keepingfaith

I heard an interesting discussion on BBC World News this morning forecasting popular music trends in 2009. Apparently it's all about reviving the music of the 60's British female soul singers a la Cilla and Dusty, the 70's Glam-Dram of Elton, Freddie and friends, and 80's techno-pop. The commentator says there is no looking forward to breaking new ground in pop because "it's all been done better than it's being done now." So, we should be hearing lots of covers -- reworked classics and the resurrection of overlooked songs that shoulda/coulda been classics. Now, only ONE more thing about economics .... the old paradigms are dead, ding dong. Milton Friedmanism -- totally discredited (ask Iceland). Unfettered, unregulated, full-tilt capitalism -- dead in the dirt. Keynesian economics -- dusted off and back on the shelf. The WTO, the IFM -- teetering on the brink of collapse. Does anyone else find it interesting that people get up in arms at the thought of the US ceding sovereignty to a world body such as the UN, in the pursuit of cessation of war and hostilities and killing innocent people, but embrace it and fully genuflect to giving it up to the WTO, which is just about cash in the right pockets. I mean, really. It's always been a puzzlement to me. The bottom line is that liberal economic theory is based on the greater good, a social contract between people and government and that we're only as strong as our weakest ... and conservative economics are based on radical Darwinism: laissez-faire survival of the fittest and the weak don't really exist in the equation. It's interesting to watch the traversing of the lines during economic downturns. I remember back when I was a bitty-girl and my grandfather told me that while there were liberal and conservative wings in both major parties, there was a movement for the parties to become purely conservative or liberal and that, when that happened, it would be horrible for the country and would not stand but be a difficult recovery. I've never forgotten it. Anyway, the old head/heart thing .... I always thought it made the best sense to be inclusive, fair, and extend justice to all. That's just smart thinking, IMO. In the band -- I've got drums!

I think that ignorance and bigotry are, at their core, issues of family upbringing, education and religion -- and I have a feeling that Clay was a victim of anti-gay bigotry from his father -- just my sense of it. Regarding the word "liberal" -- it was re-branded as a negative term by its opposition, and makes no sense because our Founding Fathers were extreme liberals, and were opposed by converservatives / Tories / Loyalists / monarchists. What's more liberal than a revolution and a declaration of the rights of man! Liberal was redefined by a group led by William F. Buckley in the 1950's to mean anything the conservatives deem "anti-American" or "anti-God." It was a ploy and sadly was believed by people who really don't know America's history as a progressive people. So sad, and through the looking glass! It was a bad joke that liberals laughed at, and shouldn't have. The root word is Liberty. Okay, I'm done. Wait a minute, one more thing .... Jesus was a liberal and the Pharisees and Sadducees were conservative. Okay, now I am done.

I love this one, too.

merrieeee, I have some curtain calls I'm partial to ... The getty one is a big favorite. Would anyone happen to have a clean copy of that one? Please, please. Going through the photobucket, I got hung up on this Spamalot stagedoor close up .... for a very extended period of time. Like, still.

My random guess for a tour start date: June 25 I'd love another July 4 with Clay and barefeet and fireworks. Almost TOO much fun last time!

Anecdotal and nothing more than feeling the need to remember Bill .... During the early 1980's I worked with a wonderful man named Bill. Bill was the manliest of men, a military veteran, and widower whose wife of 20 years had been deceased for about 5 years or so when I met him. After knowing him a few months and getting to be friends, he told me that he was gay ... well, actually, he said homoSEXXX-shual in his inimitable way. He had a deep voice and did hilarious imitations, including one I'll never forget of Charley Pride singing, "Roll On Mississippi." Anyway, he was charming, from a well-known family, and knew all the right people. But, he didn't particularly like to hang out with them, hence the still-memorable get-togethers at his posh home, where he lived with his partner Eduard-- two people I will always miss. Bill loved Dynasty, particularly "Alexxxx-sisss" and he started having Dynasty parties at his house every week to watch the show. The first night I attended, Bill met me at the door, and he WAS Alexis. I didn't recognize him at first with the wig, full make-up and elegant clothes. And he invited all his friends, gay and straight to participate. There would be a houseful of his friends masquerading as Dynasty characters -- Krystle, Fallon, and more, but only Bill could be Alexxxx-sisss. And there were faux catfights that were so funny I'd be writhing on the floor. One night he wore a floor-length gown, a gorgeous red chiffon thing that was gathered in the back in the upper thigh region with a giant jeweled clasp. He called this particular gown "Diamonds Out The Ass." He had tiaras too. Anyway, Bill was so glammed up at home it was hard to adjust to "Executive Bill" back at the office. Either way, I loved him dearly. He was one of the kindest, most generous and joyful people I have ever known in my life and I'll always miss him.

