Clay Aiken's Voice Sells ATDW

MULTIPLE CLAYS -- Amazing_CA has created a beautiful blend that is every fan's dream, a Clay at every turn.

Fan Promotion Continues

Clay Aiken's Voice Sells ATDW

Wherever you go, whatever you do,
I will be right here waiting for you.
Whatever it takes or how my heart breaks,
I will be right here waiting for you.

These lyrics from "Right Here Waiting" describe succinctly the current mood and motion on many Clay Aiken message boards. While our singer is taping TV spots and rehearsing for November and beyond, most fans continue to promote A Thousand Different Ways by sharing the CD with countless friends, relatives, and associates, many of whom have expressed surprise that the new album has been available for a month.

At the same time, the fan base is "right here waiting" ... for Clay to re-emerge onto the scene when his appearances resume in November and beyond.

The relevancy of this blog's diverse overview and the simple, elegant words of RHW collided in a "light bulb moment" Friday afternoon as I was driving home from a weekly teaching gig at East Davidson High School, contentedly listening to ATDW and maintaining the 70 mph pace sandwiched between two humongous eighteen-wheelers.

Click anywhere in Clay Cyberspace, and the experiences of Clayversity members SmartyPantsSuz and Trishcc reflect those of many fans. These Not.Just.Us stories demonstrate that some of the most effective promotion for ATDW is being powered one-on-one by loyal fans.

The Six-Hour Song

SmartyPantsSuz: Today I was sitting in my office and one of the guys I work with walked in, slammed his coke can down on my desk, and said quite loudly, "IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!"

He explained that he had just been to Palm Springs and back, about three hours each way, and listened to ATDW the entire trip -- and it was my fault! I bought the iTunes version for him because I thought he would like "Lover All Alone." When he started out on the trip, he figured it would be a good time to listen to the song. He popped in the CD with the intention of skipping to the last song. However, as each song played, he found that he loved them and ended up listening to the entire album for six hours. His final assessment: "This album is AMAZING!"

People just need to hear the CD, and it will sell itself!

Suz also relayed about another incident with a manger in her workplace:

I gave CDs to a number of people at work. Today I received an e-mail back: "I just wanted to drop you a note to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for Clay Aiken's ATDW. I have been listening to it in my car, on my iPod, and on my computer at work. I love this CD. It is incredible. Thank you again and again!"

Clay, by virtue of his amazing talent, is Clayverting them one by one. It just takes a listen!

WITHOUT YOU -- Clickable graphic
by ABeautifulMind/KarenEh Photo

Recipient Cites 'Known' Songs

Trishcc: I gave ATDW to a male co-worker friend that I had Clayverted. He was very glad to receive the CD and remarked that he had listened to some of the songs via the link I had sent him. He was happy to see songs he "knew."

About a week later, this friend stopped by my office to tell me he plays ATDW in his car. He especially enjoys the fact that the whole CD is mellow and really great listening music. And he thanked me profusely.

Fans 'Claying It Forward'

In another incident, Trishcc described the experience of her sister, who has recently taken a hostess/function coordinator position at a popular restaurant catering events such as birthdays, weddings, and other festivities.

At one of the weddings, my sister noticed a beautiful video tribute to the bride and groom. When the groom's segment started, the background music was set to "Measure of a Man."

These are not breakthrough, earth-shattering stories. You never know who or how Clay's music is going to touch someone. That is why "Claying It Forward" is one of the best marketing tools that we as fans can be involved in.

If you want to help Clay in some small way, send ATDW to your local photographer with a small suggestion. Everyone at that restaurant heard Clay's GLORIOUS voice that day. Maybe your local bridal boutique or tux rental shop could use a beautifully sung gift of song suggestions for potential brides and grooms choosing wedding music.

Clay Aiken not only has enthusiastic supporters, but his fan base -- as always -- is creatively involved with promoting his new CD in a thousand different ways.

PHOTO INTERMISSION: This clickable interlude features the talents of four graphic artists, including Katt45 (1), Ambassador of Love (2), Claystruck (3, 4), and Amazing_CA (5).

So what's happening while fans are "right here waiting" and promoting ATDW? This is just a small sample from online and print media:

Ken Barnes Discusses Covers

Reflecting a query that fans and many music industry personnel have raised, Ken Barnes included the following Q&A in his 10/20 USA Today Listen Up blog:

What is the difference in Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, etc., doing covers, and Clay Aiken?

The difference, as I see it, is Barry and Rod are in the twilight of their careers (or the late innings, if that sounds more polite), at which time, when the desire, the drive, and the market imperatives for producing new material tend to wane, it's a perfectly acceptable (and, commercially speaking, in Barry and Rod's case, brilliant) career move to do covers.

But when you're a young, relatively new artist and have put out exactly one album of new material (and it's closing in on triple platinum-level sales), a covers album isn't such a great idea. It arouses suspicions that the album is just a filler, that you haven't been able to come up with any good new material. That may not be true, and in Clay's case it apparently isn't, as he's stockpiled a fairly sizable amount of new material. It also makes the artist seem prematurely old and past his prime when that, in this instance, is clearly not the case. All in all, a very puzzling career move.

Clay a 'Days' Fan

Apparently, CA is a fan of the NBC show "Days of Our Lives" and, as we have heard, will make an appearance on the show. There is a little hint in the 10/31 issue of Soap Opera Digest:

DAYS OF CLAY?

