italy. What sort of collective hysteria exists which produces that sort of reaction. And if someone with those sort of views is a 'spiritual leader', then I choose not to follow.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Election day no.1
So...what I am going to do?
When I talk to Tories, I feel that I must vote Labour, as their views appal me - its right back to having a bash at foreigners and poor people
But how can I vote for a Labour MP who
* supported the war in Iraq?
* is a passionate opponent of euthanasia - indeed, its just about the only thing she is passionate about? I equally strongly support it.
* seems to regard her role as being some sort of local mayor?
* employs a lifelong Tory voter as her speechwriter?
Politically, I'm now closer to the Liberal Democrats. But if I vote for them, will it let in a Tory to this seat? And if so, would that mean a majority Tory government - which I do not wish to see.
Its a dilemma.
When I talk to Tories, I feel that I must vote Labour, as their views appal me - its right back to having a bash at foreigners and poor people
But how can I vote for a Labour MP who
* supported the war in Iraq?
* is a passionate opponent of euthanasia - indeed, its just about the only thing she is passionate about? I equally strongly support it.
* seems to regard her role as being some sort of local mayor?
* employs a lifelong Tory voter as her speechwriter?
Politically, I'm now closer to the Liberal Democrats. But if I vote for them, will it let in a Tory to this seat? And if so, would that mean a majority Tory government - which I do not wish to see.
Its a dilemma.
Mr Tony calls the election....
And who am I to vote for?
Case against voting Labour:
The illegal war in Iraq
Claire Curtis-Thomas MP
Spin
Student fees
Sycophantic adoration of Bush
Ruth Kelly being considered Cabinet material
Simple disappoinntment at the squandering of real opportunity for change
I agree with more of the LibDem policies
Case for voting Labour:
Progressive legislation, in particular on gay rights
Investment in public services
Incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights
The economy and its management
Better than the Tories
Michael Howard as Prime Minister
Lib Dems a poor third here last time, although have won the seat before.
Watch this space.
Case against voting Labour:
The illegal war in Iraq
Claire Curtis-Thomas MP
Spin
Student fees
Sycophantic adoration of Bush
Ruth Kelly being considered Cabinet material
Simple disappoinntment at the squandering of real opportunity for change
I agree with more of the LibDem policies
Case for voting Labour:
Progressive legislation, in particular on gay rights
Investment in public services
Incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights
The economy and its management
Better than the Tories
Michael Howard as Prime Minister
Lib Dems a poor third here last time, although have won the seat before.
Watch this space.
Budapest
Returned yesterday from a splendid week in the fine city of Budapest, flying from Manchester. We stayed on the Buda side of the Danube, in the art'otel, which we managed to get a room in for a sillyu price on the internet.
Budapest is an excellent city. It is inexpensive, attractive, and has lots of character. The food and wine were both first class - as were the 24 bottles we brought back.
Highlights...
* The tour around the Hungarian Parliament
* The visit to the Tropicarium, together with giant tortoises, and alligators. I can't somehow see the animal rights lobby in the UK being very keen...
* A visit to Szentendre, a twee and enjoyable tourist-trap together with marzipan museum and Hungro-tat a plenty.
* The new Contemporary Art museum in the Palace of Arts - open for two weeks, and featuring a good selection if international work, including some Hungarian artists not familiar to me.
* The Statue park. Examples of communist-era stautary removed from the city centre and placed in a park on the edge of the city. Bizarre and evocative.
Worth a visit!
Budapest is an excellent city. It is inexpensive, attractive, and has lots of character. The food and wine were both first class - as were the 24 bottles we brought back.
Highlights...
* The tour around the Hungarian Parliament
* The visit to the Tropicarium, together with giant tortoises, and alligators. I can't somehow see the animal rights lobby in the UK being very keen...
* A visit to Szentendre, a twee and enjoyable tourist-trap together with marzipan museum and Hungro-tat a plenty.
* The new Contemporary Art museum in the Palace of Arts - open for two weeks, and featuring a good selection if international work, including some Hungarian artists not familiar to me.
