Clay: I Love Minnesota

Clay opened up to Wal-Mart.com about his love for the city of St. Paul, Minnesota. In an interview with Wal-Mart Soundcheck, Clay says: "Strangely enough, people ask me all the time where my favorite place in the country is, and this is really … (it) sounds strange, but I love St. Paul, Minnesota, for some reason. It's, like, one of the nicest cities I've been to. I've always liked Minnesota for some reason."

Jack Larson at St. Paul's Xcel Center which has hosted 2 Clay concerts (AI Tour, IT) says "[Clay]'s always been very complimentary of both the facility and the city."

Read the full article at the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Tidbits 9/20

• WRAL - brief ATDW article (has a nice interview from lasty year)
• Delaware Online- ATDW review (but awkwardly, no opinions are stated! Huh?)
  

• Southern Girl - (semi-Non-Clay) - September marks return of TV!!!
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay on The Insider Tonight

Looks like Clay will be on The Insider again tonight. The Insider published this article on their website earlier this morning alerting us to Clay's appearance. From the first paragraph, I have a feeling they're going to announce Clay's estimated first week sales which seem to be huge. Check local listings everyone!

Crazy for Clay!

His newest CD dropped yesterday to big numbers, so how is CLAY AIKEN feeling today? He's in our studios today talking to LARA SPENCER about his latest success!

Featuring 10 cover songs from the "Idol" runner-up, plus four new tunes, Clay's latest collection has one driving theme behind it: L'amour!

Some of the hit singles the cute crooner has re-recorded are BRYAN ADAMS' "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)," ELTON JOHN's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," CELINE DION's "Because You Loved Me," BAD ENGLISH's "When I See You Smile" and the aforementioned "Without You," made famous by HARRY NILSSON, which Clay performed exclusively for us during a recent visit to the "Insider" studio.

"It's been a year in the making and it's something kind of different," he said of the album. "It's songs that I really love, songs that I've loved for years and years, and most people love, so it should be really good."

And while Clay said he would like to take credit for the idea of laying down these popular tracks, he admits that it was the brainchild of legendary music producer CLIVE DAVIS, the president of Clay's label, RCA Records.

"He wanted to do songs that everybody knew, that people recognized and things that, hopefully, I can do well," he said.

As for the funky new hairdo that he first showed off during last season's "American Idol" finale, Clay said, "We just wanted to change things up a bit. It's been three years since we had a studio album and the spiky thing is hard to do with the flat iron, so we decided to try something a little bit different."

For more on Clay's album, tune in to "The Insider."

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

SEPTEMBER 19 -- IT FINALLY CAME!!!!

We've counted down the last 50 days, looking toward September 19 when "A Thousand Different Ways", Clay's sophomore CD, would be released. Sometimes the time seemed to drag. As it got closer, though, and as there were more and more TV appearances and other exciting developments taking place (such as changes in Clay's fan club), the time seemed to roar by!

And now its finally here. We each have our own CD or two or three in our hot little hands. We've listened at least once through every song, most likely several times through. Maybe you've even picked your favorite. Mine is still changing every time I hear another song. I like this one best...no, I think I like that one best. I can't make up my mind!!!

And now we close our picture countdown with these excited words from Clay:



Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

New People Star Tracks

People Magazine posted a photo of Clay greeting Claymates outside the Good Morning America studios this morning on their website. THUD.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Lyrics To "Lover All Alone"

Here are the lyrics to the bonus track being offered with ATDW on iTunes. "Lover All Alone" was co-written by Clay himself. Courtesy Southern Girl.

Lover All Alone (Lyrics)

maybe i've convinced myself i've really been in love
and i've been wrong all along
for all i know the feel and th epicture that i've tried
so hard to find isn't mine

could be its all just a waiting game
wanna share my everything

and on my own
its hard to tell my heart it will be alright
this love it holds will one day find a home
as hard as love can be
its harder still it seems
to be a lover all alone without love

picking up the pieces makes me wonder if
i only build it all to watch it fall
the faster it can go away it means the less of me
is gone to stay and i'm ok

but i've found(?) tomorrow comes anyway
i'm alone for another day, another day

and on my own
its hard to tell my heart it will be alright
that this love it holds will one day find a home
as hard as love can be
its harder still it seems
to be a lover all alone without love

and on my own
its hard to tell my heart it will be alright
that this love it holds will one day find a home
as hard as love can be
its harder still it seems
to be a lover all alone without love
a lover all alone... without love

maybe i've convinced myself i've really been in love
but i've been wrong all along

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Wal-Mart Soundcheck Downloads

The CB's clayaikenslosangeleslover uploaded all of Clay's Wal-Mart Soundcheck performances onto MegaUpload so you can download them (instead of having to stream from Wal-Mart.com).