You said it, kid. Chris Daughtry and David Cook are prime example of guys who will always look the same or similar -- balding or cueball. Couchie, you killed me with the "man up" term. ... and I hope to God that Clay never mans all the way up to shaved head. That would be so wrong. ETA: I have a son who shaves his head and I hate it, but he's military and it's his thing. There's time in the future to do that when male pattern baldness sets in, as it did with his father! EATA: And another thing, people talk about Boobgate, and now Boobgate 2 ... but nobody ever mentions the Tonguegate picture that was on one of his friend's MySpace a couple of years ago ... with his extended tongue approaching the ear .... et tu, Bottle?

Clay in make-up ... mmmm, I like very much!

From the Land of Howdaweeno: Maybe Clay likes the way he looks in eyeliner and mascara and intentionally puts on makeup whether he's performing or not, since it's his own face he sees in the mirror. And, maybe Clay is ready to record another CD right now. He already told us the next one will be a covers CD, so it's assumable that something is already in the works, possibly something that could catapult him into a JBT-2 this summer. I think it would be interesting to see how he would fare with a re-drawn fanbase. You win some and you lose some -- and I'm happy with the process. Also, as to any controversies about Clay's "looks" -- I think change is one of the best things about him. In fact, I think he rivals I Ching. As to the economy, seems to me that the golden age of movies, stage shows and nightclubs was during the Great Depression. The 30's were an escape into glitter and glamour and singing and dancing, top hats, canes and feather boas. Also, regarding the winter show closings on Broadway, I read that 13 or 14 new shows are opening this spring season. The show must go on! jmh, I always notice and read your posts. Don't ever imagine that you're being ignored.

Hi tribeca! I suppose we should have a new thread for American Idol 8 as it will begin in a couple of weeks. I may, and I stress MAY, enjoy AI a bit more this year with one less audition show. I like the over the top, the flamboyant, and the ones that surprise, but I cringe when the innocent are made laughingstocks and that's hard to watch. I had not thought about it til you brought it up, but with Idol doing a wild card show it would be the perfect opportunity for Clay to be on. If they do it the same way as in 2003, it will give the 4 judges an opportunity to put on contestants they feel are deserving after America votes. In 2003, my favorite after Clay was Trenyce -- and neither of them would have made it without a wild card. I have this feeling that there will be another AI/AIKEN convergence in the future, and I don't have a clue what it will be. Clay has made clear that AI was the biggest thing in his life and what's he's enjoyed most in the business ... and that he'd do it again in a heartbeat. I don't see Idol going away any time soon -- I see it like an SNL that goes on and on and on and when the originals are gone a new cast comes in and while there are ups and downs and twists and changes, the show goes on. People love talent shows from Major Bowes to Ted Mack to Star Search to Idol -- and Idol has the golden formula. Increasingly, having the Idol designation is a plus and not a minus for an entertainer. IMO, a lot of stars who came up independently of Idol could have never made it on the show. The Jonas Brothers? I think not. Is there anyone here old enough to remember little Leslie Uggams winning the Ted Mack Amateur Hour? I was a small child at the time, but I remember that she was so amazing it was the talk of the neighborhood, and if I remember correctly, she had a good 25 year run as a celebrated singer and actress. ETA: Checking my recollection, I see that it was Gladys Knight who was discovered on Ted Mack, and Leslie Uggams was discovered on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts:

I thought the very same thing last night. jmh, if you had grown up in Texas you would have heard George singing The Race Is On for years on the radio, literally. And Teenage Wasteland is .... Baba O'Reilly. Loved at the end when the NYFD and NYPD sang .... "They're all WASTED!" Have a ball in the Big Apple with the Big Broadway Star, you guys! I'm off to the movies on a very temperate sixty degree New Years Eve in Houston.