* The Statue park. Examples of communist-era stautary removed from the city centre and placed in a park on the edge of the city. Bizarre and evocative.
Worth a visit!
The Pope
The death of the Pope and the adulation of the masses reminds me a good deal of the reaction of the UK public to the death of Princess Diana. A quasi-religious spectacle of public display of emotion, of someone who none of the people concerned actually knew....
And what of JP2? Frankly, I didn't have a lot of time for him. A social conservative, with a didactic view of his own position ( suppose that goes with the job description) and no doubt did plenty to assure the future of the Church lies in the pre-modern world. Charismatic, a great communicator, yes - but in terms of his beliefs and ideas, on the whole, I disagreed with them. Indeed, his positions were generally the opposite to mine - socially reactionary, economically naive, reacting very much to his own experience, and inability to accept that theocracy is not the favoured method of governance of anywhere in Europe.
And what of JP2? Frankly, I didn't have a lot of time for him. A social conservative, with a didactic view of his own position ( suppose that goes with the job description) and no doubt did plenty to assure the future of the Church lies in the pre-modern world. Charismatic, a great communicator, yes - but in terms of his beliefs and ideas, on the whole, I disagreed with them. Indeed, his positions were generally the opposite to mine - socially reactionary, economically naive, reacting very much to his own experience, and inability to accept that theocracy is not the favoured method of governance of anywhere in Europe.
ESC - my verdict as of today
Marks out of 20....
Austria 16
Those of you who remember Dr. Buzzard's original Savannah band from the late 80's will recognise this somewhat quirky and appealing song. It isn't immediate by any means, but the performance is strong, and it should nake a distinctive and worthy start to the semi-final. Will it qualify? Quirky often misses out in Eurovision - look at Belarus last year.
Lithuania 7
Simply horrible. Sounds like a rock-chick version of Swedish schlager. Cliched and unpleasant
Portugal 16
This is an uplifting and well-constructed song, with a soulful feel, and on the studio version it is well sung and punchy. The best uptempo song in this years contest
Moldova 4
Joke entry, yes? The obligatory 'heys' in the background, a song with no melody to speak of , a group who look like a bunch of 70's rejects (one of a few who that description could be applied to). Vile.
Latvia 20
This is my favourite in the whole contest. Its gentle and acoustic, well sung and easy on the ear, with a wistful and memorable melody and lyrics. It could either bomb completely or do very well indeed - I'm hoping for the latter!
Monaco 17
Classic French chanson, old-fashioned and charming, with a very fussy and complex orchestration which you either like or you don't. I love this sort of thing - always have , always will.
Israel 14
Can't quite decide about this one. I liked it on first hearing, but its not my favourite ballad by any means - like so many Israeli entries, it has that 'inspiring anthem' feel about it which ends up sounding more overblown than anything else.
Belarus 5
Nothing could have been worse than Boys and Girls (except the Norwegian entry) buty this nearly manages it. A cliched kebab-shop pop song with execrably bad singing and pronunciation.
Netherlands 19
Great stuff! A real big production soul ballad, sung by a singer with real vocal talent. It isn't a typical ESC ballad, though, and it will be interesting to see how something firmly American in style fares.
Iceland 8
What a disappointment. Selma's 1999 contest is a cheerful pop song, but this sounds like four songs in one with no discernable tune or structure - its a mess, basically. And she's not the best singer in the world - this seems to have a lot of fans, but if there's any justice, it will stay in the semi.
Belgium 17
See Monaco above. Pure chanson, nothing special of its kind, but I like this sort of thing, and he sings well
Estonia 7
This has the greatest amount of Jemini-potential for this year. There is something notably inept about this performance, of a trashy and predictable song. I suppose we can be pleased that theyve opted not to wear rustic clothing in the manner of last years entry, but this is a very poor entry.
Norway 0
Imagine a group sounding like Bon Jovi and looking like the Sweet towards the end of their career. This has nothing whatsoever to commend it. Loud, tuneless, utterly pathetic. Noise for losers.
Romania 8
Oh dear. I thought (hoped) that this sort of retro-disco nonsense had disappeared for good after Xandee's deserved failure last year. It hasn't.
