The Rather Crap New Era Begins - Tuesday Karaoke 4th December 2007

Well the onward march to Christmas draws ever onwards, and you know what that means, it means decision time for the New Years Eve fancy dress evening extravaganza folks. Yes it soon rolls in and this year looks as if it will be Famous couples to be the theme. Lots of ideas instantly spring to mind but what we actually end up going as will have to wait for a little bit longer until we get actual confirmation of what the night will be, in fact if there is to be a night at all, as the same brilliant landlord who has now taken out Karaoke night away has yet to advertise New Years Eve of let us know when tickets will be on sale....crap!

Before we get on with the whole blog thing I must apologise to the guest's on Tuesday for losing my cool somewhat towards the end of the evening. I let an idiot get the better of my usually calm and collected exterior, and auntie Stella had visited so a red mist formed very quickly! Luckily for the idiot in mention this week I didn't attack first and ask questions later as has usually been the case in the past, but next time I would like to think that my skin won't be got under quite so easily, and that of course I will be able to tie the said numpty up in double entendres, and make his lack of intelligence in trying to mince words with an artistic genius like myself, is a fate worse that a bloody good kicking.

Back to the new Tuesday nights, well as its the first time I have ventured down on our sister night, it was difficult to know what to expect. It had been rumored that we (Me and Shaun mainly) have been main architects in the downfall of the Thursday night. Absolute tish tosh! It was as crap in fact after this week I think it should be switched to Thursdays and put the 70's and 80's nights on the Tuesday. By the way the first Thursday 70's night went down a storm with 3 yes count them 3 people in the main room for the evening, at least when the karaoke was on we has groups of people in there to see us sing! So back to the debate then. If our choice of songs was 'too way out' for a karaoke night, then maybe people are more naive to the whole karaoke thing than I thought. If we sang stuff nobody had heard, although I will say that in the last few months I have sang The Stones, Status Quo, Thin Lizzy, Def Leppard, Wings, ELO, Foo Fighters, Take That, Rod Stewart, Duran Duran and ,many more , all of which are bands I'm sure are quite well known unless you come from planet zog, of of course your musical limitations don't go beyond the crap we had to endure on Tuesday. If this is the best atmosphere you get on a Tuesday, then thank god we are going down now to put a foot up its arse! I know the 'olds' like a good sing song to the old school karaoke classics, but compared to Thursdays, it was like a morgue in there, in fact there would be more life in a morgue. Our new wave style of songs, you know the up to date stuff and the classics we have been singing this year, may not be to everyone's liking, but at least we are not afraid to sing stuff we like. If karaoke consisted of the same drivel in every pub then nobody would go at all. Its about freedom of expression, and having a good time. The Thursday collective may not get on with the Tuesday collective, with their old school songs and 'country classics's' routine, but in the coming weeks they are going to be awoken to some 'new stuff' and their eyes will be well and truly opened to what we love about karaoke, its diversity. And not to blow our own trumpets in any way, but in comparison, the better singers have always been the Thursday regulars, as our diverse taste and range of songs far outplays the one toned and dull songs that were dragged up on Tuesday.

And as I'm mid rant, here is a little more fuel to the fire. Get this for rank stupidity. We only mentioned the other week that the Thursday night Karaoke was not even advertised in the pub to pull the punters in. Well get this me old hearties. What do you think was posted up on the notice boards the week after Thursday karaoke stops, you've guessed it haven't you. That's right posters advertising Karaoke on Thursday nights. Great management skills me thinks! So the fantabulous seventies night can expect it's first poster up in ooerr mid September I suppose! For gods sake go down the road at £1.50 a pint on Karaoke night and see how many get in The Cat now compared to our over prices £2.70 a pint Stella Artois and then see why it started to quieten down on Thursdays. Then again if you give a monkey a machine gun what do you expect!

That's it rant over for this week, although it may become a regular feature if thing's don't improve on Tuesday's ;-);-);-) So lets get on with the usual gubbins then. We have an exceptionally long X-Factor section this week, with contestants getting two songs each, so before we get onto that, here is my little list for this week. This week I have for you my top 10 home truths.

