The Eurovision Song Contest imposes itself upon us again in May and, sadly, I have to report to fans of online betting, that it will be no less than the kitschfest that we have become used to. The extension of Europe into territory only relatively recently released from the vast embrace of the Soviet Union has done nothing to curb the banality of musical contribution from countries that seem to have never heard the songs, coming from the US/UK axis of popular music, from the fifties to the present time, that took this great musical form to a peak of brilliance capable of providing a resonant and wonderful soundtrack to our lives.
The UK has contributed a song for each contest since the second in 1957 and has amassed more points over the history of the contest than any other country - as well as winning five times (second only to Ireland's amazing seven) and coming second fifteen times. Sports betting enthusiasts should note, however, that while many European countries take the contest very seriously, the UK regards it as a peculiarity of an arcane European consciousness and places it - when being polite - in the 'light entertainment' category. No UK singer or band of any merit would consider competing because they would not want to be grouped together with the kind of musicians competing in the contest. 'Kiss of Death' would be a phrase springing to the minds of our musical elite.
Still, the less reputable members of our musical community insist on contributing songs they think are pitched just right to merit the approval of our judges. UK popular music was only just beginning to blossom when the Eurovision Song Contest began and early contributions were less than stellar.
However, you only have to look at the exception of our 1961 contribution to see where things were going to go. The Allisons (a sort of English Everley Brothers) sang 'Are You Sure', a quintessential and enduring pop song of great character, while the French put forward 'Nous Les Amoureux' by Jean Claude Pascal. Disciples of online betting would be hard pressed to find a song with a greater absence of vocal presence, captivating melody, gratifying hooks, mesmerising rhythm or lyrical relevance than 'Nous Les Amoureux', but it beat our effort by a healthy margin.
The absence of any creditable capacity, by our European friends, to judge quality in popular music is further revealed by their acknowledgement of the musical virtues of Cliff Richard. Our esteemed public has seen fit to put him forward twice, first in 1968 with 'Congratulations' and then again in 1973 with something called 'Power to our Friends'. Although he didn't win he came second and third respectively.
The UK's first win came in 1967 with 'Puppet on a String' by the shoeless Sandie Shaw. This was a good song which reached number one in the UK charts. Next win came from Lulu in 1969 with 'Boom Bang-a-Bang, a song deeply suited to the European tradition and a dead cert to win, hands down. 'Save Your Kisses For Me' by Brotherhood of Man took the 1976 top prize and 'Making Your Mind Up', by Bucks Fizz followed that in 1981. The last time the UK won was in 1997 with the excellent 'Love Shine a Light' by the equally fabulous Katrina and the Waves. It's been downhill all the way since then although those with an interest in online betting can still exercise their critical talents and take up a variety of free bets on offer in an effort to spot the 2008 winner.
It is another working day after being entertained by the Eurovision song contest over the weekend. A spectacular live show, broadcast in several countries and worldwide over the Internet. This year the competition was held in Belgrade Serbia. With a capacity of around 20,000 people, the Belgrade Arena is one of the largest venues ever to host the Eurovision Song Contest. Like all Eurovision contests, this year's edition did not disappoint. There were many high points from funny dress to an intriguing mix of songs.
It is amazing how a day is too long in showbiz. By Tuesday night most people had ceded the Eurovision 2008 crown to the Swedish singer Charlotte Perrelli, who won Eurovision in 1999 as Charlotte Nilsson. She was poised to enter the annals of history as the only woman to win the crown twice since the inception of the contest. Ireland's Johnny Logan is the only singer to have won twice in the competition's 53-year history, in 1980 and 1987.
Well, her song 'Hero' did not win Sweden the 5th title as widely expected but she put up a very good show. It is a shame that she wasn't even among the top three. I have listened to the song over and over again on You Tube and although I wouldn't say that it is better than Shady Lady sung by Ukraine's Ani Lorak, it certainly would have competed well against the Russian singer Dima Bilan and Secret Combination by Kalomira of Greece who took first and third position respectively. To be honest I think position 18 was a slap in the face of talent for the Swedish entry just as I think that Andy Abraham' UK entry did not deserve to come last in this year's contest which presented both raw talent and mediocrity in equal measure.
What I like most is the heated debate that often kicks off the minute the winner is announced. The debate often goes on until the small hours of the morning and in the next two weeks at work, pub and other social gatherings. The gossip after the contest is often an anti-climax to the tension and excitement that built up, as the national selection contests last barely a couple of weeks before the main event.
The gossip and criticism can sometimes overshadow the winner's tour. Dima Bilan the 2008 winner is already in Helsinki, Finland ready to kick off the winner's tour, barely 2 days since he won but the criticism, jealousy and disappointment is still simmering from those who think their act was unfairly shoved from being crowned king or queen of Europe. We all believe that Televoters from 43 countries decide who is the best talent. But pundits and bloggers beg to differ. Many think this contest has become political. Reading rave blog posts in Western Europe you would think this is farce of a competition.
In my opinion between traditional and commercial appeal, the UK, Swedish, Latvia, French, Armenia, Israel and Spanish entries presented the kind of mix that would continue making this contest a show for for all in this era ruled by a disco beat which is often devoid of originality. But when all is said an done, you may not agree that the Eastern Europeans are voting as a political block, but you will agree that Andy Abrahams and other artists of his calibre will start giving this show a miss if something is not done about the voting system. No artists will want to put his or her reputation at stake by going to a competition where from the onset you know you might bag the dubious title of a loser just because your country is not viewed favourably by voters.
There are many people with vested interest that goes beyond the charm of being entertained. It is worthwhile mentioning the economic aspect of this huge event. Before the event there was a lot of travelling and travel offers to Belgrade. Hosting this event must have been a boon to the city's economy. I saw a newspaper, which was offering a package with hotel and tickets to the Eurovision Song Contest at a ridiculous fee. If your country, winning or losing, does not affect your taste for travel, prepare for a Eurovision package to Russia next year.
The one thing I do not want to miss is the CD with all the songs from this year's contest. Advanced technology means you won't have to buy all songs singly as we used to in the past; it is all in a CD. The double album contains all 43 songs taking part in this year's competition. Long time fans used to buy Eurovision Song contest entries on 7" vinyl record! Imagine you dusting all the 43 separate vinyl. See you in Russia next year.
Both Shaun Parker & Patrick Omari are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Shaun Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Marketing, Auto Insurance and Wedding Bells. Shaun Parker is an expert on online betting. He is particularly excited about the upcoming competition and the