Eurovision

Is it Prog? NO

On the surface of it, Eurovision is definitely not Prog. But is that just a hurried jump to conclusions? It's unpredictable, varied, encompasses a wide variety of different genres and instrumentation. It's a glorious coming together of very different nations and cultures to celebrate a wonderful art form that we can all share and enjoy.

*Cough* Is it b****cks. It's none of those things. It's not about the art; the music is usually instantly disposable, and most of these performances will never be seen or thought of again. It's a glorified popularity contest and a tacky variety show for those of us at home. Prog doesn't need to be popular, it doesn't need to be voted to the top of a league table. In fact Prog would be perfectly happy to just exist on its own, oozing beauty and wonderment, shrouded in mystery and undiscovered for an age like an archaeological relic.

In previous years, to determine who should best represent our nation in song and dance, potential candidates have been put to a public vote. Ok, for a start most people are not Prog. Even if Steven Wilson did put forward the most brilliant 3 minute masterpiece, you can bet the population would rather latch onto a looped Amen Break, predictable synth chords and some recycled lyrics about clubbing. However this year I understand a song was chosen for us by the BBC. Clearly the public cannot be trusted with such things, and although I'm inclined to agree, music chosen by a commitee ranks just as poorly on the Prog scale. I haven't heard the UK's entry yet, so I may well be pleasantly surprised. I'm hoping to at least hear some metal in there this year, like this beauty from a few years back:

Thunderstone - Face in the Mirror

If there's one redeeming factor of Eurovision, it must be its unpredictability. That is if you haven't researched the acts beforehand, but then why would you do that? Usually the only way I can enjoy the song contest is heavily intoxicated, so this year I'll be watching the night unfold with a bottle of Baileys and friends close by to share in the bewilderment, probably sporting a stunned 'wtf' face.

No, it isn't Prog. See you on Twitter!.


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So, leave a comment if you'd like to submit more items for judgement by the giant progressive scales of justice in my head. If you like what you read, or if you think I'm an idiot, get in touch and all that. Banter!