Eurovision Division

Join Mira and Jeroen as they once again take a deep dive into this year's Eurovision entries.This Eurovision season began a long time ago, when these three countries went first and picked their song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 early. Mira has only just awoken from her winter sleep (she took a really long nap after Chérine lost Eurosong), so we decide to start at the very beginning... a very good place to start.In this episode, we listen to:

We're back for a final check-in before this year's Eurovision shows!Rather than making a full Top 40-ranking, we go through our thoughts on this year's Eurovision Songs, shining a spotlight on some of Mira's favourite tunes as well as the ones that don't strike her fancy.Follow us on Twitter: @eurodivisionCheck out the bonus episode: https://ko-fi.com/eurovisiondivision See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There we are - our final batch of songs from this year's Eurovision Song Contest!With "Oh, Haven't Heard From You In a While!" as our theme, we talk about the Netherlands' "De Diepte", Lithuania's "Sentimentai" and France's "Fulenn". Finally, we say goodbye to this year with a bittersweet melancholia, listening to Portugal's "saudade, saudade". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the only good things about cars is that they have license plates. We play a little guessing game that gets, uhhh, way too raunchy. Don't take large sips of water while listening to this one!With "Three Letters" as our theme, we talk about Slovenia's "Disko", Romania's "Llamame" and Cyprus's "Ela". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Find out what our voices sound like after going to three concerts within the span of a single week!With "Kids, Could You Lighten Up a Little?" as our theme, we talk about Poland's "River", Montenegro's "Breathe" and Greece's "Die Together". To counterbalance all that sadness, we bring in Ireland's "That's Rich" for some necessary levity. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mira loudly professes her love for Sparks and Jeroen agrees in turn. We proceed to segue into a conversation about ways to lessen our individual ecological impact - with some funny and witty lyrics to help us on that journey!With "Eco Footprint" as our theme, we listen to Moldova's "Trenuletul", Latvia's "Eat Your Salad" and the Czech Republic's "Lights Off". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We just finished watching "Our Flag Means Death", which means Mira has regressed into her 15-year old self. She is desperate to find a song full of angst that would be appropriate to use as an AMV for her new favourite ship (Queen Anne's Revenge). But... will we find it in this episode?With "Emotional ballad!" as our theme, we listen to Switzerland's "Boys Do Cry", Australia's "Not The Same" and Azerbaijan's "Fade To Black". Along the way, we also take a quick detour to listen to Sweden's "Hold Me Closer". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's a chaotic episode today, as Jeroen has a drink called 'El Diablo' and Mira has an allergic reaction to avocado. We talk about theatre etiquette, ethics in game journalism and Mira's incredible track record of her favourite songs not making it to the final.With "We've Had These For So Long, And Now I Don't Know What to Do With Them" as our theme, we talk about Bulgaria's "Intention", Albania's "Sekret" and Georgia's "Lock Me In". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mira causes Jeroen to ruin the audio with raucous laughter. Jeroen struggles to remember if he even has an opinion on the film "Moulin Rouge", and honestly, we run out of things to say.With "We Are Who We Are and Who We Are is Who We Wanna Be" as our theme, we talk about Malta's "I Am What I Am", Israel's "I.M" and Denmark's "The Show". Finally, we listen to a break-up song from Belgium - "Miss You". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We talk about the appropriate times to wear a hat and have a nice time.With "There's A Guitar, And They Play It Too" as our theme, we talk about Germany's "Rockstars", Iceland's "Med haekkandi sol", Estonia's "Hope", Croatia's "Guilty Pleasure", and finally, Armenia's "Snap". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Once again, we defend bimbo rights and talk at length about the 2004 television show Lost.With "A Healthy Head of Hair" as our theme, we discuss Spain's "SloMo", Serbia's "In corpore sano", and the United Kingdom's "Space Man". Finally, we roll the dice and let someone walk us through their messy break-up. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On another exciting episode of the podcast, we take off our shirts, put feathers in our hair, and talk about our favorite AMVs, before getting a bit too serious for our own sakes. With "Men Sing About Women" as our theme, we talk about San Marino's "Stripper", Finland's "Jezebel" and finally, Ukraine's "Stefania". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're back for another year of Eurovision. After we face a difficult issue for our first song - we have nothing to compare it to - we decide to compare every other song to it instead, going forward. With "It Takes Two" as our theme, we talk about Italy's "Brividi", Norway's "Give That Wolf A Banana" and Austria's "Halo". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In which we talk about all 39 songs in this year's Eurovision Song Contest before this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Recommendations: • We've collected (most of) the songs we brought up on the podcast on this playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/50jfkKLq1j3Fa6CPlzJAif?si=ce8955bdfe2f419a

