No offence to the composer (who was also the lyricist) Paul Curtis who wrote the UK's effort for the 1990 Eurovision Song Contest, but this song does meet the "dross criteria" spectacularly well.
It did do well and it struck a chord with many at the time. It hooked in to the concern being focussed on environmental issues - some things haven't changed really. It ended up coming sixth. And whilst there are some moments in this song which do rather make me tingle (like the soaring descant the lady on the left in blue is responsible for in the second and third choruses), the song as a whole makes me wriggle with embarrassment.
I can't quite work out whether it's the cheesy presentation on stage (the lead singer is dressed to make her look a lot older than she really is), the saccharin message of the song or indeed the crude attempt to reflect the message amongst the line-up of singers. Whatever it is, this particular doesn't stand the test of time.
Friday 25 January 2008
# 12 Give a little love back to the world
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2 comments:
Yes, this has dated very badly since 1990. Because I can remember the environment being a very big issue at the time, I can just about forgive the lyrics - but you're quite right that the stage presentation is poor. You really do cringe at certain points.
Still, young Emma sings very well (though if she wanted to give a little love back to the world, why didn't she use less hairspray?). And Miriam Stockley's contribution is indeed excellent. Overall, it ranks in the lowest rungs of my top ten for 1990.
Mind you Jon, given what you wrote about this song, I wonder what you'll make of its sequel the following year?
Agreed, it is now dated, but I liked it a lot at the time. What's not to like? A nice tune, responsible lyrics, and that soaring contribution from Miriam.
When this song first aired we'd recently acquired a wonderful dog from the local dog rescue who lived with us for eleven happy years. But if he did something naughty, we would sing to him, as threateningly as possible, "Take a little dog back to the pound" to the tune of Emma's Magnum Opus. It normally did the trick.
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