DAYS is looking to beef up its musical roster. Sources say the show is now trying to woo American Idol alum Clay Aiken. Aiken is reportedly a fan of the show.

Susy McNeil

Duet Partner Speaks Highly of Clay

Suzie McNeil, featured in the 10/18 issue of Entertainment World, described her experience as Clay's duet partner in glowing terms:

What’s McNeil been up to since her Rock Star experience? Well, for starters, she’s about to premiere her first solo CD. Since the release date is still yet to be announced, Suzie’s riding high in the meantime with a duet love song she just recorded for Clay Aiken on his new album A Thousand Different Ways. “I Want to Know What Love is” is a beautifully haunting, soulful rock ballad that makes a serious musical statement with its intense blending of voices and dramatic orchestration and arrangement.

EW: What was your experience with Clay on his album? You’re just such an unlikely pair. What did you think about the whole experience of recording the duet with him?

SM: I was honored to be a part of it. I have always been a fan, an admirer, of his voice. I think vocalists are really drawn to one another because we know what it’s all about and we know what the other person goes through. I’ve always thought that his voice is phenomenal, like world class. I can’t believe this man. I was saying at the party (she attended Aiken’s CD Release party on September 19th) that one extraordinary thing I noticed during my recording experience with him was that the producer was trying to tune or just make sure his vocals were up to scratch, up to industry standard. He was blown away by how “in tune” Clay’s vocals are. I thought that was amazing. As a vocalist I can only aspire to how perfect he is. I actually think I’m pretty good at it too, just not as good as Clay. I admire him so much.

Outstanding Bio on H&HS Web Site

Bios of the 21 members of the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities have been posted on the US Dept. of Health & Human Services web site. Many on my mailing list just may need a copy of this outstanding Clay Aiken bio, which begins like this:

Clay Aiken became an international sensation in the wake of his appearance on the hit television show, ‘American Idol.’ In spite of his growing stardom, Aiken has remained steadfast in his desire to remain true to the simple values he learned as a child in Raleigh, North Carolina. “I still live in the town where I grew up,” he says. “I like surrounding myself with people I know and love.” It is this authenticity that his millions of fans have responded to, an almost supernatural earnestness that feels unconventional in the cynical world of today.

... and ends like this:

Mr. Aiken’s upcoming album A THOUSAND DIFFERENT WAYS expresses the many different kinds of love in the world, including his deep love for his fellow man, particularly the littlest ones among us. Where did such a driving need to help others come from? “The need for help!” he answers matter-of-factly. “You know, my mother has always been someone who urged me to help people in need Maybe that’s it. I don’t think it’s something you can learn. It’s just something you do.”

Well worth the read, the bio also appears on the new Clay Aiken.com, the singer's official RCA site where visitors are greeted by a stream of "Without You."

Clickable New Clay Aiken Site

Many fans continue to stream Clay's exclusive interview through Live@Yahoo. The link is also posted on the RCA site.

Golden Vox and Sundrop

Whew, after all that, I believe I'm ready for a Sundrop break! Eons ago, my sister and I survived 8 o'clock classes at East Carolina University with a sugar kick-and-half from breakfasts consisting of a honey bun and our favorite citrus-flavored soft drink. With the passing of years, our consumption has been somewhat reduced, however.

Every Friday after we finish teaching flute and oboe classes at East Davidson High School, Sis and I adjourn to a little country market for our weekly Sundrop break. I had enjoyed listening to ATDW via my iRiver on the 25-mile drive down; so during our post-rehearsal visit, I set the player on "Everything I Do" and handed it to her. I had a feeling the Celtic flavor of this beautiful arrangement would be a winner with the flautist.

Spot on -- Sis loved Clay's interpretation and the exceptional use of flute in EID! There's nothing like a cold Sundrop and the golden vocals of Clay Aiken -- a very special southern combo.

For those who havn't heard of our family's favorite soft drink, I recommend a tour of the Sundrop site. In addition to several interesting recipes -- "Crazy Uncle Randy," "Sundrop Stew," "Sun-Topic Cake," etc. -- all of which are new to me, we just may have located Clay's next bucket hat under the accessories link.

Have a great weekend, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Right Here Waiting, Lover All Alone, Without You, Measure of a Man, Ken Barnes, Days of Our Lives, Suzie McNeil, Entertainment World, President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities, clayaiken.com, Live&Yahoo, Everything I Do, Sundrop

Common Sense, Magic Prevail

SIGN-IN -- Clay Aiken signed hundreds of copies of his new CD, A Thousand Different Ways, at the 9/26 Virgin Megastore signing party, as conveyed in this lovely graphic by Katt45.

Amusing Techno Adventures

Common Sense, Magic Prevail

When my new laptop arrived a couple of months ago, I couldn't wait to launch this new machine. I even broke precedence and carefully read online and printed instructions before diving into the set-up process, something that normally makes way too much sense for my impatient nature.

Even with an occasional snafu from my AOL mix, I have been feeling rather smug about seamlessly easing from one computer to another. That is, until my friend Sally, who also owns a Toshiba laptop, hinted during one of our frequent telephone conversations that I needed to turn down Clay's volume with a certain control button.

On this end, the scene was quite comical as I looked high and low for the circular button she described. I turned on all lights in the room and searched under, around, and from every angle for this particular device. Hard-headed as ever, I finally gave myself five more minutes before walking across the room to the handbook that would immediately pinpoint the exact location.

