ldyjocelyn

I thought the Standard interview was outstanding. His passion and his outrage for the people in Uganda was unbelievable, and his talk about expectations for the next album were truly believable.

Love little Raleigh. (Although I suppose you could say she's not that "little" anymore...she needs to cut out the pretzels, stat!)

I'm trying to be me

I've always said to myself that if I ever did get a chance to meet Clay, I would tell him "thank you for being you." That, to me, is the highest compliment that I could give him. I'm glad he feels that this is what he can do.

The Rocky Mountain News article is a wonderful example of "priming" -- basically letting the fans know that he'll be OK if he doesn't sell nearly as many CD's the first week for this album as he did for the others. He also knows full well the way the media is going to treat the album if it doesn't sell as well too. He's basically going into a very uncertain time with his eyes open, as best he can.

I can't wait to see this Canadian interview.

I actually have worried about this, heh.  I live alone so I don't normally have to worry about shielding clack from loved ones, but I've sometimes wondered what would happen if I were in an accident, leaving my family to go through all of my possessions.  I mean, what will they think when they discover nearly 80 gigs of Clay audio/video on my hard drive?  Yikes.  They have no idea.

I'm hoping that my husband will be around to take care of most of it -- and I think I've got him trained well enough that if anything happens to me, my Clay friends would divide the stash. If it's the rest of my family, though, that wouuld have to do this...it would all be trashed. *sniff*

But only 80 gigs on the hard drive? I honestly don't know what my family would think when they find my two external 120 gig drives, plus all the data disks I've burned, plus my 2 120 internal drives. And I'm thinking of picking up another external soon!

Bonniemeadow -- thank you for your recap. I've now got a sappy grin on my face, because I can feel your joy in seeing this show. BTW, if you want to call the FCA "home" -- well, welcome neighbor.

I watched some black suit / white suit video back to back last night.  The white suits definitely make a much stronger visual impact, so in my opinion, that was an excellent change.  In other wardrobe news, I want Quiana's white brocade jacket and Angela's black velvet pantsuit.  Both the women look terrific.  And so does Jacob, in his white sweater, and then black suit with the olive tie.  His shoulders are not quite Clay-caliber, but he's looking good.

I agree that the white suit makes a much more interesting visual. I love a man in black (even Johnny Cash, hee), but the white suit makes Clay simply luminous. He's so stunning.

I think Angela looks faboo -- both the black and white outfits. Quiana is just simply so joyous all the time, I can't help but smile at her. Jacob is looking very good too -- the contrast of his dark coloring with the white sweater is very nice.

Shoot, I want to see more than one of this show. And it's coming up fast! Less than 2 weeks! EEEEEEE!

bonniemeadow and Couch Tomato -- sounds like you had a wonderful show and a wonderful time. I love the fact that the preparty was an interboard thing...because, when it all boils down, we're ALL Clay Aiken fans. Period.

And couchie -- your review brought a big old smile to my face. ITA with the "old soul" assessment, but I too am glad he's here for us in this time period, and I look forward to following him for years to come.

Aiken Celebrates Holidays, Preps New Album

Aiken Celebrates Holidays, Preps New Album

November 03, 2005, 11:15 AM ET

John Benson, Cleveland

Not that he became bored on last year's Joyful Noise Tour, but Clay Aiken made a discovery during his 2004 holiday outing that he hopes has improved this year's seasonal run, which visits Portland, Ore., tonight (Nov. 3).

"As you begin to do 20 or 30 shows, they start to become rote in a way and you're able to step out of your body sometimes and take a look," Aiken tells Billboard.com. "And I thought, 'This is beautiful but it's Christmas music. What are we going to do with Christmas music that is original?' So [then] I thought, 'What if we can figure out a way to make all of these songs mean something?'"

Aiken's show remains the same as last year's run in support of the RCA album "Merry Christmas with Love," in the sense it is divided between secular material in the first half and religious songs in the second. But this year, the 2003 "American Idol" runner-up decided to replace the full orchestra with actors and dancers performing a holiday narrative during the first portion. He even hired his former high school choir teacher, Alison Lawrence, to play the lead role.

