David and Todd
Todd Rundgren, back in the day.
The more I read and hear about the devotion and especially the overall character of David’s fans (this was highlighted once again by the reports from Z100 regarding the number of calls and emails since yesterday’s announcement), the more I think of how similar it is to the nature of Todd Rundgren’s fans, a parallel I’ve mentioned before. Todd’s fans are (or were, at any rate) known for bestowing gifts onto the stage of his concerts throughout entire performances, until the proscenium was filled with flowers and packages and baskets. They cherished him, defended him, and protected him in much the same way I am seeing David’s fans do. I think it’s interesting to consider the similarities between these two artists and why their fan bases respond to them the way they do.
Todd Rundgren, for those of you who don’t know or need a refresher, is a singer-songwriter-musician-producer-innovator who, although by no means a hit-maker (by choice and by design, I suspect), has enjoyed a significant degree of chart success since the late 1960s with songs like “I Saw The Light” (1972), “Hello It’s Me” (1973), and “Can We Still Be Friends” (1978). Of particular interest is that in addition to being a consummate collaborator, some of Todd’s most successful and critically acclaimed albums have been entirely written, performed, and produced by the artist alone–and these are in many cases lush productions with multiple layers of instrumentation and vocals. I am reminded of David’s cross-disciplinary musical virtuosity.
But what seems most similar between the two is a certain, shall we say, “wise innocence” that pervades the musical character of their work. One of the most interesting things to me about Todd’s music has always been its ability to be unabashedly romantic (in the broadest sense) while maintaining a distinct intelligence that never allows it to veer into sentimentality or mawkishness. The result–and I find this extremely similar to what David is able to achieve–is that it empowers the listener to indulge in the pleasures of pop sensibility and yet be able to discover enormous depths of emotion in the process. People talk about spontaneous tears, seemingly out of nowhere, when listening to David Archuleta; Todd Rundgren’s music has done precisely the same thing for many people.
David’s studio version of Think of Me is a prime example (I know, I can’t stop writing about that performance, but I really believe it will go down in the Archuleta canon as one of the first glimpses of his true genius): A lovely show tune that David took into the realm of pop sensibility and for which he delivers a beautifully textured performance. But there are a series of moments in the last third of the piece that take this charming little confection to another level altogether. It’s as if a chasm opens beneath you and above you, and both the heights of glory and the depths of despair become one, and all of life is suddenly, momentarily, visible. Todd Rundgren accomplishes these kinds of revelations through his writing and production; David has so far been able to achieve it almost entirely with his voice alone.
Here are some examples of Todd’s wonderful work.
All the Children Sing
All_the_Children_Sing.mp3
Hurting for You
Hurting_for_You.mp3
Love of the Common Man
Love_of_the_Common Man.mp3
Hello It’s Me
Hello_Its_Me.mp3
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Rascal, it’s okay to again write about David’s brillant performance of “Think of Me”. This is way beyond anyone on American Idol. David showed how he can make this beautiful song into a current hit. I truly could hear it now on the radio, and I’m sure it would be number one. His voice absolutly soars in this. And to think back that Simon just didn’t get it on this one. Paula and Randy, I believe always got David and saw what we see in him. Absolute genius!
WOW!! Those last two paragraphs! Amazing!
Rascal, I never in a million years thought to compare David with Todd and while I agree with most of what you say, I have to admit that I NEVER felt the same way listening to ANY artist as I do with David. I love music and have been listening for almost 40 years (I rarely have my TV on, I’m either listening to music or nothing). Now I’m almost 50 and am completely obsessed with a musically-gifted, angelic-looking, 17-year-old boy. It’s not David’s age, it’s not his looks (although they are part of the package), and even though his voice is unbelievable, it’s more than that--he connects with his listeners on an emotional and spiritual level, he is sharing his emotions and spirit with his audience. I have never found any other entertainer who can make me feel the way David does. I do like Todd’s music, though; he was big when I was in junior high and when I was in high school I won a double album of his from a local radio station. Can’t remember the name of the album but I do remember I wasn’t impressed when I first played it. However, over time, I grew to really like most of the songs and eventually it became one of my favorite albums (and was eventually lost). A song of his that I really loved that I never hear on the radio is “We Gotta Get You A Woman.” Anyone remember that? Thanks for the comparison, Rascal--you always amaze me!
