#35: You mean, it’s not all dressing up and dancing at FCA?

[playbiller]

OH, becaue I forgot yesterday

happy birthday ansa

[ldyjocelyn]

Hey! Hope everyone had a nice day. I was out most of the day running errands, and then went to a concert of handbell choirs from several states. It was really cool! This piece was played -- by over 300 bell ringers. I was floored:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAETc_4sjkQ

Scarlett, bless you for posting that AIW. You were about 5 rows directly in front of me and luckiest1, so that was pretty much our viewpoint as well. It still gives me chills.

Perma, the "song of the day" has really been turning into a "song of a day and a half or so, depending on if ldyj feels the conversation has run its course." *g* And I just started LAA this afternoon, so you'll have at LEAST until tomorrow evening to post your comments.

I really need to think about that song. I love it, and think it fits great on THIS album (but am very glad we got it two years ago as well). And it would have been "my" song 15 years ago. But I have to say that I do think this song works much better LIVE. I was also in Houston (I think Perma was about 3 rows directly in front of me), and even if the sound sucked, it was an amazing song to hear that way. I can't wait to see him do this song live again...with an orchestra again. *g*

Thread title poll at the top of the page! And LOTS of choices this time!

:F_05BL17blowkiss: to jmh and annabear for helping compile the titles.

[Cotton]

Good to hear good reports from Get Smart. I think DH and I may go see it tomorrow - since the weather looks to be uncooperative for the beach!

Droopy and I just walked down to the river. The moon is large - though not full - it's High Tide and the moon reflecting on the marsh is amazing.

Not only that, but the wind is - not just whispering - in the pines tonight - it is downright full-on gossiping!!! I expect a very loud argument to break out any moment now!

heh

[Gibby]

I don't see Gibby or Perma online, but maybe they'll see this later. Or maybe someone else can answer.

But, at about 4:48 in the secretlylovesclay Houston LAA, a thin, high harmony line comes in over Clay and the cello. I've been trying to figure out what instrument it is. I guess it's keyboard, but just wondering if anyone knows. I love it!

Aw, gee, you made me go download it and listen to it. Such an unpleasant job . . . NOT!!

Wow, that's really a cool sound at 4:48! It sounds kind of electronic to me. It may be a midi or a an electric keyboard sound. I use a midi setting sometimes called 'piano sings', and it sounds somewhat like that sound. I really like how it sounds at that point in the song - kind of ethereal!

Ah cotton I'm not always down in the very front. However, I keep upgrading my camera. ***waves to Gibby & Karen Eh who also have the amazing Panasonic FZ 18*** Let me tell you, you don't miss much with a zooooooooooom lens that size. The rest is all in the editing.

Oh, yes I LOVE that camera! But it's pretty new to me, and I haven't had the opportunity yet to use it at a Clay concert. Can't wait to do so! But I likely won't know exactly which settings to use, so probably won't take amazing pictures like you do!

Thanks so much for sharing the SRHP pics. They're gorgeous! And I'm looking forward to your thoughts about LAA.

Hey! Hope everyone had a nice day. I was out most of the day running errands, and then went to a concert of handbell choirs from several states. It was really cool! This piece was played -- by over 300 bell ringers. I was floored:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAETc_4sjkQ

Wow, talk about surround sound! That must have been amazing. Could you feel the vibrations?

I'm really enjoying all of the youtubes of LAA in concert. It's interesting to me that Clay sometimes sang it slower live than he did on the CD. It wasn't the same tempo at all of the concerts, so some were close to the tempo on the CD, and others were quite slow. That makes it more challenging to sing!

DD #2 was in a play tonight - Rumplestiltskin. It was fun to see her on stage, especially since her older sister has always been the one to shine on stage.

And now she wants me to make a costume for her for an anime event tomorrow, so I'll have to save my LAA comments for later.

[Cotton]

ldyj! That handbell choir was impressive!

And - aww! Making costumes for the children. Something I LOVED to do. Worked with the children's theater when DS was young. They did the Little Mermaid. There were no patterns or directions for the costuming. Most fun - craziest - eye-crossing crazy - time I ever had!

You should have seen the gorgeous mermaid costumes we made! YES! I designed them! We used the fins as a place for the human foot to go so the girls could get onstage - but they scooted around on skateboards a good bit - swimming around! V. Cool! DS was little and he was an urchin!

We made huge foam balls with spikes and had a devil of a time figuring out how to attach the spikes! Wish I had pictures on the computer. I have pics - buried in the detritus of this household that's moved twice in the last 4 years!

G'Night, y'all! Really. I'm shutting down!