Once the holiday tour wraps up, the 26-year-old artist will finish up recording the follow-up to his multi-platinum 2003 debut disc, "Measure of a Man." With some songs already recorded, "Just You" and "Back for More" were previewed by Aiken during his summer tour. He says the new album should be out in the first half of 2006.

"The first album was really rushed," he says. "[That was] not really anybody's fault, but it was kind of intended to be because of the nature of what it was. And this time, we've had extra time to try to make sure we find the right songs. We're in position now where we have a lot of good stuff and we're going to get a chance to pick the best of the best."

Aiken admits that while he's been encouraged to do a little songwriting on his own, he's conflicted with the entire process.

"I feel differently about it than I think most people do," Aiken says. "Honestly, a lot of artists that you see -- I'm going to get people mad at me but I've been doing that a lot lately so I might as well keep on -- who have written songs on their album, the truth is they probably just went in changed a word here or there. And if they are big enough artists, they get credit for writing the song. I'm not going to do that. If you see my name on it, I've had at least some type of real role in writing it."

He adds, "And that said, I'm not as good at writing songs as Alicia Keys or those people who are just really great at doing that. So, why not take advantage of what they do and really just get really great songs from people who can write for me?"

Moved to November section.

Aiken Celebrates Holidays, Preps New Album

Aiken admits that while he's been encouraged to do a little songwriting on his own, he's conflicted with the entire process.

"I feel differently about it than I think most people do," Aiken says. "Honestly, a lot of artists that you see -- I'm going to get people mad at me but I've been doing that a lot lately so I might as well keep on -- who have written songs on their album, the truth is they probably just went in changed a word here or there. And if they are big enough artists, they get credit for writing the song. I'm not going to do that. If you see my name on it, I've had at least some type of real role in writing it."

He adds, "And that said, I'm not as good at writing songs as Alicia Keys or those people who are just really great at doing that. So, why not take advantage of what they do and really just get really great songs from people who can write for me?"

Why do I so dearly love the fact that he knows he's making people mad when he says certain things?

As for last night's show....I just couldn't stay up for the cellcert, and have only watched a few bits of clack. Having said that...this looks like a worthy production, and I'm so incredibly proud of him. Vocally, he sounds outstanding. Love the suit too. I cannot wait to see this show, and am now seriously thinking about attending a few more.

Here Clay...here's my credit card number. Just take it. I don't need to pay off debt.

CLACK PANTS HAIR PENGUINS  CLACK PANTS HAIR PENGUINS  CLACK PANTS HAIR PENGUINS  CLACK PANTS HAIR PENGUINS  CLACK PANTS HAIR PENGUINS CLACK PANTS HAIR PENGUINS  CLACK PANTS HAIR PENGUINS 

Hmmm...I really think there is nothing left to say. *g*

I love a man with integrity.  He sure has it in spades.

Yes, me too. Me too. Can we share him? Please?

I too am excited for the JNT 2005. My hope is that Clay's hard word pays off once again. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

America's ''Good Neighbor'' Teams up with Recording Artist Clay Aiken's Bubel/Aiken Foundation to Promote Inclusive Education

Bloomington, IL – Recording star Clay Aiken and State Farm Insurance® are making beautiful music by working in concert to help children of all levels of ability be more included in the educational system. State Farm has granted $1.5 million dollars to Clay’s foundation, The Bubel/Aiken Foundation to help develop a primary education curriculum focused on teaching social and life skills through service to children of all levels of ability. The State Farm-Bubel/Aiken team hopes that by teaching the language of diverse abilities, communities will be supported in viewing children with disabilities as contributors and active members of society.

YAY for the BAF!

One thing is clear though...CLique merchandise has a poor way of communicating...definitely is not working well with this fandom...

Yes, this makes me very sad. They just don't seem to have good sense of this fandom. While I don't think they should try to please everyone, and I don't think their management is going to be the end of Clay's career -- it seems like they strike before they think (if that makes any sense). Having said that...I'll probably take my machete and hack my way to the merchandise tables to see what is there. *g*

And, yes, this is the fourth version of the book I have purchased:  The hardcover and CD from Amazon, the hardcover from Target because the Amazon order didn't come promptly and I had to have it right away, and now the $84.00 leatherbound version.  I won't even pretend I'm hesitating about buying at least one paperback copy when that comes out in November.  All those copies, and I've only read and listened to the darn thing once.

