Tyra Keeps On Rolling

- Video of Tyra Banks performing "Proud Mary" at New York City's Spotlight Live; reader comments range from "I like Tyra singing" to "why do that other singer keep with the hand on the other guy." [Ziddio]
- What happens when two Brit-rockers do karaoke together? The Carpenters and Kate Bush happen, of course. [AOL Spinner]
- Samantha Ronson is returning to her celeb-packed Tuesday-night karaoke residency at Guy's in Los Angeles. [Myspace/bowiekaraoke]

Karaoke Wishlist: May 2007

1. Ne-Yo - "Because Of You" Ne-Yo clearly wants to convince the world that he's the heir to Michael Jackson, and after listening to Because Of You non-stop for two weeks, I'm at least willing to hear him out on that point. While it's obviously not up there with Thriller (or even Off The Wall), it's one of the best R&B albums in a long while, and it'll go about five singles deep before the year is over. "Leaving Tonight," the accusatory back-and-forth with Jennifer Hudson, is probably going to be the big karaoke hit, but "Because Of You" is as good sing-along as you can get, especially with that multi-layered bridge.
2. Klaxons, "Golden Scans" Is it "Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-aaaaah" or "Doo-doo-doo-doo-dooh, doo-doo-doo-doo-haaaaa"?
3. The Wildhearts - "The New Flesh" I've given up all hope that this long-running British-rock troupe will ever make it here in the U.S.; hard-rock fans nowadays are more interested in neo-grunge leg-press anthems than they are in fast, hooky, cartoonish metal. "The New Flesh" is the second single from the 'Hearts self-titled new album, and it sounds like the Mutt Lange house band covering "We Didn't Start The Fire."
4. Beyoncé - "World Wide Woman" This bonus B'day track got no love from commenters when we posted it on Idolator, possibly because there are few things cornier than a love song about computers. But I love the "double-you/double-you/double-you" chorus—and as as far as Internet-related jams go, I've heard much worse.
5. Devin The Dude ft. Snoop Dogg & Andre 3000 - "What A Job" I can't even pretend to pull off more than a few hip-hop songs at karaoke (though I can fake my way through "Fight The Power"and "The Humpty Dance"), but considering that the Dude speak-sings his verses, this could work. It would require some stellar guest-work, though.

Dimpin' Ain't Easy

Took a trip yesterday to Burbank's Dimples, the 25-year-old karaoke bar that purports to be the first such location in the U.S. (and, for that matter, the Western hemisphere). I didn't see any celebs while I was there, though one patron mentioned that Dennis Haskins (a.k.a. Mr. Belding) is a regular, as evidenced here. I also met with owner Sal Ferraro, who noted that he was first turned on to karaoke in the early '80s, when he saw the machines being distributed by (I kid ye not) Our Gang creator Hal Roach.

Just Like Karaoke, Dude

I haven't watched American Idol since season one—not for any nose-in-the-air reasons, but because the premiere episode of season devoted a quarter of its running time to mocking its lesser-talented applicants, which struck me as not only mean-spirited, but wayyy easy. So even though I'm out of the loop here, I was sure the "k-word" was essentially banned from the show, or at least never spoken aloud, lest it give the program's critics more ammo. So imagine my surprise when, at the 2:15 mark of this clip, Randy Jackson compares Sanjaya's losing performance to "just like karaoke." Dogg! Dogg?

Hanging With A Wild Bunch

This week is the one-year anniversary of the music-critic throw-down at Seattle's Best Karaoke, which was held after during the annual EMP conference. I remember talking up my Neneh Cherry skills beforehand, only to choke a bit due to some technical difficulties (though that may be selective memory at work). Some blogger lady took this photo, which I've always admired; I'd like to see William Eggleston so expertly pair a lone Japanese tallboy with overlapping verses of "Buffalo Stance."

Of Montreal Karaoke Report, Take Two

Aquaman does "Moonage Daydream" here. Paul Rudd sings Boston here. Karaoke-blog editor looks even more psychotic and red-eyed here.

UPDATE: Not to simulcast, but here's the post from earlier today on Idolator.