In this episode, we talk about plagiarism, nationalism, colonialism and various other isms. Mira makes fun of someone for crying, and then immediately starts crying herself. With "Follow the Tour Guide" as our final theme, we discuss Poland's "The Ride", North Macedonia's "Here I Stand", and finally, the Netherlands' host entry "Birth of a New Age". Recommendations/References: - “Man Made Object” by Lemon Demon > https://open.spotify.com/track/1151Q8Aev8vtz6UfuaBhAy?si=3d3cff7eca5e4064 - “Behind the Mask” by Greg Phillinganes > https://open.spotify.com/track/4o8XzmImSecpzR8bYpv9EQ?si=ffc6bd58c5844c74 - “Ik zou je het liefste in een doosje willen doen” uit Pension Hommeles (1959) > https://youtu.be/iKcbkv51baU - “F.U.B.U” by Solange > https://open.spotify.com/track/2aR6SYRJxy2QsBxA459ATF?si=a6cede35b21448c1 - “The Eurovision Microaggression Contest”, article by Oliver Lewis on ESCXTRA > https://escxtra.com/2021/03/09/the-eurovision-microaggression-contest/

In this episode, we talk about easy recipes to make, the Neverending Story, and each other. Throughout the episode, Jeroen destroys every single segue that he sets up for himself. With “Long Term Lovers” as our theme, we discuss Georgia’s “You”, Spain's "Voy a quedarme", Estonia's "The Lucky One" and Iceland's "10 Years". Recommendations/References: • “Sea of Love” by Cat Power > https://open.spotify.com/track/33kKcOJoyNduHwXhEnga8X?si=f9df0c80782e41fa • “True Love Will Find You In The End” by Daniel Johnston > https://open.spotify.com/track/2O80Iudb4tigOCW0gWfOzn?si=f8251237f9fb4288 • “Everyday is a Miracle” by David Byrne > https://open.spotify.com/track/3wJntnNv3MvBmXsLj7lWFA?si=6d83fef0e15349b8 • “Liefde is een Kaartspel” (Belgium 1996) by Lisa Del Bo > https://youtu.be/k8kBftYXzJA

CW: self-harm/suicide (intermittently between 31:45-46:00) In this episode, we talk about staging ideas, we swivel rapidly, and Mira lusts after a contestant. Uncontrollably. With “Throwback Thursday” as our theme, we discuss Greece’s “Last Dance”, Finland’s “Dark Side” and Denmark’s “Øve os på hinanden”. Recommendations & references: * “This Is Telex” by Telex > https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y3hXzx16dVRmMhz8lTwME * “Left Outside Alone (Anastacia Cover)” by Blind Channel > https://youtu.be/o44fSc2f2Ms * “Last Resort” by Papa Roach > https://youtu.be/20jvV-BPNSk

In this episode, we celebrate women, history, and a birthday. With “It’s like… woman, you know, like… Woman!” as our theme, we discuss Australia’s “Technicolour”, Azerbaijan’s “Mata Hari” and Russia’s “Russian Woman”. Recommendations/References: • “Class of 2013” by Mitski > https://youtu.be/4y0O7gAQEFU • “Drunk Walk Home” by Mitski > https://youtu.be/5F_k5uBnYGo • Billy on the Street: Lightning Round > https://youtu.be/bzDlS6JPUtE • “Agora” (2009), starring Rachel Weisz as Hypatia • “How Sad, How Lonely” by Connie Converse > https://open.spotify.com/album/7c0VXTY2sA5f1yMaPxQqRE - “Crucified” by Army of Lovers > https://youtu.be/di18hTFTwIw

In this episode, we hold a candlelight vigil for Jim Steinman, talk about the politics of our neighborhood dog park, and, at long last: with the help of our personal trauma, we figure out a way to solve music. With “(blank) is (blank)” as our theme, we discuss Latvia’s “The Moon is Rising”, Portugal’s “Love Is On My Side” and Bulgaria’s “Growing Up Is Getting Old”. Recommended viewing: - “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth” by Meat Loaf > https://youtu.be/_wO8toxinoc

