Leap of Faith #4: BusyDad Sings the Hits
Friday, February 22, 2008 
And now for talent portion of our competition (you’re lucky you missed the swimsuit round – it ain’t a pretty sight these days). Ok, my biggest leap ever coming up. I’m putting it all out on the line. Why is it that of all things that make us self-conscious, singing is always at the top of the list?
Well, at least now there’s nothing left on the internet that I’m trying to hide from you. Here goes nothing...
I’m a singing fool. I usually hide behind a nice whiskey buzz and loud karaoke machine when I belt me out some tunes. And in those situations, I can count on the audience being halfway plastered anyway. By putting this out on a Friday, I’m hoping to catch most of you in some stage of Blog Hopper inebriation.
Let’s ease into it with something fun. KISS has been Fury’s favorite group since he was 3. Little Einsteins just didn’t incorporate enough pyrotechnics to hold his interest. So, for my opening act, Fury will perform the song that changed it all for him. I’m providing lyrical backup, but to my surprise, the kid actually reads them quite well off the karaoke prompter! He’s got a future gracing dive bars across the country.
NOTE: These videos from the Karaoke site were working earlier. Don't know why they aren't now. You can also view them on my page at Sims on Stage. At least watch the Fury singing KISS one. I assure you it's worth it! Or you can just skip down to the YouTube clip at the bottom of the post. That's working.
Random fact about me. I really dig country music. Don’t ask me how or why. I have no clue. I grew up in Boston and reside in Los Angeles. All I need to do to complete my country-music-hostile city trifecta is to live in New York City. Oh well, if you’re into this kind of thing, here’s me doing a traditional Hank Williams tune, followed by a contemporary country “power ballad” by Dierks Bentley.
Still here? Getting another drink? That’s ok, I understand. I would too...
I’m taking the helmet and safety harness off now. This is me playing guitar and singing. I recently re-discovered this great tune when my iPod shuffled to it on my train ride to work. I ended up listening to it 20 times thinking, “hmm... I can do this.” You be the judge.
Thanks for indulging my inner rock star. If you want to join me in some drunken virtual karaoke, I’ll catch you on Sims on Stage. You can look me up. I’m Papa Jim. Hey, it’s last call. Time for one more round and then I’ll meet y’all at Denny’s.
Reader Comments (49)
Hey - are you kidding? That was awesome. I expected some half-ass karaoke singing - but you're good. You have a soul-warming voice.
Except that you kept looking to your side - watching over your shoulder for the wife eh? :)
----
[BusyDad] Thanks - haha. I was looking over to make sure the mailman wasn't going to ring the doorbell in the middle of the song!!
WOW...can I be a groupie? You're good. Really. I'm impressed.
-----
[BusyDad] Thank you! Groupies need to drink Jack Dani... wait. We're good. We're good.
What a great leap!!! You're amazing, and I'm sober, so I'm not just sayin'....
Thanks for sharing that Jim!
-----
[BusyDad] My pleasure! I've wanted to perform for a long time. Never had the opportunity. Thanks for indulging me. And your sober? Wow! Extra confidence here.
hanging out with you ups my brand, BD! you are soooo good. this is a fantastic LEAP and you are genuinely talented. I can't believe you are a kickboxing warrior AND a rockstar.
cool cool cool
-----
[BusyDad] I have you to thank for thinking up this leap of faith concept. I've had so much fun with it. However, I'm really just more of a kickboxing guy and rock player dude. But thanks, CF!
Well color me surprised! You're really good.
I love the coke sign behind you :-)
I love that song and I think you did a darn good job on it. Great leap of faith Jim!!
-----
[BusyDad] Color me blushed!
I'll be whoever I have to be... a groupie, a banger-sister, a band-iade... I want a continuous piece of that action! I love your voice, and you play so well! Kickass indeed!
BD, you are a knockout!~KO! You have great talent, and all of your leaps are just proof. What an outstanding guy you are!
I'm honored to be on your team.
"TEAM BD" "TEAM BD" "TEAM BD"
You could own the world! ;)
-----
[BusyDad] heh - thanks Piper! Can Team BD sponsor Jackson? I need some exposure with the cool kids.
