ldyjocelyn

I'm going to address playbiller's query first, because I think it is a very good one. I guess my question, for those who want him to bolt from Clive and RCA, is this: what makes you think that anything BETTER will come along at a different record label? I'm thinking of that old chestnut "the grass is always greener on the other side." I know very little about the music business, but it IS a business, and I tend to believe that the stuff RCA does happens at other places as well.

KAndre, my blood pressure has been rising for the past 12 hours; I know exactly what you mean...

..and then Clay shows up on GMA. My heart hurts for him, that he has to deal with this crap. At the same time, though -- he's a shrewd, shrewd man and so incredibly smart with his answers. I love him so very much.

I love me some Clay.

Just some? I love ALL of Clay.

I've never been more proud to be a fan of his. Ever. He makes my heart sing.

Honestly? If Clay came out with all (relatively) new material (MOAM, anyone), I still think the critics wouldn't like it. If he came out with all new material that he wrote, I think the mockery would still be there. Because not matter what, Clay really is the face of American Idol. The face of the "worst" of pop culture. What the masses like and therefore less likely to be of critical worth in so many eyes. Shoot, I see critics sneer at Green Day and the Dave Matthews Band and Bon Jovi. I really don't care what critics say - basically I read them for entertainment value - if they don't have a clever way of saying something, I go 'feh' and more on. Too many of them use bad cliches and usually anti-female (if soccer-moms, middle-aged women, teeny boppers, etc. are said to like it, it must be horrrrrrible.)

And there are many little psychotic pockets of Clay land. Avoid them.

I knew there was a reason why I was a minion...now I know...

Bows before thee, oh great one...

I'm at home, wearing my nightshirt listening to the iTunes downloaded album. My thoughts? What thoughts -- I'm all a jumble of emotions over this album. I freakin' love it. I'm hard pressed to find my favorite at this point, but I think EIH has the edge at the moment...one of the most gorgeous love songs ever. I'm sure I'll come out with more opinions later...when my brain starts working again.

GMA this morning was awesome. He looked fantastic...I love the hipster look on him, although it took me a few minutes to realize he didn't have the facial hair. I actually kinda missed it. ATD made me cry -- and I don't cry. Wow. Again, I'm sure I'll come up with more later.

Ansa, here's a thought about LAA not being on the actual album: maybe Clay wanted it to be a special gift for his fans. Clive might have been pushing for it to be on the album, and (sometimes) humble Clay said "nope, let's give that to the fans instead." I could be talking out of my ass on that, but it IS a thought.

Thank you all for the birthday wishes yesterday. It was a great day, and you all helped make it special. Clay helped too. *g*

This is how I'm feeling at the moment:

:nana:

With all the news coming out today, the fact that Clay's gonna be on my TV again this evening (as well as in my hot little hands), the fact that bottlecap has decided that Clive isn't so bad afterall, and that KAndre has honored me with her supreme dancing skills...

Man, to quote another great song:

Gonna Be a Perfect Day!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Clay loves ME! He's written a song for me and released on iTunes exclusively for MEEEEEEEEEEEE! I'm going to wait though until tomorrow morning, after GMA, to try and download it. I've never done iTunes before (just set up the account yesterday), and I'll be sleep deprived as it is.

*sigh*

Just when I thought this day couldn't get ANY better...

KAndre, "bloodbath" was my first words thought of as well when I read that about the tour. HOWEVER...I see this album as being PERFECT for smaller settings. I cannot wait.

I'm hoping that my copy ordered from Sony will be waiting for me so that I can listen to the CD (as a virgin, no less ) as I'm driving to the release party. I've decided I'm going to open this one and the one I'm planning on getting from KMart (one for my car, one for my house). My Amazon copy will stay unopened for me to keep (archival copy). The two I buy at WalMart this evening will be given away/sold (and both are spoken for). The iTunes copy will be burned for my car.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Happy dance of joy -- the day is finally here!

Work sucks when you want to be partying!

Just checking in for a bit...

