Eurovision in Isolation

Three disclaimers for this episode delving into Eurovision 2025. 1) It was recorded before the semi-finals. 2) We recorded another episode that got lost because Phil got a new job. 3) There is a lot of swearing but you can blame Malta for that. Follow the performances we discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxueZjrw6rIQ_r9tbmjrxusL

In this year's Christmas special, the gang unwrap five UK acts who entered the national finals in vain - featuring banjos, Brexit and more sound issues on stage than on the actual podcast! Plus, stick around for Alex's festively moving musical tribute to Jordan Clarke. Follow along with the songs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxt5HaG6e_gcPe0LKCSIxQZc

What's that coming over the hill, is it Joci Pápai vibes? In a rare morning recording, the gang slurs their way through five more Eurovision contenders ahead of the Grand Final/Simon's stag do. Will they finally agree on their top song? Do the Amish watch Eurovision? Will Phil successfully pronounce some Estonian? Tune in to find out. Follow the songs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvlYE2nzIripdXQjAl16i9N

The gang is back aboard the speedboat of musical travel to witness the sights, sounds and smells of Eurovision 2024. This week, Ireland rolls the dice, Australia phones it in, and Austria will rave - whether Simon the Character likes it or not. Follow the songs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxsA8aYfIWfyok2naFtQE2jv

There's no business like snow business! The gang casts their fishing rods of Eurovision back over 5 ice-themed entries from competitions past in this brrr-illiant Christmas special. Will Russia get another frosty reception? Is Phil on thin ice with his views on panettone? And what is Simon doing under the desk? Get your skates on and find out! Follow the festive performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvh29g2NLbEOCC8bb7KrzAD

The gang takes one last lap of the contenders before this year's Eurovision and/or the podcast's cancellation, whichever happens first. Featuring a returning Swedish champion, a Belgian matador Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and the Moldovan reincarnation of Joci Pápai vibes. Plus, can AI write a Eurovision song? Tune in to find out! (It can.) Follow the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvF16IDb1nIfm8np8kw18Lo

With weeks to go until Eurovision 2023, the gang boards the speedboat of musical travel and runs down the hopefuls and hopeless for this year's Eurovision - including a Norwegian sea shanty, a Finnish human centipede and something very French and interesting. So bust open the fenêtre and pour yourself a piña colada, you're probably going to need it. Follow the songs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxuIIsuhw3veBpz8h3he6PXU

The speedboat of music travel (are we still doing that?) is back in action for our first podcast of the 2023 season, and this week we're looking at how we got here: by coming second. So if you like Sam Ryder, you'll love... the part of the episode where we talk about him. Plus, Phil reveals his top 3 sausage rolls, Simon goes to bed, and a man from the 1950s violates a bird. It's good to be back! Follow along with the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvFinhhRwJUaxpLX3H2B_TB

Quick disclaimer: last night's semi-final has reduced this episode's relevance by 20%, though Dan's return balances it out with a 20% increase in hostility. The Gang also pilots a brand new spin-off format, while Simon attempts a cheery rebrand. What could possibly go wrong? Follow along with the performances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mYBiIO0pfY&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxtEYH2_trS3QEojJ1FMnspE

Phil introduces a new catchphrase in the first of a two-part foray into Eurovision 2022, featuring consumer complaints, sponsorship ideas and Easter recipes. Plus some discussion of the Eurovision Song Contest. Follow the songs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxsUuhT6rG5CqN7fFWBRiHzA

In what is fast becoming a Christmas tradition, the gang celebrates the festive lockdown with discussion of this weekend's Junior Eurovision, Christmas coke and dead celebs. Stay tuned for bonus appearances from returning guest Harry and podcast newcomer Steven. Look! Annoy your family by following along with the songs here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxuhqH-SiAfbsKe7pKNcQkNi

With mere days until Eurovision 2021, the gang breaks down 5 controversial entries going into this year's contest. Will Flo Rida turn up? Is devil worship a vote winner? Does Alex know what a video game is? And don't forget to follow us for the final when Phil will be live/drunk tweeting! Watch the performances discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxv1_O-vHc-tAf1R9r3xthck

The Gang return to discuss the bookies' favourites for Eurovision 2021, featuring the Bulgarian Rory Gilmore, Daði Freyr's triumphant return and a brief discussion of digestive health. Plus, is Phil turning into Alan Partridge? Let us know, please! Seriously though do give us a call. Follow along with the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxs3fSm8oLH54ioZwhLWSya1

