JennaZ

I think Walmart expected to make a profit on the the original order, but just didn't expect AIW to sell as quickly as it did. If it's true that they've ordered more, my guess is that they're actually earning a decent income on these CD's, enough to make it worth restocking. I've also thought a big reason they may have wanted an exclusive was to draw people into the stores for the Christmas shopping season, although I'll admit, I haven't seen any Walmart promotion for it. I would not be surprised if RCA and Clay are not earning a lot on these CD's. However, I can see how they might view this as an opportunity to develop a good relationship with one of the biggest music retailers in the world. Also, the low price might attract consumers who might be hesitant to pick up a full album at first. And if people like this mini-album, it's possible they'll eventually buy other albums as well. Me, too. It's great that Clay seems to have developed good relationships with producers, and that he's becoming more comfortable about taking an Executive Producer role. I still have yet to get my hands on this CD (will try again today), but if reports are accurate that this may include some of his best produced tracks yet, it's encouraging to hear what he can do, especially given so little time. Yes, to me, Clay's voice has often sounded a bit "rusty" when he hasn't been singing on a daily basis. His first concert has never been his best. And we do know colds and allergies have affected his vocal quality in the past, and that he seems to be susceptible to both. I would look to those first before blaming Paxil. However, on the whole, I haven't noticed a pronounced deterioration of his voice, and I agree that he seems to have developed a new richness and maturity. So true! For some, worrying about Clay is a full-time job. If it's not his voice, it's his career, or his health, or his mental state of mind, whatever they can think of. You're right, jmh. It's nothing new at all. Just another spin of the same old wheel.

I enjoyed Jaymes' blog, as well. It was nice to hear her perspective on his talent and creativity, and it's great that he has someone like her who can push him to develop his songwriting skills. And to think there were those crucified her when she was first announced as the EP of his album. I wonder what it's like for her to read the message boards. In all likelihood, she knows the full story behind ATD, and yet there probably isn't much she is at liberty to discuss about the project. It's interesting that she felt compelled to mention that Walmart/RCA asked for the CD, and that it was produced in two weeks. There is so much speculation about its meaning in relation to Clay's contractual status with RCA. Jaymes doesn't answer it all directly, but to me, her explanation suggests that AIW was not part some kind of major label drama. I would love to know what exactly prompted her to blog today. Did she read some of the discontent with sales and feel the need to reaffirm the quality of the album? Did she see some speculation regarding AIW that she felt compelled to confirm or deny? Or did something outside the boards--a conversation with Clay, discussions with the label, or even talk about "the note"--cause her to want to offer her support? It is interesting that her blog hasn't prompted too much discussion. The fact that it happened not long before a concert probably had a lot to do with it. However, I also suspect that because it doesn't really add anything to the "Clive is the Devil" theory, many are quick to breeze over it.

(sorry - duplicate post)

Yeah, whenever I see him on stage, he so clearly seems to love what he's doing, that I find it impossible to believe that his heart isn't in it. He may get a lot of pleasure out of other activities, charitable or otherwise. However, he's a Singer. I think he'll always find a way to sing.

Wow! Thanks for bringing over that bus photo! LOVE that coat and scarf!

Concert mp3 available now at CH, and probably at CV soon, as well. http://www.theclackhouse.com/bb/viewtopic....&start=1725

It's great to have the Clay world in celebration mode, again. Probably won't last long, but at least for tonight, it's good to be a Clay fan. Thanks for bringing over the photos! Clay looks triumphant, as he should be.

Wow! The Clack godesses are quick! Go get it at the CH! ALL IS WELL

Wow! Great recap, Idyjocelyn! Sounds like a magnificent night! I'm soooo thrilled for you! And for Clay!

So there are reports that jojo AND scarlett got the whole show? Yipee!!!

Sounds like a fantastic show! Can't wait to see the Clack!

From CV via CB:

I gave up on the CV cellstream. Too hard to hear. But from what I could gather, he's bringing down the house with his banter as well as with his voice. I can't wait to hear it in clack. That was one of the things I was hoping for, that this format would allow his humor to shine through. I'll be the not.just.us audience is having much more fun than they expected.

