Tune or No Tune - Running Scared by Ell and Nikki

[Corki]

After last week's failure to post anything (I was having internet issues as well as this busy period for me), I do return with "Tune or No Tune" this week. In the meantime, if you fancy hosting "Tune or No Tune" during the next month, just drop me a PM and I will get you all set up!

 

"Tune or No Tune" is a simple, weekly thread hosted by the Band of the Red Hand Social Group. All you need to do is decide whether the song I have chosen is a TUNE (i.e. you love it) or a NO TUNE (i.e. you hate it). Quite simple, really!

 

At the weekend, we saw the Eurovision Song Contest 2011 from Düsseldorf, Germany. Over the last two years, we have seen previous winners being put up for the vote in "Tune or No Tune". This continues this year, where our winner came from Azerbaijan, with Ell and Nikki performing Running Scared. Last year's winner, Satellite by Lena Meyer-Landrut of Germany ended up as a 4-1 Tune, while the 2009 winner, Fairytale by Alexander Rybak ended in a 3-3 tie.

 

I hosted the fun of games of the two semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday last week, and the Grand Final on Saturday here at the Band like I have done so in the past. There is also our BotRH and DM vote, which is open to all - there is no need to be European to take part. So I encourage you to do so!

 

So, as already mentioned, our winning song came from Azerbaijan - Running Scared by Ell and Nikki. The duo scored 221 points in Saturday's Final, beating Italy by 32 points. The ballady pop song was written by Stefan Örn (Iceland), and Sandra Bjurman and Iain Farguhanson from Sweden. The duet was performed by Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (so at least the UK had a link to the winner and Nikki lives in London!).

 

By winning the contest, Azerbaijan kept up their strong performance in the contest since first entering in 2008 - they have featured in the top 10 every year. The song only picked up three maximums of 12 points, with lots of 8 and 10 points helping the song on its way to victory. However, we already have Eurovision controversy, since neighbours Armenia have a very acrimonious Eurovision relationship with their neighbours. It does make for interesting reading. While some fans weren't great fans of the song, I do feel it was the strongest song from what was a mediocre Eurovision Song Contest, after several strong contests in the last few years.

 

While some argue that the duet lacked chemistry (which would have made the song stronger), it was a worthy winner in my opinion. I had backed the song early to win, so my gut feeling was correct! As a result, I give Running Scared by Ell and Nikki the vote of TUNE.

 

For those of you who haven't heard the piece, here are two links to YouTube, one of the live performance and the official music video.

 

Saturday's live performance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na7UjygEkBI

 

Music Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Vk4HYUatv8

 

 

The poll closes in a week's time, which is Monday 23rd May 2011. So make sure you vote now before the time for the latest "Tune or No Tune" poll finishes!

 

Also, if you want to suggest a tune for "Tune or No Tune", do not hesitate to drop me a PM.

[Corki]

Banders, Please Note:

 

Voting in "Tune or No Tune" threads counts towards posting in an activity thread for points gained through the roll call. However, in order for that to qualify, you need to post that you voted. Otherwise you won't get the recognition or the promotion points via the roll call.

 

Corki

Marshal-General

Social Group Leader

[Jeannaisais]

Definitely a Tune!