Idols is for the weak. If you truly want to test your singing chops, then it is time to take the stage in front of a crowd of drunken strangers and belt out your favourite tune at your local karaoke bar. As an art form, karaoke is the neglected spouse of the music world. It indulges our lust for nostalgia, song and silliness, while giving our faculties for critical appreciation a much-needed rest.So, should you feel like yodelling a stirring rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, head to one of these fine establishments:THE COLONY ARMSIf you have ever walked through The Colony Shopping Centre in Craighall on a Saturday night you will have undoubtedly heard the sound of a cat giving birth to the antichrist bouncing off the walls.Contrary to what your ears may be telling you, that is actually the sound of one of hundreds of yuppies regaling the crowd with a remix of Careless Whisper.Armed with a song library vast enough to be the soundtrack for every childhood that came after 1965, karaoke nights at The Colony Arms have attained, aided no doubt by vast amounts of cheap drink, near legendary status.For more information visit www.colonyarms.co.zaPADDY'S CORNERBy day this pub functions as a mild- mannered watering hole for sports nuts and people whose problems can be solved by getting to the bottom of a Castle draught or six.By night, specifically Thursday night, it turns into a cacophony of strained duets and awkward R&B sexiness.Paddy's takes karaoke a little seriously. There are rounds through which one must progress, opponents that must be outdone, and prizes to be won.Their piece de singing resistance is Karaoke Idols, an annual event in which would-be amateur crooners can compete for a R5000 grand prize, as well as other prizes. This year Karaoke Idols takes place on September 5.For more information visit www.paddyscorner.co.za/MANILA BARIt turns out that people from Cape Town are not too disaffected and aloof to make fools of themselves on stage.Where Paddy's Corner and the Colony Arms are laid back and open to chaos, Manila bar is cool.It's the type of place where James Bond would take Mrs Moneypenny for a night out.The singing is no less boisterous, or bad, but you can rest assured that no one will climb the stage in a luminous pink latex suit and a green Afro wig.For more information visit www.manilabar.co.zaShould you find yourself milling about in Durban hankering to belt out a tune, Flagons and Dragons in Windermere will be more than happy to accommodate you.For more info contact: 031-303-8621..