I've just ordered copies number 4 and 5 of LTS. I purchased a copy of the Christian bookstore version, plus two regular copies (one which will NEVER be used, gotta save a pristine copy). I couldn't justify a leather bound autographed copy, although it was tempting. Now I've just ordered two copies of the paperback version -- again, one to be kept hidden away as a collectible. Yes, I'm weird.

If you have the patience, there's no reason the Wolfman can't be taught to bark along with the classic all-dog rendition of "Jingle Bells".

This reminded me of the SNL skits with the Mummy and Frankenstein singing holiday classics. Anyone remember those? I LOVED those skits.

{{{{{Penguin-less bottlecap}}}}}

And bottlecap goes off to think of how to integrate penguins into a Mongolian polka theme.....

Yeah, that would work for me too.

Looking at the schedule of concerts, I also guess I should do some heavy duty house-cleaning this week-end.  By the time Christmas rolls around, I may have to pass off the dust bunnies as cotton snowballs and the dust as festive flocking.  I bet a little glitter tossed on the spider webs would really brighten up those dark corners.

Hee...I did the same thing last weekend, and will probably do more this weekend. Since I hate housework so much -- I figure it is a good time to make sure the cat's hairballs are harvested, in time for a new crop by Christmas. *g*

OTOH...having Clay's Christmas tour starting now has me doing things like addressing Christmas cards and buying presents already. Thanks, Clay!

The KTLA interview yesterday was adorable. I love the way Clay talks! People keep saying he talks fast -- and I've never noticed that. Heck, I understand every word he says. (Maybe because I just simply HANG on his every word? *g*) I also love the way he "talks with his body" (down smutters). He knows how to emphasize words with an extra raise of an eyebrow and the like. Love that.

His hair looked so soft, as did the sweater.

And he got to talk about UNICEF and the tour. That was so great.

I love him more today than yesterday...

More Clay Emmy pictures -- he interviewed them!

Stylin' Socks

New BAF auction

Watch that auction, as more items are being added.

OK, the Kimmel hat is seriously cracking me up. I :::heart::: Jimmy.

The press release is here!

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Clay Aiken might sing "I'll Be Home

for Christmas," but he won't be, as he embarks on his "JOYFUL NOISE 2005"

tour, his second consecutive holiday tour. The RCA Records artist will perform

40 shows in 36 cities, starting Nov. 2 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The tour then crosses into the United States, and concludes with two shows on

Dec. 29-30 at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida.

    "JOYFUL NOISE 2005" tour is the sequel to Aiken's first holiday tour,

which was a huge success, playing to sold-out theaters at every stop. The 2005

tour will feature songs from Aiken's platinum-selling "Merry Christmas with

Love," the best-selling new holiday album of 2004. The song list will differ

from the 2004 tour, and will include a number of songs Clay recorded for the

album that didn't appear on the CD, as well as new arrangements for some

traditional favorites.

    "JOYFUL NOISE 2005" tour will feature a new element - a series of

vignettes with a running storyline, written by Aiken. The vignettes will

feature two main characters and supporting roles will be cast in each city

with local actors.

    "I've always loved Christmas music and holiday songs," says Aiken. "And

even though there's no place like home for the holidays, I'm looking forward

to touring the country with the second installment of the 'Joyful Noise'

tour."

    This is the sixth tour of Clay's career, and it caps a busy year with a

schedule filled with everything from fulfilling his role as UNICEF Ambassador

to being a reporter for the TV series "The Insider." Aiken has also been in

the studio recording his next album, and will continue to work on that project

during the closing months of 2005.

    As part of his UNICEF duties, Aiken is the spokesperson for their annual

trick-or-treat fundraising campaign. While the money raised from this effort

is usually earmarked exclusively for other countries, this year, for the first

time, half of the money raised will be donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina

in the United States.