Rascal- Wow! Your discourse on the Classical and Romantic elements of David’s musical abilities is something I have been thinking about since hearing him sing WYSYLM. In this performance, he blends his vocal abilities with his rare gift to communicate raw emotion and connect with his audience on a spiritual level to an incredibly advanced degree. I agree that these elements were also very apparent in TOM, (as well as many others!). This blending of the Romantic and the Classic is what separates a great work of art from the rest of the pieces in the show!
A wonderful example of this is Michaelangelo’s statue of David. Here we have David, caught in the moment of decision: to hurl the stone or not? Am I capable of this? His humanity is etched upon his face. The left side of his body is very relaxed and feminine. Knee bent, arm curled and the sling hanging from his hand. The right side of his body is rigid and strong. A straight line from head to toe, muscles coiled. David embodies the masculine and the feminine, the Romantic and the Classic. We recognize ourselves in David. We all have both masculine and feminine elements to our bodies and personalities. Our emotions can be fleeting, but are powerful beyond our comprehension. Our spirits are kaleidescopes, and give us spectacular views of the infinite. We all embody these characteristics. They make up our shared humanity. This combination of the Romantic and the Classic is what makes a painting or sculpture or song a powerful work. Great artists have the ability to reveal us to ourselves.
David Archuleta has this ability. He combines his knowledge of music, his vocal training and innate vocal skills, his attention to detail and drive to continually improve his craft; with his innate ability to communicate raw emotion, to delve into the depths of the spirit and connect with his audience on an incredibly deep level. He so effortlessly combines the Romantic and the Classic elements of his craft. What we are left with is masterwork. Michaelangelo was only 25 when he sculpted David. At just 17, our David is already a truly great artist.
Wow, elannbo, “His humanity is etched upon his face.” “Great artists have the ability to reveal us to ourselves.” But especially, “We recognize ourselves in David.” I have never felt such intense emotion as when David sings. And it’s not necessarily the lyrics that I even relate to. It’s the utter vulnerability that David risks each time he sings which makes every conceivable feeling I possess pour into my soul, and I’m brought face to face with myself. And it’s okay to be who I am, and I am not alone.
That’s the ability of David Archuleta!
Elannbo, thanks for helping us keep it together here. David has us feeling depths of emotion too intense for words and you go and rip those emotions right out of us, my gosh that was so exquisite!
Rascal, although I agree with lulu that no other musical artist has touched me as deeply as David has, the comparison you draw between David and Todd’s musical virtuosity is a very valid one. Whereas Todd chose early on to go his own way with creating his music, David has chosen the mainstream. For now. I believe that David being the ‘ultimate rule keeper’ has stayed him on this path, along with negotiating some key components with his label, namely, as Jeff has said, he was given a greater creative control than most new artists and that control extended to finding lyrics that would not compromise David’s beliefs. But, like Todd, eventually David will want and be fully capable of producing the music in his soul in it’s entirety. I am reminded of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s remarks the week David performed TOM, “Little David has a real musical soul. And he has his own ideas of where he wants to go with a song, and that is so rare, that we all ought to be saying, bravo.” I think we all know David has his own ideas of where he wants to take his music, not just a song. For now it lines up with a major record label, but eventually he will blaze his own trails. I also think those trails will surpass all other musical artists as to be in another solar system entirely, and music, as we know it, understand it, and experience it, he’ll take right along with him. I will be patient and trust the Archulator, after all only he knows where he is going.
Elannbo, Tinuviel, Lulu, I have read some wonderful comments on this blog. I think so far these comments on this topic are more stirring than any I have read so far. I have never read so much on the web about this (there are just not words that adequately describe David, I have given up trying for the reason that my words sound to me so trite. Yet I read these comments and again I am moved to body shaking sobs. I so enjoyed being around Elannbo at SLC with Tami and you, and poor Richard (pun intended) trying to get everybody in to the after show. Elannbo did get in finally but she sacrificed her pass to me because she said she would be able to get in on Tuesday.