...to SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE over boyfriend last night. Gah! I loved that he left himself scruffy -- the combination of hair, face and suit makes he look like a new wave hipster to me, and I think it is a great look. Also, I almost NEVER notice when he sings "sick" -- I thought he sounded really pretty darn good, and so did my husband.

bottlecap -- I like Letterman a lot, but I thought Jay was really funny last night. I also liked Howie -- even during the interview with Clay. If nothing else, it was fun watching the two hyperactive overgrown 12 year olds duking it out for talking rights! Clay's a charming guest, and yet knows his way to stand up and say "it's my turn!" Heh.

The only section I tuned out was the intern guy. Didn't need, or want, to see that.

I'm hoping my copy of ATDW comes in today. Then I can listen freely without worry of "spoilage" anymore. *g*

couchie, thanks for the board usage lesson. I did not know that [tm Johnny Carson]. That's very cool.

Overnight...advertisement for the new album. This is where the video of WY came in the GMA promo. Cheesy voice over announcer...but GAH Clay looks fantastic! The band is back too!

This is going to be so, so cool. And this promotion is working almost exactly as I thought it would -- hit 'em with everything right before or right after the drop date. People will remember this, and pick up the album.

No worries, man.

Pictures on the OFC are still giving me funny feelings in certain parts of the anatomy.

Promo clip for GMA up at clackunlimited.com

OMG, I'm going to be dying next week. He looks gorgeous, and...what's that? I think I saw a video! YAY!!!!! Plus he's going to talk. I can't wait.

playbiller, I think I noticed when I was renewing that there was a blank for "promo coupon." Could that be what you are looking for?

Well, shoot. I have Tuesday off, so seeing Clay on GMA will be no problem. However, I MUST be at work at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning; I can't even BE sick, let alone pretend. Darn it!

But those OFC pictures have me thinking very very nasty thoughts. The one at the top of the screen for "My Profile" is lethal.

BTW, I had no problems renewing!

BTW #2: I just got word that my Sony ATDW order is shipped! EEEEEEEEE! Maybe I'll have it early! Then I'll be justified in listening over the weekend!

couchie, come to Merrillville. You know you want to, you know it...

It's on a Saturday....so no time off work....

It's the first concert of the tour (so far)....so you'd be unspoiled...

C'mon, you know you want to.

luckiest1 and I are going. That's an added bonus.

Those pictures of Durham are adorable. Such a cute fuzzball. Wonder how he and Raleigh get along?

There are no CC stations in my area. None whatsoever. However, when the Chicago station puts the link on their page, I'll be all over it...with the sound turned down. Anyway, I want Chicago to get Clay this time, so I'll do my best. Besides, if the CC stations pick up on it, I think maybe my local AC station (in this podunk town) will maybe play it. I hope. *crosses fingers*

The EW thing is a rehash of what the magazine has in it. My copy came over the weekend, and I must say it was nice to turn to Library Guy Page. *g* And it is REALLY nice to see him on the front page of the online version as well. I think RCA paid a little for that, don't you?

Claygasm, I'm waiting with you -- I did it for the last two albums, I can surely do wait for this one as well. And even if a truck hits me during this next week, I'll survive, demmit!

Sheesh...what a WONDERFUL weekend to go camping with friends. I missed out on all the fun, although I'm now catching up with the clack. I'll get most of the clack from last night as soon as I get home from work, although I am sneaking a small copy of WY...except that it's taking for-freaking-ever to download. Cannot wait to see this performance. I did also download the audio music from last night, so I guess I can say I've heard RHW... Anyway, it sounds like an incredibly good weekend for Clay, and a good time was had by all!

Oh, and while I'm not listening to the album, I don't care if you discuss it out "loud." I had a hoot of a time reading everyone's comments on the CH.