Then, almost by accident, the quarter-sized thingy that I previously thought was a shiny decoration, spun when I touched it. Miraculously, the sound on my speakers decreased.

"I found my knob!!!" I squealed through the phone line. Sally kindly remarked that she would have heard that declaration all the way in Georgia with or without Ma Bell.

Plain as day, the dynamic little disk sits about an inch to the right of the keyboard's directional arrows; but for future conversations, I now know which button makes the music fade. I just have to remember that the Japanese-designed knob crescendos louder to the left and decrescendos softer to the right, the exact opposite of this American musician's way of thinking.

Still, definite progress and a memorable milestone of my week!

Conquering Another Techno Mountain

This must has been my week for technological adventures because 14 days ago, no matter what I tried, I could not coerce a new iRiver mp3 player to sync with my computer's music library. Putting this little problem aside for a week to complete income tax preparation, I finally called the iRiver Clix support team the next time I opened the box. The bugger still wouldn't budge; and what's more, I was having to use a paper clip to reset the device after each USB connection.

Sunday I pulled the player from safekeeping and started the process again. I had read the instructions many times and decided to leave them alone this go-round. Someone must have waved a magic wand in my direction because everything worked like a charm, and I have been transferring music ever since. So far -- knock on wood -- no paper clip needed either!

Luck or perseverance, I think I'm on a roll. Any minute now, Publisher's Clearing House is bound to ring my doorbell with a boatload of money for Clay Aiken's ATDW Tour!

PHOTO INTERMISSION: This clickable interlude features graphics by the talented Amazing_CA (1, 4); Clayquebec1 (2); ABeautifulMind (3); and Fivegoldens (5).

Michael Orland Reflects on Clay

In an interview published in the August issue of Image magazine, American Idol pianist/accompanist Michael Orland provided humorous and insightful reflections into Clay's appearance on the AI5 Finale (he didn't recognize his friend backstage while staring straight at him!), Clay's generosity in sharing the spotlight with others, and a prediction for our singer's future.

"I think Clay's new, great look is indicative of what's about to break for his future. He'll be hitting the music scene with fresh material in a big way. He's just got it -- he's that talented and that different."

Typically, the Image article bounced around Clay Cyberspace this past weekend. Anyone who missed it can read Orland's thoughts about Clay in the clickable scan below:

Clickable Image Magazine Scan

South Korean Fan Creates ATD Montage

One way international fans stay in touch with their favorite singer is through YouTube. Loveholic6364 of South Korea has created a beautiful montage by blending Clay's performances of A Thousand Days from this fall's Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Martha Stewart appearances.

This is copied from Loveholic's montage intro at YouTube: Claymates in Korea are not as big as that in US. But, we love Clay and his songs very much, just like you. We're very sorry for not releasing 'A Thousand Days.' Actually, we couldn't wait for this; so one of the Claymates in Korea made 'A Thousand Days' M/V on her own.

A very special montage, the three-concert A Thousand Days video is artistically constructed and includes lyrics in both English and Korean.

On a related topic, there are several very handsome photos from Clay's 9/26 JKL Mini-Concert at the 1iota website.

Cickable from JKL Mini-Concert,
1iota Productions Photo

OFC Links for Blogs

If you ever need a problem solved, Galadriel and Lisa1068 of the Official Fan Club are your team. With the unveiling of the new CA website on 9/14, they discovered there was no link to member blogs from the message board. However, these Clay fans persisted and located not one, but two solutions.

Galadriel has included her partner's step-by-step instructions for a signature link in her current OFC blog, A Solution Has Been Found, and homepage directions in her previous entry, A Mystery To Be Solved.

For the latter, insert your OFC [or other] blog link as your homepage in EDIT PROFILE. When members click on another person's screen name, up to six options appear -- view public profile, send a PM, send an email, etc., with the fourth item being the homepage/blog link.

Currently, the catch with the homepage link is that when you log out, you must reset it in EDIT PROFILE under MY ACCOUNT upon returning. OFC admins, however, are tackling that little glitch as I type.

These perks should prove helpful for members who enjoy spending time on both sides of the OFC. Special thnx to Galadriel and Lisa1068 for hanging tough with this project and sharing their findings!

Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, A Thousand Days, Michael Orland, Image Magazine, American Idol, Jimmy Kimmel Live, 1iota Productions, You Tube

Clay Train Travels Varied Route

CHARISMA AND TALENT -- Graphic artist ABeautifulMind celebrates the Clay Aiken's new CD with a very special design -- "A Thousand Different Ways."

Cyberspace, TV, Classroom

Clay Train Travels Varied Route

Clay Aiken is everywhere -- TV tapings, a teen magazine, an ESPN column, even in the middle of my 90-minute oboe sectional at East Davidson Friday. Mixed with a lesson on technique, musicality, and reed adjustment was an update of Clay's new CD, A Thousand Different Ways, and his future TV appearances.

The same class that was affected by highway gremlins two weeks ago (10/3 blog) happened to hit "senior cut day" this Friday, so I only had one student -- Gracie, a freshman who also takes private oboe and flute lessons at my home.

