#57: Oh yeah, he really is just. that. good.

[cindilu2]

Went to sleep thinking about how much I love this cover. Woke up thinking about it, too. (Why, oh why can't we choose our dreams, huh? Demmit). And my conclusion is that I love it and him even more than I did yesterday. Amazing how that can keep happening even after seven years.

Yanno, I think Tried and True could also apply to us - those who have been here through all the incredible highs, lows and in-betweens of the past seven years and will continue to be here for the duration. I think a few whirls around the dance floor with suave, hep-cat Aiken are just what the doctor ordered for this portion of the ride. Bring it on, baybee.

For the first time in a year or more I took a wander around Clay land. Lordy, whoever said 'the more things change, the more they stay the same' really knew what they were talking about.

Seriously - are we still writing up directives for the misguided record company execs? The mind boggles. And the cover would have been so much better with the TV Guide pics, or the Elle magazine pics, or the _________ (fill in the blank) pics. Oh yes, of course, because they were soooo universally loved when they were first revealed. Please. Oh well - maybe there is some weird sort of comfort to be had in the fact that some things really never do change.

Or, you know, not.

ETA: Heh, cagney posted whilst I was writing. *high fives cagney*

[preden]

First ticket tango for me this Friday! Happy Easter to all! It's been a beautiful weekend, just hung out some laundry on the clothes line, haven't done that in April before. Wow can't believe I'll be seeing Clay in concert finally this summer. Love the cd cover by the way!

[FearofH2O]

Although I think the album cover is great, I can see how others may not like it. We have been fed pictures of Clay where he is perfectly dressed and made up or are airbrushed to the point of not looking like him as well as natural photos which are great. And, I think most people ar accustomed to photos that make one look as good as possible. Hide the driver's license photos.

Assuming that Clay has a lot more control in the decision making area, perhaps this is how either he sees himself or how he sees the character, as ladyj suggested, he is playing in these concerts.

Either way I think it is raw, truthful and an outstanding cd cover. Of course I go along with anything.

[aikim]

I think what is being forgotten is that this is not being promoted to "just us"...Clay is looking to garner new fans...people who are not going to analyze every little thing, like his hair or his ears or whether his eyebrows are plucked and shaped just so and are his cheekbones accented and did they capture his essence and on and on. They are going to see this cover and hopefully be intrigued enough by the style and the content to pick it up and buy it.

There can be a self-centeredness in the fandom that can be off putting at times...as if everything Clay has to revolve around us and what we want. Not to mention those, 7 years later who still think they know better how to manage and market Clay's career.

This is my favorite cover because it captures who Clay truly is and not a portrayal of who some think Clay should be. During the RCA years it seemed they were always trying different looks for Clay and trying as he said..too fit a square peg in a round hole instead of just marketing Clay.

Decca seems to know what we have felt all along...let Clay be Clay.

Can't wait for more promotion to begin and to see other photos from the shoot!

Kim

[jmh123]

I made the cover my laptop wallpaper... I used the high-res, though, so the top is cut off and all I'm left with is a big, huge, gorgeous picture of Clay... *thud*

Much as I like the other stuff too, I think I can live with this. *thud*

Gotta go to *thud* work now. Just as soon as I pick myself up... maybe regain control of my motor capacities...

*thud*

You're cracking me up, girl. I've got the hi-res on my desktop too.

[jmh123]

I think what is being forgotten is that this is not being promoted to "just us"...Clay is looking to garner new fans...people who are not going to analyze every little thing, like his hair or his ears or whether his eyebrows are plucked and shaped just so and are his cheekbones accented and did they capture his essence and on and on. They are going to see this cover and hopefully be intrigued enough by the style and the content to pick it up and buy it.

There can be a self-centeredness in the fandom that can be off putting at times...as if everything Clay has to revolve around us and what we want. Not to mention those, 7 years later who still think they know better how to manage and market Clay's career.

This is my favorite cover because it captures who Clay truly is and not a portrayal of who some think Clay should be. During the RCA years it seemed they were always trying different looks for Clay and trying as he said..too fit a square peg in a round hole instead of just marketing Clay.

Decca seems to know what we have felt all along...let Clay be Clay.

Can't wait for more promotion to begin and to see other photos from the shoot!

Kim

Exactly!!

[keepingfaith]

ETA: Heh, cagney posted whilst I was writing. *high fives cagney*

High fives all around!

I think it's visually intoxicating. CLAY is visually intoxicating.

[cagney1950]

ETA: Heh, cagney posted whilst I was writing. *high fives cagney*

High fives all around!

I think it's visually intoxicating. CLAY is visually intoxicating.

