Ch...ch...ch...ch...changes....

Welcome, all!
I have been bouncing around for months what I wanted this blog to focus on and after surfing through many different parts of the Internet I finally decided just come out and admit my status in the ClayNation. If I could be a loyal fan of the "greatest entertainer of this generation" - one Mister Barry Manilow -- for 30 years then I could also show my support for the "heir apparent."

But let's get a few things straight -
***I am a loyal fan - NOT a Manic or a Mate or a Fanatic
***I am a realist and fully grasp the concept that all people, celebrities and non, have their good points and bad ones
***God is the only One I worship -- I admire the gifts of others such as Barry and Clay

I will be taking chances with what I say about my reactions to what is going on with Clay and his "15 minutes of fame." Some of you will agree with me but many of you will take issue with what I express. All I ask is that any discussion be civil and polite without falling into name calling and finger pointing. I'm being honest here and all I ask that others do the same without hurting Clay, me or each other.

I've reposted some of my posts from the O-ffical Fan Club to start the ball rolling (see below) and then I'll see where things go from there. Thanks for reading and carry on -- carefully...

Current reposts from the OFC

09/20/06 : Taking Chances - Part 1

Hola, friends!
Everyone reaches a point where stepping out of one's comfort zone is necessary for growth. I'm going to take a "step out in faith" with the first edition of my next two blogs and put a few things out there that I need to say and do b/c, well, it's about time I do so. I've been through a month of changes in my life that in and of themselves would not amount to much but bundled together have caused me to take a good, hard look at myself. Don't worry, gang – I will try to STILL be as humorous as possible! Let's proceed...

Ok, can we talk about Clay's interview this AM on GMA? I, for one, have grown more than a little weary over all the speculation and hype (not by ABC but by others) as to the contents of the piece. So the HUGE revelation this AM was that Clay is taking Paxil for depression -- big effin’ whoop! Join the club, honey -- there are many of us, myself included, who need to be on a "happy pill" to help deal with daily life when our own bodies cannot produce the correct amount of serotonin to get the job done. For me, an early menopause was the culprit and I resisted taking anything like this for quite awhile until I knew inside that I needed to so something to stop the violent mood swings that I could no longer control. I won't have to be on this forever and Clay may not need to be either but there is no longer a stigma attached to taking such medication (in fact, in LA it's probably the norm!). In any case, if that little detail is the BIG NEWS we've been waiting for, then a lot of folks are going to be very disappointed -- particularly those Vegas betting places that are giving odds on something else that might "come out" from the interview with Diane. I sincerely hope that they all end up with egg on their faces for that one!

I've talked about my month from hell in a previous blog so I won't bore you with those details again. I will say that I'm into the second week of my new position as Pastoral Assistant/Director of Music Ministries at a central Massachusetts Catholic parish and these folks seem to be the real deal. Everyone has been so welcoming and wanting to get started that I can’t believe I’ve been called to work here! With any luck and if it is God’s plan I’ll be here for a good long while but that doesn’t take away my desire to follow a dream of mine that is a long time coming. You see, even though my biggest dream was to perform, I’ve always wanted to do so on television. I have been extremely fascinated with the medium since I was old enough to reach the dials (yes, I’m that old!) and hoped that one day I’d get a chance to work in that business either in front of or behind the cameras. However, since I live in the wrong part of the country I thought that dream had little chance of becoming a reality.

But then along came the Internet and maybe there still could be a chance. I was told that a lot of business is now done online and through net conferences so I could still live in one place even if my work is in another. That appeals to this gal who can’t get on an airplane anymore unless she wants to be the next woman in the headlines who ends of having a panic attack and is arrested by the air marshals – not good publicity for someone in a new church job!

Back to the predicament -- I’ve done some research, along with consulting a friend who was in the business but has since retired and I think I may have a great premise for a TV show. The problem is I don’t know how to shop it around myself. I missed an opportunity last month to get someone else to do it for me at an arts conference b/c of my Mom’s illness so now after all that work I’m back to square one. I’ve learned through my dealings with Touched By An Angel that I can’t send something to a production company unsolicited b/c it then becomes their property and I would lose all rights to it. From the few folks who have seen the treatment, I have been encouraged to continue developing the idea (I’ve been told its different and might “have legs”) until I can get a chance to pitch it to someone through the proper channels but I’ll admit I’m becoming frustrated. I keep taking it to prayer but if anyone out there has any concrete suggestions I’m all ears.

Sorry I can’t tell you the exact premise but, as you know, the Internet is very unforgiving about such things. Also, this may be the most unprofessional way to get the word out about my project but I can’t seem to think of any other way to get more help with it. I seem to be limited in my options at the moment.

Well, that ends part one of thoughts. Be watching for part two when I take a BIG chance here in Clayland and review the new album! If you’re looking for the usual Clay-is-great-and-can-do-no-wrong types of rendering then don’t drop by b/c I can only tell it like it is (which means that some of you won’t like what I have to say!) I will also continue to comment on all the hype surrounding the boy’s interviews during his CD promotion week. Ought to be both fun and a bit wacky (just like me)!