• Intro
• Interview
• Everything I Do
• A Thousand Days
• Here You Come Again
• Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Insider Airs Clip From GMA Interview

The Insider aired a small clip of Clay's upcoming Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer (airs tomorrow and Thursday on GMA) on their show today. In the short clip, Clay says he takes Paxil to help cope with his "panic attacks."

After all the exposure Clay's got after AI, I'm not suprised Clay has panic attacks now and then. In fact, these types of "social disorders" are very common in the American public. Take care honey!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Raleigh News & Observer: "Seize the Clay"

Here's a cute article from hometown newspaper, the Raleigh News & Observer we thought we'd post. Article copyright 2006 the Raleigh News & Observer.

Seize the Clay
Quit carping and come into the Aiken domain
MATT EHLERS
Raleigh News & Observer

You live in North Carolina. So suck it up. Even if Clay Aiken's voice has given you brain spasms, the guy was born and raised in Raleigh. His most raucous fans live here, and since he built a new house, so does he.

It might be time to embrace Clay Nation.

To help you along, and to celebrate today's release of his new album, "A Thousand Different Ways," we've come up with a four-step Clay-immersion program. Follow along, and soon you'll have embraced your inner Aiken.

The look

Clay's spiked hair is gone, replaced by dark locks and a more grown-up style. It's a "more relaxed, rugged and masculine type of look," said Durham image consultant Bev Dwane. The overall look is darker, and there's a sensualness to it, she said.

To replicate the image, choose darker colors. Mix the textures of your fabrics, and make them the sort that people want to touch.

The flavor

This one comes from Susan Goetcheus, owner of Poole's Diner in Raleigh and a celebrated mixologist. She graciously invented a Clay-inspired cocktail and e-mailed us the recipe, writing that she designed the drink to be "refreshing, not too feminine but not macho, alcoholic but retaining a sense of innocence, sort of sweet, very Southern, very American, but with a little kick and a little sparkle of celebrity."

The "Clay Aiken": Jack Daniels, a dash of Sour Apple Pucker, apple juice and sweet tea, shaken with a pinch of cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Serve on the rocks in a pint glass. Garnish with fresh, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples on a sparkly fruit pick.

Under 21? Delete the alcohol and substitute cranberry juice. Top with club soda.

The scent

For an odiferous ode to Clay, we stopped by Dancing Moon & Gifts, a new age bookshop in Raleigh. That's where we met Cherie Lassiter, who helpfully aided us in our quest to match a smell to Aiken.

She suggested wearing an amber fragrance oil, a "gentle, yet fiery" substance that can be worn like you would perfume. The oil is also sweet, she said, like Clay. And conveniently enough, amber can be reddish-brown, the color of -- you guessed it -- clay.

The voice

Pour yourself a "Clay Aiken." Gently shake the bangs out of your eyes.

Dab your wrists with amber fragrance oil. And pop "A Thousand Different Ways" into the CD player.

The brain spasms will float away.

(Results not guaranteed).

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Tidbits 9/19

• Release day - several ATDW mentions, good and bad.
• MSNBC- "Clay’s fans — and much of the music world — all know, Clay’s third album comes out today."
• Richmond.com - 'Other vocal-heavy releases this week include "A Thousand Different Ways" by Clay Aiken and Diana Krall's "From this Moment On."'
• Dallas Morning News - "Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways (RCA) – Finally a proper follow-up to his 2003 debut, Measure of a Man, features Mr. Aiken covering popular songs from the '70s, '80s and '90s as well as offering four new tracks."
• This one from basically recaps the RCA press release and is on the Billboard/United Press International wire, so it'll start showing up everywhere. -- same article, different sites:
• Washington Times
• North Korea Times (US based)
• TexasGigs.com - 'American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken continues to bring home the gold with sold-out shows, and now he rewards fans with A Thousand Different Ways, which features his powerful pipes on songs such as Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is."'
• Inside Bay Area- mixed review type article...
• St. Paul Pioneer Press - rehashing of yesterday's Billboard article.
• Louisville Courier Journal and Lexington Herald Leader- only mentions the CD title.
• Chart Attack (Canada) - nonsense gay mention.
• Press Enterprise
• South Coast Today
• And... ATDW reviews... again, both negative and positive.
• USA Today Listen Up blog review - mixed
• Diamondback Online -- "In summary, Aiken’s vocal talents are not really what is on trial here. It’s his originality. A Thousand Different Ways is really just an emotional jumble of oldies. We’ve heard them all before and, frankly, we liked them better the first time around." (Hey, at least they were honest)
• Denver Post- negative
  
• York Daily Record has a nice article about the York, PA CD release party: " The American Idol runner-up's third album debuted at midnight. A representative from the club had planned to go to Borders at midnight to buy 60 copies for fans at the party. The store was scheduled to open just long enough to sell the group their CDs."
• Short WCNC-TV article about CD release party and ATDW - includes video of CD release party.
• Baltimore Sun - GMA mention
• Foxes on Idol - Clay update- mentions ATDW, Christmas tour

• WebWeaver- for International fans, 'patience' is still the key word
• Taking A Moment- a lesson in table manners on ATDW release day - funny.
  