Why do I feel I need a drink? It has to be 5 PM somewhere.

There can be a self-centeredness in the fandom that can be off putting at times...as if everything Clay has to revolve around us and what we want. Not to mention those, 7 years later who still think they know better how to manage and market Clay's career.

akim, I think this is what bothers me about some of the comments. The collaboration between Clay and Decca seems to be at such a high level that I trust that they are using all at their disposal to choose artwork, music, etc. that their considerable experience and access to experts tells them is the way to go to promote and build Clay's career.

I remember way back when, many fans were politicing for The Wayto be the next single when I believe IWCY had been the expected second single. I was so disappointed when I read on Red Hot Topic that The Way was chosen and felt upset that fan sentiment had possibly caused a change in plans. I thought that IWCY would have a better chance on being played on the radio and reaching a wider demographic. Looking back and knowing what we know now, perhaps it wouldn't have mattered. Clear channel seemed to be upset with something that had to do with touring if I recall and choice of single may not have mattered.But I remember feeling not so good about what I perceived to be fan influence in a business decision.

[Couch Tomato]

Cagney, loved your post.

I remember the days when I couldn't get enough of reading a ton of boards every day searching for every piece of Clay news and what the fans were doing and saying about what Clay was doing. Looking back I don't know where I found the time. Oh yeah I know. I didn't do anything else. LOL. These days I feel that if it's important it will reach my ears somehow and I'll hear about the important stuff. I don't click or vote or spend a bunch of time reading other sites. Not that I don't appreciate that they are out there but they aren't out there to reach me. I'm in. I enjoy Clay just as much as I ever did, and probably more so, and I swear not seeing him in so long has really wet my appetite for this tour. Like Ruben said, I don't care who he tours with. I've never been a Ruben fan but so what - Clay is singing and I can't wait to hear him and see him again. And I'm actually nostalgic for the Cluben. And my family are such big Ruben fans also that I'm happy to have a concert to share with them as well. I got lost on youtube the other night watching Clay and I just laughed and swooooned like I was there. I'm stil trying to figure out my summer plans but just knowing there is something to plan makes me happy. I love checking airlines for tickets or mapquesting distances between locations and finding hotels... it makes looking forward all the more fun for me.

I guess I'll need to plan the Reno gathering since we seem to have a bunch of people. I'll work on that in the next couple of weeks. I guess figuring out if we want a pre/post or next day breakfast is step #1. Pre-Party would be nice but I still think a lof of people have other boards to do the pre-party. But we'll get it figured out.

Happy Saturday!!

[Carolina Clay]

Checking in from the final weekend of college basketball ... and the continuing journey with Clay Aiken!

I cannot tell you how much a pleasure it was to check in here to an angst=-free zone about the album cover. I can appreciate that some may not like it. What is hard to read are those posts that suggest that the poster believes she is the arbiter of all things commercial about the impact of album cover on sales and appeal to the general public. In my humble opinion some are too hung up on "there are soooooo many more handsome pics of Clay." Sure there are, but that is not the point of fashioning the album cover, I don't think. Here is what I wrote at the OFC:

When I first logged on to CV and saw that a picture that just might be the album art was available I clicked on without reading any of the comments. My first impression -WOW! I loved the mood, the colors, and of course the subject. I didn't think this is the best picture ever that shows Clay in all his handsomeness-(I think AIW and ATDW did that for me) but that really wasn't an issue for me in terms of how this pic worked as an album cover. It conveyed a mood and a feel that seemed perfect for the era and just as importantly for my enjoyment seemed like a work of art, classy. I also found it eye-catching, intriguing, important qualities in perhaps encouraging the casual buyer to pick it up and look at it and actually read the track list.

I have read comments such as "dull" and I find it just the opposite. I cannot wait until it is available. And if the record were available in LP format? Be still my heart. One of the reasons that I miss LPs is for the art-how terrific to have this available.

And although I have seen what I believe to be more "handsome" pics of Clay, I still like this picture of him very much. And I think it works beautifully for the project.

Well done, Clay.

So excited about the tour!!!! duckyvee and I will be going to Reno (across the country) and also Lancaster, PA...15 minutes from my home!) Looking forward to seeing many of you at all the concerts.

For those who can remember, did they show the OMWH album art before they had the tracklist on Amazon? I am having fun checking the rankings again. Ealier in the week it was in the #800's. It was as high as #75 yesterday. The tour announcement on AI contributed to the increase (pretty good as Clay didn't sing) but I think the addition of the album art was responsible for the increase increase in rank.

