Step up to the mic

You know you do it. In your car. In the shower. Perhaps even at a party aided by copious amounts of booze. When that song comes on, you can’t help but belt it out. And that’s what karaoke’s all about: letting loose and having fun. You don’t have to be the next Idol; you just have to believe in the power of music, and get smashed enough to gather the courage to share in the fun.

Sure, there can be downsides to a karaoke adventure, like desperately tone-deaf singers (don’t worry, there’s only a few of you out there), obnoxious DJs, or a disappointing collection of songs. Which is why the Advocate has put together a review of local karaoke spots so that you can hit the sweet ones, or at least be prepared for the worst.

Oak Tavern
1414 Market St
When: 10 p.m. Mondays
This sports bar is sure to surprise. There’s no stage, so the singers have free range of the entire bar to belt their hearts out. Because it’s on Monday, the audience tends to be small, but the performances are decent, featuring classic rock, 80s favorites, and pop songs by artists like Lauryn Hill, Bob Seger, and The Killers.
Book: 183 pages, diverse genres.
Strengths: Music videos from the 80s play between songs and a post-performance clap track bolsters the amateur spirit.
Weaknesses: Disinterested sports fans.
Grade: B-

Hi-Dive
7 South Broadway
When: 10 p.m. Mondays
You might think that a joint where hipsters tend to hang could live up to the title of “rockstar karaoke.” But throw a couple annoying DJs into the mix, and the crowd shrinks to a handful of vaguely interested youngsters. Those that sing drift to 80s songs primarily, like tracks from Talking Heads and Madonna, but those that listen enjoy all that is offered.
Book: 300 pages, but the DJ claimed he could accommodate any request with a database of 20,000 songs.
Strengths: No wait to sing.
Weaknesses: The DJ’s backup singing, banter between songs and frequent turns at the mic.
Grade: C+

Ogden Street South
103 S. Ogden St
When: Fridays and Saturdays
A restaurant by day, this spot turns into a packed bar at night. It’s so loud, in fact, that half the room can’t hear the karaoke crooning. The crowd is older in age but not in spirits, and welcomes even the shy and talentless to take the stage in the rear of the place. As performers belt out a variety of pop songs, it is evident that this place knows how to have fun.
Book: 300 pages, wide variety.
Strengths: A massive selection of songs to choose from including genres such as R&B, 60s, hip-hop, country, and jazz.
Weaknesses: Meat market vibe.
Grade: B+

Armida’s
840 Lincoln St
When: 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Armida’s is a Mexican restaurant with big love for karaoke: They offer it up every night of the week. On Fridays and Saturdays, Armida’s gets filled to the max with folks aching to get loud. For those seeking a venue that accommodates their bashful needs, Armida’s is much quieter come Sunday. All week long, the joint presents the most diverse selection of tunes sung, from rap to country to rock, many from the 80s era. The performances range from brilliant to silly, and when the staff sings, it adds to the familial atmosphere.
Book: 132 pages, good selection including many in Spanish.
Strengths: Regulars add to the sincere audience camaraderie.
Weaknesses: Some performances are sheer misses, like Lil Wayne’s “Every Girl.”
Grade: A

Benders Tavern
314 E 13th Ave
When: 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
A dream come true: a karaoke place that doesn’t reveal the lyrics to the audience, only the singer. Still, the talent at this place doesn’t need the favor. A medley of 80’s pop, Brit pop, alt pop, and classic rock melodies are caroled by a mix of 20- and 30-somethings. You are likely to hear decent renditions of songs by David Bowie, The Smiths or The Cure.
Book: 195 pages arranged by song title, not artist.
Strengths: Mostly good performances and full audience.
Weaknesses: You may have to wait over an hour to get your chance to sing if you don’t get there early.
Grade: A-

Music Bar
4586 Tennyson St
When: 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
Highlands’ best-kept secret, the Music Bar unleashes local talent through an eclectic mix of classics. The audience is more mature, replete with loud women and middle-aged misfits. This is the kind of spot where dowdy British songstress Susan Boyle pops onto the stage. The icing on the cake is the interludes of dance music, which inspire more booty-shakin’ than Denver can usually conjure up.
Book: 16 pages. mostly 90s, modern rock, and old-time jazz.
Strengths: Great performances and wild audience.
Weaknesses: More Janet than Michael. Sorely lacking in song selection.
Grade: A-

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