Well, CT, as someone who has never watched an episode of any CSI show -- NY or Miami -- my reaction to your post is ..... their themes are songs of The Who??? So the songs have to be something performed last night at the KCH, so I'll guess Who Are You? Probably not Pinball Wizard, The Acid Queen, or Squeezebox, huh? Actually, I was shocked that someone didn't sing the obvious last night, given George Bush being there and his infamous quote: "Fool me once shame on you, fool me ... Won't get fooled again." Missed opportunity, if it wasn't BANNED! I love The Who, Barbra, Morgan and Twyla. The only one I don't care for is George Jones, 'cause I don't like the music, even though he hung out in my aunt's honky-tonk in Port Arthur for years -- playing and singing for drinks -- and he even wrote her a song way back in the day. I'm somehow immune to the allure of that kind of music. In fact, I much prefer silence to that 'tear in my beer' stuff. My mother is a Reeves and related to Jim, but that didn't move me either. Oh well, I love Rock and Bach ... just no Honk. Of course, Willie Nelson is the exception that proves and enforces this rule. Anybody else think about Clay in regard to news of an Andrew Lloyd Webber sequel to Phantom? Personally, I'd rather see him as Willie Wonka. I do have a feeling that stage and screen will be a big part of Clay's future, but next time in a role he originates. And AFTER a pop tour, certainly!!!! 2009 -- I already have a feel for it. I like it. In reviewing my file of wallpapers and blends, I currently have this one up because ... well, it's the lips, I think. And the sweat. The lips and the sweat, and the eyelashes. Wait a minute, the lips and the sweat, and the eyelashes and cheekbones ... Oh YEAH. And then there are these beauties: I guess in many ways, I'm the odd fan out: My preferences for the perfect photoshoot are no sideburns, wiry or otherwise, nor too much forehead. These aren't criticisms, just building my Perfect Clay!

Caro, are you looking for pictures of Clay dancing with Faye in Norfolk?

Thanks for the link, annabear. I love the "Adorable Times Two" picture: Hey, LdyJ! Give him a big kiss for ME tonight!!!

Mmmmmm, I'm getting that Old Photobucket Feelin'!

OOOOO OOOOO ATDW Pictures are some of the Soul Faves!!!

Don't worry, LdyJ, you'll get there! I prefer LaGuardia anyway, for what it's worth. Have a wonderful weekend. OOLSE took some pictures of the Brill Building last spring:

I love his inscription on the picture. He's definitely not the first AI Alum on Broadway, but the first to get the star imprimatur from Sardi's. He looks to die for. I rarely notice his clothes, but that's because I rarely notice my own or anyone else's, for that matter, as I'm not a clothes person by any stretch. But hair is something else, probably because I've always had to fuss with my own for a lifetime, and his hair looks just right to me in those Sardi's pics. The cheekbones are gorgeous, baby! Like everyone else on Christmas Eve I am meeting myself coming and going, and I'm off again in a couple of minutes, but I want to say .... Happy Christmas and Joyful Channukah, Everyone!

Well, the reason no one heard from the eHP for a while .... we must have been in the same recovery coma last night. My lips are sealed, merrieeee. You give 'em any story you want and I'll back you up. Except, I think it was closer to 5:30 a.m. Have a great trip, K. I love the eHP and, yes, there are pictures ... I'm afraid there are. But I still don't understand the part about going in the dark bathroom to feel for the gifts. How about that Clay Aiken, huh? A Sardi's caricature, and TV time to talk about the foundation. (Not to mention that the People article is showing up literally all over the place.) It truly is all good these days. Clay Aiken ROCKX!

Hey, liney, maybe that's the chupacabra! And desertrose, do you want to go to merrieeee's this weekend? I'll be there, but damned if I know where to find a white elephant. Clay's friends had one? They must exist then. Maybe I can find one at Spec's. Or after Spec's.

