High 5: Karaoke bars

What's your karaoke song of choice? (Credit: Lindsay Smith)

Photos:

Going to bars is fun.

Going to bars and screaming "Total Eclipse of the Heart" into a scratchy microphone in front of a supportive crowd that appreciates your cajones more than your talent is even more fun.

Baltimoreans know how to throw down in karaoke bars, and it seems there's one for everyone in terms of atmosphere, mood and song selection. In these modern times, every "American Idol" wannabe can get 15 minutes of fame by butchering "Livin' la Vida Loca." So why not hasten to your nearest karaoke bar and pander to a crowd of drunks who will most likely sing along? It beats sitting at home thinking about the economy.

Join us as we visit five karaoke hot spots in Baltimore, and examine the important features for microphone-junkies: Sound quality, talent, crowd and (most importantly) drink specials. After all, what's the point of belting Jack Johnson in front of a bunch of sober people?