Cagney, what awesome posts here and at the OFC! I understand Clay has been signing on over there. Hope he saw it! :clap:

Went to sleep thinking about how much I love this cover. Woke up thinking about it, too. (Why, oh why can't we choose our dreams, huh? Demmit). And my conclusion is that I love it and him even more than I did yesterday. Amazing how that can keep happening even after seven years.

LOL, cindilu2, we have a mutual artistic friend who had x-rated dreams last night after viewing your high resolution version.

I think what is being forgotten is that this is not being promoted to "just us"...Clay is looking to garner new fans...people who are not going to analyze every little thing, like his hair or his ears or whether his eyebrows are plucked and shaped just so and are his cheekbones accented and did they capture his essence and on and on. They are going to see this cover and hopefully be intrigued enough by the style and the content to pick it up and buy it.

WORD, aikim!

Think I'll see what the high-rez version looks like on my laptop.

Have a great day, all!

Caro

[wandacleo]

I like the cover, and I don't really give a rat's ass if others don't, but I just about heave when people start pontificating on how this will affect sales, his image, etc., etc. etc. ad gaggeum.

If they know so frigging much about it, why don't they plan the cover for their own CDs and leave Clay alone.

I just want to celebrate!

Do you think that picture was taken at the Mecca cafe/restaurant? (I think that was the name.)

[Carolina Clay]

I called my friend Sally, an excellent photographer and graphic artist, and gave her an overview of the board discussions. I'm sure cindilu2 will agree that Sally's lessons in graphic art have influenced many in the CA fandom. Here is what she said:

Publishers and designers are going for an emotional, visceral response, not an artistic one. They want the arm reaching to pick up the product before the mind engages. In the stores, the album cover will stand out and grab people. Many will reach for it.

The first thing I thought of was being back in a Woolworth's in the 1950's because the green matches the glassware that was so popular then, a fond memory from the past.

Decca is doing a damn good job with this project and paying some damn good money. The album cover is distinctive, eye-catching, and engages the heart and hand before the mind.

If a person picks up the CD, it's halfway sold.

wandacleo, love your post!

Caro

[FearofH2O]

I enjoyed Sally's point of view caro. wandacleo you still cut to the quick. After seven years I think I pretty much know what to expect from this fandom and it still amazes me.

[aikim]

I called my friend Sally, an excellent photographer and graphic artist, and gave her an overview of the board discussions. I'm sure cindilu2 will agree that Sally's lessons in graphic art have influenced many in the CA fandom. Here is what she said:

Publishers and designers are going for an emotional, visceral response, not an artistic one. They want the arm reaching to pick up the product before the mind engages. In the stores, the album cover will stand out and grab people. Many will reach for it.

The first thing I thought of was being back in a Woolworth's in the 1950's because the green matches the glassware that was so popular then, a fond memory from the past.

Decca is doing a damn good job with this project and paying some damn good money. The album cover is distinctive, eye-catching, and engages the heart and hand before the mind.

If a person picks up the CD, it's halfway sold.

wandacleo, love your post!

Caro

I love this!

Kim

[spikesmom]

I'll just add my vote to the "I'm really liking the cover" club!!

Interesting conversation to me that people are so worried that this cover won't entice folks to buy. To me, it's so different from what it out there now, I think that's enticing! I remember this type of cover from years gone by from albums that my Mom had. Total retro feel to me.

As I've thought about some of the stuff I've been reading, I thought about the covers of the CDs that I've bought in the last year or two. And while I might be able to picture in my mind what a couple look like, I couldn't tell you what most of them look like and I can guarantee you that the cover had absolutely nothing to do with my purchase. I really can't remember ever picking up a CD to look at based on the cover art. Maybe I'm just weird and people say "oh, pretty picture, let me look at who it's for and then I'll buy it?" I'm obviously missing the point about that. I look for the name of the artist and I may or may not look at the CD if I don't recognize the name. And I don't buy CDs at the store from someone I'm not familiar with anyway - not in this digital age. I'll go home and look them up on iTunes and play some clips. Then if I like enough of it, I'll buy the CD (either physical or digital) - or I'll only buy the tracks that interest me. It's either name recognition or content after I've heard some of it that gets the sale.

I don't look at or buy books either based on that cover art... I buy those based on author, title or synopsis of the story...

I think Clay has enough name recognition that when people see/hear his name, coupled with what I think will be great promotion by Decca, people will find him and buy him. I want this CD to have legs anyway, I'm not going to worry this time if first week sales are not kick-ass.

Really the only time I've given more than a moments thought to a CD cover is for Clay. And I've already spent too much time of this one!