We were 2/3 of the way through the session when I remembered the "silly" I had planned to play on my sister's flute sectional upstairs. For the past two years, I occasionally and inadvertently interrupted Sis's class by dialing her cell phone in the midst of the weekly lesson. As soon as I was added to the Friday faculty, the older flute students joked that Mrs. B's sister wouldn't be ringing her in the middle of class this fall. LOL, those seniors gave me a great idea, and I have been planning just such an interruption ever since!

Gracie and I stepped outside and dialed Sis's cell phone. Well, the joke was on me because she didn't answer! However, Sis plans to join the fun next Friday; and the joke will be replayed when the senior flautists are present.

Broken Wings Is Tops With Teen

As we returned to our practice room, Gracie asked if I had ever gotten the Without You ringtone on my phone. Nope, but she did! I told her that many more songs from the ATDW track list are now available as ring tones.

This, in turn, led to a discussion of the various selections on ATDW. Gracie, who previously told me she and her friends listen to music from the 80's, listed several she really likes, ending with, "And I just L-O-V-E Broken Wings!"

I asked if she has heard Lover All Alone, and she has not; so I promised to send her a couple of links to montages that feature this beautiful song co-written by Clay. Fans of all ages seem to relate to this song. In fact, countless men, women, and teens outside the "blue haired" demographic -- which most critics and entertainment reporters believe describes the entire CA fan club -- love Clay's magnificent voice and his special take on ATDW's love song covers and originals.

It just so happens this freshman oboist is a fan of both "Grey's Anatomy" and "Gilmore Girls," TV shows that have received beautiful LAA treatments by various montage makers.

LAA graphic by Cindilu2

Montages Introduce Songs to Fans

Lover All Alone - Grey's Anatomy by AprilJolex has registered 11,000+ views and 55+ comments, most of whom recognized Clay's voice and knew he wrote the song. This montage has been availabe at YouTube since 9/23.

Lover All Alone by IHateChristopher deals with the heartbreak of the leading couple on "Gilmore Girls," Lorelai and Luke.

Most of the comments from the 1,300+ views are by GG fans who have never heard Clay sing and who knew nothing about the song prior to viewing this 10/9 montage. Here are a few examples:

1. Wow, that was a wonderful montage! The incredibly beautiful song combined with the video really conveyed the heartbreak that this couple is obviously going through. That song needs to be HEARD everywhere; it's awesome!

2. Love Gilmore Girls. Perfect song for L & L. The video with the song rips your heart out. So sad. Why haven't I heard this song on the radio? Wow!

3. I just watched this montage, and I have chills -- that song is INCREDIBLE! Is it available anywhere on CD?

Reply to #3 by a CA fan: You can only get the song if you buy Clay Aiken's A Thousand Different Ways from iTunes. It's a bonus if you buy the whole album.

BW blend by Amazing_CA

While sending my student the LAA links, I also included Aspiegirl's beautiful Broken Wings montage.Reckon that's enough because I do want this student to practice her oboe -- that is, once she returns home from a day of marching band competition!

PHOTO INTERMISSION: This photo interlude displays the talent of four graphic artists, including Ambassador of Love (1); Amazing_CA (2) and (5); ABeautifulMind (3); and Clayquebec1 (4).

ESPN Columnist Salutes Clay

On 10/12, Bill Simmons's ESPN column about Tiger Woods included this gem about a certain singer the 11th paragraph down:

This seems like a good time to mention my theory about celebrities: Take the dorkiest people on the planet, make them famous, and within four or five years, they wouldn't be dorky anymore. Why? As soon as they became famous, their entire lives revolve around awkward interactions with people who are either (A) terrified to meet them, (B) kissing up to them, (C) interviewing them, or (D) just as famous as they are. They become conditioned to it after awhile. Eventually, their confidence swells and they morph into someone else -- in any situation, in any room, they're usually the alpha dog and they know it.

The perfect example is Clay Aiken, the dorky crooner from "American Idol" who slowly morphed into this generation's Barry Manilow. Ever see Aiken on a talk show now? He's as smooth as Merv Griffin in his prime. That's what fame brings, a distinctive poise from being in control all the time. Eventually, you can't help but become secure and self-assured. It's inevitable.

Three-Year Anniversary for MOAM

Fans Celebrate MOAM Anniversary

Throughout cyberspace, CA fans are commemorating the third anniversary of Clay's first mainstream pop album, Measure of a Man, which dropped on 10/14/03. Nothing big -- just three candles and a few sentimental spins of songs that are still special on many playlists.

Among the fond recollections of 2003 is the text from the Hits Daily Double article regarding Clay's smash debut album: By any Measure, RCA’s Clay Aiken is the Man. The emerging star, who finished second to labelmate Ruben Studdard on the nationally televised talent show, debuted at #1 this week, with his Clive Davis-produced solo bow scoring more than 600k in sales.

Teen Meet & Greet Featured

In this "Star Tracks" scan from the 9/24-9/30 Teen People edition, Clay signs a CD for one of his younger fans at the Los Angeles Virgin Megastore on Hollywood & Highland:

Clickable 'Teen People' Scan,
Photo by John M. Heller

The Buzz Continues with Tyra

Clay fans awoke Saturday morning to many detailed reports from Clay's Friday night taping of the Tyra Banks Show in LA. Clay's Daily Double is currently featuring Spotlightlover's excellent recap, along with links to several others.

Apparently, the well-known Aiken-Kimmel chemistry has been challenged by the amazing rapport enjoyed by Clay and Tyra during Friday's taping.