From LuvClay26 at CB: http://p071.ezboard.com/ftheclayboardfrm42...icID=3299.topic

I'll probably check back for Clack in an hour or so. I didn't listen to the cell stream, so I only know what I've read. However, it does seem that, for the most part, he did quite well. And we've all seen that he tends to get even better as a tour progresses.

I can't wait to hear the banter. Sounds like he was in funny, funny form. I'd also love to hear what the not.just.us crowd thought. Despite the imperfections, seems like it was a great way to start the season.

Thanks for the reports, gals!

Ditto!

Bwah! Yay! That Clay's made it to tonight's venue. (Sob) For ldyJocelyn. So sorry you won't be able to make it. Yeah, it's pretty great that Clay continues to be newsworthy by ET and Insider standards. They clearly consider him a genuine celebrity. It will be very interesting to see how Clay performs in such a stripped down environment (no back-up singers, elaborate staging, etc.). I have a sneaking suspicion that while venues may prohibit recording devices, someone, somehow, will find a way....

Alas, no luck with AIW at my nearest Wal-Mart this morning. They had about 8 copies of MCWL in the holiday music section and none of ATW in Pop/Rock, although curiously, there was a Ruben Studdard CD in the "A" slot where where you'd expect Clay's to be. (Due to Clive's evil minions, no doubt!) Clay's surprise? A few guesses.. 1) An exclusive Fan Club calendar for the new year, 2) News about something professional coming up (i.e, a peek at tour plans) 3) Home video he's taken or had taken of him "behind-the-scenes" Like others, I find it hard to believe that he'd show off his new home to the cameras. I can imagine an interview in his living room, but not any kind of grand tour. So sad for you, Couchie. Is there no way to recover it from your computer? Thinking good thoughts for Claygasm...

Hi Bottle! Yeah, that chase scene was a doozie. My in-laws are in town, so I haven't had the chance to check the boards often. Oooo.... I envy you who already have AIW in your lucky little hands! I'll probably have to wait until next weekend to find AIW. The nearest Wal-Mart to me is in a, shall we say, less prosperous part of town, so I don't think I'll go after work this week (too dark). BTW: I saw Happy Feet this weekend. The story may be a little cliche (think Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), but it's cute and funny with great musical sequences. Just the thing to see if you're looking for something lighthearted.

Hey, Happy Thanksgiving y'all! Love, love, love that Clay is on the cover of that Before They Were Stars book alongside the images of established stars like Oprah, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Madonna and Julia Roberts. To me, it says a lot about his status as genuine celebrity. I agree. In fact, I'll bet some at ABC are actually pleased that both of their shows are involved, because it got people talking. Seriously, when was the last time Regis & Kelly was water cooler talk? And The View hasn't really been discussed since Star left and Rosie joined. In fact, I think it's entirely possible that Gelman and ABC would love nothing better than to have Clay return to the show because a "rematch" or "showdown" would probably generate huge ratings. As for Clay, what he did was actually kind of funny, and it seems that there are plenty of people who find Ripa's prattling annoying. The fact that he's such a feisty, animated guest probably makes him even more in demand. I actually would not be surprised if Clay had numerous offers to discuss this (including one from The View). My guess is that he's refused because he doesn't want to prolong the situation.

I do think that Kelly Ripa is coming out of this situation looking much worse than Clay. At the office, people who don't even like Clay thought her reaction was ridiculous. It turns out most people find Kelly Ripa annoying. One interesting result -- some turned on Tyra to see if Clay was going to talk about incident. (They didn't know it was taped earlier). I wonder if the whole thing gave a boost to her ratings. Wouldn't it be ironic if Kelly's behavior actually drove people to watch Tyra, where they'd see Clay at his most charming? I tend to think that this "feud" story won't last Thanksgiving weekend, unless Kelly decides to make more of it. However, at this point, after the flowers and media coverage, she has to know that extending it would only make her look like an unforgiving shrew. Funny stuff, KAndre!