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- The Allure of Karaoke Singing
- From
- Scott Gurian
Like most people, I never thought much about karaoke. The little exposure I had made me think of it mostly as a gimmick that wasn't to be taken too seriously. But then my father started singing on a regular basis, and after going along with him on several occasions and interviewing some of his fellow singers, I found out there's much more to karaoke than I had realized.
Produced for Prime Time Radio's Postscript. A shorter version (2:30) was also produced for NPR and could be made available upon request.
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Piece Description
Like most people, I never thought much about karaoke. The little exposure I had made me think of it mostly as a gimmick that wasn't to be taken too seriously. But then my father started singing on a regular basis, and after going along with him on several occasions and interviewing some of his fellow singers, I found out there's much more to karaoke than I had realized. Produced for Prime Time Radio's Postscript. A shorter version (2:30) was also produced for NPR and could be made available upon request.
4 Comments
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Review of The Allure of Karaoke SingingWell, I don't think Karaoke singers are a "bunch of tone-deaf losers" anymore, but I can't say I understand the desire to humiliate oneself in front of a roomful of strangers any better. This isn't deep but it's fun to listen to. |
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Review of The Allure of Karaoke SingingKaraoke - the great equalizer. As someone in this piece says, everyone likes to sing in the car, and karaoke takes that desire to the next level. This piece has the right balance of self-deprecation and amateur performances, it is entertaining and fun and it is over just as you begin wondering where karaoke afficionados hang out in your town. Who doesn't have a secret desire to sing neil diamond songs with abandon? |
Broadcast History
Produced for Prime Time Radio's Postscript. A shorter version (2:30) was also produced for NPR.
Transcript
Suggested lead:
"Every Friday night, dozens of people gather around the bar at Nicola's Italian restaurant in Hawthorne, New Jersey to meet with friends, share a few drinks and sing karaoke. Independent producer Scott Gurian went recently with a new karaoke enthusiast: his father."
---[tape]---
"...karaoke singers at Nicola's Italian restaurant in Hawthorne, New Jersey. That piece was produced by Scott Gurian."
Read the full transcript
Timing and Cues
(packaged, unnarrated feature)
Musical Works
"Cara Mia" by Jay Black and the Americans, "I Only Have Eyes for You" by The Flamingos, "Lullaby of Broadway" by Al Dubin and Harry Warren, "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
Additional Files
- photo1 (bar.jpg)
- photo2 (lyrics.jpg)
- photo3 (oldguys.jpg)
- photo3 (oldguys.jpg)
- photo2 (lyrics.jpg)
- photo1 (bar.jpg)
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Eric Brotman
Posted on February 13, 2006 at 12:22 PM | Permalink
Review of The Allure of Karaoke Singing
There is always room for work like this, which can coax a smile and a laugh from listeners. This piece deserves to be licensed. A tasty morsel for those of us comprising the humor-hungry audience sector of public radio. People who sing Karaoke off-key on the radio aren't criminals. They're everyday folks seeking pleasure and fun, and it takes courage for the amateur singers herein to pursue those experiences in public. There's more in here than may first meet the ear. Whether you laugh, cringe, shudder, or feel a vicarious embarassment as you listen, the piece holds you. Bravo.