Noahspike

Just left the barbers so did not need that extra scalping today. <_<

Yup, that’ll teach me to log into Buzzjack more (and link my mailbox to an email account I actually use) as I didn’t realise there was an artist clash until scouring the semi lists for Desbuanda yesterday! :/ :\ :/ :\ :/ Was a little heart-breaking but it’s my own fault and I’ll likely listen through anyway and just pretend I’m involved... B-) Here’s my Rihanna/M.I.A.-esque afro-reggae would-be entry anyway, if anyone’s interested. Also love Florina’s pick so I’m glad to see Shungudzo represented well! 8viEmqXfLz4

ABW5HBHN?@SJWU£&ABWH!AOQ Guys, I’ve waited 3.5 years for another top 10 and you dangled a win in front of me throughout the show before relegating me to 11th ahead of the deciding votes reveal, only to bump me back to safety BY A POINT. I followed live and have never experienced BJSC related stress like that haha (though did have a similar situation recently with ‘Take Back Time’, so thankfully history didn’t repeat itself there). SAVEUS proving an entirely apt artist name. :magic: Nah, only 22 points separate #3-#15 (!) so I feel extremely grateful to be one of the lucky ones. As has been said, the two non-voters could’ve massively changed that top tier, so thanks sooo much to everyone who gave Desbuanda points - they all clearly counted!!! Always awesome to hear some people made a discovery too, regardless of the result. It was also a (pathetically) thrilling ride being top two for a while with Harmonica of all nations, having our dark horse gospel/Christian entries nipped at the hooves heels by heavyweights like Aeroche and Cor Lupus... a scenario akin to my wildest BJSC fantasy*. <3 To indulge myself even more on this (as I’m on a roll now and who knows when my next post will be :’)), I find it hilarious that I initially vetoed this song on encountering it several months ago, as I thought the choir was a surefire BJSC kiss of death (not that near-certain failure is known to discourage Desbuanda :cool:). I only revisited it on deadline day this time round as I had nothing else, and promptly agreed with Jordan that it was another ‘low expectations month’ for me as well... Blows my mind that this caught on more than anything I’ve sent since Eves The Behavior! As I said in my votes, this stands out to me as an extremely diverse contest, and it’s great to see that reflected in the higher placings, particularly the likes of Land Of DW and Utopia unexpectedly storming it. And my highest pointed Harmonican entry ends up being their biggest smash, after years of me stanning their flops, slay. Very pleased too with the winning song. It was my favourite straightforward pop entry of the contest and certainly a keeper on my playlists, even if I’d have preferred Daniella got there with ‘Shade Of You’. Big congrats to Cody - definitely looking forward to next month if your last turn at hosting is anything to go by. Huge thanks to Rob for all your work behind the scenes (and for your 18)! *no but seriously they’re all exactly like this

I couldn’t have asked for much more than a SEMI RUNNER-UP predicted to come bottom 10 by the consensus to boost the ‘underdog’ narrative Desbuanda’s been peddling all these years! Brings me right back to the ‘Graveyard Whistling’ glory days of odds upsets that I don’t even care this turned out to be a relative flop. :wub: Interesting you have the song down as a grower though given the apparent drop-off in interest from its semi fans (not helped by an absence in the final of a top-scorer)! And also, it was so instant for me I’d actually sent the confirmation by the time the final chorus had played on my first listen haha. Anyway, thanks guys - I think that’s my best ever semi result, given I couldn’t vote the time Eves would’ve won.

Well my nerves are shattered after that. As innovative and thrilling as Pete's new format was, it was NOT kind to Desbuanda :drama:... I can definitely relate to Jade's experience of a frustratingly cruel trajectory! Went from maintaining a (surprise) jury top 10 to teetering for an age around the top 15 (something I haven't actually secured in over three years, so a big deal!), before the song finally landed on its lowest position throughout the entire reveal. I'm just so relieved that it still scraped the top half though, and provided a unique finishing position of #18 as a bonus, especially with all the bottom 10 predictions and typically woeful odds. Also so happy to just about stay ahead of Taahino (nothing personal, Lindsey B-)) as 'Bedroom' has been a continually (and inexplicably) neglected potential of mine for almost a year, so it would've been an extra kick in the balls to see it overtake in literally the final minute! Anyway, can't complain overall - I both adore and had a lot of confidence in 'Take Back Time' so it's very pleasing that it did become a hit of sorts despite the poor Plug reception etc. Many thanks to all who gave it love, particularly Jonjo and Cian for the top points! <3 Aaand I'm extremely satisfied with that winner - congratulations Frank! Lyrically and emotionally it stood out a mile from the pack, and as Leww said, it's one of those inherently special tracks that I think anyone can appreciate and respect on some level, even if the style or genre doesn't appeal. Funnily enough I don't imagine I'll seek it out much despite it being my clear 18-pointer as it doesn't have strong replay-value for me, but its whole delivery is so arresting that I'd still consider it the contest's best. Was also exciting to see Quintessa dark horse it with an inspired entry, and glad that FSR Rontvia and St. Burbia followed through on their hype to achieve top 10s. Big thanks to you, Pete, for a wonderfully hosted contest and captivating final!