The Gang consider their home nations' entries for Eurovision 2021, featuring the Italian Linkin Park, an Irish Katy Perry and a Swiss car crash. Plus, stay tuned for our new section where Phil lists all the Spy Kids movies. Enjoy! Watch the performances discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxsDeXlGu2Gxs8Q1lcWeLIbz

The Gang discuss the Norwegian selection show and try to name Flo Rida songs. A couple of disclaimers: Phil says Norway's 1995 entry Nocturne was 1996, and Simon claims to be in the top 15% in the world for Age of Empires 2 online. He has since dropped down the rankings, but his position in the top 15% of Eurovision in Isolation panelists remains secure.

The gang kicks off the 2021 Eurovision season with a look at the French selection show, featuring an oily couple, a dancing donkey and a giant-handed Scottish robot who may or may not drive a van. Plus, everyone pretends to be shamefully bad at French (and you can't prove otherwise). Bon appétit!

What better way to say goodbye to 2020 than with a bundle of errors? Here are 5 minutes of outtakes from our Christmas special, featuring a selection box of exciting new games: What is Simon's favourite Christmas film? Where did Phil go? And why can't Alex speak?

The Gang says Harry Christmas with a festive special, dissecting 5 holiday hits and misses (usually the latter) from former Eurovision contestants! Featuring the Icelandic Frog Chorus, the Danish Olsen Twins and a brand new track from the Eurovision In Isolation singers... do we hear the tinkling of a Christmas Number 1?

The Gang takes one last ride in the speedboat of musical travel to determine the single greatest Eurovision song of the modern era (that didn't win/feature on a previous podcast etc). Plus, we pitch ideas for our next podcast venture. Let us know which biscuits you'd like us to test for structural integrity and we'll see you in series 2! Follow the final performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxuRtvo3zeV8iUZxsZR2acg9

The Gang debates whether yodelling is Romanian in quarter four of the bracket, featuring the Bosnian Ali G, the Norwegian Stifler and the Danish Simon. Plus, we leave this week's Barbara Dex winner on an exciting cliffhanger which was definitely deliberate and not because we forgot. Follow along with the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvwkiHZJ5bP0dfcCMO0OTbf

The Gang are dealt a cruel hand by quarter three of the bracket, fielding efforts from the Slovakian Forestry Commission, the Hungarian DragonForce and a Macedonian car crash. Plus, Phil teases a brand new gameshow called 'Bollocks or Vagina.' Follow along with the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvWyNSEbLZKdlTOs4SGvAyU

Drama, controversy and conflict abound in quarter two of the bracket, which pits a wobbly UK against a Czech iPod advert; a warbling Albanian against a Moldovan Avril Lavigne; and a Dirty Dancing Switzerland against a spontaneously weeping Estonian. Plus, Simon has a breakdown! Again. Watch the performances discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxumRpzvIj_Wv5l3wWmBxoPX

The Gang returns with the first quarter of the Best of the Rest Bracket! Featuring the Georgian Evanescence, Latvian cake fiends and Croatia's biggest homophobe. Plus, age gaps and trousers and wolves, oh my! Follow all 12 performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvGO2wk3jGp6M7CqiiIWUHm

The Gang are deep into preparation for the Eurovision in Isolation: Best of the Rest Bracket, which means you get a few weeks' break from us unless you're desperate to hear the trailer from episode 19 again.

The Gang lands in Copenhagen 2014 where they're met by some representatives from Poland's dairy industry, the Maltese Boney M and Mini from the future! Plus, stick around for an exciting and annoying announcement... Follow along with the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvJXeEA2QKSTOIu0cK02_ta

This week the Gang are bowled over by Moldova (and Belgium) in a special episode dedicated to the meme-creation nation! Featuring an epic sax guy, a contentious backflip and an enticing new 3-CD set. Watch the performances discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHAY_OVN_gY&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvHe7s8MlI-Uz_R7JJ4cUkc

The speedboat of musical travel is in the shop this week so the Gang look back on some moments literally too rubbish to include over the last 17 episodes. Enjoy!