Clay & Co. performed A Thousand Days from ATDW and Mary, Did You Know from the Christmas album, suggesting that this show will be scheduled closer to the holidays. No doubt Tyra's web site will be well-watched.

VIDEO TIP: Anyone still having trouble viewing the new Quick Time videos from the OFC should download the free VLC Media Player. My updated version of Quick Time is not only missing software to display the movie file, but what is needed is also unavailable on the QT server. Meanwhile, download the media files to your computer and the VLC Player works like a charm.

Have an awesome weekend, Clay Nation, and enjoy the ride!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, A Thousand Days,Lover All Alone, Grey's Anatomy,Gilmore Girls, You Tube, Broken Wings, Bill Simmons, ESPN, Measure of a Man, Teen People, LA Virgin Megastore, Tyra Banks Show

Three-Week Sales Tally 324,983

BECAUSE -- Strength, faith, and voice play key roles in Cindilu2's beautiful animated graphic with photos by Karen Eh.

Creating Legs for ATDW

Three-Week Sales Tally 324,983

With very little radio play, senseless and strident reviews by a multitude of critics, and a myriad of stocking problems in popular stores, it is nothing short of a miracle that SoundScan numbers today reveal Clay Aiken's exquisitely crafted sophomore CD, A Thousand Different Ways, sold 39,217 copies in its third week out, bringing the total to 324,983.

In story after story, fans have proven the main ingredient required for publicizing this beautiful album of 10 classic love songs and four original tracks is simply that people hear it. The album sells itself. Borrowing a reader's phrase, "ATDW is a treasure to be shared, not hidden."

New dates released by RCA Records today [see MARK YOUR CALENDAR below] suggest that Team Clay's goal for the CD has been leg-oriented all along. December sales will be aided by the obvious pairing of ATDW and Clay's very popular Merry Christmas with Love in conjunction with his packed lineup of holiday concerts with eastern US orchestras.

Dental Hygienist Generates Buzz

But what about now? In their own way -- whether it's playing the CD for others, emailing appearance dates, sharing links, or whatnot -- fans are also out there spreading the word.

One of my favorite stories from this week was shared by libra1014 at Clayversity on Monday. What amazing "buzz" this one fan is generating in her job as a dental hygienist!

In the office where I work on Mondays, I have my own CD player in my room; and I play ATDW all day long. What's great about this is that most patients are in the chair for 45 minutes, so they hear a lot of the album.

Today I sat a patient down, and "Here You Come Again" was playing. I have added "Lover All Alone" and "If You Don't Know Me By Now" to the 14 cuts.

As I finished up, the patient said, "Wow, what a great radio station! I can never find anything that good. What is it?" I told her this was Clay Aiken's new CD. She said, "Clay Aiken? That explains why it is so good. I will have to look for the album." We had to wait for the dentist to come in, and I filled her in on UNICEF, the presidential appointment, TBAF, etc., plus the upcoming concert in nearby Englewood. I'm doing my own PR. She said she had no idea about his involvement with UNICEF, etc.

ATDW sounds so much better than the usual radio stuff that it's very hard not to notice it. I think for it to be truly appreciated, it needs to be listened to as a whole. Patients seem to notice it more after several songs have played.

Locating Our Own 'Dental Chair'

Not everyone has a dental chair with a "captive audience" for 45 minutes, but I wouldn't doubt that libra1014's story inspires fans to explore resources and find an equivalent to her dental chair.

The varied shadings and beautiful nuances of Clay's vocals, the creative arrangements, and our singer's superb interpretations of ATDW songs need to be heard by others. I'm already plotting my next approach with some high school music students. What's your plan?

One of the most popular graphics on CA message boards this past week has been Claystruck's conversion of RCA's new logo into an all-Aiken affair. Perfect, Claystruck!

Clickable

Corrupted File Claims Hours

This blog entry experienced a four-hour delay due to a second AOL corrupted file assault in under three weeks. I was not as fortunate this morning with my designated technician as I was on 9/25, and recovering my blog notes, codes, photographer/graphic artist permission list, student info, etc., in "Mail Waiting To Be Sent" took four hours, which seemed more like forever.

Three strikes, though, are not for me; so I will be moving this important information to Word or One Note shortly. Looking on the bright side of my four-hour outage, the message finally got through my hard head. I don't plan to miss another minute of this ride on the Clay Train due to something I can correct!

Reviewer Actually Listens to ATDW

Tammy La Gorce's assessment on the Target site not only coined a phrase -- "mop-topped man of steel" -- but her review was obviously written after she listened to ATDW, a novel approach, fans have learned. Here is La gorce's take from the Target site:

A Thousand Different Ways, the follow-up to Clay Aiken's chart-burning debut Measure of a Man, trots out the kind of material a fleet-voiced former American Idol contestant can't help having a field day with: Aiken's version of Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" is bathed in a smoothness that renders it arguably better than the original; his step into Celine Dion's shoes for "Because You Love Me" sees nary a stumble (no easy feat, considering it's a vocal obstacle course of a song); and his cover of Paul Young's '80's classic "Every Time You Go Away" comes across as a clean-sounding, much-needed update.

More proof that Aiken ain't fakin' when it comes to being a stylish interpreter comes courtesy of his convincing carry-off of Dolly Parton's sweet "Here You Come Again," but where he'll earn the most merit points for this disc is with the four originals -- "A Thousand Days" especially. Aiken has the kind of voice that makes listeners want to scoot close to the speaker. He may be a softy, but when it comes to trapping raw emotion in song, he's become a mop-topped man of steel. -- Tammy La Gorce

CA fans can share their opinion of ATDW via Target Guest Reviews where, currently, there are only three. Surely the Clay Nation can do better than that!