Ah, multiple predictions for a third consecutive bottom ten. Beautiful. And here I was convinced FAUX would deliver another hit to Desbuanda following a 3+ year drought. 🙃

But, when I heard the song I didn’t pick up on it inherently relating to a heterosexual relationship either (without wishing to investigate the singer’s/songwriter’s sexuality of course!). It comes off as an unspecific, universal song about love and heartbreak that lends itself to the listener’s interpretation. And is it not a good thing that we’ve now reached a time where a gay couple being featured in a video for such a vague song can feel just as fitting as a straight couple? Same-sex relationships are so commonplace in (most of) Europe now that I don’t feel this translates as an attempt at novelty or to target a niche, especially in the context of Eurovision... whereas maybe it would have 10+ years ago. I don’t know, I get your point about it all possibly being a very strategic move to please Eurovision fans (which I don’t think is particularly problematic in itself as the execution is subtle and respectful), but I’d also like to give it the benefit of the doubt and be content that non-heterosexual relationships are continuing to be casually depicted in various forms of media. (That’s not to say I totally disagree with you though when you take into account the lack of inspiration among the Irish delegation!)

Your song got 7/15 woots (6 if you wooted yourself), no? Hardly a no-hoper, especially as plug stats have been way off before... or have you really reached Cody levels of pessimism?! :P (Meanwhile the Desbuandese are clutching their rosary beads and praying for a miracle after that plug bellyflop :cry:)

This thread casually exposing the extent of my flop form... <_< But yes, I’d say I had a stronger reaction to Zola Jesus’ 16th placing last year than Eves’ silver haha. Not that I tend to enter songs based on their hit potential, but the drought’s been real. And don’t think I haven’t noticed those +15s Mattias!!! Still holding out for that elusive top-pointer but the steady support’s very much appreciated. :D (I predict an Aeroche win x)

Aw YAY, thanks guys! Felt particularly nervous about ‘Sympathy’ as it feels like the most polarising Desbuanda entry possibly ever, and I was just really hoping it’d find enough biggish supporters in that semi draw. It totally floored me on first listen (40 minutes prior to the deadline after struggling to fully back any of my potentials :arrr:) and I knew from a minute in that I had to send it... so this serves as some nice validation for that very impulsive decision :D. Januarys have so far been good to Desbuanda as two of our previous entrants (Sofi Tukker and Sylvan Esso) not only qualified against the odds, but were nominated for Grammys later that year, so fingers crossed for Est-Her to follow suit! Happy with the rest of the semi’s outcome overall, with Dobago being my big loss. Confused about that one as really thought it’d sail through, but plenty of surprise qualifiers to compensate. Thanks Leww for a flawlessly presented show as ever!

Three 'Glory Days' singles in their top 5, and all four in the top 10... what a campaign for them! And with those sales differences, it'd seem 'Reggaeton Lento' will be joining all those singles very shortly (albeit at the expense of their career best: 'Move' :cry:).

Spotify (and YouTube/Soundcloud links for those unavailable). Belated thanks to Dan and anyone else who's compiled those playlists over the last while - makes life a lot easier!

Absolutely! I really don't get it. At worst I'd say she comes across as a bit of a busybody and overly desperate to win, but overall I think her competitiveness, assertiveness, and huge passion for what she does are traits to be admired. Like, it's kind of refreshing to see a contestant be so eager to please during judgings and have a little celebration to herself when her bakes turn out well, rather than the standard humble, unassuming British reality show embodiment of 'likeability'. I get that she isn't a beacon of natural charisma like Liam and Kate, but she always seems friendly and good-humoured and sociable, and everyone on the show seems to get on well with her...so I'm really struggling with this supposed 'nastiness'?! I'd actually say with Liam gone ( :cry: ) she's my favourite remaining (though she'll never win), as I also like her ambition every week and refusal to play things safe, always opting for OTT creations, even if she often falls short on the execution. Also love the way she's a sweaty mess on the verge of explosion every time the judges taste her bakes. :lol: Fully agreed on the rest of your post too. Sending Liam home definitely felt wrong when Kate's been scraping by for weeks - I thought she was so lucky to stay over Yan last episode, and now this. Liam (the poster!) made some good points above re: the showstopper being weighted higher etc. thus arguably justifying her being saved, but when you're watching someone clearly out of their depth for weeks and appearing to give up at points, e.g. carelessly smushing her pizza into the oven and offloading her lattice onto her pie, before immediately declaring everything another "disaster", it's frustrating to see those efforts valued higher than someone with consistent skill and ingenuity and attention to detail. I guess the show's judging format isn't kind to a contestant who simply has an off-week, but Kate was also undeniably weak so it still seems like an undeserved elimination. She's lovely at least so I can just about get over it, but Liam's a huge loss both as a competitor and TV contestant.

