anthems The ongoing struggle between China and protesters in Hong Kong took a new turn when thousands of protesters shouted pro-democracy slogans and insults at police in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The reason? Lawmakers were debating a bill that would criminalize abuse of the Chinese national anthem in the semi-autonomous city.
Read more “Chinese anthem law sparks protest in Hong Kong”
meanings As I’m writing this, Billie Eilish’s theme song for the new James Bond movie has been out all of 14 hours. So I had a listen.
I’ve been aware of Eilish only since “Bad Boy”, which I’d qualify as great pop music. It sounds good, and I was intrigued by an overtly pop song that throws in a completely out-of-rhythm section, almost from another track. Isn’t that suicide for radio? But they did it. So, all good.
Read more “No Time to Die: what do the words mean?”
Eurovision Pop phenomenon Maruv will not represent Ukraine at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. The singer, real name Anna Korsun, has had a very public argument with the Ukrainian organisers. The dispute is set against the continuing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Read more “Ukraine’s Eurovision entry “Siren Song” is not going to Tel Aviv”
Eurovision Despite a very brief flurry of excitement that Johnny “Rotten” Lydon could have possibly represented Ireland at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon, singer Ryan O’Shaughnessy was eventually chosen for the song “Together”. In many ways, it’s a strong contender. It’s an elegantly-written contemporary mid-tempo with a nice sentiment. It also comes with a neat video of a couple walking through Dublin streets by night before breaking out into some spontaneous contemporary dance.
But here’s the thing.
The couple are gay. So? So Russia introduced very stringent laws concerning what they call “gay propaganda” some years back. If the Eurovision decides to broadcast the video, the Russian channels will be obliged to re-transmit it. Broadcasters cannot pick and choose which parts of the live broadcast they want to show.
politics 
Queen have again expressed their frustration that Donald Trump is using their 1977 single ‘We Are The Champions’ at his rallies. The song was heard when he appeared at the party’s National Convention in Cleveland on Monday July 18, 2016.
In a statement, Queen said they are “frustrated” at Trump’s “repeated unauthorised use of the song”. Already a month ago guitarist Brian May said that permission for Trump to use ‘We Are The Champions’ “was neither sought nor given”.
UPDATE: In an exchange on Twitter, Ray Slijngaard of the band 2 Unlimited revealed that the group has also seen its music used by Trump without their permission.
We aint allowing shit and ofcourse we try to stop this, but legally we can do nothing about it so dont judge us ? https://t.co/EuZpr4ldv9
— #Ray (@RaySlijngaard2U) July 6, 2016
meanings UPDATE oct 29 2020: I just watched the trailer for the upcoming David Bowie biopic.
Um.
They really should have asked Soulwax and director Wim Reygaert to handle it.
Soulwax strike again. The Belgian DJ duo Soulwax, that also work as the DJ duo 2ManyDJs, have created what is probably the ultimate David Bowie tribute.
In “Dave”, the Belgian top model Hannelore Knuts (photo) plays a Thin White Duke-era Bowie. She is brought from room to room in a hotel, each of which contains references to classic Bowie albums. It is cleverly directed by Wim Reygaert. Remarkably, it dates from 2 years ago. Where has it been hiding?
This is one for trainspotters, as elements from Bowie’s life and career abound. I think the man himself would have appreciated it, as far from being just a fan-pic, it builds into something quite spectacular at the end.
Soulwax’s clever cut’n’paste of Bowie tracks is as tasteful as you can expect from a duo that frankly ooze respect and style.
In February 2019, it was announced that Johnny Flynn will play David Bowie in the biopic “Stardust”. Even more than a portrayal of Freddie Mercury, this will be a challenge for any actor. Flynn is already a singer and actor. But people will be watching this portrayal with even more attention. I wonder did they ever consider using Knuts? 😉