I'm pretty excited that Clay and Ruben are coming to Milwaukee! I've never been to the Northern Lights Theater/Potawatami Casino venue but my husband and sister have both been there. Very nice, intimate venue. I'm just hoping to get Sis and I in the door with only 500 tickets available. And we're looking at doing Hammond too since it's a Friday night. It's a pretty easy drive from Milwaukee so not sure if we'll stay overnight or not. I'm looking forward to seeing Clay again (gosh it's been a while!) and seeing Ruben for the first time (I never got to the AI tour). It's fun to have stuff to look forward to and be excited about!

[aikim]

SpikesmomI am going to the Hammond show too! If I don't see you in Milwaukee, I hope we can meet up in Hammond.

So...after much thinking, planning and a little whining from yours truly...looks like we are going to make the Ashville show after all. I am so excited as I have never been to a "first show" before and it will be kind of nice to go into a show not knowing what is going to happen! Also this will be my husband's first Clay show/experience...I am hoping he enjoys it because that will bode well for future traveling.

Nervous about the ticket buying on Tuesday...not too concerned about where I will be sitting, just that I get tickets.

Kim

[spikesmom]

SpikesmomI am going to the Hammond show too! If I don't see you in Milwaukee, I hope we can meet up in Hammond.

So...after much thinking, planning and a little whining from yours truly...looks like we are going to make the Ashville show after all. I am so excited as I have never been to a "first show" before and it will be kind of nice to go into a show not knowing what is going to happen! Also this will be my husband's first Clay show/experience...I am hoping he enjoys it because that will bode well for future traveling.

Nervous about the ticket buying on Tuesday...not too concerned about where I will be sitting, just that I get tickets.

Kim

OH YES! (tm Sir Robin - I am remembering that correctly, right? Darn, Spamalot seems like eons ago!) I'd love to meet you! And CONGRATS! on making the first show! We were able to do that somewhere... darn CRS, if I can remember where - I think it was a Christmas tour maybe? It really is fun - the anticipation is great! Good luck with your ticket buying - I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get in the house!

[Couch Tomato]

see you in ashville Aikim. I'm glad it worked out!

Spikesmom, loved your post.

So are we expecting more dates or is this it?

[cindilu2]

see you in ashville Aikim. I'm glad it worked out!

Spikesmom, loved your post.

So are we expecting more dates or is this it?

There are two ways to look at this I suppose. In the opening blurb about the concerts on OFC it says...

Kicking off July 23, 2010 in Asheville, North Carolina, Clay and Ruben will bring their "Timeless" tour to 17 cities including appearances at famed venues such as New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, LA Nokia Live in Los Angeles, and Pennsylvania's American Music Theater.

However the closing line says,

A LIST OF CURRENT TOUR DATES (AS OF MARCH 28, 2010):

And there are seventeen dates listed. However, Ruben said July thru September on AI and there are no September dates listed.

So yeah - hope that clears things up for you.

[Couch Tomato]

So yeah - hope that clears things up for you.

You were right earlier when you said there is comfort in the status quo. Heee Confusion from the OFC is to be expected.

[Clayzy]

O/T, but... I just got a new phone!

Slightly on topic... I can't put ringtones on it, just download them from the service itself, but the phone service's website has 36 Clay songs, plus God Bless the USA and O Come All Ye Faithful from Idol. So... yay? I'll miss my current "recognize this voice" though. :'^( Also, the ringtones are $3/ea, so I might end up pretty poor! Let's see... 3 times 36... EEK. I guess I'll have to make a poll: What should Clayzy's new ringtone be?

[Carolina Clay]

Happy Easter!

It's Easter Sunday on the East Coast, and I just uploaded a new Carolina On My Mind blog that contains a little history about Easter resurrection and Spring renewal, as well as seasonal photography (by Sally btw), graphics of Clay, and pix of grandkids Kai and Lia. Hope you enjoy!

Wishing you and yours a very special day!

Caro

[Couch Tomato]

OMG the Time Life Rock Ballads should be renamed songs covered and sung better by Clay Aiken. LOL.

This is so fun weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

OMG another one. I want to know what love is..... and they want 4 payments of 29.99.

[bottlecap]

[FearofH2O]

Happy Easter to those who celebrate! I miss making colored eggs. We talked to our son in Oregon last night. He had gone to buy three chicks for his girlfriend to raise in her backyard. She'll only use them for the eggs, otherwise they'll be pets. I guess Portland only allows three chickens per house.

Clazy maybe you should wait for the new cd. Meanwhile there is a website where you can make your own ringtones. I just don't remember the name or url. Sorry.