Yumma. Also, nummy.
-----
[BusyDad] MC, you are a woman of few words. But always the right words!
That was fantastic!! I went to see Fury at your Sims site . . . he is so cute, I loved it.
-----
[BusyDad] Probably the cutest Gene Simmons impersonator ever, I think! Thanks!
DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE! I'm stoked by this Leap of Faith! You guys have some major talent, yo!
I took a leap, but it was a personal story of friendship gone awry, and ultimately being set free.
Off to watch the videos again!! LOL Much Love, BD!!
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks S'Agent Mama! I'm gonna go check it out for sure.
Oh...and Bada...My heart melted!!!
-----
[BusyDad] Ha, yup. That's what I get for procrastinating on putting him in the case. He also made an appearance in you and me's [top secret] post coming up.
Not too bad, wildman!
I usually can be found singing in my truck. I've been busted jammin to the radio at stoplights more than once. (I AM the next American Idol) :)
-----
[BusyDad] Same here man! Where do you think I practice? Singing in my truck annoys the hell out of the local townsfolk.
Hey man. I say you should pack up the fam and head to nashville. You know we'll all be there to support ya!
PEACE! Ohh .. and by the way .. NYC doesn't have country. I knew they wouldn't but its pretty devastating. So now I have all my songs on my ipod and I listen to it on my walks to the train. on the train. walk to work. and then back home again. Sad. So sad. Go to Stagecoach and tell me how much it rocked!!! so saddd...
-----
[BusyDad] Wouldn't that be a blast. Well good or bad, I'd stick out in that town! haha. Sad about NYC, but LA wasn't much better in that respect! Maybe I'll bring Fury to Stagecoach - he'd love it.
Great leap! You have a fine voice for country music. I had a strange double play going for a couple seconds, thought you had your own backup singer, only thing was two YouTube screens opened. Nice job!
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks! Haha my own backup singers? My kitchen is becoming a recording studio.
*applause*
Dude, you are amazing!! Wow! You have that "it" factor.
What an inspiration you are for Fury!
I had no idea! That was great!!
-----
[BusyDad] *bow* thank you, the very cool mom formerly known as Bimmgee.
you totally put my acoustic covers of Hole to shame. I cower at your talent, man.
-----
[BusyDad] No cowering allowed in the house of BD. Get your guitar and let's do this!
Good Lord, Jim...is there anything you can't do???? Seriously...I'm amazed. I can't do anything!! And you can write, play guitar, sing, AND build kick-ass Lego stuff. Well done you!!
-----
[BusyDad] Aw thank you Karen. There are many many things I can't do. Luckily I have full editorial control over this blog so I only choose to highlight the ones I can :) A real leap of faith would have been to show you a video of me wrapping a present. Hoooo weee!! Ineptitude!
Come audition for Huckdoll Idol anytime...you're a shoe-in :) Amazing.
-----
[BusyDad] "I already gave my best, and I have no regrets at all...you know, I have no professional training of singing and dancing"
Hey.. wow! What a warm, soothing voice you have. Traditional and neo-traditional country music is my absolute favorite stuff. I somehow think this has more to do with my early life Bruce Springsteen/New Jersey roots than my later years in Ohio. Go figure.
Congrats on a great leap!
-----
[BusyDad] Wow thanks Tracy! Hey, I grew up in Boston. I have tried and tried, but cannot trace the relationship of New Kids on the Block to Hank Williams.
Hey there cowboy! Loved it.
-----
[BusyDad] See that? :) Big ass grin. Thanks.
First, that KISS was way too cute!
Second, you're really good! I think you and my DH need to get together, he's the same... listens to a song over and over and over and over again and then tries to play it and figure it out on the guitar!
Finally, we don't have Denny's here, I'll be at Waffle House...
Happy BlogHoppin! Madge
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks Madge! Poor you! haha. I'm sure my wife shares your sentiment about hubby's constant guitar experimentation. Waffle House! Goood. I forgot where I was when I went there. Either Dallas or Nashville, but it was the only place open for miles.
