Mama まま

This is gonna have to be blitz posting. Lets see. I had a really cool experience Saturday night with a bunch of my friends. Ramu, Kazu, Takuma, Kumiko, Takenouchi-sensei, Steve, and Ouji. We went and did Karaoke at a "Snack" place. I am not sure what exactly the word "snack" when written in Japanese is supposed to imply but all of us filled up a small cubby hole called Kurumi "sunakku"(snack!). There while being served snacks and beverages by a single "hostess" everyone lovingly refers to as Mama the group enjoys singing.... well something like that. Given we are here in Japan and there is a "right" ritual for practically everything in this situation you are expected to sing at "Mama's pace."
Not sure exactly what that means but given the evening and the situation it would have been best if I had a repertoire of Japanese love ballads, enka or the like. However, American brat that I have become is my Japanese repertoire is limited to a few random Japanese songs and bands like B'z, Asikun, and various female singers songs that I wouldn't attempt to sing. Despite this lacking I was able to pull some good B'z songs and an old classic that we call Sukiyaki in English. It's Japanese title is "ue wo muite" ("turn to look upwards" or something along those lines.)
Which if you actually know the song's lyrics its really depressing and not what you think would be good for what is usually a "live it up" experience.
While I am distracted some other songs I like to sing at Karaoke(english they may be) are Eminem - Lose Yourself, Styx - Roboto, Snow - Red Hot Chili Peppers, .. . etc. Before I get too far off topic and can no longer resurface upon the path.
I mention the song selection seems to be important with "Mama's pace" but I think that is only the preperatory step. The next step is when you sing, you must apply a proper attitude. That is stand up, sing from the heart (no wimpy singing... full lungs kind of thing) and above all try and involve Mama in the song. I am glad Karaoke is such a fun simple thing. Although, trying to sing for someone else was kind of fun. I made the mistake of trying to Sing "Lonestar - I'm Already There." Boy, I sang it my way alright, didn't know it had all those lyrics for one, and I found I certaintly don't have that country twang at all, for two. But if you just act like you know what you are singing no one will say anything. Mainly because everybody in my group doesn't listen to country. :)

Okay, well now that I have embarressed myself by admitting to singing these songs I can continue on and switch topics.

zzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Falls asleep at the keyboard.