    Following is a list of dates, cities and venues for the "JOYFUL NOISE

2005" tour:

    11/2    Vancouver, BC        Queen Elizabeth Theater

    11/3    Portland, OR          Theatre of the Clouds

    11/5    Eugene, OR            Hult Center

    11/6    Seattle, WA          McCaw Hall

    11/8    Oakland, CA          Paramount Theater

    11/9    Hollywood, CA        Kodak Theatre

    11/10    Hollywood, CA        Kodak Theatre

    11/11    San Diego, CA        San Diego Civic Theater

    11/13    Phoenix, AZ          Dodge Theatre

    11/15    Salt Lake City, UT    NuSkin Theater at Delta Center

    11/16    Denver, CO            Lecture Hall

    11/18    Council Bluffs, IA    Mid America Center

    11/19    Kansas City, MO      Midland Theater

    11/21    Minneapolis, MN      Northrop Auditorium

    11/22    Chicago, IL          Chicago Theatre

    11/25    Louisville, KY        Palace Theater

    11/26    Cincinnati, OH        Music Hall

    11/27    Youngstown, OH        Convocation Center

    11/29    Pittsburgh, PA        Heinz Hall

    11/30    Reading, PA          Sovereign Center

    12/2    New York, NY          Beacon Theater

    12/3    New York, NY          Beacon Theater

    12/4    New York, NY          Beacon Theater

    12/6    Boston, MA            Orpheum

    12/8    Albany, NY            The Palace

    12/9    Providence, RI        Providence Perf Arts Center

    12/10    Wallingford, CT      Oakdale Theatre

    12/11    Camden, NJ            Tweeter Center

    12/13    Washington, DC        Constitution Hall

    12/14    Baltimore, MD        Lyric Theater

    12/16    Nashville, TN        Gaylord Entertainment Center

    12/17    Atlanta, GA          Civic Center Theater

    12/18    Pensacola, FL        Civic Center

    12/20    Columbia, SC          Township Auditorium

    12/21    Charlotte, NC        New Charlotte Arena

    12/22    Raleigh, NC          Moonlight Theatre

    12/27    Hollywood, FL        Seminole Arena

    12/28    Melbourne, FL        King Center for the Arts

    12/29    Clearwater, FL        Ruth Eckerd Hall

    12/30    Clearwater, FL        Ruth Eckerd Hall

I'll be back later to comment, when I have more time...

Thanks bottlecap for the laugh! That was awesome.

The press release is here!

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Clay Aiken might sing "I'll Be Home

for Christmas," but he won't be, as he embarks on his "JOYFUL NOISE 2005"

tour, his second consecutive holiday tour. The RCA Records artist will perform

40 shows in 36 cities, starting Nov. 2 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The tour then crosses into the United States, and concludes with two shows on

Dec. 29-30 at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida.

    "JOYFUL NOISE 2005" tour is the sequel to Aiken's first holiday tour,

which was a huge success, playing to sold-out theaters at every stop. The 2005

tour will feature songs from Aiken's platinum-selling "Merry Christmas with

Love," the best-selling new holiday album of 2004. The song list will differ

from the 2004 tour, and will include a number of songs Clay recorded for the

album that didn't appear on the CD, as well as new arrangements for some

traditional favorites.

    "JOYFUL NOISE 2005" tour will feature a new element - a series of

vignettes with a running storyline, written by Aiken. The vignettes will

feature two main characters and supporting roles will be cast in each city

with local actors.

    "I've always loved Christmas music and holiday songs," says Aiken. "And

even though there's no place like home for the holidays, I'm looking forward

to touring the country with the second installment of the 'Joyful Noise'

tour."

    This is the sixth tour of Clay's career, and it caps a busy year with a

schedule filled with everything from fulfilling his role as UNICEF Ambassador

to being a reporter for the TV series "The Insider." Aiken has also been in

the studio recording his next album, and will continue to work on that project

during the closing months of 2005.

    As part of his UNICEF duties, Aiken is the spokesperson for their annual

trick-or-treat fundraising campaign. While the money raised from this effort

is usually earmarked exclusively for other countries, this year, for the first

time, half of the money raised will be donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina

in the United States.