Carry on!

09/22/06 : Clarification of Part 1

I learned two things yesterday–

1) NEVER compose a blog entry after 10pm at night even when you swear you’re thinking clearly at that hour

2) ALWAYS send above entry to your best friend to proof-read/edit.

So my friend read Tuesday night’s edition yesterday morning and said to me “gee, you made it sound like your TV idea was part of your new job – that’s not the truth!!”

After I looked at it again I had to agree (I do so hate it when she’s right!).

So, in the interest of getting things right and being clear but still without giving away too much let me clarify what I was trying to say late Tuesday evening:

1) I have come up with a brilliant idea for a NATIONAL TV show.

2) I lost an opportunity for someone to shop it for me at a west coast conference last month.

3) I can’t send it unsolicited to a production company b/c I will lose my rights to it.

4) The genre of said show is a VARIETY format with a twist and I’ll admit that I fashioned it around that Aiken kid but since he really wants to do a talk show I guess I might have to find another star to hang my dream on.

5) I’m still trying to figure out how best to pitch this idea and to whom.

Now, does that clear things up regarding my intentions? I sure hope so.

It may not get me any closer to my goal but at least I won’t have my fans (all three of you) wondering what in the world I’m referring to anymore.

That is all – album review still to come!

Carry on!

09/27/06 : Taking Chances, Part 2 -- The CD Review!

Sorry this took a little longer than expected to post but when one begins a new job, unforeseen events pop up out of nowhere. The good thing about the delay was that it gave me a chance to listen to the CD more than once (ok, at least a dozen times) and to download the extra track from iTunes so I could include my opinions on that as well.

Remember, I will call it as I hear it but I will try to be gentle…

Without further ado, here's my take on Aiken's latest audio endeavor:

Right Here Waiting - this track is vocally good but I'm really partial to the slower, more longing version by Richard Marx. Even though this is definitely a personal preference I feel that the orchestration really detracted from the true angst of the piece and gave it too much of a happy pop sound. Unfortunately my least favorite cut on the album.

Lonely No More -- Now this is much better! A classic Aiken sound coupled with a decent tune and complete with an equally classic Barry Manilow modulation. I just love it and hope it might be considered for radio airplay. Leaves me wanting to hear more of his Clayness's co-writing efforts.

Without You -- classy and classic cover of a song that's been over-covered through the years. As Randy would say, "you worked it out, Dawg!" Now, tell me, why can’t this track get enough airplay so others can enjoy it? Hummmmm?

Every Time You Go Away -- I can't seem to warm up to this one at all. Other than the looooong held notes, there is nothing else that distinguishes this one from all the other covers I've heard. It's just "awiiiight!"

Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word -- Clay's high and clear vocal tone just makes this melody line shine and I love the acoustic feel with the guitar. The overall tempo is slightly faster giving it a sense of urgency and that works very well with what the lyrics are trying to convey. Clay seems to be able to cover Sir Elton's catalogue of songs well so I'll be looking forward to hearing his rendition of THE BITCH IS BACK very soon! (Seriously, I'd kill to hear SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT on a future CD or tour -- think about it)

When I See You Smile -- This might be an Aiken favorite but the arrangement is a little too busy for my taste and slightly overwhelms the vocal, IMHO. I usually pass this one up along with the 1st track.

A Thousand Days -- Confession time: I really didn't like this song on tour last year but this final version has certainly grown on me of late. There's a much more powerful punch to it and nicely showcases Aiken's soaring vocals. Might be radio play material here. Come on, Clive -- let the boy show off his rocker side, OK?

Everything I Do -- I just love the Celtic feel of the arrangement but the high vocal works better for Clay on the slower numbers than is does on one that moves a little more. I don't pass this one up all the time but I need to be in the mood to hear it. Another "awiiiight" one.

Because You Loved Me -- Wasn't sure I would like Clay singing this but it turned out to be an honest and endearing rendition and waay less screechy than Celine! I like it a lot!

I Want to Know What Love Is -- Suzie MacNeil was one of my favorites on ROCKSTAR last season and she is a great vocal complement to Clay on this song. I worried about the balance when I heard a "leaked" version but the final cut evens the vocals out. What are the chances she could open for Clay on tour this winter? I'd love to see and hear that!

These Open Arms -- Bon Jovi strikes again with a solid rocker tune that Aiken hits out of the park. This one could be another possible radio selection. Love it, love it, love it!

Here You Come Again -- Frankly, I worried a bit when this one was included because all I could hear was the drippily happy Dolly rendition but I was pleasantly surprised at what became of it in Clay's hands. I like the 21st century angst feel to it and definitely prefer it to the original. Good job on not "bottoming out" those low notes, kiddo -- I know how hard it is for a tenor (or soprano) to sing "in the cellar" without sounding anemic. Bravo!

Everything I Have -- 6 words: I want to sing this one! It's just a beautiful song and it moved me to tears. I must have the sheet music to this one. NOW!!! Absolutely stunning! (Did I say I LOVE this one?) It's my favorite cut on this CD and I've played it more than any other (SORRY is a close second).