Every body 3 cheers for Elannbo.
I like the connection that Rascal has made from Todd and David.
I have to agree with others that there will be few in the world for now and the foreseeable future who will hold a candle to David.
I know this next statement is really bold but I someone ever came to me and said Dorothy, David will have to die unless you are willing to do it for him. I would not hesitate a New York second, that is how precious his gift is to the world.
Oh man I hate how much I cry!! David is moving the world and healing all broken spirits in it.
Dot
I wish I was familiar enough with Todd R to comment intelligently. I’m not, although I enjoy his music. But I appreciate tremendously elannbo’s reference to Michaelangelo -- not because of the David statue, but because of who Michaelangelo was -- a genius and a once in a lifetime transcendent artist. A trailblazer, a leader. A gift to the world.
In all the discussion and worry over the last days and weeks about David’s new single/album and if it will be good and if it is for the best, etc. etc. I’ve wanted to shout out -- “But we’re talking about David Archuleta!” Is there any other AI winner, any other current pop singer right now that you would call a “genius?” David is so miles beyond them (which is why we love him) that our worry seems silly. Yes, MOST artists would be hard-pressed to put out a really thoughtful and professional album under the conditions David is working in. But if anyone can do it, David can. Will any of us really be surprised when we hear “Crush” and immediately fall in love with it? and be amazed at the same time by it’s artistry, albeit with a pop feel? I’ll be surprised if there isn’t a transcendent moment in the song, because that is part of David’s genius.
True geniuses usually have quirks and flaws in other areas of their life. Am I worried that David will stumble and struggle over words in the interview portions of his career? Sure. That critics will say he’s too young and giggles too much or doesn’t have enough experience -- of course. But I am not worried about anything connected with his true genius -- connecting with the world through his music. That will happen whether or not Crush is the best he could do right now.
Eeks, I hate being so long-winded. You guys have set a bad example.
OK, after reading Dorothy’s post and wiping away tears, Rascal, will you please write an article about the psychological process of falling in love? Dissolving ego boundaries, our identity melding with another’s, willingness to sacrifice, etc. etc. Because we are all in love with David. The way we love a partner in the beginning, the way we love our children the first time we see them. That’s why fans can be so amazingly devoted (ie Todd) but also a little dangerous and possessive.
Ever since I found I was actually truly a ‘fanatic’ about David, I’ve been intrigued by the process and the phenomena. Someone else do the research for me?!?!
Good morning Rascal,
I can’t talk about music the way you and others do in this blog but its strange and wired that the following phrase keep popping up in my mind. I was shy to say it aloud until I read the above article about similarity and parallel:
“Tarzan of the past ruled the jungle world in Africa, Tarzan of the future (David) will rule the music world”
I find a alot similarity between this character by Edga Rice Burroughs and David Archuleta.
Tarzan is strong with big muscles; David is strong in character and big in musicality. Tarzan is shy and is famous for saying “Me Tarzan, you Jane”; David is shy and expresses in few words when meeting fans. Both have endearing traits of innocence, honesty, integrity, humility, compassion for others, etc. etc.
Tarzan had his army of faithful jungle friends and David has an army of devoted fans and champions all over the word.
Tarzan survived the wild jungle, and David is going to rise above the negativities of the music industry.
You and all may laugh at my above comparisons, but dang it, I don’t care! Its my thinking!
Now that I have got it off my chest, I am heading to Hey! Nielsen to post this to boost David’s rating, haha.
And remember Tarzan’s famous CRY, resonated the whole African forest, and rallied his jungle friends. So much have been said by people about David’s voice filled the whole arena/stadium, cruising and piercing through human bodies and hearts. Maybe the fittings there feel the same but unfortunately they can’t talk! David’s voice and singing rallied the fans all over the world even they only hear and watch it on Youtube!
Sorry, I am feeling silly and going bonkers! Don’t get angry with me for cluttering the space which is meant for more intelligent discussions.
