Since co-founding KttD, I have hoisted Lord Ramsey's Cup only once, following my performance of Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now" in KttD V. At KttD X this Valentine's Day, I'll be a man on a mission. I want regain my past glory, I want to join Hotrod among the ranks of those with two KttD championships in the modern era, but mostly I want to proudly display Lord Ramsey's Cup in my trophy case (fine, bookshelf) once more.
Here's where I need your help. One of my historic weaknesses has been song selection. I tend to pick songs that are guilty pleasures. Combined with my natural enjoyment of the limelight, this tendency leads to me having way to much fun on stage, and undermining my shot at glory.
I'd like to enter KttD with a solid two-song attack strategy. I think I have a good first song in Jesus Take the Wheel, but I need another one that will bring it all home and give me the edge I need to win the Cup.
A couple of considerations:
- Register: I have a low voice. I do the best (read: worst) with songs in a high register.
- Subject Matter: I need a song that can reinvigorate my severely limited capacity to feel shame.
- Length: The longer I'm up there, the better chance I have of wearing out my welcome and annoying the crowd.
So that's it leave your best suggestions in the comments. I'll round up the most popular ones and hold a vote a little later this week. I will sing whatever song wins.
U2 - One.
Posted by: hotrod | 01/22/2010 at 07:34 AM
Which reminds me of another consideration: artist.
As Hotrod knows, I loathe U2, which may make it unpleasant for me to sing one of their crappy songs.
Other bands I dislike:
Wilco
The Replacements
Pavement
John Mayer
Posted by: Dabysan | 01/22/2010 at 07:38 AM
I seriously doubt the Rock It will have songs by three of those four artists.
Posted by: hotrod | 01/22/2010 at 07:40 AM
I think "Jesus take the wheel" has winner written all over it.
Posted by: mariser | 01/22/2010 at 07:44 AM
I like it too, but I think I need another powerful song to really clinch it with the judges.
Posted by: Dabysan | 01/22/2010 at 07:47 AM
Is there a post anywhere that has a list of all the songs ever sung at KttDs past? Every time I'd suggest one to the former Cap'n Crook it was either done already or banned.
I still say that godawful Paper Planes by MIA song is a good choice, though I can't imagine it sounding much worse than the original.
hey look I left you a comment! one that counts!
I'm not crazy about Wilco either.
Posted by: crankypants | 01/22/2010 at 07:57 AM
The only songs that really matter are the past winners, since they cannot win again. They are:
1. Summer of 69 - Brian Adams
2. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
3. Private Dancer - Tina Turner
4. Call Me Al - Paul Simon
5. If You Leave Me Now - Chicago
6. Wild Boys -Duran Duran
7. Sussudio - Phil Collins
8. Killing Me Softly - Roberta Flack
9. No One - Alicia Keys
And thanks!
Posted by: Dabysan | 01/22/2010 at 08:02 AM
ok, gotcha. back-up song.
is "My Heart will go on" (the Titanic song) banned? it is incredibly long and likely to make everyone uncomfortable.
or this one?
Posted by: mariser | 01/22/2010 at 08:04 AM
Everybody suggests Whitney Houston, which is why it's a terrible choice. Too obvious.
Posted by: hotrod | 01/22/2010 at 08:11 AM
Posted by: mariser | 01/22/2010 at 08:16 AM
Not so much a backup as a coup de grace. Sometimes it is the second song that brings it all home.
My Heart Will Go On is a really nice thought. I see that being a finalist.
Posted by: Dabysan | 01/22/2010 at 08:16 AM
How about Careless Whisper by George Michael?
The La's There She Goes (probably too obscure)
Friday I'm in Love, the Cure
Paul McCartney Simply Having a wonderful Christmas time
Hey wasn't this supposed to be duets? You and Hotrod could do Ebony and Ivory.
Posted by: crankypants | 01/22/2010 at 08:16 AM
Duets is being shelved for a different, surprise celebration of the 10 year anniversary.
Careless Whisper is one of the first songs ever recommended to me and I think it has huge potential. I also like the Paul McCartney idea.
Posted by: Dabysan | 01/22/2010 at 08:20 AM
The George Michael song I want to sing - but don't think is right for me - is "One More Try."
Posted by: hotrod | 01/22/2010 at 08:22 AM
How about a 70s classic...
Don't it make my brown eyes blue by Crystal Gayle
or You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone?
Maybe Short People by Randy Newman?
Posted by: crankypants | 01/22/2010 at 08:22 AM
Wow. Debby Boone. That'd be epic. And It would let me sing two Jesus songs in one night, which might just get me punched. I like where you're going.
Posted by: Dabysan | 01/22/2010 at 08:24 AM
I'm singing along with it right now.
Posted by: crankypants | 01/22/2010 at 08:25 AM
Posted by: mariser | 01/22/2010 at 08:26 AM
Brand New Key by Melanie was suggested to me last year. Not right for me, but maybe for Daby.
Posted by: hotrod | 01/22/2010 at 08:27 AM
Maybe I'm Amazed (at how badly you can sing)
We're So Sorry Uncle Albert (or whatever it's called)
How about some old Billy Joel? Scenes From An Italian Restaurant? Movin Out?
Posted by: crankypants | 01/22/2010 at 08:31 AM
ok. how about the '80s. anything by Talking Heads. "Psycho Killer" is a nice screamer in a high range. "Once in a Lifetime", "Girlfriend is Better"
Posted by: mariser | 01/22/2010 at 08:36 AM
Okay, I think you (or someone) should seriously consider Scenes From...it has slow parts, fast parts, it's really long and you can play AIR PIANO. I think it will be a crowd pleaser.
Posted by: crankypants | 01/22/2010 at 08:36 AM
Elton John "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" or "Bennie and the Jets"
Posted by: homebody | 01/22/2010 at 08:37 AM
How about Goodbye Yellowbrick Road?
Posted by: Dabysan | 01/22/2010 at 08:38 AM
Wicked Game by Chris Isaak?
Posted by: crankypants | 01/22/2010 at 08:43 AM