Looking forward to the rest of the LAA comparative analysis.

ETA:

I am too going to bed!!

Gibby! I was thinking that thin, high sound might be from a synthecizer (I know I messed that mess of spelling up!). I hear it a little tiny bit in the beginning, but it's really prominent at that 4:48 spot.

G'Night!

ETA:

Because I do know grammar! Majored in English, demmit!

[cha cha trusty]

Been back from the movies for a couple of hours, and have been enjoying all the youtubes everyone has offered up!!

(Get Smart was really funny, Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway are really good in it! Even had a few of the old lines, like "Missed it by that much!" and "Sorry about that!")

I loved watching Clay sing LAA all over again. Gosh. It was not really a whole year ago, was it?

I couldn't help myself, I took a screen shot from vzubie's video - GAH!!!

I thought I'd share.

Cotton, your niece's story is too sad, just like the lyrics in LAA. Sometimes I just can't bear to listen to it, it's so sad.

I hope he is in a happier place now!!

OK - I am caught up, and so I guess I must be off to bed!!! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

[luckiest1]

About LAA:

I can't wait to see him do this song live again...with an orchestra again. *g*

Can't you just see the heads exploding? Clay Aiken announces fall tour with orchestra. Hee.

Sometimes I just can't bear to listen to it, it's so sad.

I hope he is in a happier place now!!

Yeah, me too. I think I wore it out the first time around, and even though the lyrics on the OMWH album proper may not be the most upbeat, they aren't sad, to me, like this one is. So sometimes I skip it. I need to be in the right mood to listen to it, but when I am, I put it on repeat. I remember, for some reason, during my mom's first cancer surgery in 2006, I put LAA on repeat on the iPod in the waiting room and did not stop it until the surgeon came out and told us she was ok. Easily 2 or 3 hours. It soothed my soul that day. Amazing the power of music.

As for live versions, my ultimate was in Canandaigua. The sound of the rain falling was the perfect backdrop to the song. Unfortunately, it sounds more like static on the clack, but it was just amazing in person. I remember sitting there, realizing that it was such a special moment, and one that I needed to remember in great detail.

Glad to read the positive reviews for Get Smart. I used to love the TV series, back in the day. I wouldn't mind seeing the movie if they haven't butchered the original.

ETA: Scarlett, thanks for that version of AIW from Merrillville 2006. What memories! Still makes me teary to watch.

[aikim]

Perma Thank you for the link...I have always had a thing for Clay's neck ever since Build Me Up Buttercup!

Kim

[laughn]

Laughn, you're next -- at what part of the show did you read your story in Cleveland, ie. which songs were sung before and after? Thx!

No, Scarlett, thank you. :F_05BL17blowkiss: I was the third reader. I read after Intermission, after Hark The Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful and right before the I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Christmas Song, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas medley. My story talked about my mom and HYAMLC.

[00lsee]

Get Smart? Loved it! Funniest/most clever movie I've seen in a long time. I thought Steve Carrell's Maxwell Smart was quite endearing. I even liked Anne Hathaway. And the theme song is an earworm. It's been difficult for the girls and I not to spoiler the plot for my husband, who hasn't seen it yet. heh

Okay, y'all, I don't know how I'm going to survive a week away, but my family is going on a week-long vacation starting tomorrow. May be able to check in, may not be. So, no toilet-papering my trees. (Or sporking the yard - eyes KAndre) Have fun, but not too much.

[FromClaygary]

People, people people....did I not forever end the debate on the best LAA clack when we were doing favorite concert clack? I'm sure I did. But, I'm more than happy to refresh everyone's memory. I was not there, although some of you were. It's vzubie's porn....er...exquisite video from Syracuse. She was so close...there is stubble, there is the vibrating throat, there are eyelashes, there is a little trickle of sweat on his forehead, then down from his sideburn, then down his neck behind his ear....all in desperate need of licking. Remember? This is the one!!!

Perma, thanks for that! OMG beautiful!!...even if a little like intruding on a private moment...

I loved that concert.

Beautiful venue.

Awesome concert, of course...the orchestra that night was very good.

An amazing handshake lineup that went around and around a couple of city blocks...

Cool older hotel...

and me myb and I each scored a poster from the venue windows (we asked before taking them...) :thumbup:

Lots of good memories!!

....and, BTW, did I remember to thank the person who introduced me to "full screen" in youtube? Gaaaahhhhh!!!

Waves to all the London Clayfans....we had a great cluncheon again yesterday! It's amazing how lotsa food, lotsa Clay, and lotsa friends can be SO much fun!! Heinz, we missed you though!