Hungary 10
Hungary put in entries I loved in 94 and 97. This year, their national final was very strong, with four excellent entries. They chose this piece of whimsy, which blends Riverdance and Ruslana and features a lead singer with less charisma than Chris Doran last year
Finland 14
Like Israel, this is a ballad which needs a bit of a lift! I think its lacking in the melody stakes and ends up sounding a mite doleful without having that extra 'something' to make it more than ordinary.
Macedonia 2
Its hard to judge this fairly. Macedonian Martin is this years worst singer, his dancing is hilarious, and even his rather easy on the eye , chunky appearance can't make this anything more than a disaster area. Would it be better with another singer? Hard to say.
Andorra 14
The original mix was a haunting, unusual song which I liked a lot - but the remix doesn't work well. The orchestration isn't a good fit with the melody,or Marian's voice, and again, this does have a quirky sort of sound to it which may not bode well for its ESC success. I hope they will revert to the original orchestration.
Switzerland 8
Just plain dull. Nothing to commend it, too bland to bother to hate.
Croatia 11
Another example of a song whose chorus and verse appears to have no real connection. The verse is a reasonable mid-tempo ballad, and then you get the chorus from the bierkeller/footie match from hell...why??
Bulgaria 19
I'm probably the only ESC fan who has this in their top 5. Its a VERY laid back piece of lounge jazz, think Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, and that means its the sort of music I listen to a lot at home. The lyrics really aren't the best, but this is all about creating an atmosphere. And it does have a memorable tune....
Ireland 13
I like many of the classic Irish winners, and on the whole, Ireland doesn't do uptempo very well. I backed the McCauls to win for Ireland, but this isn't the right song for them. They are good singers, but rather than try to be different, they should have been given a Disney-style ballad where their naive image and vocal charms would have been better framed.
Slovenia 18
Another example of a remix which may have been unnecessary - removing the female backing singer is a mistake, although the new version does have an energy and freshness to it which certainly works. Its a powerful ballad, with an excellent vocalist - and I hope it does well.
Denmark 13
Very accomplished singer, shame that no-one bothered to write a remotely memorable song. I have listened to it six or seven times and I don;t remember it after listening - at all.
Poland 8
So, Israel abandon Hebrew singalong, so we get the sound of the schetl from Poland instead. Pork chop, anyone?
United Kingdom 11
The UK final produced five songs, none of which were all that good, and the best performance certainly won out on the night. But song-wise, its back to that kebab-shop, and does nothing for me at all.
Malta 19
Produced one of my all time favourite songs in 1998, Chiara's voice is delightful, as is this very strong, commercial, contemporary ballad.
Turkey 7
Back to that kebab-shop - this really is a return to Turkey's cliched worst. Its not a particularly good example of 'typical Turkish music'
Albania 10
Last years Albanian entry was an example of a very good singer, a simple song, managing to get a good number of votes without any gimmicks. This is yet another ethno-pop bore, not a patch on last year, and the chorus is ghastly.
Cyprus 14
The best of the ethno-pop songs, well sung (but what of the female vocalist?) and a pleasant tune. Its nothing special and a little predictable after so many of the same but this isn't at all bad.
Spain 6
Spain's worst for years. A joke entry. If you are going to rip off anything - why the Ketchup Song??
Serbia & Montenegro 18
Love this one - great looking group, like the way it builds slowly and the refrain is memorable and anthemic. Whether it will do as well as their debut is another matter, but it isn't one to rule out.
Sweden 14
Still can't decide about this one. On first listen, I thought - just another schlager' - and its not a patch on Caroline Vennergren! But it does have a retro appeal, my partner loves it, and its hummable and catchy. He can certainly sing, too. This would have really worked with the orchestra.
Ukraine 17
I get knocked down...but I get up again. Yes, its the Ukranian Tubthumping, its powerful and stirring stuff, and its a good example of rap. But how will it be performed live?
Germany 6
One of the many rock chicks in this years contest. Loud, tuneless and horrible. Richly deserves relegation, if the rules allowed it.