Top 10 Home Truths

1. A king size water bed hold enough water to fill a 200 sq ft house four inches deep
2. A 3 year olds voice can be heard over 200 adults in a crowded restaurant
3. If you hook a dog lead onto a ceiling mounted fan it is not strong enough to rotate a child wearing a Superman outfit.
4. You can smash windows that are double glazed by throwing cricket balls at ceiling mounted fans that are switched on.
5. Super Glue is forever
6. When you hear the toilet flush followed by the words 'Uh-oh' it's usually too late
7. Bin Bags do not make good parachutes
8. Certain LEGO pieces will pass through the digestive tract of a four year old
9. Always look in the oven before switching it on. Plastic toys don't like ovens!
10. A six year old can start a fire using flint rock's even though a 36 year old male will say it can only be done in the movies.

So lets get on with the X-Factor then............


So we are down to the final five, and this week the acts get to sing two songs each, but the main change is that the judges now no longer have the power to save them, as it all now hinge's on the public voting, and how popular they are with the shows fans. As expected the acts were all going to be out to impress, and this week was the Best Of British week, with all the songs that were sang being originally by British acts. So with ten songs to get through here we go......

1. Rhydian - Somebody To Love - Good way to start the show. This of course had Rhydian's operatic flair to it, and Freddie Mercury would of been proud to of seen him give it his twist. Of course it was sang well, and with a great stage presence, but Rhydian did seem a little nervous this week, as the pressure on him being the favourite to win, and Leon proving he is a match for him, beginning to take its toll on the Riddler. The judges were quick to show their praise as well. Louis said it was powerful and energetic, Sharon said Freddie would of loved the campness and that the dancers were fantastic, Simon said he would be a tough act to follow and that he proved he could survive as a star and Danni said she was so happy for him and that he was fantastic.

2. Hope - 2 Become 1 - This week after the luck escape and the supposed argument of last week, the girls mixed up the lead vocals to take the limelight off Phoebe. It was confident after the shock of being saved last week, but it was not as good or as polished as they would of wanted. The girls looked fantastic tonight, but the comments got a mixed reaction from the judges. Louis said they looked fantastic, but it was hard to judge them after he lost Beverley last week, Sharon said she was glad about the song choice as it sounded very good, Danni said they had come out fighting rather than acting excited like in earlier shows, but Simon said to be honest it was just not good enough and they were capable of so much better.

3. Niki - Total Eclipse Of The Heart - Best so far tonight. Niki is obviously suited to the big ballad style of song, and her vocals were as usual brilliant. With Niki comfortable with this style, she sang from the hear and at the end got a standing ovation from the judges. Sharon said she could not understand Simon's constant digs at her as she is honest and fabulous, Danni said it was much better than last week as last week she was out of tune, and that she looked beautiful, Simon said it was her best performance for weeks and Louis said it was Las Vegas quality and as for Danni saying she sang out of tune, well she should listen to herself.

4. Leon - Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Another Queen track for Best Of British night, and this was now the benchmark for everyone else, as Leon yet again proved how much he has grown over the weeks to give the best performance he has given so far. Freddie Mercury would of again loved his slant on the song. It was energetic and confident and you could tell Leon was enjoying himself. His dark horse credentials are growing by the week, and his momentum is gaining at the business end of the competition. The judges were quick to praise him again. Louis said he was the most improved act and he loved the song and thought the performance was brilliant, Sharon said he owned the stage and he very cute, and showed his passion through his eyes, Simon said he had always believed in him and he was the most improved act and his presence and confidence was fantastic and Danni said what he had achieved in seven shows was incredible and that it was a brilliant performance.

5. Same Difference - Any Dream Will Do - Well an attempt at a show tune, but they should leave the stage songs to Rhydian. This was back to the cheese performance, and at the end the stage full of kids only added to the cheese factor in an obvious play for votes. This was my least favourite song of the night so far, but yet again the judges kept giving them good comments, well all except Louis! Louis said nothing apart from that children will vote for you, Sharon called them unique, as only they could get away with what Simon was picking for them to sing, Danni said it was a great performance, and Simon said it was a terrific song, a great performance and the perfect song for them.

