Tom's shows with guests have been ridiculously amazing lately. Kurt B. and Julie and David Rees and AC have been ridiculously entertaining.
I have never been more upset about not listening live and calling in that this week's karaoke topic. I feel like I could have really added to the karaoke tips, as made clear by my past appearance on the show. Karaoke is one of the greatest of art forms and I pride myself on my abilities.
Here are some of my tips now!
1) I am best known for my crowd-work and crowd-baiting during my karaoke work. But like Tom said, I suggest that people stay away from doing this. This may sound hypocritical but as noted on my appearance, I am REALLY GOOD at riling up karaoke audiences with crowd work. I offer no modesty when saying this; I am possibly the best in the world at obnoxious karaoke prattling. I highly recommend people stay away from crowd-baiting unless specifically trained by myself.
2) My go-to karaoke standard is Under Pressure. Even though there are two vocal parts in this song, I just do them both. I chose Under Pressure for a few reasons. First, Queen is one of the greatest bands of all-time and Freddie Mercury is the best rock singer of all-time. I freely admit that I am a terrible singer, to say the least. But I bring it w/ Under Pressure because I make it my own version, which is what all karaoke artists (not hobbyists) realize.
I start Under Pressure with my back to the audience BLIND from the lyrics for the "buh da day" part. Then, when the PRESSURE kicks in, I do a spinning jump-kick and start the song. I then hold the mic out for the audience to join in during the "LET ME OUT!" part. The last time I did karaoke, I did a knee slide when Freddie busts out there "GIVE OURSELVES ONE MORE CHAAANCE" part at the end and I still have the scar to prove it.
2) Use the space afforded by any chance to do wireless mic karaoke. Go into the crowd! That's what it's there for!
3) But be careful with a wireless mic and standing on furniture. While standing on a chair during "Born To Run." I whacked my head on a ceiling fan. No scars.
4) In Philly, some friends of mine host Karaoke Obscura, which is an indie/punk themed karaoke night. I love this night when they do it since they play songs that you never see at karaoke. Most of the crowd do the genre's standards -- Summer Babe, Neutral Milk Hotel, Guided By Voices, etc. These are great if available.
However, unfortunately, there is a downside to indie/punk karaoke. The primary downside are sad-sack songs, particularly those by Elliot Smith. Apparently, Elliot Smith songs are easy to translate from album to karaoke, according to my friends. But there's nothing worse than an Elliot Smith song in general, let alone with some sad boy mumbling through these songs.
In addition, there's always a gaggle of girls who are doing this ironically, of course, and think it's SO funny that you can do indie karaoke! Always a drag.
My go-to song at this night is "California Uberalles" by The Dead Kennedys. It's short, angry and I also usually change the lyrics to make fun of Drexel University's Library Science program, since 75% of the people i know (including my wife) have a degree from there.
SO mad I missed this show. This was truly a classic!