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#58: The man is made of awesome!


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35 members have voted

  1. 1. What should be the next thread title at FCA?

    • Clay Aiken can still curl my toes
      8
    • Clay Aiken = happy sigh
      1
    • I'm a satisfied Clay fan
      0
    • He's still beautiful, sings beautifully and he's still OURS
      2
    • He's made of awesome wrapped in fabulous with a little more awesome sprinkled on top!!
      5
    • Forget life -- It's Clay time!
      19


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Colour me shocked......not. Still, happy to see him get some Canadian promotion, especially in light of the Windsor concert!

It's Only Make Believe....again, can't express how much I love this song, this rendition of the classic. Love the tempo, love the swinging horns, love the hand clapping, love everything about it. :) I know, you are all shocked! :P

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IOMB is probably my favorite from the cd. But I'll listen to it after dinner and comment in my usual disjointed way.

I did want to point out that the CNN video is still on CNN.Com Clay CNN video

It has 345 FB links, which is much more than the others on the page including Michael Jackson.

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AMProducerJen

Great show tomorrow on @CTVCanadaAM! Jewel, Clay Aiken, Scott Turow, and how to make jams & jellies

OOO I hope this is capped! I need to know about Jams & Jellies!

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Siriusly Sinatra

Playing Favorites with Clay Aiken

Mon 6/14 6:00 pm ET

We first heard Clay as an American Idol contestant. Since then, he’s become a star in his own right and his new CD is filled with the music we love so much at Siriusly Sinatra. Clay stops by to play us some of his new recordings along with performances by our stars that he loves. (1 hr)

Rebroadcast: Thurs 6/17 9:00 am ET; Sat 6/19 3:00 pm ET

Now I KNOW I can listen to this one (have that particular station programmed in my car), and as I've been listening to this album, I've thought that it would fit perfectly on the Sinatra station. I guess I'll be home late Monday night!

EEEEEEE!

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What Kind of Fool Am I? (still a day behind, with little potential for catching up ::sigh:: )

I have always liked this song. It's an interesting self-reflection (not to be projected onto Clay, of course). Lovely melody. A singers song. Perfect for Clay, singer of singerly songs (Which article did that come from?). He sounds great, of course, and I love the band. The sax solo is a perfect fit. Nicely done all around!

I especially like this line:

"What kind of lips are these

That lied with every kiss?"

Interesting way to express that thought. Lies ususally come from lips (or from the language in someone's brain, through their voice, etc. but eventually through the lips), but through words not action. Not sure I expressed that clearly, but whatever...it strikes me as clever to write about lips lying and mean a kiss not words. Gave me something to think about.

And Clay sounds pretty, too. That's what it really comes down to.

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Tweet:

AMProducerJen

Great show tomorrow on @CTVCanadaAM! Jewel, Clay Aiken, Scott Turow, and how to make jams & jellies

OOO I hope this is capped! I need to know about Jams & Jellies!

I know! Strawberry season is coming up and I need some Jack!

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For all the bitching (justified, imo) I did about the previous fan club management I really have to give kudos to the new people. ground[ctrl] has been so good with communication. Unprecedented in this fandom! I noticed the other day that the All Is Well EP was missing from his discography and posted about it - lo and behold, they put it up (complete with snippets and links to purchase) this afternoon. And without acting put upon or like it was some giant PITA (a sense that was always there with Clique). There are still bugs and things I'd like to see different - but it's SO nice to actually feel like there's someone listening on the other side of the monitor.

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It's Only Make Believe...truthfully not one of my favorites on the CD...don't like the jazzy arrangement and doesn't seem like Clay sings this song as effortlessly as the other songs on the CD.

Kim

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It's Only Make Believe

This one has that Lionel Hampton Hey Ba-Ba-Re-Bop vibe to me, and the hand-claps put it right there in the late 40's - early 50's era. This is one I won't analyze because it's a jazzy, fun number just perfect to pick me up after What Kind of Fool Am I, so I can thud again when Misty starts. The whole album is designed for maximum impact. And one reason the songs as a whole work so well for me is that the tracks are perfectly placed: Starts upbeat -- slows down dramatically -- up again with the swing and hop -- back in the bowl with Misty -- then jump up and call the law, it's Mack -- whoa, Impossible not to hit the floor now -- lather, rinse, repeat. Maybe they should have called this one Black and Blue!

In summary, It's Only Make Believe is in the right place at the right time.

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IOMB is absolutely my favorite. I love the bass start up, very old jazz feel. This cut has so many layers: the bass, drums, trumpet, trombone, piano starting and stopping at different times. The song is fairly challanging, starting low and working it's way up in steps. Very different arrangement than the original. Clay does his trademark cry on the word prayer.