[merryclay]

Clay Aiken can make his face do anything. It's a gift, I tell you. So many different looks.

[FromClaygary]

Just bringing over a sweet story from cantdecide at the CH, via CV:

If anyone has read this far, I have a fun story. Cdette is taking some one-on-one viola lessons this summer with a violist from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

After her lesson this week, she asked if the woman had played with Clay when he performed with the DSO. She said the teacher got a big smile on her face and said, "Twice! Were you there at either?" and cdette said both. She said that the first time (the first JN tour) he seemed shy and nervous and no one really talked with him.

But she said the second one, the JNT famous for "pants!" he was super friendly and nice and everyone loved him. That he made a special point to talk individually to every single person in the orchestra and in the theatre and was just the nicest person. She then went on to say that he has an absolutely amazing voice and that he is truly an amazing musician who they all respected after working with him. She said, "He's just incredible...he's such a superstar and so talented...I mean, Ruben who?"

[Iseeme]

he's such a superstar and so talented...I mean, Ruben who?"

Thread title next time?

Good morning. Another hot day dawning. We have fires all over Northern California from lightning strikes. I keep saying - it's going to be a loooooooong summer.

Still have company but as soon as they leave I'm getting in to those uTubes post haste.

We tried to watch a DVD from Pala last night and something is wrong with the disc. I was so disappointed. I kept telling my friend how hilarious the Jefferson Dance was...........never made it that far. But she did get a laugh out of "flat Clay!"

ETA: ventured "elsewhere" and saw where Blake has been dropped by RCA. Naturally there is hysteria that Clay will be too - and then others are thinking "it's about time" - again, the minimally knowledgeable leading the seriously misled......

[Cotton]

Clay Aiken can make his face do anything. It's a gift, I tell you. So many different looks.

And if you'd like to see some of those many faces, may I suggest LAA montage by Dreamlarge!

Holy Moly, Gorgeousness Galore!

WARNING! DANGER, DANGER, WILL ROBINSON, THERE MAY BE ONE OR TWO SNOWFLAKE PICS!!!

[Scarlett]

Just wishing everyone a good morning before heading out into 83 degree weather. Whew! But I need supplies, and as the eHP knows I don't just pop into the nearest store to get everything at once. (merrieeee, I think I'll go back to the Feta cheese place!)

Laughn, glad you read my post as I plan to run it when I get back.

00lsee, have you watched "Risky Business" lately?

Cotton, wanted to walk to the river w/ you.

to everyone who needs them!!!

[00lsee]

00lsee, have you watched "Risky Business" lately?

*looks suspicious*

Not lately...why?

Oh, crap. I just realized what you were saying. LOL

Um...be nice, okay? Try not to annoy my neighbors. And...uh...I want video. heh

[annabear]

Morning!

[whine] I neeeeeeeed coffee!! [/whine] But I'm really trying to cut out dairy, so I have no milk. Can't do coffee without milk. I may have to re-think this healthy thing!!

Scarlett - there's a "Feta cheese place"?? That's oddly intriguing...

Have a great vacation, 00lsee! :F_05BL17blowkiss: We'll try to make sure everything's cleaned up before you get home. Heh.

Cotton, your story about the lyrics to LAA and your niece was very touching. As some others have mentioned, sometimes this song feels almost too personal to me. I love it, but it can really hit me hard if I'm in a certain frame of mind. I'm also glad we got it as the iTunes bonus 2 years ago - I remember sitting up at midnight, downloading and listening to it over and over. But I'm also glad it was included as a regular track on this album and I think that gives more feeling to it this time around. I've always felt this song was like a stream of consciousness set to music. And I love, love, love the way Clay's voice and the cello become one... Thanks for the link to vzubie's Syarcuse video, Perma! GAH.

Wow, ldyj - it must have something to hear that in person! Thanks for the link.

OK, off to try to accomplish something else today. Didn't get much of anything actually done yesterday...

[merrieeee]

Scarlett - there's a "Feta cheese place"?? That's oddly intriguing...

Word to the wise: Never tell Scarlett to pick up some Feta cheese to go with the Gyros for lunch. Most of us would go to the local Krogers and pick up some stuff in a plastic tub.........not Scarlett she goes to a Middle Eastern shop and brings us about 2lbs of cheese still in brine.......real feta cheese!! Boy was it good.

Thanks for the warning about the sNOflake pics. The montage was worth the few seconds I had to put up with them but at least I was prepared. IMO Tyra hair....best evah!!!!!

I can't believe how much liner paper that you need to re-line kitchen cabinets! I have to go back to the store for a third trip! Oh well it will look great when I'm fiinshed. Please remind me how much work it is to empty and put back all the cabinets if ever I want have my kitchen re-done again. I'm tired!