Thanks everyone for such deep thoughts about our beloved David. I believe that there is a Higher Power involved with his singing. That is why we are at a loss to describe our feelings. While I believe that all of us are spiritual beings, having a human experience, it seems that David is more “plugged in” to the spiritual realm than most people. Those times that he labels himself as “spacey” may just be those moments when he inadvertently shifts his focus from the physical to the spiritual plane.
His singing transcends pitch, performance, technique, etc. When David sings, he seems to align himself in cooperation with a profound loving energy and channels it through his voice to us. There is a very healing quality to the experience – tears (to me) being an expression of release, joy, and healing. What an amazing gift he has. And he “chooses in” every day.
As for David being a “rule follower” . . . I have a little different perspective on that. If I recall, it might have been Dean Kaelin who referred to David as being a “rule follower”. I think Dean was referring to a phone conversation (during the American Idol season) in which he asked David a question. Before David responded, he asked Dean if he had signed some kind of AI confidentiality agreement. When Dean replied that he hadn’t, David told him he couldn’t answer Dean’s question (something along these lines). Anyway . . . I’m sure the “rule follower” comment was intended as a compliment. However, some might take that to mean that David has a blind allegiance to “rules”.
In contrast, have any of you seen the photo of David jumping over a fence-like structure to get to his fans? The barrier was apparently erected to keep the fans at a safe distance, but it seemed to me that David expressed just a tad of teenage – dare I say? – defiance at that restriction. It is a minor example, but the point I am trying to make is that the “rules” David follows are his own. Specifically, when he signs a confidentiality agreement – he is a man of his word and honors that agreement. He has his own personal code of conduct and he maintains his own standards. Instead of a “rule follower” I prefer to use the term “young man of impeccable integrity.”
Thanks for your indulgence with this long post. David just gets to me – in a good way!
elannbo said ” In this performance, he blends his vocal abilities with his rare gift to communicate raw emotion and connect with his audience on a spiritual level to an incredibly advanced degree.”
You posted this in respect to WYSYLM. Rascal feels this way about TOM.
I just replayed my favorite performance of all time, Hospital Angels. elannbo, may I? “In this performance, he blends his vocal abilities with his rare gift to communicate raw emotion and connect with his audience on a spiritual level to an incredibly advanced degree.”
You can archive this performance in rascal’s April 2008 thread.
Rascal, thank you for another amazing post. I don’t believe anyone articulates David’s talent and abilities as well as you do. I find myself nodding in full agreement to everything you write. It is always such a pleasure to come here and find such intelligent discussion. Bravo!
Rascal, you’re an absolute master! David’s studio version of ‘Think of Me’ is a triumph of sheer singing ability. For the longest time I’ve been unable to put into words what made it so special for me until I read your post.
“and both the heights of glory and depths of despair becomes one” Wow! That says exactly my feelings when I hear ‘Think of Me’ Especially the part where David is practically beseeching the listener not to forget him even while they’re saying their goodbyes. It’s just brilliant singing! I think David chose this song because it articulates so clearly his insecurities regarding his affect on fans. He’s truly apprehensive about the strength of our devotion to him and he’s quietly pleading that we keep him in our hearts. The yearning in his voice during the last moments of the song is breathtaking and through this song David communicates and connects so poigniantly with the listener. He’s the best and a genius.
Speaking of the studio cut of Think of Me, where can I go now to get a download of this? All I have is the remix! Loved your thoughts, ‘Elaanbo’ & ‘Kindredspirit’. Thanks for any help!
If anyone has not read this article please read!
http://www.americanidol.com/myidol/forums/topic/?tid=1025768&page=2
Someone upstairs wants him to sing!
Doctors told Jeff….someone upstairs wants David to sing, cause medically he should not be able to.
http://www.americanidol.com/myidol/forums/topic/?tid=1025768&page=2
As long as we’re sharing and I’m in no position to add sort of coherent thought to this thread, here’s Apologize from last night in NJ.
One word -- INTENSE!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhXkEBVjlV8
Rascal, again those last paragraphs -- Beautifully AMAZING!