That's always been a big thing, you know, Holy Man on the Make. Like the Maharishi, for whom the Beatles (John Lennon) wrote Sexy Sadie, changing the title from "Maharishi" at the request of George Harrison. But actually, most of the Baptist preachers at the churches I attended as a youth were overt womanizers. Two different pastors at the same church over a 7-year period: (1) impregnated a choir member and ran off with her (later becoming a truck driver), and (2) the other one had a string of "widow women" upon whom he went calling, until the "widow women" started talking to each other, at which point Pastor #2 politely bowed out, after his wife initiated divorce proceedings. Oh yeah, that sex and religion is hot business. Better that fate though than the fire and brimstone preacher of my early youth. The man wasn't a mere Bible thumper, oh no, he beat the fire out of the pulpit, with his Bible no less, every single Sunday. And screamed until he was red in the face and sweating and condemning us all to hell. He kept it up until one Sunday night service when the Lord took him right there at the pulpit, in all his screaming glory -- from a massive stroke. Everyone said the Lord took him glorifying His name, etc., etc., but the irony was never missed on me. Even though I was 9, I witnessed Divine Justice at work.

Yes, claytonic, she is charmingly argumentative. I know because I'm pretty darned argumentative myself about some things, although not nearly so charming as KAndre! Whether the discussion is about celebrity behavior or world domination, she's all in. And that's the way we like it! ***did I mention my minionhood?***

Okay, here's my 2 cents: I love some people I haven't known very long, and don't know as well as I'd like to, or as well as I would if I had known them for 10 years, but I still love 'em! As the Holidays are upon us, I'd like to pass along this gentle reminder to stay safe: 6 beers 4 glasses of wine 2 bottles of wine (shared) Too many Margaritas 3 Kamikazes 7 Captain Morgans & Coke 1 large Purple Haze 3 Martinis: 1 bottle of Tequila: SAFE PARTYING EVERYONE!!!

I've been following the conversation here about Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson. A couple of nights ago I caught just this much of Larry King's interview with Sarah Jessica Parker, and the Hudson family tragedy was briefly discussed. I found the transcript online:

In the spirit of full disclosure, the song Hallelujah doesn't do anything for me. Nothing at all. If I had to choose, the Buckley version would get my vote, but I probably would never listen to it, willingly. As to KAndre's take on the collective fandom -- I don't think there is a "collective" fandom at all, because I haven't had a sense of one in the past couple of years. This are a bunch of opinionated women, and a few guys, with varying degrees of tolerance for other opinions, who love, like or enjoy Clay Aiken for varying or multiple reasons -- or no discernible reason at all. Personally, since I've heard that stress is necessary for life, I must be hanging on by a very slender thread indeed, because all the pseudo-controversies just bore the holy crap out of me. I'm looking for CLACK, clever and interesting observations, the Sisterhood of the Traveling ____, various speculations that are offered and received in the spirit of FUN, Clay in the news, personal assistance in navigating the Aiken Fog, and, of course GREAT CLACK. Mostly the FABULOUS CLACK! I scroll past: Hate ... Ignorance (as defined by me) ... Hand-wringing of any kind, especially ... Potential future angst about something that ain't even happened ... And probably won't .... But, if it did, would be perfectly fine with me As far as speculations go, I'm all for them. I see my opinions and contemplations as being just as valid as that of your average Clay fan, and totally without a sense of expectation or the inevitable. For instance, I happen to have my very own opinons about RCA, and they go a little something like this: Clay was signed by RCA right off the milk truck of Idol when no one had a clue how he, or Ruben, would fare as a recording artist. The BMG folks had a bad experience with Justin Guarini in 2002, so they probably signed these "Idols" to short contracts so they wouldn't need to buy out expensive deals of the potential "Guarinis" down the road. But just as a pro football team will sign a player to a contract and renegotiate the contract before the original contract has expired if the player's talent warrants it, I believe that RCA saw Clay go way past expectations with TITN, and the first album, and then when MCWL landed at #1 on Billboard, they wrote up a brand new, long-term, and very lucrative contract for the singing services of one Mr. Clay Aiken. I think he'll be with RCA for a long time. As a result, I don't think Clay stresses over the trajectory of his career. He has time to develop, to do things he wants to do, to do things that RCA wants him to do, to do things that the fans want him to do. There's time. Relax. Chill. Enjoy. That's how I choose to see it, and it makes me happy. Woo-hoo!