.... Oh sorry - I just picked up my jaw off the floor. You never cease to amaze me. Multi-talented indeed. And you look hot too. Go BD wife. I hope you serenade her.
----
[BusyDad] Is there an emoticon for blushing? :@) something like that... Thank you mommica.
You know..for some reason this post made me think of the new show I've heard about called 'My Dad's Better than your Dad'. I can so see you and Fury on it...
-----
[BusyDad] Although that would play into the natural competitive tendency of guys, I see too many emotional scars being borne from that show. It would suck to be the kid of the dad who was bettered. yikes... Forget about "it's how you play the game." Every dad would be out for blood to save their kid from any psychological complexes!
BD. Bravo!! Bravo!! This was awesome.
-----
[BusyDad] Would you accept a retroactive dedication?
Nice job man, I just voted for you 1-800-Idols-13. I think you are a shoo in to make it to the round of 8 atleast. You are better than Danny Noriega and Colton Whatshisname. LOL That should get you a couple extra visits to your website.
-----
[BusyDad] Cool thanks man! Hey, what round do I have to make it to for chicks to throw their bras on stage? Because after all,that's what being a rockstar boils down to.
I enjoyed listening to you sing very much.
have a great weekend.
-----
[BusyDad] Thank you! That there makes my weekend all the greater.
bollocks man! It's no leap when you friggin' show off how good you are!!! Now, if you sucked it would be a hell of a leap!.
Well done! Jet. I like Jet - I have an inexplicable affinity for things Australian. Flinders Street Station is Melbourne's South Station.
-----
[BusyDad] haha thanks PG. I have never once sang and played guitar publicly, for anyone. Just locked in my study. Even my own mom didn't know (see comment). And you and your random affinity for Australia cracks me up. Kinda like my random affinity for country music.
Wow. Your guitar picking and soul-felt singing
make your karaoke attempts sound like William Hungmake me want to see you at the coffee shop with my grande latte, critiquing modern literature, snapping my fingers in agreement. Seriously, what an awesome hobby at which you are talented and obviously love. You got game, man. Serious game. Can I get a little "Stairway to Heaven" next time?KEEP BELIEVING
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks Angie! I do love it. Sad that I can't devote time to it due to my crazy schedule these days. Led Zep is my favorite band of all time. Sadly, I am way below par to even attempt it.
Very nice job!
-----
[BusyDad] :) thanks April! Motivation to find time to continue guitar lessons!
Blimey is their nothing you can't do.
-----
[BusyDad] Ha trust me... too many things. Way too many.
You sound great! And so does Marcus! As for me... Rock and Roll All Night is my Guitar Hero fun, when I've tried playing it. ;-)
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks! I will let him know. You should see the little dude do Whiskey River. I may post that some time.
WOW! Jim, this was the first time I hear you play on the guitar and sing. I never knew you could sing! Well, next time, when I visit you, you will sing and I will dance to the tune. ( you never knew I could dance right?)
Love, mom
-----
[d Son] Hi mom! See? violin wasn't the right path for me. haha I cannot picture you dancing!
OMG! Virtual Karaoke?!?! Sign me up, babeee. lol
Love the KISS rendition. lol
Man, I'm wishing I had come here last night when I had a drink in hand instead of this morning with coffee. lol
------
[BusyDad] You and me - METALLICA karaoke.
JIM!
This is the first time I've heard you sing sober (both you and I). I knew you were good, but I never knew about the guitar playing.
GOOD ASIAN!
-----
[BusyDad] HAHAHA!! I done us good? So true, all of our singing escapades are under some degree of influence. Well, actually, how do you know I was sober in that video ;)
Dude. You are the COOLEST!!!
-----
[BusyDad] I know you are but what am I!
OK, now I see you have a video of you playing the-- OHMYGODSWOON --guitar and singing along with it. My God, Jim. If I wasn't married...and if you weren't married... Ok, ok, I'll settle for being bloggy pals!!
I'll have to get a mike for my laptop and join in on the virtual karaoke!
