The Pop World Cup: Group D
Feb. 9th, 2006 11:03 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
freakytigger.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
poptimistsThe fiery Group D clashes are accompanied with a frisson of anticipation, following the outspoken antics of the Iranian pop federation and the Angolan manager, whose mind games began almost as soon as the draw was made. Both managers though will be aware that their group rivals - Mexico and Portugal are more than capable of progress and will be hoping for further world cup upsets. The accent in this group is on youth and rhythm, as two teen rebel girls mix it up with hip-hoppers and bongo freaks. It's all kicking off!
You can find all PWC entries here. If you can't download or are having trouble let me know either in the comments box or at freakytrigger@gmail.com.
So are here the four Group D contenders, with exclusive team talks from their managers.
Angola
Os Bongos - "Kazukuta". Veteran manager![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
martinskidmore had this to say: "We are of course just glad to be here, in the competition to enjoy ourselves, with no care for results, complete with natural football skills, expressing ourselves without any need for that thinking and practising nonsense, although we are a bit naive at the back - so watch out for our innocent two-footed knee-high studs-up tackles. Or rather, please don't.
On the other hand, a vote for Portugal is a vote for indie (assuming their so-called manager hasn't found any Portugese UK hip hop), you'd have to be insane to vote for the megalomaniacal Iranian manager who is undoubtedly, with all due respect and not wishing to overstate matters, planning to replace all your loved ones with either nanobot colonies or hobgoblins, ot possibly both, and while I don't actually know Victor at all, it is a well known fact that only supervillains have that name. Conversely, a vote for Angola is proof that you are not a racialist. This is a no-brainer, people."
Iran
DJ Maryam aka Mahshar - "Vase Chi". Media-friendly supremodubdobdee was forthright in his comments: "Welcome one and all to Techno Tehran, or THE FORBIDDEN GAME: nothing in world football has prepared you for the startling and uncanny skeez of our beloved underground teen genius DJ Maryam of the Bright Red Shoes, our own Robot-Ravenette on the Wing, the mythic mystic marvellous Mahshar -- as she twirls and sighs her way round any and every ugly and sclerotic old guard, voice of free youth, the city's own secret soul-throb: swoon as she shifts across the pitch, all quick quartertones turns, backflips, deft wrong-way nutmegs, footwork, headwork, heartwork, keen, keener, keening -- bend it like bellona! THE LASS DONE GOOD, as we sez in that Persia."
Mexico
Natalia Lafourcade - "Busca Un Problema". Cosmopolitan boss Victor told us: "Natalia Lafourcade's song is about being young, going out in secret and not caring about being grounded afterwards, all packed up in a low-key start that then explodes in synth-driven chorus, solos, handclaps and what else. Plus, it doesn't go for very long like all good teen pop. And she was only 17 when she released it and had been in a girlband that failed, the poor one (and for all the rockists out there, she even wrote it herself!). Mexico is confident in their newcomer helping their progress towards the trophy."
Portugal
Dust e Ohxiz - "Reflexo do Protesto". Respected gafferthebopkids let us know that: "Well the obvious choice would have been to drop some fado science on you, to trot out something about the uniquely Portuguese nature, untranslatable saudade, that kind if thing. This being the world cup, though, I think it’s more important that we consider what we all have in common. And when it comes to hip-hop (and this is quite a global example of the scruffy Portuguese version, tuga) what we all have in common is the “yo”. If I decide I can hear the artists tease a wisp of the old saudade out of a very familiar sample, am I kidding myself? Very likely."
So how will matches be decided? HERE'S HOW.
You have 20 points to divide between the four teams, based on how much you enjoyed their tracks and on any other criteria you like.
No team can be given less than 1 point, no team can be given more than 10. If you fail to mark a team they will automatically get 5 points.
If that leaves a points total other than 20, or if you simply can't add up to 20, then the FIPA authorities will add or deduct points according to a highly complex system which can be explained in the pub by request.
Your votes should be in the following format:
"Angola - 5. Iran - 5. Mexico - 5. Portugal - 5."
With the "5"s replaced by the points you allot to each team.
You can submit votes in one of two ways. In the poll below, or by email to freakytrigger@gmail.com if you can't vote in LJ polls. Any votes in the comments box will be disqualified. Voting closes at midnight GMT on Monday
The top two tracks, decided on total points, will go through to the next round. In the event of a tie the votes from the first 10 ballots received will be used to determine positions.