And the thought of humanity etched on his face. Oh, that we all had that quality!
Kindred spirit, so interesting that I have been in a conversation with two different people about that phrase ‘kindred spirit’ in the last week or so…..unreal to see it here as well, and especially since your comments on David being ‘plugged in’ to the spiritual plane echoed one of those conversations, and your comment on David’s spaciness being the topic of the other conversation. I guess musicao is more right than even he knows when he says we are all David’s kindred spirits, but then again knowing him, perhaps he does know it.
I wanted to say that I would rather refer to him as a young man of impeccable integrity as well. Few young men have so perfectly fit that description. However, it was Jeff, David’s father, who in a live chat on FB used the term ‘ultimate rule keeper’ in relation to David. Someone asked Jeff if David would live chat with them as well. Jeff’s response was that no, David wouldn’t because he wasn’t allowed to do that at that time and David was the ‘ultimate rule keeper’. It is just a term Jeff used to describe his son’s character of respect. David greatly respects and honors those he perceives as an authority, it doesn’t mean he won’t break anyone’s rules necessarily. As far as the barrier jumping incident, it was Dorothy who knew what David was going to do and snapped that picture. Her story, as I recall it, stated that David had made his way over to those fans and while he was engaged with them, the barriers had been set up with him outside of them. David turned around to go to another place and ran into the barriers. He backed up and took a step and hopped over.
I do think you are absolutely right in that David will honor and respect whatever authority he deems worthy of it and that it is subjective to his own perception, because we see him taking pictures when the ‘handlers’ aren’t looking when he has been instructed not to, and we’ve seen him continue to autograph and meet with fans after he has been told it is time to go, but at the same time Jeff has told a fan who met with him that David is reluctant to speak with the people responsible for his tour outfit about his issues with it, it’s just not him to do that. The reason I said what I did about that character trait of his being in some ways responsible for him choosing a major label rather than going the independent route at this point, is because I feel he has a respect for the industry and the record company that he hasn’t lost yet, but obviously, if he had not been able to procure a contract he was happy with, he would have looked for an alternative, regardless of whether he respected them or not.
thatguycansing, How many more times do we get to say, this is the best version EVER, he just gets better and better! Did this David exist during AI? Or is the culmination and natural progression of his experience over the last 7 months? No doubt a performance like this on A1 would have changed the outcome. .But somehow,for me life’s a little sweeter like this, David unfolding and growing into his stardom, one song at a time, one fan, one heart at a time.
#20 -- Apologize in Newark makes my gut ache. We’ll all be dead by the time he finishes the tour.
What a way to go.
Whenever I heard David sing on American Idol, certain images or sensations would accompany the performances. During “Think of me” it was cherry blossoms at dusk. I didn’t dwell on the image, but Rascal’s comment about “the heights of glory and the depths of despair become one”, that I remembered those images , and how they fit that quote. The sweet promise of love and new beginnings and the coming of the finality of darkness and the end.
Never before have I had so much fun listening and interpreting music and lyrics as I do now. And never before have I seeked out new artists, adding Todd Rundgen to the list, since David, Rascal and all of David’s fans. Thanks
Just wanted to share with everyone…David is so adorable when he’s introducing WYSYLM at the Newark concert. He tells the audience that he’s gonna slow things down and bit….then he says, “It’s one of those message songs” almost like he’s apologizing for singing it. I don’t think he knows how many of love his version of that song, although he should by all the screaming afterwards. Here’s a link to the video…hope it works. I just love everything about David.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08-i06K48l4
Tinuviel, I smiled at the synchronicity of the events you mentioned. That’s usually a good sign of being in the flow. Thanks for the background on the “rules” comment and the barricade photo . . . sounds like someone has the inside track. And, I enjoyed the other examples of David making his own choices.
Regarding being in the flow, there is something to be said for David’s choices to move into cooperation with not only a Higher Power, but also TPTB (assuming of course his principles remain intact). It may be akin to the way to react if your car goes into a skid on a slippery highway. You need to turn the car into the direction of the skid in order to gain control. Once you gain control, you can direct your own course. Hmm.