I'm not sure that is clapping. It almost sounds like the percussionist is hitting the side of his snare or possible another percussion instrument or maybe I need better ear buds.

To me this arrangement has a retro feel and I can listen to it forever. :flirtysmile3: :04:

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:GE_FCA:

I never post new blogs at night, but seems as if I've been working on this one all day with a zillion interruptions. After I uploaded Clay Aiken CD Charts in Top 10 and made the obligatory pass through Facebook and Twitter, I checked to see if Google caught the entry.

Don't know why I spent time on the lead, jamar1700, because the part that Google picked up was your NJU story! :lol:

jamar1700: When I purchased my second CD at Target today (the one that will stay unopened), the cashier smiled and said, "Clay Aiken - now that's when American Idol was gooooood. I like him. He's such a nice man." ...

Also featured are the Billboard press release, promos (including the CNN video), several posts about NJU response, and Fountaindawg's new DVD graphic.

Thank you for your visits and comments! :flirtysmile3:

Siriusly Sinatra

Playing Favorites with Clay Aiken

Mon 6/14 6:00 pm ET

We first heard Clay as an American Idol contestant. Since then, he’s become a star in his own right and his new CD is filled with the music we love so much at Siriusly Sinatra. Clay stops by to play us some of his new recordings along with performances by our stars that he loves. (1 hr)

Rebroadcast: Thurs 6/17 9:00 am ET; Sat 6/19 3:00 pm ET

Now I KNOW I can listen to this one (have that particular station programmed in my car), and as I've been listening to this album, I've thought that it would fit perfectly on the Sinatra station. I guess I'll be home late Monday night!

Idyj, I just may have to add this to the blog's calendar.

Have a great rest of the week, all! :snoopy:

Caro :listen:

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Loved, just loved Clay's appearance on Chelsea Handler's show last night. I thought the treatment was kind of sweet-from the intro with her sidekick (don't know how to spell his name) to the final hug which seemed almost intimate in a gentle you-might-play-for-the-other-team-but-I-still-think-you-are-really-groovy kind of way. But more on that later. I have an overdue assignment and I am losing points by the minute.

What Kind of Fool Am I

I have loved this song for ever and probably have been most attached to the version by Sammy Davis Jr. I haven't heard his rendition for years so I searched a you tube that identified this performance on the Any Williams show as probably the closest to his recording. For those who might want to compare and contrast.

I knew that Clay's version's verses (try to say quickly five times!) were not quite the same at one point-(doesn't have the verse with damn in it) but it also doesn't have the verse: What kind of man am I, that could not see, what could be seen by almost everyone but me I wonder why he did not include that verse-talk among yourselves.

I think the beginning of Clay's version is Clay at his most haunting, beautiful voice. His opener in "Crying" is another example of breathtaking vocals. In WKOFAI, I like how the percussion picks up the pace in the second phrase. I also love how Clay sings the word "love" as "luv." Whispers empty words of luv. Heaven. When he sings like any other manright before the orchestral interlude, there is a bit of a cry in his voice. Love the clay cry.

At first I found the David Sanborn interlude intrusive but for now I kind of like it. I do feel in this song, unlike any of the other songs on the album, that the tracks were layed down on top of Clay's voice. I know this is typically done but it just seems more obvious in this song. I do think the horns at the end compete with Clay's voice a bit. But still like the energy of the song.

Clay's version is hearfelt and not as theatrical as the ones from past years that i have seen on you-tube (in all fairness, it is a showstopper from a musical)so I can see why the "damn" verse didn't quite fit.

cagney... thank you so much for posting that Sammy Davis Jr. version of What Kind of Fool Am I. Wow... I always remember his version as being dynamite, but had forgotten how good he was in it. Talk about facial contortions... LOL I love Clay's too, tho. Clay's is a bit quieter, which for me, means I'm thinking and feeling more about the words than with Sammy's.

Fear... may I DITTO your review of Make Believe! I was surprised at the clapping, but since I'm doing it myself, I can't complain...LOL

I thought Clay was gorgeous on CNN and great on Chealsey Lately. Both are going to be watched more than once. I wish Clack Unlimited had put all the radio interviews in one directory. I heard that Indy was really good and cannot find it... or maybe that was Detroit. Somewhere in that neck of the woods, anyway.

I love that the NW casino (Aug 3) is sold out. May many more follow (since I have my tickets already).