Greece 7
Can someone enlighten me as to the appeal of this particular piece of ethno-pop? Its another slice of repetitive tedium, with the obligatory Middle Eastern mid-section. No tune , of course - and one of the favourites. Says it all, really.
Russia 6
See Germany. Only the relegation may even happen this year....
Bosnia & Herzegovina 12
Oh, yes, a bit of fun. Always one every year which you know you shouldn't like, but has some appeal. Lou in 2003, Malta last year, and this year, its Bosnia. Straightforward catchy pop, and this years Gorgonzola. Could do well!
France 12
This isn't a great song, and the singer is dangerously out of key in places - it does have a lot of potential, with a good singer and a bit of lift in the melody, it could have been very good. Asit stands - not bad, but singing lessons before May, I think.
Austria 16
Those of you who remember Dr. Buzzard's original Savannah band from the late 80's will recognise this somewhat quirky and appealing song. It isn't immediate by any means, but the performance is strong, and it should nake a distinctive and worthy start to the semi-final. Will it qualify? Quirky often misses out in Eurovision - look at Belarus last year.
Lithuania 7
Simply horrible. Sounds like a rock-chick version of Swedish schlager. Cliched and unpleasant
Portugal 16
This is an uplifting and well-constructed song, with a soulful feel, and on the studio version it is well sung and punchy. The best uptempo song in this years contest
Moldova 4
Joke entry, yes? The obligatory 'heys' in the background, a song with no melody to speak of , a group who look like a bunch of 70's rejects (one of a few who that description could be applied to). Vile.
Latvia 20
This is my favourite in the whole contest. Its gentle and acoustic, well sung and easy on the ear, with a wistful and memorable melody and lyrics. It could either bomb completely or do very well indeed - I'm hoping for the latter!
Monaco 17
Classic French chanson, old-fashioned and charming, with a very fussy and complex orchestration which you either like or you don't. I love this sort of thing - always have , always will.
Israel 14
Can't quite decide about this one. I liked it on first hearing, but its not my favourite ballad by any means - like so many Israeli entries, it has that 'inspiring anthem' feel about it which ends up sounding more overblown than anything else.
Belarus 5
Nothing could have been worse than Boys and Girls (except the Norwegian entry) buty this nearly manages it. A cliched kebab-shop pop song with execrably bad singing and pronunciation.
Netherlands 19
Great stuff! A real big production soul ballad, sung by a singer with real vocal talent. It isn't a typical ESC ballad, though, and it will be interesting to see how something firmly American in style fares.
Iceland 8
What a disappointment. Selma's 1999 contest is a cheerful pop song, but this sounds like four songs in one with no discernable tune or structure - its a mess, basically. And she's not the best singer in the world - this seems to have a lot of fans, but if there's any justice, it will stay in the semi.
Belgium 17
See Monaco above. Pure chanson, nothing special of its kind, but I like this sort of thing, and he sings well
Estonia 7
This has the greatest amount of Jemini-potential for this year. There is something notably inept about this performance, of a trashy and predictable song. I suppose we can be pleased that theyve opted not to wear rustic clothing in the manner of last years entry, but this is a very poor entry.
Norway 0
Imagine a group sounding like Bon Jovi and looking like the Sweet towards the end of their career. This has nothing whatsoever to commend it. Loud, tuneless, utterly pathetic. Noise for losers.
Romania 8
Oh dear. I thought (hoped) that this sort of retro-disco nonsense had disappeared for good after Xandee's deserved failure last year. It hasn't.
Hungary 10
Hungary put in entries I loved in 94 and 97. This year, their national final was very strong, with four excellent entries. They chose this piece of whimsy, which blends Riverdance and Ruslana and features a lead singer with less charisma than Chris Doran last year
Finland 14
Like Israel, this is a ballad which needs a bit of a lift! I think its lacking in the melody stakes and ends up sounding a mite doleful without having that extra 'something' to make it more than ordinary.
Macedonia 2
Its hard to judge this fairly. Macedonian Martin is this years worst singer, his dancing is hilarious, and even his rather easy on the eye , chunky appearance can't make this anything more than a disaster area. Would it be better with another singer? Hard to say.