• Southern Girl blog about Clay's Wal-Mart Soundcheck.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

ATDW Now Instores

... Yes, we probably don't need to tell you. If you do, you've either been kidnapped by aliens and locked up all summer or your aren't a genuine Claymate. The sophomore album we've been waiting for it for almost 2 years is now instores! The wait for A Thousand Different Ways is finally over! If you haven't gone out to get your copy of the new CD yet, you have until Sunday to do ensure your purchase counts for week 1 sales. There are some great deals this week on ATDW, so be sure to stock up!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Good Morning America: Round 1

Clay's made his first out of 3 Good Morning America appearances this morning performing "A Thousand Days" and the new single "Without You". Don't forget to tune in TOMORROW and THURSDAY to see Diane Sawyer's exclusive interview with Clay.

Here's a recap from the CB's myla2x:

They interview a little girl - looks like she is sitting on top of a wall with her mom standing behind the wall. This little girl is so cute, sitting on the wall, dressed in a Clay tee-shirt. They ask her how long she has been up. She takes a few seconds to answer, but finally says that she has been up since 3:00 AM. They then ask her how old she is; she has no trouble answering this question and tells them she is 5 and 1/2. They cut to her once more, while she is watching Clay from inside GMA studios.

Clay sings "Without You" and "A Thousand Days." The concert is broadcast on the Times Square TV screen over the studio, so the people waiting outside can see it, too.

Before he starts singing, Diane cuts to an interview of him. She asks him how these last three years have been. He tells her, "An education - easily an education."

He talks about the things his mom taught him and how he learned them. Diane asks him the number one and he tells her, "I can't make everyone like me, which is hard to except - I think." His voice seems to break on this.

There is more of the interview, but I don't have time to post. I think this is going to be another powerful interview, like his Primetime was in 2003. Diane closes performance, saying she will be talking with Clay, again, later in the week.

Sorry, I'll do more of this when I get back.

Let me add the singing is amazing. I loved "Without You." As for "A Thousand Days?" It was the best rendition I have heard, yet. Loved the performance, loved the look, and loved the look on the faces of the audience. The best thing, it was on Times Square for all to see!!!

Great!

Some links:

• ABCNews.com - Clay photos, videos etc.
• ClackUnlimited - WMV/MPEG download
• NYCITYCLAYFAN's photos
• ABC News article - Clay reveals fear attacks
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Share Your CD Release Party Stories With Us

We know tonight will be a memorable night for many reasons. CDD would love to publish your CD release party stories - whether they are held at a brick and mortar store or on a message board. Please send them to us via our feedback form -- we'll try to post as many here as possible.

To all you lucky Claymates going out to a release party tonight - travel safe and have fun!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

ATDW In Brief

• TV ads are airing everywhere! The main Canadian TV network CTV just aired the commercial during Oprah.
• The TV ad also aired on ABC this morning during The View. Wow!
• CDD Video: ATDW TV commercial
  
• 2dogs3cats tells us about promotion at her local Borders store:

  Just went down to Borders in Downtown Crossing (Boston). No copies of the CD out yet (good for them!) but a nice poster that showed the new CD and the words "From American Idol to American Icon." I think it actually had another picture of Clay as well near the CD but my brain turned to mush. It also showed a smaller picture of MOAM and said that was available as well. I must have been staring and smiling at the poster for a while, because people started giving me weird looks as they walked by. No matter!!!

• There is speculation that tomorrow's GMA concert appearance may be staged outside at Time Square in NYC. Although we can't confirm this at this time, a previous rumour suggested that the performance was indoors.
• We'll add more here as more news comes in.
  

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

iTunes ATDW To Include Bonus Track

iTunes revealed today that all ATDW purchases from the iTunes music store will include an exclusive bonus track called "Lover All Alone" co-written by Clay himself. Clay Aiken.com announced late last week that iTunes would give Claymates a 'suprise'. The download will be available at midnight local time TONIGHT.

FYI: Kmart is offering also offering a bonus track - 80's hit "If You Don't Know Me By Now".

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

"Without You" Music Video Premieres on The Insider, Clay on ET Tonight

Clay will be on ET and The Insider. Both shows are doing features on ATDW. Check local listings - both shows are syndicated and air at different times in various markets.