PHOTO INTERMISSION: This clickable interlude features the talents of graphic artists ABeautifulMind, 1 and 5 (with photo credit to KarenEh); Amazing_CA, 2; Claystruck, 3; and Clayquebec1, 4.

Borders Posts Exclusive Q&A Session

Tuesday an exclusive interview with Clay appeared on the Borders web site. These are just the opening two Q&A. Let's give this site some hits and read the remainder of the interview there.

BORDERS: Reinterpreting classic songs of yesteryear is always an interesting adventure. Did you find yourself infusing the song with your own personality to give it a fresh take, taking on the character of that song from its classic sense, or doing a combination of both in the final product?

CLAY: I think that reinterpretation was a really big goal of this project. It was kind of tough for me to assume that I could really do some of these songs that are so recognizable in a way that would hold up to the original. So, we made a strong effort to try to bring a new fresh take to each song. Like, trying a Celtic turn on "Everything I Do" or bringing the ethereal vibe to "Broken Wings."

BORDERS: You mention "Here You Come Again" as a favorite of yours from the new album, originally done by Dolly Parton. Is this your only exploration of pop-country, and how did it feel to give yourself a little country in your music with your roots in the South?

CLAY: I grew up on country. My mom has always listened to it. I never have found myself gravitating toward one song or the other because of the genre though. I really have always liked this song because of the melody and the great lyric. That's how I tend to pick songs.

Our version of this song is quite different from Dolly's version. Hers being so peppy and upbeat; ours being so laid back and chill. I think that is really more of the reason that I love this song so much on ATDW. Because it is a great example of us taking a song that is so recognizable one way and breathing a whole fresh new life into it.

Surprise Sales in South Korea

ATDW is making its mark in South Korea where, according to Bloomingclay of the Clayboard, the CD, without any promotion by Sony/BMG, has been in the Top 10 best-selling pop albums for the past two weeks.

Clickable Display in South Korea

Bloomingclay translated the display above for fans: "14 beautiful colors of love songs for all the lovers in the world" ... "The best star from American Idol, Clay Aiken's new album."

In her post she added, "There is still no promotion here; but considering that we had a hard time even finding one or two copies of Measure of a Man before, this is a big surprise!"

ATDW streams from the Korean Fan Club web site, and you will recognize most of the photos. Whoever is planning Clay's international tour should certainly put South Korea on the agenda!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Let's spread the word about these appearances:

10/27: Clay Aiken - Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC rerun)
TBA: Tyra Banks Show (Taping 10/13)
TBA: Days of Our Lives
TBA: Dr. Phil Show
TBA: The Megan Mullally Show (Taping 11/1)
11/17: Regis & Kelly Show: Co-host with Kelly and Performer
11/21: American Music Awards: Presenter

I'm off to preserve some important files. Have an awesome week, Clay Nation. Think LEGS!!!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Target, Borders, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Tyra Banks Show, Dr. Phil Show, The Megan Mullally Show, Regis & Kelly Show, American Music Awards

Football Season Stir Memories

AIKEN CARD SECTION -- This animated graphic by Cindilu2 of Scrpkym's photos of Clay Aiken reflects the rotating images created by student card sections at collegiate football games.

As Marching Band Director

Football Season Stirs Memories

Rousing marching band cadences echoing the excitement and fever pitch of high school and college football contests of today almost invariably transport me back to the festive, intense hoopla of Fridays and Saturdays past.

This weekend I cheered for the Texas Longhorns -- Hook 'em, Horns! -- in the 101st annual Red River Shootout with the University of Oklahoma. I didn't attend UT-Austin, but that doesn't matter. I will always will be part Texan, having graduated from the UT satellite campus in El Paso. Same fight song with the catchy slide trombone riff, easily discernible burnt orange colors, and insuppressible Texas pride.

This is not a blog about football, but about marching bands and one in particular. In a previous entry, I recalled some of my escapades as the director of a Class B high school band in West Texas. It doesn't take much to kindle memories of that season, and some of these reflections are new. Just like the pre-game show, special guest at halftime will be my favorite pop singer -- Clay Aiken from the promo trail for his new CD, A Thousand Different Ways.

Small Town An Education

I have taught elementary/middle/high school band and/or orchestra in three states -- Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The only season I taught marching band occurred in Ropesville, TX, 21 miles southwest of Lubbock, and proved to be quite an education for both the director and the community.

A city girl born and bred, I had never lived in a town as small as Ropes, population 517. However, my husband was returning to classes at Texas Tech, the school was without a band director, and I needed a job -- all at the last minute. Mr. Caro had worked in the oil fields around Odessa the previous year, but he was determined to finish his music ed degree; and we were fortunate the Ropes position opened up at just the right time.

Following my interview, the superintendent of schools gave me a tour of the building. As we entered the band room on that hot August day, I noticed the windows were cracked for a nonexistent breeze. Having taught a couple of years in Lubbock, I asked if the band room was air-conditioned. The seasoned old educator just grinned and quietly drawled, "It's onnnnnnnnn."