[Poll #669695]
OK, get voting - some indication of results will be posted tomorrow (fingers crossed).
You can find all PWC entries here. If you can't download or are having trouble let me know either in the comments box or at freakytrigger@gmail.com.
So are here the four Group D contenders, with exclusive team talks from their managers.
Angola
Os Bongos - "Kazukuta". Veteran manager
martinskidmore had this to say: "We are of course just glad to be here, in the competition to enjoy ourselves, with no care for results, complete with natural football skills, expressing ourselves without any need for that thinking and practising nonsense, although we are a bit naive at the back - so watch out for our innocent two-footed knee-high studs-up tackles. Or rather, please don't.On the other hand, a vote for Portugal is a vote for indie (assuming their so-called manager hasn't found any Portugese UK hip hop), you'd have to be insane to vote for the megalomaniacal Iranian manager who is undoubtedly, with all due respect and not wishing to overstate matters, planning to replace all your loved ones with either nanobot colonies or hobgoblins, ot possibly both, and while I don't actually know Victor at all, it is a well known fact that only supervillains have that name. Conversely, a vote for Angola is proof that you are not a racialist. This is a no-brainer, people."
Iran
DJ Maryam aka Mahshar - "Vase Chi". Media-friendly supremo
dubdobdee was forthright in his comments: "Welcome one and all to Techno Tehran, or THE FORBIDDEN GAME: nothing in world football has prepared you for the startling and uncanny skeez of our beloved underground teen genius DJ Maryam of the Bright Red Shoes, our own Robot-Ravenette on the Wing, the mythic mystic marvellous Mahshar -- as she twirls and sighs her way round any and every ugly and sclerotic old guard, voice of free youth, the city's own secret soul-throb: swoon as she shifts across the pitch, all quick quarterMexico
Natalia Lafourcade - "Busca Un Problema". Cosmopolitan boss Victor told us: "Natalia Lafourcade's song is about being young, going out in secret and not caring about being grounded afterwards, all packed up in a low-key start that then explodes in synth-driven chorus, solos, handclaps and what else. Plus, it doesn't go for very long like all good teen pop. And she was only 17 when she released it and had been in a girlband that failed, the poor one (and for all the rockists out there, she even wrote it herself!). Mexico is confident in their newcomer helping their progress towards the trophy."
Portugal
Dust e Ohxiz - "Reflexo do Protesto". Respected gaffer
thebopkids let us know that: "Well the obvious choice would have been to drop some fado science on you, to trot out something about the uniquely Portuguese nature, untranslatable saudade, that kind if thing. This being the world cup, though, I think it’s more important that we consider what we all have in common. And when it comes to hip-hop (and this is quite a global example of the scruffy Portuguese version, tuga) what we all have in common is the “yo”. If I decide I can hear the artists tease a wisp of the old saudade out of a very familiar sample, am I kidding myself? Very likely."So how will matches be decided? HERE'S HOW.
You have 20 points to divide between the four teams, based on how much you enjoyed their tracks and on any other criteria you like.
No team can be given less than 1 point, no team can be given more than 10. If you fail to mark a team they will automatically get 5 points.
If that leaves a points total other than 20, or if you simply can't add up to 20, then the FIPA authorities will add or deduct points according to a highly complex system which can be explained in the pub by request.
Your votes should be in the following format:
"Angola - 5. Iran - 5. Mexico - 5. Portugal - 5."
With the "5"s replaced by the points you allot to each team.
You can submit votes in one of two ways. In the poll below, or by email to freakytrigger@gmail.com if you can't vote in LJ polls. Any votes in the comments box will be disqualified. Voting closes at midnight GMT on Monday
The top two tracks, decided on total points, will go through to the next round. In the event of a tie the votes from the first 10 ballots received will be used to determine positions.
[Poll #669695]
OK, get voting - some indication of results will be posted tomorrow (fingers crossed).
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 12:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 12:22 pm (UTC)INITIAL REACTIONS
Date: 2006-02-09 12:52 pm (UTC)As for the Iranians well I had high hopes but I'm unconvinced so far. I have been known to enjoy this style of play but I feel that like Poland they don't really have the creativity or strength in midfield - it's all bosh it up to the little long-haired man up front and hope for the best. Ability definitely there but not put to best use here. The midfield general didn't get stuck in half as much as I would've liked him to - he was the best thing about the team. Also, they smell.