[jamar1700]

[whine] I neeeeeeeed coffee!! [/whine] But I'm really trying to cut out dairy, so I have no milk. Can't do coffee without milk. I may have to re-think this healthy thing!!

This is why God created SOY milk.

[laljeterfan]

People, people people....did I not forever end the debate on the best LAA clack when we were doing favorite concert clack? I'm sure I did. But, I'm more than happy to refresh everyone's memory. I was not there, although some of you were. It's vzubie's porn....er...exquisite video from Syracuse. She was so close...there is stubble, there is the vibrating throat, there are eyelashes, there is a little trickle of sweat on his forehead, then down from his sideburn, then down his neck behind his ear....all in desperate need of licking. Remember? This is the one!!!

Perma, thanks for that! OMG beautiful!!...even if a little like intruding on a private moment...

I loved that concert.

Beautiful venue.

Awesome concert, of course...the orchestra that night was very good.

An amazing handshake lineup that went around and around a couple of city blocks...

Cool older hotel...

and me myb and I each scored a poster from the venue windows (we asked before taking them...) :thumbup:

Lots of good memories!!

Thanks for bringing that video back, Perma. I was there- 3rd row, although that concert is kind of a blur to me. There was a lot going on behind the scenes that day, so my memories of it are somewhat..... fragmented. And as luckiest mentioned, the song the following night in Canandaigua is the one I always remember. But, this video brings back some of the memories nicely.

FromClaygary- Don't know why, but it does my heart good to see that you enjoyed the concert in Syracuse so much. I work in the building that that concert was held in- first time I've ever been to an event there, although I've worked there for 17 years. When Clay appeared here for the NAT, it was in the building next door to the Civic Center, the War Memorial. I feel extremely lucky that Clay has come to my neck of the woods 3 times- the Turningstone Casino in Verona, where he came for Christmas 2006, is just a hop, skip, and a jump from us, so I consider that local as well. And I'm always happy to learn that people who have come here have enjoyed themselves,(although I imagine that the man they've come to see has a teensy little bit to do with their enjoyment, too!)

Cotton- Your analysis of LAA was so thoughtful, and your relating of the song's lyrics to your niece's life really hit home. I think anyone who has ever agonized about finding "the one" to share their life with can relate to these lyrics. And although I run most songs through my own filters, of how the lyrics relate to my life, when I hear this song, I can't help but think about how they relate to Clay's life as well. And I know he would probably say "Don't do that!" :o , but, well- this song is his- so it's impossible not to relate it to him. So many of the comments he has made in the past, even some throw-away type lines, come back to me and add up to a picture of what I imagine his life to be like, and just contributes to the many ways that this song breaks my heart. I do pray that he has HOPE for the future.

[claytonic]

I've been so side-tracked by 13 year old Andrew Johnston's talent in Britain's Got Talent (3rd place in final), I somehow missed this 12 year old girl.

Faryl Smith's Ave Maria is incredible; she didn't win or even get a podium position (which was an all-male sweep) but many believe SHE should have won. (She won't have Andrew's problem of wondering what her voice is going to sound like when puberty takes control!)

a MUST SEE : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlO0ikRPZrc

AND I've never heard Simon Cowell rave so much about singer since his abundance of praise for Leona Lewis. Even if you don't like opera, just hear her amazing voice. (Obviously she'll need to get her teeth fixed, like Paul Potts did)

[jamar1700]

Sorry ... but opera sets my teeth on edge. It just does.

[laljeterfan]

About LAA:

I can't wait to see him do this song live again...with an orchestra again. *g*

Can't you just see the heads exploding? Clay Aiken announces fall tour with orchestra. Hee.

BWAH!!! I'd pay big bucks to see this!

...the minimally knowledgeable leading the seriously misled......

Ain't it the truth?

[cha cha trusty]

I forgot to mention something else about the movie "Get Smart" last night. I guess product placement is to be expected these days, but this one kind of floored me.

Ryan Seacrest! Yep, somehow he got his name to be mentioned - twice. The first time they just mentioned his name, and the name of his radio show. The second time, there was a clip of his radio show and it was actually part of the plot! His voice, saying his name, name of show, and a dedication. Do you suppose he got paid for that? Or he had to pay, or it was an even trade?

anna - yeah, and soy milk even comes in flavors! Chocolate and Vanilla!! Both are really good in coffee!

jamar :F_05BL17blowkiss: - I agree about opera music. I can take the men singing, but the women just seem to make my fillings vibrate!