Did you not get my votes? (Desbuanda)

Bah, I'd totally convinced myself that Arca was safe from the veto...but then I really had no idea it was THAT well publicised in the blogosphere so blocking it is fair enough I guess. Makes me semi-regret opting for 'Trees On Fire' over it last month when it was marginally less known, as I spent ages deciding between them and that way I could've sent both (maybe). Ah well, at least my cheap hoe-ness is offset slightly by yet another Sofi Tukker attempt re-affirming Desbuanda's trendsetting. B-) B-) B-) And luckily I was able to reconfirm straight away (despite being internet-less for most of the day) with another potash from last month that's steadily grown in my affections, so all good. Looking forward to this getting underway!

Me, except with triangles http://oi60.tinypic.com/29lmz4y.jpg (But also loosely inspired by the South African flag)

I remember putting serious thought into mine (while waiting for my mum in a supermarket car park lol) as I wanted it to have some form of personal meaning while also sounding like it'd fit nicely on a real world map. 'Des' came from 'desu' - Japanese for 'to be' - which had become my nickname during a uni semester in Tokyo after I kept introducing myself incorrectly. B-) 'bua' is the Irish word for victory... Can't fault my ambition. B-) B-) And 'nda' was just a mix of trying to work my actual name (Andy) into it and also giving the entire thing a realistic/African feel. B-) B-) B-)

Well, contrary to the general consensus I found the quality of Semi 2 to be exceptionally high :o (though maybe that'd be expected given I've felt a bit misaligned with BJSC tastes recently). Wouldn't say it's amazing across the board but there's way too many entries here that I want to help qualify - can't remember the last time I've struggled so much to narrow it down to ten songs... :/ Also echoing Dobbo in recognising Cowtermont's awesome debut :wub:. Really hoping to see it through against the odds!

08.5 The Way (ft. Mac Miller) 04.5 Baby I 05.0 Right There (ft. Big Sean) 04.0 Almost Is Never Enough (ft. Nathan Sykes) <Jesus Nathan sounds horrendous on this> 07.5 Problem (ft. Iggy Azalea) 08.0 Break Free (ft. Zedd) 04.5 Bang Bang (with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj) 11.0 Love Me Harder (with The Weeknd) 10.0 One Last Time 08.0 Dangerous Woman 10.0 Into You 09.5 Side To Side (ft. Nicki Minaj) 07.5 Everyday (ft. Future) 03.0 Put Your Hearts Up 06.0 Popular Song (with Mika) 07.0 Santa Tell Me xx E Più Ti Penso (with Andrea Bocelli) 07.0 Focus xx Adore (with Cashmere Cat) xx Boys Like You (with Who Is Fancy and Meghan Trainor) 05.5 Over and Over Again (with Nathan Sykes) 05.0 My Favorite Part (With Mac Miller) xx Faith (with Stevie Wonder) 07.5 Heatstroke (with Calvin Harris, Young Thug and Pharrell Williams) xx Quit (with Cashmere Cat) xx Beauty and the Beast (with John Legend) Sorry for leaving several blanks - will return and complete if time allows but I wanted to support 'Love Me Harder' after some frankly offensive scores get a rate in before this is closed!

Ahhh so it was Jake behind Blessed - not the first time I've been beaten to the punch by FARC :magic:! Was pretty hyped a few days ago when I thought 'See Through All The Colours' was mine, but actually I think 'My Yute' is a more interesting offering in the context of BJSC so it's good to see that representing the group instead. Will be watching closely to see how that does~ I really love my replacement entry anyway and am more invested in it than usual...and looking through those Semi 2'ers I'm seeing a few potential fans (I think) so fingers crossed! :arrr:

READY TO GET STUCK IN (For a popstar she really does do a disproportionately large amount of food themed photoshoots lol)