Of Montreal Karaoke Report, Take One

There will be about a half-dozen or so YouTube clips and Flickr galleries of last night's Indie Rock Karaoke in Brooklyn, but for those who missed it, the show's highlight was when Paul Rudd and Wet Hot American Summer director David Wain performed Boston's "More Than A Feeling" (they were accompanied, of course, by Of Montreal, who knocked out a dozen or so karaoke songs after already playing a full set, and therefore must be lauded for their patience and endurance). There was some minor side-stage drama before Rudd performed, as one eager singer had already signed up for the Brad Delp homage, and had to be bumped when the actor showed up (Rudd seemed unaware of any of this). Luckily, everything was resolved when she and I got to duet on "Raspberry Beret."

Other memorable moments included former Shudder to Think lead singer Craig Wedren performing "Suffragette City," and Of Montreal lead singer Kevin Barnes (above) maintaining an icy, Klaus Nomi-style stare for the entire set, even while wielding a giant lobster claw. More info and pictures TK.

(Photo courtesy of Texto Sonoro)

Starbucks Karaoke: Like Regular Karaoke, Only Two Or Three Dollars More Expensive

Racked is reporting that a Starbucks location in Brooklyn's Greenpoint neighborhood is about to get crowded:

The Greenpoint Starbucks already exhibited signs that it's a little different than other 'bucks outposts. Now, we have a piping hot rumor on our hands: namely, that this location of the coffee-shop giant will be offering karaoke. A tipster emails us these images, saying "I was told by the baristas today that they are looking to do karaoke on a regular basis there sometime soon." Karaoke without the courage-building of alcohol? A frightening thought, but if anyone can get a handle on that concept, brand it, then sell it to customers across the nation, it's Starbucks. Pour Some Sugar On Me...and my half-caf soy latte, please.

There's got to be a catch, so I'm guessing that patrons will only be permitted to perform songs from the chain's Hear Music label. Who's down for an Antigone Rising medley? Anybody?

RACKED: Greepoint Starbucks To Offer Karaoke?

Love Hurts

Last night, The Sopranos became the umpteenth TV program to incorporate some sort of karaoke reference into the plot (the show now joins a long list that includes the CW's Veronica Mars, NBC's The Office and 30 Rock, and Brooklyn Public Access' Dudes Be Singing). But am I the only who suspects Carmela's musical selection was some sort of subliminal Easter shout-out?

Let's Just Keep, Keep Singing

Lord help the poor soul who enters the search term "karaoke" into YouTube, for he/she is doomed to spend hours upon hours plowing through such shakily shot entries as "ME AND D DRUNK @ KARAOKE SINGING GNARLS!!" But those who dig deep enough will find some especially well-made karaoke videos, such as this entry for Bright Eyes' 2002 lament "Lover I Don't Have To Love." While many amateur k-clips simply take a photo of the artist and splash some words across the bottom, "Lover" is notable for its verisimilitude: The creator took great pains to re-create the look of Sound Choice's karaoke videos, even going so far as to insert the company's logo at the beginning; meanwhile, the random stock footage of mountain streams and beach-side strolls plays up the absurdity of such a dark song being turned into a group sing-along.

And Afterwards, You Can Walk Across The Street And Hook Up With The Big-Ass Giraffe From Toys "R" Us

Tomorrow marks the arrival of Spotlight Live, a new Times Square restaurant/bar/wish-fulfillment center that allows patrons to re-create the experience of being a pop star:

With the motto "Eat. Drink. Be famous," the four-floor restaurant, on Broadway between 48th and 49th streets, boasts a large stage and private recording booths where diners can cut their own albums. Guests will be greeted by "paparazzi" that will snap their photos in the lobby. The pictures will be posted to the restaurant's intranet, accessed via flat-screen televisions on each table. Diners can vote for singers on the television screens, communicate with other tables and select their "stage names."

And just in case that's not a substitute for 15 minutes of fame, performances will also be broadcast on the Times Square Jumbotron, and friends and family outside New York can watch your moves on a Webcast. Also, Epic A&R talent scouts have been hired to visit the restaurant periodically.

