5. Eurovision

Stephen Clarke – Living on the Outside

Another catchy, memorable song from Stephen, which gains poise rapidly after some timing wobbles at the beginning. There are excellent harmonies on the chorus; some of his finest vocal work is in evidence here. The chord sequence in the verse works really well and the momentum is maintained for the hooks in the chorus.

There’s a good vibe throughout, driven by some throbbing bass. His concerns about the trauma that will ensue if we leave Eurovision are valid, even though Britain has barely been competitive in recent years. I like the reverb-laden guitar solo, and everything comes together nicely in a thoroughly enjoyable tune.



Tim and Julie Warner – Do It on the Radio

A beautifully timed introduction of the techno drums characterise the first half of the song, along with the neat fitting minimalism of the clavichord. It’s a kooky song that has every chance of winning Eurovision. I like the brief solo work to represent a drunken guitarist, and the insertion of appreciative applause at the end. You’ve got your Tom Waits hat on again and it fits nicely.



Tim and Glynn - Pull Together

I always enjoy your lush choruses and this is another triumph of dreamy melody and ethereal sounds. There’s plenty to enjoy from the Utopians throughout: the laidback keyboards, the tight arrangement, and the economical guitar playing. It’s the multi-layered singing that really makes it though, thanks to a terrific vocal performance by Glynn. The bit round 2.30 where most of the instruments cut out is a joy because it brings the purity of the singing voices to the forefront. I’m very fond of the section where the instruments kick back in again. You’ve talked all this down as ‘bland’ but it isn’t – it’s a lovely pop song.

I hope you don’t think it’s clever to pull the plug abruptly at the end. You won’t fool the judges with that trick, because my precision timing device tells me that the whole thing clocks in at 3.05. Disqualified.



Europhil – Chez Moi

I’ve missed Europhil since the emphatic triumph of L’Amour at last year’s Eurovision, and this is another inventive tune full of good things.

With English Phil as the puppet master there is the trademark breathy delivery and minor chords, which often suggest something vaguely sinister is going on. I don’t know whether that’s the case here – it seems to be a more straightforward love song, with Europhil pining for the missing Bianca and urging her to come back home sharpish. But I can’t be sure I haven’t missed a twist in the tale.

You’ve obviously put a lot of effort into getting the French words to rhyme. Well done - it’s tough enough in English.

The accordion/synth sounds great, evoking traditional French music as it floats atmospherically in the backing. The acoustic strums sound really crisp. What’s the secret? Mine often sound a bit muddy, with echo. The spoken interlude is nicely odd. Is this Euorophil himself or his villainous love rival? Either way it made me chuckle. The production struck me as top class - a skilful mix where all the interlocking instruments combine superbly. Nice one.

PS – what a pity. It’s 3.03 on the official timer.

Good work, Tim  - like the photo of The Dooleys. 

Stephen Clarke - Living on the outside

This has a Buzzcocks sort of vibe to it, from the rolling drum pattern to the upfront bass part and clean guitar sounds. I really liked the chorus in particular, with excellent harmonies and catchy hook and the guitar break is lovely. If anything, I think you could have brought the drums up higher in the mix to give it more drive but this is a good pop song. Definitely not nul points.

Phil Sanderson – Chez Moi

Euro Phil returns! Should we dread or fear this? Accordion, big bass sound and what’s this? Gentle vocals with high octave-apart backing. This is actually quite a compelling piece – goodness knows what you are singing about but it really works. Thankfully just as everything is sounding like a laid back, Parisian soundtrack, drifting along, out comes yer lovin’ uncle Phil to keep you on yer toes, mon ami. Wacky and wonderful.

Tim & Julie – Do it on the radio

This is great. We never know what to expect each month and I love that you are still experimenting, developing and of all of us, I think, improving as you go. I love that the song develops all the way through, with added parts and new sounds. I have to agree with the sentiments about talent shows as well (though this would still stand a chance for Eurovision) if only you had cleavage.

Loved the video as well.

Christian Duffin – Death of a greasy spoon

Musically, the most accomplished piece with really lovely flowing, drifting melodies, shifting chords from major to minor and back. Who’d have thought the harpsichord/clav sound would work so well in this context? It could have made the song sound stilted and it really didn’t. The la la backing vocals are perfect, there are beautifully worked lyrics (lasagne and carrots sounds particularly compelling) and great performances vocally and on the guitar in particular.

Voting will be very difficult....

It's only the 29th and the voting has ended? We're allowed to post songs late but the voting ends early? As usual, Brussels is ruining lives. In protest, the judges have given everyone nul points.


Stephen C Living on the outside
Nul points.

Phil S Chez Moi
The chord sequence at the beginning announces that a fun story is about to emerge. Perfectly French song, combining emotional urgency with accordions. Nicely sleazy, and that meandering melody seems to be walking the streets of Paris. Effective chord change to lift it at the end and make sure the judges remember you.
Just one linguistic problem - you can't rhyme "disparu" with "partout". It's a different vowel sound. So, sorry, nul points from France.

T&J Warner Do it on the radio
Very Buggles, both in sound and radio sympathies. I like the way the instrumentation builds, and that eurobeat is very authentic. The blues breakdown works well, as do the returning riffs. Only problem, the broadcasters have objected to the anti-TV stance, so sorry, nul points.

Christian D Death of a Greasy Spoon
Feels like McCartney bumped into Bach at Starbucks, and they decided to express their discontent at the demise of real tea. It jogs melodically and nostalgically along, and I especially like the efficient bassline and guitar touches. Only problem, the harpsichord was brought in specially by non-union removers, so the technicians have gone on strike. Nul points.

Tim & Glyn Pull Together Now
Very cool feel, smooth-flowing melody over nicely ambling chords, and very effective choral chorus, great harmonies and sweeping doo-doos. The controlled guitar break maintains the feel, and when the snare comes in it picks things up for the final charge. Very cool song - in fact much too cool for Eurovision, so nul points.

We are all powerless to stop Europhil's dominance of this competition.

Europhil, you are the master! Well done.