-----
[BusyDad] Haha - you really want d Wife to regulate on my ass don't you... But I will see you on virtual karaoke night! We should make that a stop on the blog hop!
That was wonderful! You have a very warm, lovely voice, much better than the karaoke I'm used to! I think you should do this every Friday.
-----
[BusyDad] Thank you! I think I should add the site to the blog hop, so all of us a can make buzzed karaoke part of the weekend hopping routine.
I had to come back for another listen. you're too cool. you've got such a great voice!!!!
-----
[BusyDad] An encore? Wow, thanks! yes!!!!
Well, I'm a karaoke junkie myself, and this was GOOD! I'm not even a drinker and this was good! How fun! I heard about your "leap" from Piper, and it was worth the jaunt over here. Congrats!
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks Jenna! Glad you stopped by. Hey, the virtual karaoke bar is just around the corner. Trying to get a regular group over there.
An Asian city boy sangin' some "tear in my beer" kinda country, karyoke style??? You are a paradox my friend ;)
You're freakin' awesome! You totally rocked that last clip! Where's the tip jar?
Don't forget me when you're famous, K?
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks Sandy! Oh trust me, the word Identity has eluded me for ages. I confuse myself sometimes. Ok, all the time. But it's fun, I have to say. If I get famous, it'll most likely be in the manner of the "Star Wars Kid" :p
OK - I am basically speechless. Amazing. I take back all the jokes about you wanting to be a country music star. That was when I didn't know that you actually could sing and are so good! Huge applause from me and the boys.
-----
[BusyDad] haha - thanks Lolita. You known me like 15+ years, my mom's known me all my life and no one knew I even liked to sing.
*cute!* He grabbed bada! cute! I wish I could pinocchio-tize that rabbit :) I also wish gene simmons could see this.
-----
[d Bro] I should have had Fury do this in full make-up and costume. (For folks who haven't seen it yet, go to my 2nd post ever).
Ok, so I'm officially impressed.
You're really good!!
And, let me just say that it's sooo nice to see such a hands on father. I see absentee dads all the time so to come to your blog and see you so involved in your child's life and well being is truly beautiful.
-----
[BusyDad] Wow, that comment meant a lot. Thank you LunaNik :)
Alright dammit - I demand the swimsuit. :)
-----
[BusyDad] no no no, you're gonna have to trust me on this one...
This is me giving the two of you a standing ovation! I had fun with the video of the two of you singing... caught myself singing along! You can sing really well too!
Great Leap! As for me, I only sing to my kid 'cause he can't tell me to be quiet and in the car. I wouldn't be caught dead doing this so... you are my hero! lol
-----
[BusyDad] Thank you MarieWalt! My kid tells me to be quiet all the time! You can't hear the darn radio when I'm driving.
Umm, off the hook good. I knew it would be good though, I mean you just kinda know these things. Great post, and not really a leap of faith if you ask me, just too darn good. Lets see you do something thats hard for you, like brain surgery.
-----
[BusyDad] Joeprah man - I love getting props from you, man. And who leaked what my next Leap post was gonna be about!
Virtual karaoke?? Oh man, what next? We have Karaoke night at the house every week, but I'm NEVER broadcasting it!
Jim, you are a freakin ROCKSTAR!! That was da bomb!
-----
[BusyDad] Thank you Amy! Come on - Leap! We'll catch you. I need to line up a karaoke hoppers club one of these days.
Everyone said it. You are good and Marcus is very natural too.
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks JO-N! We are just hams. A family of hams.
that was AWESOME!! you can sing!!
and...the both of you...so cute!!
xo
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks Melissa :) We both love to RAWK with a capital W.
BD, you sounded a lot like Hank Williams! I don't know about Dierks, I've never heard him. I like the old stuff, myself. If you like Texas swing, check out Asleep at The Wheel. Cool stuff.
-----
[BusyDad] Thanks Pinky! I'd be happy with "you sound like some guy who is trying to sing like Hank" :) Asleep @ the Wheel has some cool tunes. XM Radio rules.