But the pop-star simulation doesn't stop there! You'll also be able to experience the boredom of back-to-back-to-back phone interviews, the shame of reading about your bathroom habits on TMZ and the heartbreak of realizing that cocaine can't be FedExed to P.O. boxes. Live the dream!

NEW YORK POST: Sing For Your Supper

Karaoke Wishlist: April 2007

1) Mario feat. Rich Boy - "Kryptonite" If it weren't for Rich Boy's third-act cameo—in which he complains that too many BJs make him sleepy—I honestly believe this infidelity-apology slow-jam could be one of the most popular sing-alongs of the year. Granted, Mario needs to be fitted with a restraining bolt at times, but when he sings "these girls my kryptonite" over that springy synth line, all of his over-theatrics are forgiven.
2) TV On The Radio - "Wolf Like Me" Almost a year old, and still nowhere to be found in the song books. Maybe Of Montreal can make it happen?
3) The 1990s - "See You At The Lights" I'll probably have to travel to Scotland to ever find this at a karaoke bar, though it would be worth the trip: The "ba-da-ba-ba-ba" bits are perfect, and the "get out to a bar/light a blonde gets out of a car" line deserves to be immortalized in bright yellow text.
4) Timbaland feat. M.I.A. - "Come Down" There's really no way to convey the disappointment of listening to Timbaland's upcoming Shock Value album; it's a 16-song, 58-minute testament to why Americans need to adopt the four-day work-week and stop overextending themselves. Anyhoo, this M.I.A. track was cut from the U.S. release, which is mind-boggling, as it's far better than ninety percent of the record, and she actually finds a way to sing about text-messaging from her Sidekick without sounding completely forced.
5) Hüsker Dü - Something I Learned Today Why hasn't the classic SST catalog been preserved in karaoke form? Surely, there are enough nostalgic fortysomethings who'd like nothing more than to scream the words to "Turn On The News" and "New Day Rising." And I'm guessing Grant Hart wouldn't kick the royalty check outta bed.

Nobody Likes Getting Played

There are a couple of reasons why Shakira and Beyoncé's "Beautiful Liar" is primed to be the biggest karaoke song of the summer: 1) It's peaking right about now, meaning that it will be widely available in most clubs by May, which is prime karaoke time; 2) it's a duet in which the vocals are split 50/50, which certainly helped "Promiscuous Girl"; 3) it actually includes the lyrics "Shakira/Shakira" and "Beyoncé/Beyoncé," which is awesome; 4) most importantly, everything about the production is minimal—the fake horns, the timid acoustic guitars—and frankly, kinda cheap-sounding. It's sounds less like a major-label hit single, and more like a tinny karaoke backing track that just happens to be performed by two professional singers.

YOUTUBE: "Beautiful Liar"

Calling All Crooners

From a 3/29/07 post on Craigslist:

MTV is bringing back one of their most popular shows: "Say What ? Karaoke!" for TWO one hour specials taped live in MTV's Time Square Studios.

"Say What-Karaoke" was THE ORIGINAL national / in studio singing competition!

Now SWK is coming back better than ever - with a brand new look - AMAZING prizes ... fun - new show elements .... Celebrity judges .... audience / viewer interaction. Now all we need is YOU!

Details:
Are you a great singer? Have amazing style/ look and attitude?
Love to sing / perform in front of an audience?
Are You between the ages of 18-25?
Live in the greater NYC area?

Yes, yes and yes! And, well, no. But then: Yes! Those hoping to audition need to inform the producers about their desired style of music ("choose between Rock/ Pop and R&B/Hip Hop") and must prepare "an ACCAPELLA verse and chorus of TWO songs." And, because this is MTV, they also want a JPEG and maybe a MySpace or YouTube link. It could be worth the effort: According to IMDB, alumni of the first installment of Say What? include Ashlee Simpson, Shia LaBeouf and Jerry Springer.

