Karaoke Night
I went out for karaoke last night, with several members of a social group that I belong to. (NOTE: Grammatically, the previous sentence may not be correct, but any other version I could come up with sounded odd.) Had fun, in spite of the place only having ONE book listing the songs, and that one book NOT cross-referencing by artist. (For non-karaoke singers, song books usually have two alphabetical listings, one by song title, one by artist.) Although later, I finally learned that they had a lot more songs on the computer than they did in the book.
I wasn't feeling overly adventurous, so I stuck to songs I'd done before. First, I did Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife". I've been singing that song since high school (not necessarily at karaoke), and I find it very comfortable, like a well-worn pair of loafers.
Later in the evening, I did "On The Dark Side", which you may remember from the movie "Eddie and the Cruisers" (didn't see it myself, I just know that that's the movie it came from). I was bit off on this song, even though I know it like the back of my hand, and I consider it one of my signature songs). Part of it was that I sing LOUDLY on this song, and the host (not really a host at all, but in reality, a waitress pressed into service) was somewaht slow to change the mix of song and singer, probably due to her lack of experience. There have been times that I've totally rocked with that song, but last night wasn't one of those times. I can also attribute part of it to not having gone to karaoke in many months. So, the lesson learned is this: I need to keep my karaoke chops in good shape!
I wasn't feeling overly adventurous, so I stuck to songs I'd done before. First, I did Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife". I've been singing that song since high school (not necessarily at karaoke), and I find it very comfortable, like a well-worn pair of loafers.
Later in the evening, I did "On The Dark Side", which you may remember from the movie "Eddie and the Cruisers" (didn't see it myself, I just know that that's the movie it came from). I was bit off on this song, even though I know it like the back of my hand, and I consider it one of my signature songs). Part of it was that I sing LOUDLY on this song, and the host (not really a host at all, but in reality, a waitress pressed into service) was somewaht slow to change the mix of song and singer, probably due to her lack of experience. There have been times that I've totally rocked with that song, but last night wasn't one of those times. I can also attribute part of it to not having gone to karaoke in many months. So, the lesson learned is this: I need to keep my karaoke chops in good shape!










4 Comments:
Sounds like everyone had a blast singing karaoke. I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer and enjoy the fun and I'm sorry I missed meeting you! I love Mack the Knife and probably would have been singing right along with you. (in the crowd, not at the mic, lol)
Oh see now you are talkin' my language. ;o)
The digital age of downloads is moving faster than the hosts can do to keep up w/ the books. I have helped my brother "stuff" books before. He promised to buy lunch. 6 books later I was like, "YOU so owe me for this" See he used the covers...
I won't even sing if the host/KJ isn't a professional. As a musician, It hurts my ears to listen to the treble and bass all jacked up. I do appreciate the volume on the Mic. The other problem is that god help you all if the host doesn't know the difference from a Sound Choice disc or a Sweet Gerogia Brown...That can bring the room to a crashing hault! EEEKKKKK
I often will get advanced copies of songs that may just be hitting the radio to sing. Then a coupl;e of weeks later I get cutomers that wonder HOW did I do "that" song. It's not even out yet!!!
Mack the knief" is one of my favs! Have you ever tried Deliah?? LOL ;o) That is a crowd participation song.
If you sing Eddie and the cruisers...you should try some Bruce Springstein. Same vocal range..."little pink houses"
OH, another one...Bob Segar, old time rock and roll....Well, I have babbled enough...
Glad you all had a good time. ;o)
Tonedeaf and drunk is never good.
[shivers]
Well, it's like this...
The social group I mentioned that I am involved with, is having a weekend bash at this hotel. Apparently, the hotel recently acquired some karaoke equipment for their bar, and has not yet hired a KJ. So, everything's sorta haphazard & chaotic. There was a nasty humming noise coming from the speakers that was nearly driving me to homicide. What makes matters worse is, I guess they are lookin to hire a KJ... at 30 bucks a night!!! WTF, barely over minimum wage!!!
Yes, I have sung Mellencamp, and am working up the nerve to do Springsteen. I also sing the Doors, esp. "Light My Fire". I can do that gravel thing pretty well. (I have this utterly unproveable theory that, in some parallel dimension, my doppelganger is an aging, but still well-loved, rock star!)
Havn't tried Dalilah, and probably won't. I have heard it done excellently (by the weirdest looking guy, too), and I don't think I could do it justice.
I realized last night how much I missed karaoke, and that I need to go much more often.
Thanks for your input! If I ever get out to Phoenix, can we go out to karaoke together? (I do have an old buddy that I was in the military with, that lives in the Phoenix area, so that's not completely far-fetched.)
Singin Karaoke w/ Bambi. Now that sounds like a loosey goosey date to me!!
$30??? An Hour maybe! On a weekday host w/out the equipment get $75-110 a night for 9-2am. On a Fri-Sat or Holiday they will get anything from $200-400 a night. $30 that hotel is smokin' some serious crack!
Feedback in the speakers is NO BUENO! Sounds like they blew a woffer. again, NO bueno. To the untrainded musical ear, they won't know. But to those of us that TUNE and use PITCH and say, well sing "on key" SUCKS to get thru it!
It's like listening to a 3yr old llay a tinker toy. then listening to the radio.
$30....Beans and rice. I am still shocked.
Hey I tagged you BTW. LOL ;o)~
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