The Three Laws of Karaokotics

[thebitterguy]

Rule 1: Pick a song you like. Because the goal is to have fun. Even if your spouse, for example, finds your song strange and depressing, do it because you like it.

Rule 2: Pick a song you know. Look, if you can't remember the melody, or you have to read all the words on the screen, it'll suck. Sure, you might not care, but everyone's there to have a good time. Let them have a good time with you, not at you.  This counts triple for rap songs.  Don't ruin Baby Got Back for the rest of us.

Rule 3: Pick a song you can do. Know your limits.  If you can't hit Freddie's highs (or at least go low enough that you can fake it), don't do Queen. 

Rule 3a: These are more guidelines.  I'd consider it a favour if you did one or all of the above, but that ain't necessary.

Comments

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

As a corollary to #2: it's not enough to know the refrain. You need to know how the first verse starts to have any hope of doing a song well.

This summer sometime, let's get together and do karaoke. It's been too long since I got up in front of a crowd. We'll even pay for a babysitter! Maybe for my birthday?

[thebitterguy]

True, dat.

Birthday Karaoke sounds awesome. Is there anyplace you know of that's good? Because Joe Mercury's sure as heck ain't it.

[velvetpage.livejournal.com]

My friends/family out this way don't really like karaoke, so I never get to go, so I don't know any good places. So I'll get back to you. :)

[redeem147.livejournal.com]

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust in the wind.....

[thebitterguy]

Any similarity to actual situations is strictly co-incidental.

[shellyinseattle.livejournal.com]

For Rule #3...
If you have very low ability, pick a song everyone will sing along with you.

That's been my successful strategy the few times I've been arm twisted into singing.

[thebitterguy]

Excellent idea. Country songs work well for this.

[crashing-angel.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the update. I've never done the Karaoke thing outside the comfort of my house.

[thebitterguy]

It is fun, and a good way to dispel fear.

Many Asian parts of major cities have Karaoke clubs with private rooms, which is also enjoyable.