Music is good

[andysocial]

Two minor items: why do Americans pronounce Karaoke with a long E in the middle? It's Kah-rah-Oh-kay, fellas. Not tough to figure it out, just pronounce it as it is spelled. Kinda like Tae Kwon Do ends up being Tie Kwon Do in the US. Why are we stupid? Where'd the I come from?

Second item: I have a basic problem with Karaoke besides its mispronunciation. I appreciate (some say revere) music way too much to consider karaoke to be anything but an abomination. Much like amateur poetry. Dreck is dreck, no matter how many beers I've had.

Well, off to sip sherry and feel superior. Night all.

Comments

Karaoke

[rillifane.livejournal.com]

Its amazing how many people are convinced that they are good enough to get up and sing in public. I find it more amusing than distressing tho.

And, I guess I'm one of those people who always applauds, smiles and tells people what a good job they did. But why not after all? It certainly makes people feel good and doesn't a spreading a little kindness improve your own day?

Re: Karaoke

[andysocial]

Kindness, sure. But I'd rather not be assaulted by the generally poor singing. I know it's a bit curmudgeonly, but there ya go.

I have seen a few people who get up there and can sing, but the ratio is pretty low. Probably a better deal to just go to a concert. :-)

Re: Karaoke

[rillifane.livejournal.com]

Oh...no doubt that they generally are awful. Even those who may have natural voices rarely have a clue as to how to phrase a song.

Then again my understanding is that karaoke originated in Japan mainly as an "icebreaker' type of activity and a means to breaking up the traditional Japanese reserve rather than as a substitute of any kind for a professional performance.

Re: Karaoke traditions

[andysocial]

I've spent a number of years in Asia recently, and the Koreans also have the tradition of boisterous drunken singing. It's a very common way for the sararimen to unwind after a long day of drudgery, as well as an expected part of dealmaking.

Re: Karaoke traditions

[rillifane.livejournal.com]

True. Of course part of that may be explained by the history of cultural exchange between Japan and Korea.

Re: Asian traditions

[andysocial]

Cultural Exchange? Odd, the Koreans refer to it as colonization and domination, sometimes even enslavement. Of course, it's a fine line...

:-)

Re: Asian traditions

[rillifane.livejournal.com]

I was trying to avoid saying something nasty about the Japanese. (which, being half-Chinese, I have a tendency to do)