Besides having "natural" air-conditioning, the band room was next door to the AG Department. There were a few rehearsals during which I could not tell the difference between squealing pigs and my clarinet section.Because the offspring of cotton farmers are automatically involved in the family business, there was never a possibility for before/after school band practice. Everything had to be accomplished during the school day. Our practice field was right next to a cotton gin, and students literally could neither hear themselves, the person next to them, nor their director.

There's quite a leap from acceptable newsroom chatter to public school decorum, and I was forever having to watch my choice of words around students. The high school principal, whose daughter played clarinet in the band, was quite hard of hearing. On a day the cotton gins seemed to be blaring at unreal decibel levels, my band students were unable to hear me even with my loud speaker and nonchalantly talking amongst themselves. I completely tossed etiquette to the wind, stomped my size 5 foot, and yelled through the megaphone, "Shut up, dammit!"

A few days later the principal ushered me into his office and drawled, "Ms. Caro, I hear that you have been using foul language with the band." I said all the right things and got out of there as soon as possible. No way had that dear man heard me, and I was really impressed that anyone in the band had either. I should have applied the good ole Carolina phrase "dadgummit" anyway!

Cotton Gins Rule

Determined more than ever to circumvent the noisy situation, city girl director asked around town if there was any way the gins could be turned off during our noon band practice period. Mr. Caro, who enjoyed eating breakfast at the local cafe before driving into Lubbock, soon delivered a message from the locals. "Boy, that wife of yours is trying to stir up some trouble. Tell her we don't shut them gins down for nobody!"

To which, Mr. Caro, a man of few words, responded, "Did you notice our house has wheels on it?"

Being married to a drummer had its advantages, as he always helped with my percussion sectionals. At the first rehearsal, however, he was duly informed that the guys already knew their cadence, which was: I ate a big lunch, I ate a big lunch. Mr. Caro promptly blew their minds with new material, and they in turn impressed home and away football crowds with a variety of new beats.

Drum Major Makes Sacrifice

One of the neatest kids I ever taught was the Ropes drum major, who had been elected to the position at the end of his junior year. Unfortunately, Darren was also the band's only tuba player. A band without bass is very top heavy and doesn't sound as good. This senior proved his maturity by volunteering to blow the whistle and give vocal commands from his sousaphone position in the back of block formation. We marched the entire season with our drum major in the rear.

I'm not sure about today, but in the 1970s, some Class B Schools had band programs and some didn't. On several of our away games with non-band schools, we encountered football fields marked off in 10-yard increments. This was always a shock to the system of students who had spent the entire week drilling eight steps to five yards. Though "16 to 10" sounds like an equal equation, it's a stretch in precision.

HALFTIME SHOW: Featured in this clickable haltime show are graphic artists Amazing_CA, 1 and 2; ABeautifulMind, 3; Invisible926, 4; and Clayquebec1, 5. Photo credits include Scrypkym, 1, and KarenEh, 5. MommaJudy provided the screen caps for 4.

Football Reigns In West Texas

Like most West Texas communities, football was king in Ropesville. Many in my low brass sections were star football players, so I had to work around that situation. However, when I realized that the JV Team, which played on Thursday nights, was also suiting up on Friday nights just to sit on the bench, I went into orbit. The coaches and I calmly came to an understanding that if a player suited up on Thursday, he was to be in a band uniform on Friday night.

I never knew if I would have a 24 or a 32-piece band until late in the week, so I planned shows accordingly. The night before we went to marching contest, though, I was determined we would perform that particular show at half-time, even without the varsity players. With everyone present, we fielded a respectable 48. To pull off a step-two drill with that many holes required tremendous concentration on the students' part. They have to wait not only their two beats, but also the two beats for each person missing.

Seems as if I spent the entire half-time squatting on the sidelines with my megaphone, "Keep going ... don't stop ... keep moving!" The next day with all 48 members present, the band earned an Excellent rating at the marching band festival, their highest mark in years.

Potpourri of Uniforms

Ropesville's 12-year-old band uniforms were ancient by most standards; and this collection was not only tattered, but also filled with sizes no one could wear. A previous director had apparently outfitted the entire fledgling band program, grade 5 - 12. Twelve years later, the program had grown, and only high school students required uniforms. Lots of very small sizes went unused year after year.

We pieced together jeans and sweatshirts with partial uniforms for football season, and I went to work making a case for new attire with presentations to the school board. To this day, I think the deciding factor was the night my drum major told the story of our trip to Lubbock to march in the annual Cotton Festival Parade.

The band rode to the city on a school bus, while I followed in my station wagon, filled with drums and various large instruments. Darren was to get the band lined up while I checked us in; but when I returned, everyone was still sitting on the bus. Having seen the flashy uniforms and shiny instruments of other groups, Ropes band members were too embarrassed to leave the bus.

Darren gave me a "leave it to me" kind of signal, so I did. I don't know what he told the band members to get them off the bus, but soon we were taking our place in line for the parade route. We had worked particularly hard on street drills, the drummers had hot new cadences, and the band sounded very good.

A Surprising Outcome

Afterwards, students and chaperones rushed to enjoy the rides at the fair while I slipped over to the music store to pick up some supplies. When I returned to the fair grounds, I was very surprised to be greeted with "Congratulations! ... Good show, Ropes!" from several area band directors.

The Ropes Band, which almost didn't get off the bus, had been awarded an Honorable Mention Trophy in the Cotton Festival Parade. Darren accompanied me to the next school board meeting and told that story. New uniforms were approved that very night.