Angola - It's 'Golden Brown' sped up! Well, not quite - seems rather generic/anonymous but that's probably more down to my own ignorance than anything else. Nice footwork in midfield, lots of 1-2s, I think they might be getting carried away with this instead of building up an effective move towards the opposition's goal. Guys you're supposed to attack not just have fun knocking the ball around! Although it does look like a lot of fun I must say. I'd love to run over there and join them in fact...screw your silly pop tournament!
The Portugese have made an instant impact with a vivid attacking style I recognise and enjoy. Audaciously borrowing the ideas and moves of the true legends of the game. Simple but effective and I think they'll win through here although it's by no means a foregone conclusion.
THE MASTER'S NOTES TO SELF LIST:
Date: 2006-02-09 12:58 pm (UTC)THE IRANINA TEAM WISHES TO EXPLICATE:
Date: 2006-02-09 01:05 pm (UTC)2. the 'M' in stevem STANDS FOR WHAT EXACTLY??!
3. hmmmm
we do not believe of course that such counterproductive shenanotage will make the slightest difference to anything of significance but reserve our right to re-investigate should honour demand same
Re: THE IRANINA TEAM WISHES TO EXPLICATE:
Date: 2006-02-09 01:41 pm (UTC)MUJAHIDEEN
Re: INITIAL REACTIONS
Date: 2006-02-09 12:58 pm (UTC)Agree also that the Angolan team play an elegant, dynamic game while lacking real end product.
I would argue though that the Iranian midfielder's subtle contributions are much more effective than you're giving them credit for, allowing the young striker's dazzling skills to be given much fuller expression.
Conversely Portugal are leaning very heavily on a star player - a surprise and joy to see this particular individual on the field, of course, but the rest of the team look to me to be hard workers but little else.
Re: INITIAL REACTIONS
Date: 2006-02-09 01:43 pm (UTC)Well he's no Dutch Captain (Hollywood). Where's the justice?!
Re: INITIAL REACTIONS
Date: 2006-02-09 01:47 pm (UTC)SURELY WHAT MATTERS...
Date: 2006-02-09 01:53 pm (UTC)As a Sevnior Court Judge-and-Maverick I am all for
hot young wailing teensspeculation about might-have-beens, but RULES ARE RULES (except where it's ME breakin them)xxx hizzonner
Re: SURELY WHAT MATTERS...
Date: 2006-02-09 02:29 pm (UTC)I'm a Judge in the Queen's High Courts --
Date: 2006-02-09 02:53 pm (UTC)as is proved by my insatiable sex drive and rebel politixwith being named after a VERY FAMOUS ENGLISH RIVER what is the MANNION eh, a brook in a culvert even, I THINK NOT!Re: I'm a Judge in the Queen's High Courts --
Date: 2006-02-09 03:06 pm (UTC)i am as Oirish as the blarney rubble to bee sure, guvnor
and there's a HEN on it.
HEN
Date: 2006-02-09 03:13 pm (UTC)Re: INITIAL REACTIONS
Date: 2006-02-09 02:47 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:49 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:49 pm (UTC)He's like a less profound Julian Cope, if such a thing etc.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 01:53 pm (UTC)but the other two singles off that album are heeeedeous.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 04:18 pm (UTC)Actually I was speculating thst it may turn out this way. In fact if Iran had gone for the lady that
no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 04:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 04:39 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 06:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 09:55 pm (UTC)Now Iran's freelance publicist has certainly grabbed everyone's attention. I'd suspected that his bluster was a smokescreen, that something sly was afoot. Well, this being soccer, it turns out that with the Iranians everything's afoot: forceful powerball in the middle, slick attacks upfront, blatancy, subtlety, anguish, silliness, beauty, clowning, everything but Hampton the Hamster. Why no hamster in this song? That omission is the only thing stopping this from an automatic 10. They may still pitch a perfect game (if you pardon the baseball metaphor), but not without the opposition putting up a fight.
no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 10:01 pm (UTC)The Son of Nihilator
no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 10:09 pm (UTC)He Who Remembers When Annette Wore Ears
no subject
Date: 2006-02-09 10:27 pm (UTC)