SINGLES: 09.0 Katy on a Mission 09.5 Perfect Stranger (with Magnetic Man) 06.5 Lights On (feat. Ms Dynamite) 10.0 Broken Record 08.5 Easy Please Me 04.0 Witches' Brew 06.5 Anywhere in the World (with Mark Ronson) 10.0 Aaliyah (feat. Jessie Ware) 07.5 What Love is Made Of 11.0 5AM 10.0 Crying for No Reason 10.0 Still 09.5 Turn the Music Louder (with KDA and Tinie Tempah) 05.0 Calm Down (with Four Tet & Floating Points) 08.0 Who Am I (with Craig David & Major Lazer) 08.5 Honey (with Kaytranada) 10.0 I Wanna Be (with Chris Lorenzo) 06.0 Freak Like Me (with Lee Walker, DJ Deeon & MNEK) ALBUMS: On a Mission 07.0 Power On Me 07.5 Why You Always Here 06.0 Movement 09.5 Go Away 08.5 Disappear 07.5 Hard to Get Danger 07.5 Got Paid (with Zinc & Wiley) 08.0 Light as a Feather (with Diplo & Iggy Azalea) 10.0 Danger (with Jacques Greene) Little Red 08.0 Next Thing 08.5 I Like You 08.5 All My Lovin 07.0 Tumbling Down 07.5 Everything 06.0 Play (feat. Sampha) 09.0 Sapphire Blue 08.5 Emotions 08.0 Blue Eyes 10.0 Stay Down 09.5 Hot Like Fire 09.0 Wicked Love 07.0 Sky's the Limit Honey 07.5 So Far Away (with Wilkinson & Stamina MC) 06.0 Chase Me (with Sasha Keable & JD. Reid) 08.0 Lose Your Head (with The HeavyTrackerz, J Hus, D Double E) 07.5 Heavy (with Mr. Mitch) 09.0 Turn the Music Louder (Rumble) (with KDA) SOLO VERSION 09.5 Dark Delirium (with Jamie Jones & Kate Simko) 10.0 Water Rising (with MssingNo & Geeneus) 06.5 Dreamers (with Hannah Wants) 09.0 Honey (Outro) (with Novelist & Geeneus) Other 08.5 Louder 07.0 Crossover (with Magnetic Man) 07.5 Sun Goes Down (with Devlin) 07.5 Lover Like You (with Gorgon City) ~~~ Launching myself full force into this magnificent discography like http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWODmmG1GDQ/UuizI32kshI/AAAAAAAAL7s/QUdV_ZFWTVM/s1600/bus.jpg Engaging in painstaking deliberations over the sacred recipient of my sole 11 like http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9hT0mi2lnM8/UuizKnmFLOI/AAAAAAAAL70/4zjfsRo7pgU/s1600/pizza.jpg Replaying my faves 200 more times to help come to that ultimate decision like Randomly remembering the total non-event that is Klaus-fave 'Witches' Brew' and tossing a 4 at it like http://pikastar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Kathleen-Brien-measurement.jpg x

Yeah, 'Same Old Love' is borderline unlistenable/headache-inducing to me. The whole thing feels dated, completely lifeless and annoyingly repetitive with a strained, nasally, grating vocal. Undoubtedly her worst single (and as has been said, the most marked dip in quality between successive singles I've ever witnessed) so I'm pretty surprised it made the top 15, even with those 11s and its (inexplicable) US success! No losses so far anyway. Though I quite liked 'Falling Down' having never heard it before the rate, so I guess that feels like an undeserving last placer~

Yeah I'm sort of the same. Always found the video stellar but felt the song was only good in a way you'd expect the reserves/post-album single of a newly launched artist to be, and in particular the chorus underwhelmed at first. The sustained hype around it kept me coming back though and I fully understand how special it is now, especially its message and the perfectly complementary visuals. The overall release and reaction put me in mind of 'Fancy' in that the isolated song initially doesn't scream smash, but the fact it's bang on trend sonically, comes with building artist momentum, and is accompanied by a superstar video means it transcends audiences/markets with ease and just keeps growing. Definitely feels like a 'moment' on a large scale so will be exciting to see how Dua progresses beyond it. I'd imagine there'll be a huge desire to replicate the winning formula so hopefully that doesn't compromise the subsequent output too much.

Cheers for that extension Liam! Selena Gomez & The Scene: 06.5 Falling Down 06.0 Naturally 05.5 Round & Round 07.0 A Year Without Rain 06.5 Who Says 10.0 Love You Like A Love Song 05.0 Hit The Lights Solo: 07.5 Come & Get It 06.5 Slow Down 11.0 The Heart Wants What It Wants 06.0 I Want You To Know (Zedd ft. Selena Gomez) 09.0 Good For You 01.0 Same Old Love 10.0 Hands To Myself 08.5 Kill 'Em With Kindness 08.0 We Don't Talk Anymore (Charlie Puth ft. Selena Gomez) 07.0 Trust Nobody (Cashmere Cat ft. Selena Gomez & Tory Lanez) 07.5 It Ain't Me (w/ Kygo) 09.5 Bad Liar 09.0 Fetish Savage.