Despite this flood of fond memories, our weekend's cold, rainy weather finds me perfectly content to celebrate my love for football, bands, and festive fan atmospheres from the comfort of my own den. I'm off to cheer for the Carolina Panthers!

Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Texas Longhorns, Ropesville, Texas

ATDW Facilitates Missed Exit

MUSICAL BACKGROUND -- Believe it or not, this graphic by A Beautiful Mind was selected solely for the correlation between the musical background and this blog's second narrative. Yeah, right!

Prosrastination, Misdirection Reign

ATDW Facilitates Missed Exit

Welcome to Procrastinators Anonymous, the club I host annually while finally finagling the figures on my federal and state income tax forms. Oh, I keep good records; but I just dread the process and for years have taken extensions all the way up to midnight Oct. 15.

There have been times this week that I almost took an oath to continue right on into 2006 the minute I complete 2005. And I still might -- but not while Clay Aiken is out and about promoting his new CD, A Thousand Different Ways. A tiny break will be in order, and then I might get my act together for April 15 next year.

It's kind of difficult keeping up with my favorite singer and these columns of numbers at the same time. However, it appears I just may have this project in the mail prior to Clay's Friday morning appearance on the Martha Stewart Show.

Clay, Grandmother To Visit Martha

On Friday's show, Clay will be accompanied by his grandmother, who will share the family recipe for Hot Pineapple Salad, while he handles the musical honors.

That works for me. My mother-in-law in Odessa, TX, too. Actually, my MIL, who was front and center for Clay's interview on the Larry King Show last week, normally sleeps in most mornings; but in the midst of my aforementioned project, we have mapped out an early night Thursday so she can rise and shine for Clay's 9 a.m. CDT appearance.

MIL adores the fact that Clay loves his mother and grandparents, and she will be sipping coffee a little earlier than usual for Friday morning's fare of music and hot pineapple salad.

Next on our TV Guide are the Tyra Banks Show, which will be taped on Oct. 13 to be shown this fall, and the Sunday rerun of Clay's appearance on Larry King. I am watching the boards for the Jimmy Kimmel Live repeat.

MIL missed Clay and Jimmy the first time around, but she already knows she's in for a treat. With promos about tattoos ..."They will be LOCKED!" ... "Lawd, Jesus" ... and whatnot, no way is she skipping this show the second time around!

POSTSCRIPT: Clay and his Grandma Aiken thrilled MIL and other fans with Friday's appearance on the Martha Stewart Show. In the first photo, the North Carolinians are sharing a favorite family recipe for Hot Pineapple Salad. Clay & Co. later performed a rocking rendition of A Thousand Days.

MIL received her wake-up call at 8:30 a.m., made some strong coffee, and settled in for Clay's appearance on Martha. We talked off and on throughout the show, and she thoroughly enjoyed Clay and his family. She thinks Hot Pineapple Salad would be a great side dish with ham. This was her first time to hear ATD, and she loved the song!

PHOTO INTERMISSION: This clickable interlude features graphics and photos by some of Clay's most talented fans, including Ambassador of Love, 1; Amazing_CA with KarenEh photos, 2 and 5; Cindilu2, 3; and Katt45, 4.

Sense of Direction Genes 'Lost'

In addition to my occasional procrastination streak, I also am missing a few genes in the sense of direction department. This fall my sister and I are conducting flute and oboe workshops for a Davidson County high school band on Fridays. The first week we made the trip together, but this past Friday Sis and her husband were on grandparent duty in Wilmington -- so I was on my own.

Piece of cake, I thought. And it is -- if you make sure your car cruises down I-85 South. Somehow, I missed a turn and was halfway to Asheboro wondering why the I-85 signs had been replaced by 220's. Of course, Clay and I were singing through ATDW, but that's beside the point. By the time I concluded that I was indeed headed in the wrong direction, the turn-around exits seemed to disappear. Finally, I located one and dialed my BIL.

You can't imagine how I dreaded that phone call. Years ago when I moved to the Piedmont Triad and prepared to attend my first fall music educators' conference in Winston-Salem, BIL gave me detailed instructions for locating the NC School of the Arts. Somehow, when I hit the Winston city limits, my car veered in the exactly the opposite direction. To make matters worse, I ended up at a Winston-Salem State Univeristy football game. I doubt I will ever hear the end of that one!

Occasional Off-the-Map Adventures

Ever since then, it seems to be my lot in life to occasionally provide BIL hilarious little off-the-map adventures, for which I am royally teased. Friday was no different. I dialed his cell from the parking lot of a fast food restaurant overlooking Randleman High School. He laughingly suggested I ask if the Randleman oboe section needed some assistance.

Seriously, we decided there was no way to cross over to 85 from my location; so I was destined to retrace the 13 miles back to the missed turn. Because I had left home a little early, I was only about 10 minutes late to my class. My charges were just getting warmed up for our sectional when I arrived. BTW, an oboe plays the beautiful fade-away ending for "Everything I Have" on ATDW.

I'm sure my car and I now know the way to East Davidson. However, I'm not taking any chances. The band director's number was programmed into my cell phone the minute I returned home. You never know when the highway gremlins might alter that exit!

Have a great week, Clay Nation!

Caro

RELATED TAGS: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, Martha Stewart Show, Tyra Banks Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Everything I Have, A Thousand Days