The second match in Group A sees Uruguay, managed by Jim D, take on France, where Alex Macpherson is in the hotseat. Uruguay are a lesser-known quantity in pop terms: France, however, reached the final of Europop 2008 and much is expected of them here.
As ever, anyone can vote – just pick which track you like best and leave reasons in the comments box if you like. The deadline is midnight on the 14th February. Let’s see what they’ve got for us!
URUGUAY: Los Shakers – “Rompan Todo (Break It All)” The manager says: “So apparently, while the British Invasion was hitting the US, Argentina had a Uruguayan Invasion instead, and Los Shakers were at the forefront of it. They’re a real parallel universe Beatles, they seem to have all the same chords but it’s like they’re playing them backwards or something. And that gives them a weirdly dark edge which reminds me more of baggy than merseybeat. Then it’s all capped off with a bit of adorable pidgin English: “When the music start, don’t stand there like a fool!”. HOW CAN THEY LOSE?”
FRANCE: Debruit – “149 Dalston Airline” The manager says: “Some may recognise the titular bus route which inspired this cut by French producer Xavier Thomas, from his December 2009 Spatio-Temporel EP; thankfully, they won’t necessarily recognise the horrors of said bus route in the joyous music. A hubbub of blended vocal samples, a galloping beat and some killer bass: if only the real thing was like this. As Debruit himself tweeted: WONKY YOURSELF! MERDE QUOI! IF MY MUSIC WAS WONKY I WOULD FIX IT IN A SEC!”
Group A Match 2: Which track did you like better? [ballot]
- Uruguay: Los Shakers 61%
- France: Debruit 39%
Total Voters: 80
Poll closes: 15 Feb 2010 @ 23:59
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Commentary Box Analysis: “England’s 1966 Pop World Cup victory is a source of national pride but you don’t see too many teams succeeding at this level with a fab four upfront these days. Credit to Uruguay though, they’ve not come here for a draw and they’re really going at the French here. France’s approach by contrast is very modern – they’re playing without a recognised striker, relying on midfield flair and unpredictability to baffle their opponents. Very solid at the back, too: it’s a fascinating game, this one.”
Coming Next: Group B’s opener sees South Korea take on Greece, before Argentina and Nigeria battle it out in what might be that group’s defining game.