As far as his look goes from last night...guh. Loosened tie, hair swept away, freshly debacled look. All he needed was a cigarette and a martini in his hands. Too bad he neither drinks nor smokes. [/big joke]

bottlecap, about the WalMart posters -- from the CH:

from giftoflove4clay at the CB: link

Quote:

A Very funny Best Buy story, a giggle for you, but cool

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I called the Best Buy at the Galleria near me and asked the Guy in music how many CD's they are getting in and fan packages. When he said 11, I said you HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, that's all? He laughed and said there was a note added under that that the vendor sent a note they are rushing in 150 more fan packages and they had coming in 75 CD's but also an added note that was put in the computer TODAY, emergency shipment of 150 more CD's coming in on 20th. LOL He wouldn't let me reserve, he said no reserves on Clay's fan packs to be there when they open at 10:00 AM and I would be sure to get one but he said his boss said, no reserves on the Clay Aiken CD's as some were already sold (meaning promised for a small Clay fan gathering and they are meeting the manager at midnight to get their copies, he is opening the store just for them to come in and get them, but there is an order that the fan packs can't be sold until they open on the 19th at 10:00 UNLESS their emergency shipment comes in before the 20th. I cracked up. He said all their TV's showed on CNN Clay's Presidential appointment and everyone at the store was talking about it and his manager said yeah, I'm going to see him at West Point, LOL LOL. I said see you there!

He said WHAT is going on with Clay Aiken, Best Buy is rushing around like crazy stocking up, LOL LOL LOL I replied, they SHOULD, they have a nice ad of their LOGO on the main page as of today of their store on Clay's fanclub website main page and how many members would see it today. When I told him how many hits Clay's blog gets he was shocked. I also told him that Tower Records and Virgin Megastores got most of the parties but I believe many Best Buys are getting them too. And I said Best Buy KNOWS they will get the business now because they will be the only ones carrying the fan club pack. He said and I quote "Justin T (you know who) won't know what hit him the week Clay's CD comes out, LOL

I just love this experience I just had on the phone, I am grinning ear to ear. The buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz is buzzzzzzzzing

EVERYONE is talking about Clay! I "think" shock and awe is beginning here? LOL

I then called Wallmart Megastore and they are getting in, get this 250 of Clay's CD week one and another shipment week 2. And they know Best Buy got the "gig" for the fanclub packs, so what they are doing is getting in a ton of extra posters as promotional items when you buy your CD at this particular Walmart, so I guess I stop there too, it is right next to Best Buy, my poor poor pocketbook. I will be poor now.

So, that makes one CD ordered from Amazon; one from Sony to get the magnet; two from the WalMart for the CD Release party (maybe they'll have the posters?!?!?!); possibly one from KMart to get the possible digital download; and one from Best Buy to pick up the fanclub pack. Wonder when Target and Circuit City will get their acts in gear?

bottle, your TO DO list is right on! I'm grateful I'm off on Sept. 19, albeit sleep deprived (the CD party for me is an hour and a half away from home). I've also got a doctor's appointment that day. Should be interesting.

muski, I can sorta see the fey in that picture...but I think that's why I like it so much. In a way, it's him thumbing his nose at the critics for his looks. I think he looks lethal in it.

But then I'm easy (not cheap) regarding Clay Aiken, and like almost every single look he's ever had. He makes me swoon.

I know I'm postwhorring...

From the OFC renewal email...

I personally like this picture, a LOT. I'm already reading others who don't...a lot of them because of the vest. *shrug*

I am one of those who doesn't like it. I mean, first he's wearing his grandfather's sweaters again but worse than that is he looks totally and completely wasted!! :o

But I would still do him....

Wasted? Or just debacled? You decide.

I know I'm postwhorring...

From the OFC renewal email...

I personally like this picture, a LOT. I'm already reading others who don't...a lot of them because of the vest. *shrug*

I'm guessing that my husband wouldn't be thrilled if I signed him up for the Fan Club at Best Buy, right?

And watch, he'd be the one to win the M&G.

Fan Club Year 2

Gulp.

Swoon.

Thud.

Dead.

But now I've got to figure out how to get all this stuff. If anyone figures it out, tell me please?!?!?!