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Catching up. Just passed page 3 but gotta put in my 2 cents on WKOFAI -- I was thrilled the minute I saw it was on the playlist coz I knew he'd nail this one. The two soft, plaintive words "... I am" at the end were different, and very good in portraying the emotion in the song. The delicious sound of his voice when it's soft and the glorious juicy glory notes just slay me every time.

Totally agree, "Why can't I fall in love?" might have been Clay's lament ... before Reed anyway!

Now back to browsing page 4.

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Siriusly Sinatra

Playing Favorites with Clay Aiken

Mon 6/14 6:00 pm ET

We first heard Clay as an American Idol contestant. Since then, he’s become a star in his own right and his new CD is filled with the music we love so much at Siriusly Sinatra. Clay stops by to play us some of his new recordings along with performances by our stars that he loves. (1 hr)

Rebroadcast: Thurs 6/17 9:00 am ET; Sat 6/19 3:00 pm ET

Now I KNOW I can listen to this one (have that particular station programmed in my car), and as I've been listening to this album, I've thought that it would fit perfectly on the Sinatra station. I guess I'll be home late Monday night!

EEEEEEE!

I don't get Sirius radio, but I'm EEEEE'ing along with you. It just fills me with joy to read, people who *seriously* love beautiful music write "he’s become a star in his own right." No matter *what* Clay's "next big thing" is, I still wanna pinch myself sometimes and say "Baby's STILL a STAR!" After all he's been thru, and we've been thru with him, I'm still thrilled that he didn't get squashed right out of the starting blocks or fade away after coming out. He's still beautiful, sings beautifully and he's still OURS.

Yep, Bon's a bit gone on the man LOL

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:GM_FCA:

Looking forward to hearing all about Clay's Canada AM appearance! Hope there is a download!

Eye doctor appointment after work tonight. The glasses I have now are about 2 years old so time a new pair...just in time to see Clay better this summer. The only thing I don't like is when they dilate my eyes.

2 Days until The PBS Special Airs in Chicago!

:yahoo:

11 Days until Clay is Bringing Broadway Home to NC!:yahoo:

28 Days until Clay is addressing The Key Club Convention:yahoo:

43 Days until The Timeless Tour Begins!:09:

Happy Birthday to all celebrating!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim

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It's Only Make Believe - Gosh, I love this one! I was only vaguely familiar with this song and the first time I heard it on the CD, I liked it well enough, but over time it has grown on me to the point where it's the one I repeat the most frequently, and if I only have a short time to listen, it's the one I go to first. I love the cadence, love the band, love the progression, and love the style Clay brings to it. I downloaded the Conway Twitty version, not to compare, just for a reference point. It like it quite a lot, too, but wow, how different they are. Nice!

Someone upthread commented on the pace of this CD and balance of tempos, or something along those lines. I agree that it's one of its most appealing qualities. It starts with energy and bounce and then it slows down, mellows, giving you time to cool down (and maybe 'mist' a little) before it switches back to an uptempo track, all without being obvious. Keeps things interesting.

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It just fills me with joy to read, people who *seriously* love beautiful music write "he's become a star in his own right." No matter *what* Clay's "next big thing" is, I still wanna pinch myself sometimes and say "Baby's STILL a STAR!" After all he's been thru, and we've been thru with him, I'm still thrilled that he didn't get squashed right out of the starting blocks or fade away after coming out. He's still beautiful, sings beautifully and he's still OURS.

Yep, Bon's a bit gone on the man LOL

Very wise words, and I get that feeling as well. Show business is the type of place that chews people up and spits them out at a very rapid pace. I'm thankful that Clay has been able to navigate through the highs and lows and is still here. IMO it's because of his charm and talent, and I love it.

Bolded part. Love this, but I'll also say that I'm willing to share him with anyone who may not know him...

Off to an all day off-site meeting. I didn't get my chance to do yesterday's song of the day, and I may not get to today's as well! Anyway, song of the day is:

Misty

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Misty - One of my favorites...the low notes get me everytime. He doesn't change it at all from the Johnny Mathis version, but why mess with perfection? This song was made for Clay to sing.

Kim

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Someone upthread commented on the pace of this CD and balance of tempos, or something along those lines. I agree that it's one of its most appealing qualities. It starts with energy and bounce and then it slows down, mellows, giving you time to cool down (and maybe 'mist' a little) before it switches back to an uptempo track, all without being obvious. Keeps things interesting.

I really appreciated this in the Raleigh concert, it was a great way to keep things exciting. However, sometimes I wish that the ballads were on one side and the uptempo stuff was on the other....oops, showing my age. cryingwlaughter.gif I have to say that the first time I listened, I was really mellowing out to Misty, and got quite the shock when Mack The Knife started. Kind of the same thing as going from Mary Did You Know to Joy To The World. :P

I'm willing to share him with anyone who may not know him...