    Following is a list of dates, cities and venues for the "JOYFUL NOISE

2005" tour:

    11/2    Vancouver, BC        Queen Elizabeth Theater

    11/3    Portland, OR          Theatre of the Clouds

    11/5    Eugene, OR            Hult Center

    11/6    Seattle, WA          McCaw Hall

    11/8    Oakland, CA          Paramount Theater

    11/9    Hollywood, CA        Kodak Theatre

    11/10    Hollywood, CA        Kodak Theatre

    11/11    San Diego, CA        San Diego Civic Theater

    11/13    Phoenix, AZ          Dodge Theatre

    11/15    Salt Lake City, UT    NuSkin Theater at Delta Center

    11/16    Denver, CO            Lecture Hall

    11/18    Council Bluffs, IA    Mid America Center

    11/19    Kansas City, MO      Midland Theater

    11/21    Minneapolis, MN      Northrop Auditorium

    11/22    Chicago, IL          Chicago Theatre

    11/25    Louisville, KY        Palace Theater

    11/26    Cincinnati, OH        Music Hall

    11/27    Youngstown, OH        Convocation Center

    11/29    Pittsburgh, PA        Heinz Hall

    11/30    Reading, PA          Sovereign Center

    12/2    New York, NY          Beacon Theater

    12/3    New York, NY          Beacon Theater

    12/4    New York, NY          Beacon Theater

    12/6    Boston, MA            Orpheum

    12/8    Albany, NY            The Palace

    12/9    Providence, RI        Providence Perf Arts Center

    12/10    Wallingford, CT      Oakdale Theatre

    12/11    Camden, NJ            Tweeter Center

    12/13    Washington, DC        Constitution Hall

    12/14    Baltimore, MD        Lyric Theater

    12/16    Nashville, TN        Gaylord Entertainment Center

    12/17    Atlanta, GA          Civic Center Theater

    12/18    Pensacola, FL        Civic Center

    12/20    Columbia, SC          Township Auditorium

    12/21    Charlotte, NC        New Charlotte Arena

    12/22    Raleigh, NC          Moonlight Theatre

    12/27    Hollywood, FL        Seminole Arena

    12/28    Melbourne, FL        King Center for the Arts

    12/29    Clearwater, FL        Ruth Eckerd Hall

    12/30    Clearwater, FL        Ruth Eckerd Hall

MOAM memories...

I remember hearing the clips off PromoSquad, and immediately liking Run to Me and ISY. I also still dearly loved Invisible (and still do to this day), even though I had watched all kinds of clack of the song by that time.

So, when I got the album -- I was impressed. It was a good album for a first effort. My favorite, by far, was Perfect Day. couchie, I agree with you in the fact that none of the live versions of that song live up to the MOAM version. I also agree that this seems weird.

Another memory I have of that day was coming home from Chicago, and my husband wanting to listen to the album on the good stereo. His favorites were RTM and Shine (the second being very Beatle-esque to him). I was pleased that he wanted to hear the album.

Today, I still pull the album out from time to time. I'll put Invisible on repeat. IWCY -- depends on my mood. There are days I listen to it over and over again, other days skip entirely. I generally put ISY on repeat as well, but that is due to "muscle memory" with thinking of live versions of this song. The two songs I tend to skip any more are MOAM and Shine.

My husband and I bought new computer speakers (with subwoofer) and a new sound card for my computer. While we have not installed the card yet, we did plug in the speakers...and OMG. I can have clack playing at 1/4 volume in my office, shut the door and go into my kitchen and hear it clearly. This rocks.

I love my husband the enabler. (But as I tell people, he lets me do Clay Aiken stuff, I let him buy power tools. Heh.)

I can't believe you all turned my lovely little idea of giving away one of Clay's JBT accessories in the next OFC contest into some kind of tawdy strip show.  I'm shocked and appalled. 

Tawdry? TAWDRY? I only host TASTEFUL strip parties...

I will stand up proudly and say that I love his current hairstyle. I think he looks mature with it. I also loved the JBT hair, the AI spikes, the mohawk from hell...even the Kevin Studdard hair.

I'm too easy, aren't I?

I'm a bad Clay fan in the fact that I probably won't stay up to see Kimmel live Monday night. By the time football is over, plus the local news, plus Nightline...I'll be up until 1:30. Too late for me, unfortunately. But I'll get up at 6:00 a.m. to watch it!

