North Macedonia: Vasil

Wow! This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the single best song I've ever listened to that is titled "You" and a part of Eurovision 2020 or 2021 (no, Georgia , you stay on the step and think about what you've done).

Let's first of all quickly address some of the cultural differences highlighted in this video. While this may be normal behaviour in North Macedonia, if you burst into spontaneous dance like Vasil and his lady friend, in the White Horse in Burnley on a Friday night you'll probably get thrown out for ruining the pub quiz. And that right there is the end of your dreams of winning a £20 Boots voucher.

But this song with it's tango elements, demands we look up from our pints and put away our stiff upper lip. The tango is a passionate and emotional dance that essentially maps the route from blazing row to the bedroom. While enjoying Vasil's offering, it feels a bit half-hearted- maybe there's been a bit of bickering about whose turn it is to run the dishwasher and "You" helps them get to the place of reading in bed before lights out at 10pm because it's an early start in the morning.

Still this is somewhat more interesting than a lot of Eurovision songs and could have been in the running for a smattering of points were I in a position to hand out such things.

Occassionally my wife and I will sit down to watch a show that I have been binging on and she is just dipping into because it's date night and we want to sit together. As a caring husband, I am immediately minded to help ensure her enjoyment of the show by explaining some of the back story, a bit of character critique and other points of interest like what programs the various cast memebers have been in previously. For whatever reason, she believes this to be unnecessary and annoying. 

And so, while my wife might think it to be pointless, emotional fluff, I appreciate Vasil's introduction to his song. Now I know he was sad about Eurovision being cancelled and channeled that disappointment into the composition of a reasonably forgettable song. He's basically started with"Pure Imagination" from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and given it some orchestra and a bit of Westlife treatment. Vasil has a very strong voice and everyone gets credit for employing a whole orchestra and it's not a wholly horrible song but it's a bit too "final scene of a Disney film" for me.

2020 Vasil may be scavenging for pennies on the floor outside the White Horse but 2021 Vasil is already asleep in the dumpster round the back. Vasil may need some more hugs after Eurovision this year and I hope he gets them as he does seem like a good guy. But he still doesn't get any points, I'm afraid.