Browsing the Norwegian national newspapers revealed a number of interesting things today: The name of Norway’s smallest pony and the fact that Norwegian electro heroes Datarock are swapping CDs with the guys from Depeche Mode.
My personal favourite has got to be Dagbladet’s very own news flash that obviously deserved its status as cover story; “28 Swans nearly froze stuck [to ice] in Langesund”. Don’t worry, as you can discern from the photos that accompany the article, they were saved in the nick of time by a Lemmy-from-Motorhead-lookalike. What I really can’t get my head around, is why no one thought to get a Swan Lake pun in there somewhere.
The swan story is a daring attempt at bringing somewhat troubling news to the attention of its Nordic readers – though of course it had a happy ending, which made it particularly printable. Other unsavoury subjects to be broached by the Norwegian press include the discovery of a Swedish porn ring , the sex life of England’s football captain, and the death of a Roma following a dispute between gypsy families in Oslo. Please note, none of these stories feature any Norwegians behaving badly. We’re just too busy breeding minute horses, saving swans and producing super cool electronica. Not to mention winning Eurovision last year, and having the honour of hosting it in May!
Yes, if the prolonged lives of 28 swans isn’t enough to warm my compatriots hearts during this bitter winter, coverage of the upcoming event should manage just this. What with NRK, Norway’s BBC, unveiling both the colour and theme intended for Eurovision 2010 – pink, and “Share the Moment”. According to Hasse Lindo, of NRK (Norway’s BBC) “We want to share the Eurovision Song Contest, rather than just broadcast it.” Fabulous.
Whilst Norway is keen to share its Eurovision moment with anyone kitsch enough to not be repulsed by the whole thing – the country is about to have a different moment altogether, and one that it is unlikely to want to “share” with the rest of Europe. This would be the first ever Black Metal Musical, starring Gorgoroth’s former frontman and church burning-enthusiast Gaahl. Not only is it taking place on the National Stage (something that has upset quite a few local priests), but it’s actually happening in the same month as Eurovision. Given that the whole black metal movement of the 90s was a extreme response to Norway’s conformist and sugar coated culture; the timing of the event is, quite simply, perfect. (Not that I condone chuch burning in anyway, mind).
P.S. If you were wondering what a black Metal Musical would be like, imagine this on stage accompanied by a slush puppy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5NSvtWirS4.