I am extremely proud of Mr. Clayton Aiken, Presidential Appointee. "Whatta man" is right, bottlecap.

Love him. I'm verklempt.

Actually, I think that guy is going to go on Leno, sit with his leg folded under him and giggle at the pictures we're looking at here!

I think he's having a freaking BLAST with his 'new' look! I think he's cracking his own shit up! I'm joining him. He's hawt and sexy and fun and so very smart and I just love him. Some people are having a big conversation about the rings. I happen to believe he likes jewelry. He's often worn necklaces (we'll conveniently forget the puka shell!)...and the beads for life bracelet...he wore a thumb ring in that YMCA picture...he wore crazy-assed sneakers in school and had a pet goat, for crying out loud!

Now he has money. He's having pictures taken for a CD that is full of LOVE songs...he's having a blast, I tell ya! this is the same guy who bent over for long seconds on stage and made a comment about us taking pictures of his rear end...the same guy who grinded the you know what out of Angela (lucky beyotch), the same guy who makes "O" faces and strokes the mic stand in such a way that HE KNOWS drives us crazy...the same man who has given us MULTIPLE looks at the proof of his enjoyment of being on stage and being adored by thousands of women---and who, after many pictures of said proof appear online, just doesn't care. (I'Ve always thought there's a bit of the exhibitionist in our boyfriend, actually.)...

Why people are having a hard time looking at these pictures and 'seeing' the 'real' Clay is beyond me. All of his looks are the real Clay. He's infinitely fascinating.I love him.

muski, I was going to try and snip something out of this...but I just couldn't . I think every word of this is true, so very true. He's getting to the point where he KNOWS of what he does to women, and he's getting a great, big.........

...kick out of it. (Did you think I'd say something dirty there? )

And, just to prove the point...this was just posted by Jazzy at the CH, taken in July at a Krispy Kreme:

Clickable...and note the jewelry.

That's my dichotomy man. He's whiplash inducing some days, to be sure...but I love him so very much. He can be brooding, he can be smirky, he can be smiling, and he can be goofy...and I just love him all the more.

Ahem...

Wow. Just wow.

These pictures call for....dancing bananas!!!!

Specially this one, because I'm in lurrrrrrrrve...

He looks so joyful, and happy, and playful. Brooding Clay is fun, smirking Clay is even better....

The single picture: Love, love, love the pose. The body language there is very striking to me. Love as well the jewelry...gah. Nice bracelet, dude. But yet...I'm not as crazy about this picture as the album cover. I think what it is for me is the darkness of the entire look. Dark suit, dark hair, shadows almost covering the face...it just makes him look OFF for me. I think I would have liked this picture more if he had also been in the lighter colored jacket. But that's just me.

What I'm really looking forward to, though, is hearing the man in a few days. Hearing him giggle with that haircut (and that look in general) is going to be a mindblowing experience. Can.not.wait.

Can I bring a pillow to the padded room? *g*

So, the OFC is offering Without You as a ringtone for cellular phones. Demmit...now I've got to upgrade my cell phone as well as buy copies of the album. This hobby is expensive!

I'll have a side of fava beans and a nice Chianti with that please, bottlecap...

Hey, guess what? It's September!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEE!

I'm extremely happy for the Insider thing -- I'm glad he worked on that "in" with them last year, and it is paying off now. And the hair will sing...*sigh*

Copies of the radio single are showing up on ebay at the moment...

And this is the CHEAPER one at the moment...

And, thanks to GBB at the CH....here's a bigger copy of that picture...yum.

Um yeah...he's hawt.

Well, in MY crystal ball, my husband has transformed himself into Clay Aiken.

muski, while I don't think a new album after ATDW will come THAT quickly...I've always thought that the 15th "hidden/bonus" track on ATDW should be Back for More. Wouldn't that just end the album perfectly, with it's "not too crazy about love songs" lyrics? Pure snark...and honestly, once word spreads that there is a bonus track, THAT could then be the next single. Ah well, a girl can dream.