Is the request for no giggling or squealing for the audience or for Clay? Because I love giggling!Clay! However, the audience screams can sometimes make me deaf.

Now the penguins, though...love me some penguins. Almost as much as I love Clay.

Well, y'all know I will take one (or more) or the Good News pins.  Not that it is my picture or anything.  *g*  BTW, That is one of my favorite Clay pics I have ever taken.

I love that picture as well. Thank you for capturing that moment. Simply priceless.

BTW, I'll be ordering at least 3 of that pin. *g*

I prefer the silver to the gold bacground on the cutout.  From a distance, the gold was distracting.  You see the background first and not the lettering. 

Hey, buzzie's in my brain today! I'm usually a gold person, but with that design, the gold is overpowering, IMO. The silver gives it an extra holiday shine.

Let's see...50's Clay would probably be performing practically naked at this point, what with the clothes we've taken from him. Same with Elvis Clay. Since there's overlap with the Elvis and 60's Clay -- the only thing he'd be wearing for that is his tie. 70's Clay? Since Skatejoy claimed the suit (but it.is.not.a.leisure.suit. *g*), he'd be in that fugly shirt. No t-shirt though, and that's a good thing. 80's Clay would be dressed only in a polo shirt and vest. Cool. 90's Clay plus 2000 Clay -- I'm surprised no one has claimed those nice, long jeans yet. *g*

Gosh, it's fun undressing Clay. Hee.

I have dibs on the blue "suede" shoes!

I've been enjoying watching Clay on Insider mostly because he looks like he's having fun. I love watching Clay have fun. That's why I like going to multiple shows. He always looks like he's having a blast & he takes me right along with him.

ITA diamondjake. Clay having fun puts a big ole smile on my face.

At the same time...I really do see this as a screen test portfolio. With the rumors of this possible talk show, the Insider gig seems to be a good way to learn some skills and practice. Then, when he feels he's ready (and I will probably say this would be after the next album) -- he's got screen tests to show potential syndicators.

I certainly do love the man. He makes my heart sing.

Just a quick drive-by to thank everyone for the birthday wishes yesterday. And...and...and...Clay wore a beautiful outfit at the Emmy's just for MEEEEEE! Goooooooooo...me! Rah, rah, sis boom bah!!! [/cheerleader mode]

Think I can convince my husband that we don't need to pay the mortgage, pay our bills, and feed the cats for the next two months, in order for me to purchase the clothes off Clay's back? Didn't think so. Damn my husband.

I agree with bottlecap -- lurkers, it's fun! Posting will not kill you. I might even write a cheer for you all...*g*

The Insider clip was 13.5 times cuter than I had even imagined it. He's such a natural in front of the camera.

EEEEEEEEEE for couchie and Oakland! Now, if he'd just announce an Illinois date, I'll be happy. (And watch, it will be the the first weekend in December, when I already have a major committment...that's my luck regarding Clay and Illinois dates). Hmm...Atlanta is doable...

Next out of the limo is ldyjocelyn , head hoochie mama cheerleader….she’s got the crowd really going….she’s shaking those pom poms.

:::looks downward::: Honey, if they shake anymore...they'd be on the floor. *g*

Elsewhere on the red carpet, JJ Abrams seems to be dropping hints that the mystery hatch on “Lost” might just contain the tapes of Clay’s “Moon River” performance from the PTL interview, along with a full version of the Kimmel “Kyrie”.  The Clay Nation buzzes over the hints, debates their authenticity,  but a makes a note to set their TiVos and VCRs, just in case.

Didn't he also mention "They Can't Take That Away From Me," sung in London a few years ago? While I was busy shaking my pom poms, I was also sneakily listening to Mr. Abrams. My hearing this had something to do with said pom poms...

LdyJocelyn would definitely like one of the hoochie variety...ducks and runs.

A girl can dream of being a hoochie without actually being one, right?

Cool, I always wanted to be on the cheerleading team.

*attempts to do the splits, and throws out back in process*

bottlcap and txflwrgrl -- you ladies rawk! I'm loving this tag team skit writing. More please?!?!?