Broken Wings -- Very avant-garde and, quite frankly, a vocal feast between Clay and Morgan Grace. Losing the 80's pop feel really brings out what I think is the true meaning of the piece. The addition of the poem just drives home a sense of longing for redemption and peace. Artistically the best track on the CD.

Lover All Alone -- Talk about your bonus tracks! Another co-writing effort that reveals more of Mr. Aiken's inner thoughts and emotions. Couple that with a heartfelt vocal and we have another great original song. Glad I downloaded the CD from iTunes as well as purchased a copy from Amazon.com.


The bottom line is…

If you couldn't tell from the above, I much preferred the original songs to most of the covers. I know Clive wanted Clay to do this album but I don't feel it was the best use of his talents. I see this whole exercise as just another CD of oldies that most of the "standard singers" are producing to cash in on the current nostalgia trend started by American Idol. I realize that Clay is the best interpreter of these songs and Jaymes did a great job of producing a quality product but after seeing him in concert with his own material -- most particularly the absent BACK FOR MORE that SHOULD have been the first single off this sophomore effort -- I believe that he can do even better with new material written for his best vocal qualities. However, Clay and RCA will make tons of money from ATDW because it is a good, solid production but I WILL be looking forward to the next one, which can't come about soon enough for me. Hopefully the kid and his crew have saved all the tracks they recorded from the aborted effort and will get around to refining them quickly. Either that, or he could record that album of Bulgarian hymns he spoke about and he'd STILL get folks to buy them… ;-)

Be on the lookout for Part 3 (this got longer than I expected) where I take a chance and talk about all the media hoopla of the past few weeks. Now THAT should prove to be even more interesting…

Carry on!

0/28/06 : Taking Chances with Random Thoughts

Hello all!

Have you missed me? It's been a wild couple of months in my neck of the woods. Here's some thoughts I've been pondering when I've had the time to stop and think about such things:

** Never try writing a blog entry from the ICU Waiting Room while your Mother is having an emergency hernia operation. It takes more time than usual to see the keys your trying to hit through the tears in your eyes. Sure, I trust in God and His will but I hate not being in control. Go figure.

** Everything with Mom did turn out alright, however. The "amazing medical marvel Mom", as I have dubbed her, came through the ordeal well and is recovering at home. Not bad for an 84 year old woman who had never had major surgery before.

**Clay's romp through the media these last couple of weeks has been an interesting study in both thumbing one's nose at the critics and showing what one is really made of morally. I just wish everyone was playing on an even field because at last look, the negatives are still trumpeting their trash to anyone who will listen. Not fair but the kid seems to be handling it well. (BTW, kudos for sticking to your guns with LK! I just loved it!!)

** I'm not a Days of Our Lives fan but I guess I'll have to set the DVR on December 22nd to catch the kid singing my favorite song off of ATDW. I just adore that track and how I wish I had the sheet music so I could arrange it for my voice.

** BTW, while I don't personally care if Clay blogs regularly or not, I do think it is in bad form not to when the blog is a big reason why folks shell out $30 to join the O-ffical Fan Club. Someone on TeamClay needs to address this issue with him. Believe me, I know how hard it is to sit down and write when one is extremely busy -- look how long it took ME to post something -- but no one is paying me money to read my thoughts. HEY! Maybe if they did I'd write more often…

** How am I doing through all the commotion in my life? Not bad. Truth be told, I'm exhausted but I am managing to keep up with my new job, Mom and my own family life with the DH, who has been a huge help to me. I still need to establish a rhythm with my job but I have to stop being so hard on myself. These folks have been great about my situation and I can't thank God enough for that. It will all work out -- just gotta have faith!

** Speaking of Christmas, I am hoping to get table seating for the Hartford Clay stop. My "partner in concerts," riclaymate, and I will be trying for those seats on Monday and we're still looking for 2 others to join us. If anyone out there is in the RI/CT area and would like to join us at a table then let me know! Even though I've heard all those songs before it will be a treat to see the kid in concert this year.

** And what a treat to be getting an exclusive EP for Christmas as well! I've been into these types of offers lately -- I just ordered the special set from QVC that my main man Barry is releasing. It's his Greatest Hits of the Sixties plus a 7 song extra that includes the song my DH and I had for our 1st dance. Awww. Had to get that and I don't care if I don't receive it until December.

** Maybe Clay should consider QVC when releasing his next CD. Barry sold over 50,000 units through pre-orders and that has to help his opening numbers when his drops on Tuesday. Just something to think about…

** I really think that Clay should be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars next season. Believe me, he'd do just as well as some of the others they get to try this AND we'd get to see him on TV again every week. Now, if he'd rather do a variety show we should talk... :cough-callme:

Anyway, with any luck, or with better organization, I hope to get back to blogging more often. Thanks to all my fans :cough: for sticking with me and checking in on me often. I'll try not to stay away this long again! TTFN!

Carry on!