So after the first round of songs it was time to start all over again. First up this time round was the groups again. Let the battle commence

1. Hope - We Will Rock You - Another Queen classic, this time with a sexy twist. After the mixed reaction from the judges first time round, this time the girls gave it a bit of umph with a sexy and sassy performance of the Queen classic. Much better vocally than the first song tonight, and yet again the girls looked fantastic. Louis said he loved the fighting performance, but Freddie would of hated it, Sharon said it was not their best performance and the song was a risk, but it was great they had the nerve to take to risk, Danni said they looked amazing and it was a much better performance and Simon said it was a million times better and showed attitude and spirit.

2. Leon - Long And Winding Road - Just Leon and the mike this time, so a tough song to attempt. Again his vocals were brilliant on this one, showing how far he has come with the confidence to try this one in a different style to what he is comfortable with, but he took the risk and pulled it off, proving why he has deserved to get this far in the show. Louis said he nailed it and is in the running to win now, Sharon said he has something about him which shows he has heart and feeling, Simon said he started off mediocre, but the second half of the song he was brilliant and Danni said it was great to see him singing songs he loved so much.

3. Same Difference - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - Now I'm sure you will not be surprised in the slightest if I told you that this was ever so slightly cheesy again! This was like being at a pantomime. The influence of the Disney style over the top High School Musical performances has got them this far, and this was no different. If these two were doing this stuff on kids T.V. they would never be believed as a pop act, but they do know how to play to their audience with the corny performance's. Louis said it was like being at a panto and they had too many gimmicks, Sharon said the only thing missing was bubbles and puppies, Danni said she loved it and it was fantastic and Simon said they were young, good looking, fun and relevant to the competition.

4. Niki - Fields Of Gold - This may be Best Of British night, and the song is by Sting, but this was the version sang by Eva Cassidy, who is American, but that is getting to nit picky. It was confidently sang, and a big risk for Niki. Unfortunately, despite the vocals being great again, the song was not the most memorable of the night, which put Niki even at more risk with some of the other acts performing so well tonight. Sharon said she showed great emotion and was a fine example of a working mother, Danni said it wa a great performance, Simon said it was good but not as good as her first song and Louis said he was proud of her as much as her family would be proud of her.

5. Rhydian - I Vow To Thee My Country/World In Union - Bit of a mouthful of a song. Better known as the Rugby World Cup Theme and as a Rugby anthem, this was right up Rhydian's street again. Yet again he belted out the song in his own style, but he is starting to show the cracks of competition a little now, and the pressure does seem to be getting to him. It was good, but not as good as some of the other acts have been tonight. Louis said it was brilliant and he will see him on Song's Of Praise next year, Sharon said she didn't know the song but it sounded fantastic, Simon said it was an outstanding performance and Danni called it a beautiful performance.

So there we have it folks two songs from each act trying to coax the public into voting to keep them in for next weeks semi-final. The judges don't get to pick who stays and goes this week, and this week with more at stake than ever, the judges did spent every available moment to have a pop at each other, with the worst being Louis, who obviously bitter at losing one of his acts last week, took it out on Same Difference but mainly on poor Danni, who it was reported was brought to tears by his singing out of tune jibe.

So it was all down to the public, no final showdown, no sing off's and now reprieve from the judges. As Dermot was handed the envelope all five acts looked on nervously as he read out on by one who was about to go through, and who was going home. So in true X-Factor style and in no particular order he we go with the run down on who has made it to the Semi - Final next week.

Niki

Leon

Rhydian

Same Difference

Hope

So of course this now means that one of the shows early favourite have now gone, but they did fall into the bottom two three times during the first few week's, despite how well they did in the first few shows. So in my usual way, here is Captain Jacks farewell report on the band I am sure we will see a lot more from in the future.... Hope