In this episode, we make uninformed statements about engaging in dance crazes, the origins of the phrase “Girl Power” and reality television dating programs. With “Stir Crazy” as our theme, we discuss Lithuania’s “Discoteque”, Serbia’s “Loco Loco”, Israel’s “Set Me Free” and the Czech Republic’s “Omaga”. Recommended viewing: - “The Sound of C” by The Confettis (Belgian New Beat) > https://youtu.be/XkiKx81sf_c - This incredible video of Hurricane laughing > https://twitter.com/ESCvid/status/134131497890161869

In this episode, Mira finds an irreconcilable grievance that may stay with her for the rest of her life. After that, we get nostalgic. With “In Case You Haven’t Noticed, I’m Weird. I’m A Weirdo. I Don’t Fit In. And I Don’t Want To Fit In. Have You Ever Seen Me Without This Stupid Song? That’s Weird.” as our theme, we discuss Germany’s “I Don't Feel Hate”, France’s “Voilà” and Italy’s “Zitti e buoni”.

In this episode, Mira attempts to flip the script but arrives woefully under-prepared. With “I Drive A Lovely Road” as our theme, we discuss The United Kingdom’s “Embers”, Ukraine’s “Shum” and Switzerland’s “Tout l'Univers”. Recommended viewing: • “As Your Father I Expressly Forbid It” by Lemon Demon > https://youtu.be/gea06zmMFHc

In this episode, Mira attempts to mind her language. We overcome some old prejudices and look at three performers who may or may not outclass their songs. With “A Show for All Ages” as our theme, we discuss Malta’s “Je me casse”, Sweden’s “Voices” and Belgium’s “The Wrong Place”. Recommended viewing: • “Tommy and the Whale” by Dorléac (Geike Arnaert & Spinvis/Eric de Jong) > https://youtu.be/KkAV0rIAQss • “Zoutelande” by Geike Arnaert & BLØF > https://youtu.be/N0OLEgc-Glk • “Soldiers of Love” by Liliane St-Pierre (Belgium 1987) > https://youtu.be/TLcHl15qNGw • “Was” by Spinvis (cover of France Gall’s “Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son”) > https://youtu.be/PYzoett4YkM Follow us on twitter @eurodivision

On today’s episode, we join three more artists on the lonely road towards Eurovision. After talking about animated movies, ballet classes and social media, we introduce a new segment: deciding which D&D class each performer should play. With “I Walk A Lonely Road” as our theme, we discuss Ireland’s “Maps”, Albania’s “Karma” and Croatia’s “Tick Tock” Recommended viewing: • Liz Callaway talks about meeting Meg Ryan > https://youtu.be/fT7dGJ26PpE Follow us on twitter @eurodivision

We're not afraid to get a little religious on this show. Demons and angels alike rear their heads as we explore the duality of man. With "Demons and Angels All In One Have Arrived" as our theme, we discuss Slovenia's "Amen", Austria's "Amen", Norway's "Fallen Angel" and Cyprus' "El Diablo." Recommended viewing: • "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X > https://youtu.be/6swmTBVI83k • "We Magnify Your Name" as performed by Lecresia Campbell > https://youtu.be/ZezH8D0lHFI • "I Would Do Anything for Love" by Meat Loaf > https://youtu.be/9X_ViIPA-Gc Follow us on twitter @eurodivision.

A new year has dawned! Join us as Jeroen and Mira introduce themselves anew and get ready for 2021. Jeroen lists the 'themes' that will make up this year's episodes, and Mira proceeds to make her first choice. With "Hypoglycemia" as our first theme, we discuss Romania's "Amnesia", Moldova's "Sugar" and San Marino's "Adrenalina" Recommended reading: • "Everyone Is Beautiful, and No One Is Horny" by RS Benedict > https://bloodknife.com/everyone-beautiful-no-one-horny/ Follow us on twitter @eurodivision.

Before diving into this year's hopefuls, we have some matters that need to be resolved. Follow us on twitter @eurodivision.

Well, folks. If you thought we'd be demoralized by losing a full episode, you're not wrong. However, if you thought we'd stay in hiding forever, guess again, because like Sanja Vucic/The Terminator said: "I'll be back". We are like that, because we too, are back. Join us for a happy 2021, as we continue to wrap up our discussion of 2020's obsolete tunes.

I need someone to explain why rumore the song "Fai Rumore" keeps making me cry rumore.

Well folks, you will be visited by three songs tonight! Three women with big voices will belt right into your face! (This is irresponsible, please wear a mask and keep your distance.)

Join us as we unravel the mysteries surrounding these three songs, and we answer such fascinating questions as "How do you want me to talk like an Englishman?" and "What's more terrifying, space or the ocean?"

Well, folks? Did somebody order a wake-up call?!

