Great news, firstly, that Englebert is still alive. Who knew? Even better that he is going to represent Britain at Eurovision
This week's really excellent news is that Engelbert Humperdinck is still alive. Who knew? He's alive, and he's also going to represent Britain in the Eurovision song contest. This, surely, is a stroke of genius. Pop music started out as something for the young folk, and has never quite shaken off that image, even though it established itself as "the new easy listening" as far back as the 1970s. Sure, pop can still be cool. Look at the Ting Tings, beloved for That's Not My Name, yet serious enough about their craft to junk an entire album because it wasn't quite right.
Nevertheless, pop is easy-access stuff that self-respecting teenagers should go near only on those special occasions when a really exceptional tune comes along. Pop's for little children, their long-suffering parents and indulgent grandparents. Pop's for people who don't feel the constant need to be taking music very, very seriously, as some sort of advertisement for their great depth, exquisite taste and eternal youth. A really good pop song is for anyone who fancies it, whatever their age, or their other cultural preferences. Engelbert is pop's perfect ambassador, and Eurovision his perfect vehicle. Delightful.