• More info @ The Insider's website
  

Update: The Insider showed clips from Clay's new music video for "Without You"! How exciting. From CH:

Clay is on 'The Insider' at about 10 minutes in -- quick clips of the "Without You" video shot in the wood-panled studio, then a short shot of him in casual shirt and jeans , really getting into it -- he talks (for about 5 seconds) about not really re-inventing himself, just different hair and dressing a bit different -- it was nice but very short

Update 2: ClackUnlimited.com has clack!!! Go get 'em, Claymates!

Update 3: No Clay on ET tonight... hmmm...

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

AOL CD Listening Party Free This Week Only

A manager at AOL contacted us this morning telling us that a AOL Music Full CD Listening Party for ATDW is available FREE OF CHAGE this week only.

Stream ATDW via AOL.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Clay's Wal-Mart Soundcheck Now Up!

Clay's Wal-Mart Soundcheck is now up (earlier than expected!). Go to the Wal-Mart Soundcheck website to see exclusive performances of "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word", "Everything I Do", "A Thousand Days" and "Here You Come Again". Wal-Mart also sat down with Clay for an interview. They said this about meeting Clay: "The Clay Aiken everyone came to love is still the same Clay Aiken of today." US residents can also purchase a download version of the Soundcheck.

Check it out!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Tidbits 9/18

CLAYNADA LOVES CLAY TOO - This big ad from HMV Canada appeared in Canada's 2nd largest newspaper - The Globe & Mail (with a circulation of 2 million each day!!!) The TV ad for ATDW also aired today during Oprah on Canada's largest TV network - CTV.

• Eisenhower Hall in West Point is listing Clay's Christmas concert on their website now.
  
• A batch of ATDW/Clay TV Appearances articles on the release day eve. They're basically all the same - summarizing Clay's choiceof covers, etc...
  
• Billboard- mentions Christmas tour. This article is being syndicated at many websites.
  
• South Coast Today
• LiveDaily
• Foxes On Idol
• Nashville City Paper
• About.com Top 40 Music
• Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
• Charlotte Observer
• Central Michigan Life
• Wichita Eagle
• And the reviews are starting to come in. CDD's policy remains that we will post all news items except if they violate our policy on no-Clay bashing. We want to remind you that many newspapers use 1 music reviewer for all music genres. So if a music reviewer likes rap and has to review ATDW, he/she'll obviously hate it!
  
• E! Online - negative
• Newsday- says it'll sell well, but negative
• About.com - mixed
  
• Crunch Gear - article about the Apple iPod has a good Clay mention - "But a cheap copy of the new Clay Aiken’s latest makes people happy enough to pick up an SD card, an extended warranty, and an HD TV."
• Seattle Times mentions Clay's May AI5 appearance with Michael Sandecki -

  Remember Michael Sandecki, last year's jittery, bladder-challenged Clay Aiken impersonator? Simon declared him an awful singer and denied him a trip to Hollywood. (But Sandecki did score a consolation prize at the finale: an award for "best impersonation" and a surprise duet with Aiken.)

• Washington Post article about CD sales mentions Clay/MOAM -- "In the last trimester of 2003, a September-December rally that included new releases from the likes of OutKast, Alicia Keys, Toby Keith, the Beatles and Clay Aiken cut the prior-year album gap from 8.5 percent at the end of August to a more digestible 3.6 percent deficit by year's end."
• Fantastic mention on About.com Special Children:

  American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken is making news again, but not for music this time. The singer, who has a degree in special education and is co-founder of the Bubel/Aiken Foundation, has been named to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The committee, according to a press release, "acts in an advisory capacity to the President and the Secretary of HHS on matters relating to programs and services for persons with intellectual disabilities."

• Taking a Moment reminds us to use our manners at CD release parties and "take a piece of meat with you when you go away."
• Southern Girl's Guide to Almost anything tells us about the Wal-Mart Soundcheck.

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible

Want To Donate To Clay's Kimmel TBAF Gift?

Since the first part of August or so, The Clayboard has had a thread giving people the opportunity to donate to The Bubel Aiken Foundation as a gift to hopefully be presented to Clay when he appears on the Jimmy Kimmel Show on September 26. As of the writing of this, a total of $6,635.00 has been donated! Please note that the deadline to donate is September 20.

Claylily at The Clayboard is in charge of this and tells us this:

Anyone who would like to be a part of Clay's Kimmel TBAF gift should go ahead and donate online or by mail directly to TBAF. After making the donation, you can either pm me or post in this thread the amount of your donation. If you post in this thread, it will keep it bumped for further interest and donations.

If you are interested in being a part of this, click on the TBAF donation link above, make your donation, head to the Clayboard link above, and click on Claylily's name to PM her the amount you have given so she can keep up with the total. What a great cause, and what a great surprise for Clay!!

Technorati tags: Clay Aiken, A Thousand Different Ways, ATDW, American Idol, Without You, Invisible