Absolutely! Got the CD back from the lady at work this morning, and she said she really enjoyed it. She mentioned Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You and There's A Kind Of Hush as her two favourites. :)

Song of the day is Misty? Hee, one thing I have to say about it, other than that I love it, is that it reminds me of What The World Needs Now because of the way he sings "glove" and "love". It's almost like he pronounces the "v" as a "w". Something uniquely Clay that makes me smile every time. flirtysmile3.gif

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I cannot wait for the Siriusly Sinatra. I am signing up for the free 30 day trial for Sirius. Warning, you need to supply your credit card information but you can cancel at anytime-must remind myself of that. Actually, I wouldn't mind the subscription but I listen mainly in my car and I don't have the equipment. Here is the link if anyone is interested.

https://home.sirius.com/sirpromosetup.do

I wanted to say something elese about the Chelsea Lately appearance which I loved. When he was talking about him and Ruben and how he (Clay ) is organized but Ruben is like "hey dog, we'll get it when we get there" or something like that. I could watch that over and over. He is such a natural mimic.

I really am enjoying all of the discussion of Clay's music. Discussing media is one of my favorite things. keepingfaith and duckyvee, I agree that the tempo of this album is enhanced by the placement of the songs. There is one exception for me but it comes later in the cd. And keepingfaith,I think the 11 songs on the regular version make a complete set and the flow of the album is not enhanced (for me) by the two extra songs. i am glad to have them but I think the 11 on the regular album are the strongest.

It's Only Make BelieveWhen I first heard the snippet of this song, i have to admit that his voice sounded somewhat flattened to me compared to the other songs. I am not sure how to describe it exactly-enjoyable, but not the richness. At one point his voice sounds somewhat forced when he reaches up to go to "how much I love you so," more towards the end of the song.akimI think i understand what you are saying. I felt that way with one section towards the end of EIDN -I loved so much about his vocal performance of that song but at one point at the end, he tried to infuse extra umph and it seemed forced.

But there is also so much to love about this song. First the intro, fearh20, i love the jazzy feel so much. It reminds me of an intro from a jazz song that I think was used to introduce a radio or tv program from long ago. Does it sound familiar to anyone else? It has been driving me crazy. This song just makes you want to dance and makes me wish I were a better dancer. I think that this song had one of my favorite surprises in the cd. The end when he punctuates my hopes.my dreams.my schemes. I really do love that. I think I squealed in my car when I first heard it.

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Hi guys, haven't had a chance to read here since right before the cd came out so I spent hours last night catching up. Between trying to dl all of the wonderful new clack and computer problems, I got way behind. Thankfully I have a brand new computer to watch and listen to all of my lovely clack and keep up with my boards.

I wish I'd read here after Clay's blog instead of some other boards. I had to take a break from the boards awhile after that. Not that it was a majority but it was enough to put me in a real cranky mood so I had to stop and just listen to my wonderful new cd.

I'm glad you changed it from the listening party ldyj so I didn't miss all of it. I wish I was as good as some of you at expressing, or even understanding, what I love about each song, but I enjoy reading the posts. What I do love the most about this cd is how they stick in my head compared to most of the songs Clay has sung in the past. It's not that I didn't love most of those other songs though. Maybe it's because these were songs that I heard when I was a kid or maybe it's because of the phrasing on this one or it could be because the music just blends so well with his voice. I normally never pay attention to the instrumentation because I focus so much on Clay's voice that it all gets lost on me, but this cd is completely different. The instruments and arrangements add emphasis to his voice. I really do love this cd and can't wait until we get to discussing UM and Crying, which right now are my favorites. I might even be able to add something to the discussion with those two.

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You is probably my daughter's favorite song because she heard it in a movie. That's why it's so great to put out a cd, especially right now, that ties into people's memories because it already has that built in connection. Sometimes, for me, the association wasn't always so great because many of the songs on this cd would not have been ones that I would have picked myself, but I had no doubt that Clay would be able to overcome that. And he did. Who would have thought I'd like a song about a killer?

I love the way Clay sings WKOFAI. That deep voice of his is a killer and I have been waiting to hear more of that since AI. When I listen to this one, I keep thinking of Clay's situation, where a portion of society does not think that he is able to have the same right to love as everyone else because it does not meet societies standard. So this really touches me. Not sure if that's what he's thinking but that's my take on it.

IOMB is good and I like the jazzy sound, but not one of my favorites. Of course, that's because there are so many great ones on this cd so that's not a bad thing.

I'll get back to you on Misty later today after I've actually gotten off of my butt and done something.

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