I'm going off line here to discuss a certain European song contest. Music being my focus.

I watched the Eurovision song contest last night. The only reason I watched it was to be entertained by the commentary of Terry Wogan.

Those not in Europe may not be aware of this competition, but in Europe, it's normally a big event.

I have to say that the general outcome was really no surprise at all. With neighbouring countries patting each other on the back with their votes. None more that what I like to term as Eastern Bloc Europe. So Russia were the victors this time around. How surprising!

I laughed when one judge quoted "The best song in Europe", and one of the judges unwittingly got close to the truth when they said it was a "Great concert", because a concert is all it was. It certainly isn't a fair competition any more. Terry Wogan said something like that. He is even considering not commenting on the competition next year, I mean concert :)

Am I sore that the British entry came joint last with votes from ony 2 countries? No, I'm shocked though, because it was in my top 5, and I know a bit about cutting edge music.

It's even more amazing if you look in all the European charts. There's always British and American music there. And why is that? Well, because it's cutting edge.

I thought it was between Turkey and Norway for the title. Turkey's song was a modern sound, that was not too far removed from a band called Muse, and for pure songwriting craft, you have to give it to Norway. It's some consolation that they got into the top 10. The British song was a pretty good song, and also deserved to be in the top 10. My sympathy to Poland and Germany too (The Polish entry was pretty good) who were holding up the table with us. I wonder when Europe started seeing them as politically close to the UK? Political, you hear me say?

That's what I said. I've come up with a new name for the competition. The Eurovision Political Popularity Contest. Well, it's certainly not about the merits of the compositions. I think that was made blindingly obvious last night.

So what are my thoughts on Europe?

I adore it, and would love to travel to all the European nations in my life, and enjoy time with indigenous population. I'm just a regular guy who enjoys meeting people and doesn't colour them for the actions of their fellow citizens.

You can accept or refute my views. I wouldn't say I am qualified to pass judgement on that show. After all, I'm only a Songwriter :)