Hmmm...I think I need to find a skill to be a part of this skit. Maybe as first class suck-up?

buzzie and SkateJoy -- your pictures are such a pleasure to look at. Thank you both for sharing your talents.

Yep, that's me...first class suck-up...*g*

I was happy that this tour the fans seem more accepting of his snark because I don't ever want him to change or hide away that part of himself.

Yeppers. I also don't want him to lose the "dork" capabilities he has. Sure, I love Sexy!Rock!Star!Clay!...but I love Dorky!Goofy!Clay! too. (SkateJoy has some good pictures from Boston with him like that...)

New Hampshire concert, August 27, 2005

Many people told me after this show that he sounded sick, that his energy level was off. Me, I was thrilled by the entire show and did not notice any problems. I guess I’m easy.

couchie and I had 3 tickets between the two of us, so we decided to split the show. I sat for the first half in a seat that was 10th row center. Therefore, I got to see the pants up close (man, he is fine in them), and also got to see him even closer when he came two rows behind me for the husband bit.

Fonzie developed nearsightedness during his break, for Clay had his glasses on. It did make for a bit disconcerting 50’s and Elvis medley, but after that point, I didn’t care. Remember, I said I’m easy. I love the man in glasses. IMO, the Motown medley was especially good with him in the glasses, for, as someone suggested, the hat/glasses combo really did make him look a bit like Bear Bryant!

The vocal highlight for the first set, for me, is the Motown medley. Yes, it is true that Angela, Jacob and Quiana are spotlighted more in this medley…but when Clay sings, he wails. He’s got blue-eyed (or in his case, green-eyed) soul down cold. He could easily be a worthy successor to Darryl Hall.

What always strikes me about the first set is the fun he’s having. He really seems to enjoy the early stuff so much, and it comes through vocally. The 60’s medley – I rest my case.

For the second act, I sat in one of the side sections, 15th row, about 5 seats from the aisle. Totally different vantage point…but one that gave me some of the best looks at his face. You see, the jumbotrons in New Hampshire are HUGE, and that camera person just loved giving close-ups. Gah.

His lips loosen up considerably for this section of the show, and his chattiness was freakin’ hysterical that night. When he bent over to look at Andy Abad’s dolls, he surely must have known that most of the fandom was having heart palpations. And then, the look afterward – “you all should be ashamed of yourselves.” Hee. Then, later, when he introduced Maureen…I could tell he really wanted to say that Maureen screams for his butt too, but was trying to like crazy to keep himself in check. But, in the end (ha ha), he couldn’t resist. I think Maureen might have been a bit embarrassed, but Clay certainly wasn’t. He’s got to be eating this attention up.

The Terry banter was so sweet. I could tell that he just enjoyed having someone up front who would 1) just keep smiling and sweetly wave at him; and 2) not scream in his face if he met her later.

The highlight of the second set, for me, was twofold – September is the first. That’s always been my favorite EW&F song, and he sings that song with so much fun in his voice. Add to that the dance moves, and I’m in entertainment heaven. The other was my first hearing of Tears Run Dry. On first listen, it is definitely the best of the three ballads, IMO. It’s got a nice rock edge to it, but also a very good melody line. Me likey.

OK, so there’s a third highlight – BFM. I think I threw my shoulder out while I was pumping my fist in the air. That song just simply rocks, and I can’t wait to hear it on the radio, the radio, the radiooooooooooo!

All too soon, the concert was over. This tour is such an enjoyable romp through time. Clay has become a true natural on stage…not that he wasn’t before, but his confidence level is at a new high.

Thanks Clay.

P.S. I think couchie should tell her M&G story. Not that I didn’t hear it 50,000 times over the weekend *g*, but it’s her story to tell. EEEEEEEEEE!

Buzzie and SkateJoy -- thank you so much for the beautiful pictures. I was so glad I got to see both of you again.

Buzzie -- thanks too for the picture of Daniel. I think he is a great bass player, and love watching his reactions to some of the silly things Clay does!

Less than a week until I get to see Clay again. Plus there is a Brian Wilson concert for me in the middle of the week. This is going to be a LONG week!