Such a shame to say goodbye to the girls. Hope are from left to right in the picture above, Leah who is 20 from London, Phoebe who is the youngest at 16 from Woking, Raquelle who is also 20 and from London, Charlie who is 23 from Sunderland and Emily who is 17 and from Torquay. The girls were put together at Bootcamp after they each received a no from the Judges when they auditioned as soloists. Mentor Simon likes the girl’s feistiness but wants them to lose their “attitude. Leah lives in London with friends and is heavily into her spirituality. A keen singer all her life she’s always looked for inspiring females in the media for people like herself and sister to look up to, but never found any, so she’s hoping that through X Factor she can fill that gap. Charlie lives in Sunderland with her partner Lee and five year old son Jack. Having just finished her beauty therapist course Charlie was all getting geared up for starting her new career before getting through to the finals of X Factor, now she is hoping she can make her young son proud of her. Emily is from Torquay where she lives with her Mum, Dad and older brother Andrew. Emily decided to audition for the show after singing in the audience of The Sharon Osbourne Show during an ad break. Both Louis and Sharon applauded, so she thought she might as well have a go at auditioning. Raquelle was born and raised in Manchester but now lives in London. A budding singer/actress Raquelle studied at Italia Conti for three years and has appeared in a couple of plays. Raquelle impressed Simon Cowell at Bootcamp because of her “ruthless” nature, and her ability to do the splits! Phoebe has just finished her GCSE’s and lives with her Mum and younger brother in Surrey. At the weekend’s Phoebe has been attending the Guildford School of Acting and has singing lessons twice a week. Goodbye Hope and Good Luck...........

So there we go another week closer to the final and Britain's newest pop star is revealed to us all. Just two shows left, and with less and less to right about on karaoke night, with only two song this week, then I am going to have to come up with a lot of fillers to keep you entertained. Thank god that that Strictly Ballroom thingy is over as well or I may of got roped into that one! Now after all that here is a little something to get your laughing gear around from our friends at [adult swim] enjoy..

Back to the karaoke night now and with only two songs to tell you about this week this one promises to be a very short round up of two new songs tonight. This week I sang 1. In A Broken Dream by Jackson Lee Python and 2. Rule The World by Take That.

In A Broken Dream by Jackson Lee Python link to video

Now I know I said earlier we sang well known songs, so tonight I started with a song by a band nobody will of heard of, and a song that, albeit brilliant, is not on the most well known list of most people. Nonetheless it is a great song. It was recorded by Jackson Lee Python in 1969 with Rod Stewart on guest vocals, and in fact it is widely regarded as one of Stewart's own songs, rather than him collaborating with another act. More recently it has been covered by great British rock band Thunder, who got the song into the charts for the second time in 1992. As the band never really made it big outside their native Australia (JLP not Thunder!) it would of been a great surprise to them how well the song went down all over Europe. Sadly for them it was to be their only hit single in the UK charts, proving that the Rod Stewart vocals were what made the song great. on the night rating 8/10

Rule The World by Take That link to video

We all love a great Take That song, and lets face it there have been loads. After Patience last year then I was thinking they would struggle to top that one, but this is equally as good. Rule the World is taken from the film Stardust. The song was not available on the original release of the album Beautiful World, instead it will be featured on the Deluxe Edition of Beautiful World. The song is featured in the film Stardust, during the closing credits. The song features Gary Barlow on lead vocals. However, the song is not included on the official soundtrack for Stardust, but it will be released exclusively as a single for the world market during October 2007. The way the song happened to appear in the film is that Matthew Vaughn, the director of Stardust, contacted Take That to write a song for the movie, and the band went and watched it. They liked it so much that they went and wrote the song the same day. The boys actually wrote the chorus to the song whilst on holiday in Spain before they even found out about the film. The band played the song for Matthew Vaughn and then it went on to appear in the film. Rule the World is the very first track Take That have written specifically for a motion picture. The music video had its premiere on ITV on September 22, 2007. It features the band and various musicians appearing to record the song, including scenes from the film. The video was shot at Abbey Road Studios. It reached number two in the Uk charts only being kept off the top spot by Leona Lewis. For those who missed me giveing my all to this one don't worry, I'm more than positive I will get it in a couple more times before the year is out, and who know's on New Years Eve! on the night rating 8/10

So another week done and dusted, and my mission this week is to arrange my photos for the upcoming gig reviews for Biffy Clyro, Magnum and of course Thunder in the next couple of weeks. You see I'm coming up with fillers as we speak. Until next time me old hearties bye bye..........

" You couldn't fool your mother on the foolingest day of your life if you had an electrified fooling machine. "

Homer J Simpson