The Eurovision Song Contest
Ever since I can remember, I have been a fan of Eurovision. I've given up defending this against those who aren't enlightened enough to even consider it for its comic value, so I'm not going to explain why I like it. I just do, that's all that matters to me.
Something very important to remember as you read my commentaries - they are written 'live' as the contest progresses (or in the case of the Junior, during my first watching of the recording, after swearing my friend to say nothing until after I'd seen it!).
When I pick songs I like and put some songs down, this is not do with foreknowledge or written after the event. Everything you read here is as live as the contest itself (give or take some indented comments, and a few minor corrections - email me if you spot anything I've screwed up!).
You may notice assistance provided by Ewen and Moray. I am grateful to both, and I welcome your thoughts on the contest. So why not write to me?
IMPORTANT!
I've noticed some of the old documents give my email address as merseymail. This address is defucnt (and has been for years). Please contact me at my yahoo address; it is given all over the site - but if you can't find it, try looking at my blog!
The Eurovision Song Contest 2013 (from Malmo, Sweden)
- The 2013 contest...
First semi final, second semi final, and grand final, raw versions.
- For this year's contest, I have dusted off my older PVR to act as a backup. The recording is kind of naff and split at hour intervals, but it is better than zilch. This, obviously, can't guard against problems further up the line (dish blown out of alignment, receiver dead, etc). Oh, and so long as the dish is okay, I have a Freesat box, a little FTA digital receiver, and two Sky Digiboxen that could be swapped in in under three minutes if necessary (though I'd deprecate the Digibox as those take forever to boot! Let's just say I'm doing what I can to ensure I get my recording! ☺
- Oh, and, yeah... Hi. I'm back. Miss me?
(^_^)
2010 - 2012
- These were pretty much ruined by a combination of random technical issues (thunderstorms knocking out reception, PVR crash trashing the recording, etc) but mostly by me working night shift - so a lot of the recording was "set the timer and pray".
I believe I have recordings of all of this now - some I have recorded, and some that my friend Ewen has sent me [THANK YOU!]. So, I hope and not before too long, to revive these recordings and write my thoughts on the performances as in past years.
I have not watched most of this content - I do know who won, for example in 2012 because, you know, Sweden is hosting it now. But I've not seen the songs, so even years later (!) it will be fresh for me!
And as for you, dear reader... what? come on, you need an excuse to dig out your own recordings and listen to them again?
The Eurovision Song Contest 2009 (from Moscow, Russia / МОСКВА (?), РОССИЯ)
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2009 (from Ukraine)
The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 (from Belgrade / БЕОГРАД, Serbia)
The Eurovision Dance Contest 2008 (from Glasgow, (Scotland) UK)
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008 (from Cyprus)
The Eurovision Song Contest 2007 (from Helsinki/Helsingfors, Finland)
The Eurovision Dance Contest 2007 (from London, UK)
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007 (from The Netherlands)
The Eurovision Song Contest 2006 (from Athens / ΑΘΗΝΑ, Greece)
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2006 (from Bucharest, Romania)
The Eurovision Song Contest 2005 (from Kiev / KYÏV, The Ukraine)
The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2005 (from Belgium)
The Eurovision Song Contest 2004 (from Istanbul, Turkey)
Some Eurovision songs I liked...
Facts and figures...
The Rules from 1997 (!)
- The official contest rules from 1997...
While these rules are out of date (so don't quote them!), they are useful in highlighting
some of the preparations and behind-the-scenes goings on in the contest - the sort of
things that we casual viewers do not get to see.
Score card data files (for 2005-2008) and software
- EuroScore
Data layout and format, tables for 2005 to 2008, plus the EuroScore software
v0.05 2008/06/05.
The official website
The official Eurovision website is:
Or, for the young'uns, go to:
In either case, the website appears to be a horrible mess of JavaScript. Let's hope somebody less obsessed with scripting is contracted for the Eurovision 2006 website. Hell, I will help do it, if somebody arranges transport for me!
Copyright © 2004-2011 Rick Murray
Images from numerous sources (attributions should be given).