I am really looking forward to hearing the “Crush” single tomorrow. I am so excited for David!
kindredspirit, I love your skidding analogy. I also love the hmmm. So David.
kindredspirit -- I like that analogy too!! So buckle up -- here we goooo!!
(Maybe a 5 point harness belt might be safer!!
I can’t believe I woke up in time to fire up the PC and listen! (I’m still listening, David is talking right now!!!!) So, I think it’s a great song. The interview was terrific. My first impression of the song is that the music kind of buries his voice more than I’d like it to, I think the word is “over produced”? But of course I’m the sort that would be happy with David a capella!!! OH! They said they remastered it last night. Maybe the version that’s going to be “up within an hour or so” will sound different. I hope they brought his voice up in the new mix! Staying tuned………
YES! They did bring the voice up in the chorus--to my untrained ear anyway. (Wow, they got the ‘listen anytime’ version uploaded FAST.) Wish I could hear the on-air version again to compare. Anyway… whoot! whoot! David’s on the air waves!!!!!!!!!!!! whoo-hooo! Lookin’ forward to Rascal’s take on it now…. wake up Rascal!!
Hmmmm -- Interesting.
They were working on it last night?
I think it’s a good catchy tune.
For David, I think it will do what it needs to do.
I’m very happy for him.
IMO
I loved “crush”! Even if you have already downloaded it PLEASE buy it when it becomes available on August 12th. Let’s make it a #1 HIT!!!
The insight on this blog is always so spot on! Thanks for this post and for introducing me to an artist I had not heard of (sorry to display such ignorance).
On another note, I’m listening to “Crush” right now, and it’s already addictive (I’ve been replaying 5 times already! haha). It’s definitely going to be a summer hit:
http://z100.elvisduran.com/pages/news/davidarchuleta/
No, I did not stay up all night or wake up early to hear its debut (I’m not a morning person, and there are limits to my Archie Appreciation). But, I knew where to go once I went online, and the song (and LYRICS) are available on this site, so definitely check it out!
My personal review: on my first listen, I thought -- “Oh no! It’s just a generic radio song!” -- but David’s voice soars (as is typical), and as soon as it was over, I hit the play button again and kept repeating.
The addictive hook -- “away ay yay yay yay yay yay yay”
The great thing about “Crush” debuting today is that I have a long road trip coming up this weekend, and, YES!, I am looking forward to hearing this song blasting from my car radio!!! Yippee!! David accompanying me on the road could only mean a safe journey (I hope!).
I’m loving Angels insteeeaaaaaaadddddd!
#31 your right it has changed !!!!
PS sorry for being impatient rascal!
Gosh, I’m a bit behind with the posts, and am catching up with the comments. Elannbo, OMG, exquisite analogy (Michaelangelo’s David). I wish I could see *your* work—you are an artist, yes?
Rascal -- I’m not familiar with Todd Rundgren, although I probably should be, he’s from “my -- my -- my generation”. If he flipped people’s light switches, dang!, sorry I missed that light show! But I do appreciate the (always) literary analogies and poetic descriptions. “Wise innocence”… beautiful!
#9 -- archu_adorable -- good and valid query. It is intriguing, so I thought I *would* do the research for you!
http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20040715-000004.html
I am not endorsing what it says, I haven’t even finished reading it--gotta get to work!—but I did like this part:
“Much like spiritual guidance, celebrity-watching can be inspiring, or at least help us muster the will to tackle our own problems. “Celebrities motivate us to make it,” says Helen Fisher, an anthropologist at Rutgers University in New Jersey.”
and that article also mentions a book called “The Frenzy of Renown” that sounds interesting as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Frenzy-Renown-Fame-Its-History/dp/0679776303/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217605477&sr=1-1
If you read it, let me know what it says!
#25 -- cutter12 -- Oh my, YES!, so much new music in my life too. I love it! I’ve learned about so many artists I just would not have had a clue about. Thanks to all of you awesome notingdavid-posting-David-fans!