Well, folks... how've you been holding out for the past six months? You'd be forgiven for thinking we died, but turns out, we've survived. We've emerged from our little caves and we're ready to move on and let go of... all the bad things.

Well, folks - took a surprisingly long time to edit this episode, because it meant I'd have to listen to these songs again, and if you listen to this episode, you'll find out why we didn't really want to do that. At all.

Well, folks. What's, what's, what do you want me to say? Nowadays, who really knows what to expect anymore? We continue on our leisurely exploration of this year's Eurovision Songs and, wouldn't you know it, we spend most of the time actually talking about other songs and our dog. At least with us, you'll know what to expect.

Well, folks! The year 2020 certainly isn't making a great case for its own existence. So if it's cool with everyone, we could just sit this one out as something of a test run and just take 2020 from the top again in about 8 months or so. Of course, we're all going to continue aging, even if it's not what we thought it would be. For Mira's birthday, we listen to a few songs about age and experience, about growing older and flipping off the world for letting that happen the way it does. You know, light, fun topics.

Well, folks! It's 2020, and we have a dog! She's right there, in the background, snoring on our couch, barely loud enough to be audible, but loud enough to disturb us while we're in the middle of a sentence. We don't even have all of the songs in this year's contest yet, so we decided to experiment with a new concept and see how much of a disturbance the little mutt would be.

Well, folks. Tamta said "time is moving slowly", but we have evidence toward the contrary, as Eurovision is upon us. It is both sad and joyous that, with these final three songs, we have finished talking about all the songs in time for the jury rehearsals. We would like to thank you all for listening.

Well, folks. Listening to these songs, you might not say it, but the year is 2019. We explore what it's like to remember the early 2000's and figure out our own formative years.

Well, folks. We've achieved the impossible - we've empathized with a man. Truly groundbreaking!

Well, folks. You knew it was coming. Every year a handful of people take their second shot at Eurovision, and we talk about some of them for you on this episode. But are any of them coming back with a vengeance, and is a victory eminent for one of these second-timers?

Well, folks. What is there to say? We just don't find these songs very memorable. However, will you find this episode memorable? It's possible!

Well, folks. There are many reason why a person would don black clothes and proceed to scream. We have four such acts doing four such things, and we try to figure out what makes them scream - be it defiance, resentment, anguish or hatred. Ironically, there's a song called "Scream" in this year's Song Contest, and hey, it doesn't even feature on this episode.

Well, folks, here's what's up. Today, we're talking about another four songs from this year's Eurovision Song Contest, and we answer a very important question about each one, namely: "does it slap?"

Well, folks, sometimes you have multiple horses in the same race. We talk about two songwriters who have multiple songs in the competitions. Please don't share this episode with Laurell Barker.

Well, folks! It's been too long, and yes, we have about three quarters of the songs left to discuss. That's why in this episode, we talk about Denmark, Norway, Portugal and Israel's entries for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv. Oh, and we pepper in some amusing (hopefully) stories about our airplane antics.

Well, folks - the year is 2069 and that has some pretty heavy implications. Our consciousness has been assimilated into the emotion vortex, where there are sad reacts only. It has become impossible to enjoy anything. However, a faceless megacorporation is offering a revolutionary app to change our lingering feelings of sadness into feelings of warmth and mirth. We must keep our phones turned on at all times, to benefit from the effects of CMFRT-ZONE. Yes, it will allow their satellites to accurately track everything about us, but it's a small price to pay for the service they provide us; to guarantee that we can and will like things. Because that is the CMFRT-ZONE slogan, "yes, you're going to like it".

Well, folks. This is a horny episode. By that, we mean there is a lot of brass in the instrumentation for Miki's "La Venda". But yes, we also mean the other thing - that first thing you thought we meant.

Well, folks, we've done it this time. What is there to say about this episode? We guess how to pronounce the artist's name before listening to Paenda's "Limits" and then, as per usual, we're incredibly open about our emotions. We make jokes, we laugh, we cry, and so on.

Well, folks, it had to happen at some point. That's right - the "technical difficulties" episode! Best to get it over with quick. Which happens to be exactly how we feel about this song. Yowza! Maybe. Who knows. Listen to find out, cowards. Follow us on twitter > https://twitter.com/EuroDivision

Well, folks. We were going to have to talk about our own country at some point. It's time to wake Mira up so that we can stop sleeping on this song. We make comparisons to Belgium's previous two efforts at Eurovision and we ask some hard hitting questions of each other. Follow us on twitter > https://twitter.com/EuroDivision