Andorra 14
The original mix was a haunting, unusual song which I liked a lot - but the remix doesn't work well. The orchestration isn't a good fit with the melody,or Marian's voice, and again, this does have a quirky sort of sound to it which may not bode well for its ESC success. I hope they will revert to the original orchestration.
Switzerland 8
Just plain dull. Nothing to commend it, too bland to bother to hate.
Croatia 11
Another example of a song whose chorus and verse appears to have no real connection. The verse is a reasonable mid-tempo ballad, and then you get the chorus from the bierkeller/footie match from hell...why??
Bulgaria 19
I'm probably the only ESC fan who has this in their top 5. Its a VERY laid back piece of lounge jazz, think Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, and that means its the sort of music I listen to a lot at home. The lyrics really aren't the best, but this is all about creating an atmosphere. And it does have a memorable tune....
Ireland 13
I like many of the classic Irish winners, and on the whole, Ireland doesn't do uptempo very well. I backed the McCauls to win for Ireland, but this isn't the right song for them. They are good singers, but rather than try to be different, they should have been given a Disney-style ballad where their naive image and vocal charms would have been better framed.
Slovenia 18
Another example of a remix which may have been unnecessary - removing the female backing singer is a mistake, although the new version does have an energy and freshness to it which certainly works. Its a powerful ballad, with an excellent vocalist - and I hope it does well.
Denmark 13
Very accomplished singer, shame that no-one bothered to write a remotely memorable song. I have listened to it six or seven times and I don;t remember it after listening - at all.
Poland 8
So, Israel abandon Hebrew singalong, so we get the sound of the schetl from Poland instead. Pork chop, anyone?
United Kingdom 11
The UK final produced five songs, none of which were all that good, and the best performance certainly won out on the night. But song-wise, its back to that kebab-shop, and does nothing for me at all.
Malta 19
Produced one of my all time favourite songs in 1998, Chiara's voice is delightful, as is this very strong, commercial, contemporary ballad.
Turkey 7
Back to that kebab-shop - this really is a return to Turkey's cliched worst. Its not a particularly good example of 'typical Turkish music'
Albania 10
Last years Albanian entry was an example of a very good singer, a simple song, managing to get a good number of votes without any gimmicks. This is yet another ethno-pop bore, not a patch on last year, and the chorus is ghastly.
Cyprus 14
The best of the ethno-pop songs, well sung (but what of the female vocalist?) and a pleasant tune. Its nothing special and a little predictable after so many of the same but this isn't at all bad.
Spain 6
Spain's worst for years. A joke entry. If you are going to rip off anything - why the Ketchup Song??
Serbia & Montenegro 18
Love this one - great looking group, like the way it builds slowly and the refrain is memorable and anthemic. Whether it will do as well as their debut is another matter, but it isn't one to rule out.
Sweden 14
Still can't decide about this one. On first listen, I thought - just another schlager' - and its not a patch on Caroline Vennergren! But it does have a retro appeal, my partner loves it, and its hummable and catchy. He can certainly sing, too. This would have really worked with the orchestra.
Ukraine 17
I get knocked down...but I get up again. Yes, its the Ukranian Tubthumping, its powerful and stirring stuff, and its a good example of rap. But how will it be performed live?
Germany 6
One of the many rock chicks in this years contest. Loud, tuneless and horrible. Richly deserves relegation, if the rules allowed it.
Greece 7
Can someone enlighten me as to the appeal of this particular piece of ethno-pop? Its another slice of repetitive tedium, with the obligatory Middle Eastern mid-section. No tune , of course - and one of the favourites. Says it all, really.
Russia 6
See Germany. Only the relegation may even happen this year....
Bosnia & Herzegovina 12
Oh, yes, a bit of fun. Always one every year which you know you shouldn't like, but has some appeal. Lou in 2003, Malta last year, and this year, its Bosnia. Straightforward catchy pop, and this years Gorgonzola. Could do well!
France 12
This isn't a great song, and the singer is dangerously out of key in places - it does have a lot of potential, with a good singer and a bit of lift in the melody, it could have been very good. Asit stands - not bad, but singing lessons before May, I think.
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