JennaZ

I am a bit confused why there are not enough albums to go around - why do a project if it is not for profit.

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.

The part of the blog I liked was the indication that Clay now has a sort of production team he can call on quickly - as Jaymes noted in her blog - John Fields as producer and Stephen Lu for the string arrangements. I just always like the idea of Clay building ongoing professional relationships. I am also thankful for Jaymes' apparent push for Clay to write lyrics.

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.

It seems to me that since day one there have always been times Clay's voice has sounded rough. I always attributed it to his allergies. But lately I have thought for the most part his voice has sounded better than ever. To my ear - untrained that it may be - his voice seems to have a richness and maturity to it I never heard before. With the exception of Waukegan (and I am sure a few isolated times in the past), I think his glory notes have been fine.

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.

Some people love to worry, and some people love to get other people worried, but this is bullshit! Are they listening to everything he sings lately, or just to ATDW and AIW? Also, they have short memories--I remember some clunkers on Solitaire, and this "his voice is going" is an old, old refrain. Pfffttttt.

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)

and y'a know...thats the reason i don;t ever worry about all his other activities like his talk of doing talk shows and such...because I know he will never...ever stop singing if he can help it. Even when he was planning to be a teasher you just know he would still be singing his heart out in some capacity. It is HIM.

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!

NYMom4clay at the CB

He's so into talking to this crowd -

talking about what someone in the 4th row - Tina

I think she has binoculars

He's looking down his nose and wrinkling it at her.

That's FAR worse than what I did to Ripa

You must feel like you want to put your hand over her mouth.

Talking about all the people crawling up into other rows to get closer.

Asking Tina where Ann is from - she doesn't know.

They're laughing so hard I can't hear.

He tells her at this rate she's stolen the show so what does she want to hear.

Mary, Did You Know.

Okay - he'll sing it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hysterical.gif)

FROM NY MOM AT CB:

Crowd laughing and cheering.

Banter time again.

He pointed to someone. Talking to security it sounds like. I think security has to sit on the floor What they don't give you chairs? You should talk to Ethel. She'll something that got huge laughs that drowned it out.

Talking about those Italian orchestral terms. Looking for his college professor - she brought her family - at least one is asleep.

They'res going to do a word of the day

today's word is crescendo

Rosebud says there's a girl carrying a sign across the stage.

Having the crowd repeat after him - crescendo - now Ricardo is demonstrating.

From CV via CB:

CB....NYMom4Clay:

Asking if there is anyone here for their first Clay Aiken contest before. WOW - there are actually some.

Now asking who has been there before. I wish I could get this fast enough. He's teasing the new people and warning them how the diehard concert goers are going to have their names and license plate numbers and will be dragging them to every concert now.

Talking to the rarity - a gentleman in the first row!

He's married. First concert for both of them.

OMG! He is giving them so much grief - talking to the man and telling him how people would do just about anything beg, borrow, I don't know but it sounded like creep and claw to get him to switch seats.

He's talking to Ethel about how she meets people and about how she moves up her seat etc, etc.

Talking to the guy who survived to stay in the front row. I think this song is for them.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

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 am here so quick because I didn't want to wait around. The roads are like ice rinks now, so I opted to come back to the hotel. So here I am.

Clack report... There were people taking pix and all, but they were really STRICT tonight. The person next to me had her camera taken away and it is the breaks I guess. I got him singing one song and a couple stills that are a lil blurry (2nd row center pit seat, but my camera looks like it isn't super great). You may have seen reports that he was wearing blue (cute on him) shirt, a tie (blanking what color it was and too lazy to pull out the camera), greyish vest, grey and blue striped jacket, black boots, and grey and blue (VERY CUTE!!!) pants. He even showed us he had striped socks. One was blue striped and the other is a different color which my mind is in a haze now.

He was a real stitch tonight. I think he even commented that we were thinking he was too funny or something. I knew a couple moments I was dying of laughter and I'm glad too. I was freaking out the entire time so it calmed me down to enjoy the concert more.

He made not one, but TWO jokes about the boards tonight. I forget the first one at the moment, but the second one he joked that (paraphrasing) we were going to post and say he was so horrible. *sigh* What will we ever do with this dude?

He also joked about his birthday. (It is funny I am commenting on the banter before the music btw.) He said someone said he looked 29. Then said someone texted him saying the weight looks good on him. So he is a, in words something like, heavy 29 year old now. Oh man. He did comment on Ripagate and we all cheered. Said he was being stopped a couple times so people can have their picture taken with him with his hand on their mouth. All I can say is I would like that anytime...picture optional. *shifty eyes*

Midway through the set he took off his jacket and there were MANY catcalls. It was hottness. He said he was kinda rolling his eyes at our reaction. Doesn't get why he is so cute I guess.

He did some speech on Wednesday night church and went on about how he was only 7 and didn't want to go. "Now you are going to say I'm not a good Catholic boy" or something like that he said. He also talked about UNICEF and BAF. I cheered when he said KC (I saw my old crew there! I miss it there) for the camps. He then said good to give this time of year or (good segway) anytime of the year. This was for DSIAFCD. It was awesome.

This review will be more complete when I get my full recap done Sunday. There have been many adventures in "LUV-land." Speaking of which, I think there is a new vocab word. An Enclaybaler.

One memory that sticks out in my mind is in "Sleigh Ride" he did the giddy up reins move thingy. If you are reading, thank you Clay. If not, well, to my fellow fans, it was HOTTNESS!!!

MDYK made me cry because I just a ball of nerves tonight. I had several BAD anxiety moments today and was in tears part of the day. I was smiling until that song. I felt better after it. "O Emmanuel" was GREAT! He struggled at the end durring AIW. Poor thing. I am praying hard his voice holds up for the tour. He is a great singer beacuse he messed the end of the OCYOF medley thingy. I noticed, but I swear to god if you didn't know the song how he does it normally you would not notice. He of course called himself out. *sigh* It was fine.

So, that was my main impressions so far. In summary, he looked hott when the jacket came off. The new hair was great. he semed to have shaved (Thanks), and just was great. Mic stand action galore during some of the songs too. I will write more in my full recap, but I hope this glimpse was entertaining...

He was awesome. Now tomorrow night is Merrilville. Then that will be it for a lil while.

laters

LUV

edited to add - WAIT I remember the first message board comment now! He made some comment that after he mentioned Alison Lawrence that we all knew all about him from doing background checks on him. Then said we knew info in the message boads and I think that is how the topic of him pulling up his pants showing his striped socks came about. That was funny.

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!

Man, I love you people.

Ditto!

I can't be the fan of some pissant celebrity like Bono or Madonna or that pantyless Brit-bot - I need to be the fan of someone who only occasionally cuts his hair.

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...

JennaZ, I haven't seen you much lately, but want to let you know I re-watched The Bourne Sumpremacy last night with your boy Matt. I remember when I saw the movie on the big screen, the taxi chase scene made me dizzy.

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 also don't think ABC got too involved in this. It didn't really hurt their shows, just gave them buzz. It was clearly a personal thing between Kelly and Rosie. Barbara needed to put a stop to it so that it won't get worse for Rosie...I think she was protecting her more than the show. I don't think this will hurt Clay's chances on TV. Anyproducer that looks at that tape can see how well Clay did and that now they can see he is not boring at all and can get the buzz going. I say his stock went up actually.

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!