The Gang dare to dream of Eurovision 2019 hosted in Tel Aviv, featuring the gravity-defying antics of a Kate Bush Baby, the vocal stylings of the Icelandic Davros and more Joci Pápai vibes than you can shake a Vertigo pole at. Follow the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWXuohnM14U&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxuHfiaLwS6BPdUl_-SEwoLq

The Gang board their speedboat of musical travel once again to revisit the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 in Istanbul, featuring the triumphant return of Stefan Raab, Sakis Rouvas and the Piratey Bum Grab. Watch the performances we discuss here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxtsZx3C_pHBtiNABpTTTv0C

This week the Gang investigates some of the other attempts made by Eurovision winners over the years, including a hungover Alanis Morissette, the Greek Jemini and the return of Katrina and the Dads. Follow the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxsWLPbhRO-_MA79IN-z4ben

It means nothing to Midge Ure but Vienna plays host to Eurovision 2015, featuring an Australian debut (and his hat), a German Bond singer (and her earring) and a Macedonian screwup (and his face). Watch the performances discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxs2ssyk63AaZC8-EeD4OIpf

The Gang ease on down the road to Eurovision 2009 in Moscow, featuring an Albanian disco gimp, Switzerland's most popular soft rock act and the triumphant return of the Guess the Age game. Follow along with the relevant performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxt0qhJ3dkDgjS5Zhj611f6j

The Gang take another Eurovision sabbatical to check out Melodi Grand Prix 2018, Norway's national selection show. Featuring the Norwegian Ed Sheeran, monochrome Adele and colourblind Mr Blobby. Follow along with the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxsE2hSgYd68XvmdsRqNl3al

The Gang muddle their way through the 2011 Song Contest at Düsseldorf, featuring the Danish Scouting for Girls, Estonian musical theatre and a Belarusian essay crisis. Watch the performances discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxurAWc7jI3TwNV7bdMg1Mqb

The Gang discuss the famous 2016 contest from Stockholm, as Sweden put on quite the show. Including the Cypriot Spinal Tap, an annoyingly good looking Frenchman and a sparkly guy from Israel. Follow the performances here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxutUlbgxUlZ98za8tQnXxvZ

Can you believe it is episode 9 already? Phil and the boys are back with the rundown of the ridiculous to the ridiculous of 2003. We pour over the wreckage of Jemini, and dissect Austria, The Netherlands, Romania and Belgium for good measure as well. Watch along with the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxuoR_tkRHkGyiEjiafIdTYA

This week the Gang discuss the 2020 Eurovision noncontest, by looking at 5 of the songs that would have competed. You can see the songs discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvsgXSJ_h9EMzeW8h3zUwLB

The Gang take a break from discussing Eurovision by focusing on the 2017 Melodifestivalen, Sweden's national song contest, the winner of which goes on to represent Sweden at Eurovision. Covering Joiking, Queen Loreen and gap years. You can see the performances we're talking about here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSydmoHzb3M&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxtag6fZmLa52-5d1PHflMMF

The Gang discuss the 2013 song contest, including an operatic dubstep vampire, an indecent proposal and Eurovision in Middle Earth. Follow along with the performances we discuss here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlBXOveVh7c&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxuFiw3iwwxmRDKRHrsjQHeQ

This Week the gang discuss the 1998 Contest, hosted in Birmingham, where a surprisingly sprightly Guildo Horn takes centre stage You can see the performances discussed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0AQI_Nt1X4&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxvH5-cFZXMTWCbXUG5nXc5X

The gang discuss the 2006 Eurovision song contest hosted in Athens, including the Lithuanian Beastie Boys and songs that sound like Chico. Find the performances discussed right here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JHnre0q3ow&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxtvveFCg8PEATGZ43d2lPtk

This week the gang discuss the 2017 Eurovision hosted in Kiev, including for one time only a UK entry and finally some true Joci Pápai vibes. Follow the relevant performances here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_HSRHqd_7s&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxsyfUy37sXwkGwQN1Mpo_Wd

Set your mind back 20 years as the gang take you through five forgotten 'gems' from the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm! Watch the performances discussed on the YouTube playlist - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uNfhj66GOo&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxsUzE6_X-ucEeZKL8G39n6n

The Gang discuss songs from the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest. Follow along with the performances here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OGVL_9P5fw&list=PLi_PXCB9XDxuZ-OY3Y5rSkb-YQLwSncTa