Chinafrown

Don't look for any mentions of Haunted Karaoke in your highfalutin' new English-language Cahiers du cinéma: With no jolts, no jokes, and very little actual singing, this 1997 import is possibly the worst Hong Kong karaoke-horror-comedy ever made. Set one year after a devastating karaoke-club blaze, Haunted follows two dimwitted cops who are tormented by the ghosts of the victims. But the physical comedy is painfully strained (the actors look as though their only directorial note was "keep bungling!"), and the special effects are just slightly better than Freddy's Nightmares; the only real highlight is the scene in which a singer is attacked by multiple karaoke microphones. By the time the movie gets to the not-at-all-dated Tamagotchi reference, you're about ready to throw your region-free DVD player to the curb for bulk-trash day.

Still: Much, much better than Duets.

Rocking 'Til The Sun Goes Down

Mike has Flickrd a bunch of pictures from the 3/7/07 Punk Rock/Heavy Metal Karaoke show at Southpaw in Brooklyn. At one point, the gentleman on the right knocked out a version of "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" so spot-on, it could have made the remaining Darkness members second-guess their recent career change. But the highlight was a guy who showed up toward the end, dressed exactly like circa-1991 Johnny Depp; when he refused to turn around and face the crowd during his performance, it was like being serenaded by a boho-honky Miles Davis.

The Motherload

Thanks to the wonders of Craigslist, I now have a crate of more than fifty out-of-print karaoke laserdiscs; it's a collection that was being sold off by a party DJ who had moved on to easier-to-carry compact discs. The discs come from a variety of manufacturers (Pioneer, MegaStar, Digital Freedom), and it looks as though more than half of them feature original karaoke videos, which are nearly impossible to find these days. It will take me weeks—not to mention a laserdisc player—to sort through all of these, but it's truly a score, and $225 well spent. Just take a look at one picked-at-random tracklisting:


The best part is that even the so-so holiday songs come with videos, meaning I have approximatley 200 hours of karaoke-video viewing in my future. I'm especially excited for LaserKaraoke—The Professional Series Volume 4: R&B, which features both Jody Watley's "Real Love" and Prince's "Delirious." It's like the screening room of heaven!

Maybe He Should Have Gone With "Red Headed Stranger"

- Wilmer Valderaama tried to woo back Lindsay Lohan with a karaoke dedication Sunday night in New York City. Unfortunately, he did this with a Matchbox Twenty song, and she left un-wooed.
- Of Montreal will perform an indie-rock karaoke set in Brooklyn on April 14th.
- Electronic Arts has purchased online karaoke company SingShot.
- Former American Idol star Justin Guarini is going to guest-host something called WebcamKaraokeTV.

A Fortune In Feelings

A quick vacation stop in Chicago yielded only one karaoke jaunt, but it was a doozy: Carol's is a five-star dive bar, the kind of place where they order you another pitcher when you're only at the half-way point, and where at least a few patrons look as though they lit their first cigarettes off the flame-licks of the Great Chicago Fire. Foreigner's "Cold As Ice" was boldy re-interepted as a two-person state-of-the-relationship summit, while one renowned mystery scribe hit new lows (in a good way) with her vocal take on Cameo's "Word Up."

Stop The Madness

From today's Edmonton Sun:

It was deja vu at a southside strip mall this morning where a 23-year-old man was shot outside a karaoke bar that’s becoming notorious for gang violence. The victim suffering from one gunshot wound was transported from the scene to hospital after the 1 a.m. shooting at Laser Karaoke Express, 3432 99 St. He is now listed in stable condition...

It was less than a year ago, in June, that 19-year-old Shawn Yalowica was gunned down just inside the entryway of the same karaoke club. Police said Yalowica was not a gang member but was hanging out with people that night who had gang ties.

Laser Karaoke Express has long been a blight on the otherwise prosperous strip mall, said annoyed business owners who arrived to open their doors this morning only to find them behind police tape again.

How hopped-up does a strip-mall karaoke place have to be to become a hotbed of group-on-group violence? Can't somebody get this place a CD+G of "We're All In The Same Gang"?

EDMUNTON SUN: Man shot at notorious karaoke bar