Our Better Angels
No matter what your politics or who you voted for, it is incumbent upon every American to pause today and celebrate the peaceful transfer of power, and to reflect on the indisputable fact that the United States of America is a new and better place than it was yesterday. Not better because of different policies or the redirection of political values, but better because in its election of Barack Obama to the highest office in the land, the wisdom of the American people to reject barriers to equality has in one symbolic swoop restored our beloved country to its rightful place as a beacon of hope in the world.
It requires little intellectual effort to draw parallels between David Archuleta and Barack Obama. They have both invited us to reject a certain modern cynicism that at times feels all but required in order to process the almost ubiquitous lack of integrity that seems to plague contemporary business, politics, and culture. They have asked us us to set aside our lowered expectations, to transcend our predictions of limitation, and to give ourselves permission to raise our gaze and dream again. They have asked us to hope.
I choose to believe that the full preview of David’s first album having become public virtually simultaneously to the election of Barack Obama to the presidency of the United States is one of those coincidences that has the resonance of providence. Both men seem chosen, born to do the work in the world that they have set their paths upon. We all know that David Archuleta is much more than just a singer, and it must be acknowledged that Barack Obama is much more than just a politician. Both are leaders. Leaders who I am proud and grateful this day to follow.
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Well said, Rascal, well said.
“Well said, Rascal, well said.”
Yes, the timing is perfect. David’s music is a beautiful gift to compensate for the tremendous grief I am feeling because of this election. I will find solace in his voice.
Rascal: You said it perfectly.
No matter our political leanings, last night was historic and we can all be proud to be Americans and live in a society that is ruled by the Will of the People.
And the leak of the album was serendipitious. The pix above of two strong, balanced, determined humans on this journey of life we all share is overwhelmingly compelling.
So appropriate and so beautifully said Rascal. The world feels like a more optimistic place today!
After months and months of lurking, I’m compelled to comment now.
I’m not an American and yet I accept as true that I and my beloved country, Philippines are sincerely affected by this historic occurrence. I love Barack Obama (the FIRST REAL GLOBAL PRESIDENT) and my love for David Archuleta is incomparable.
RASCAL, yes, they are of beyond their titles and that they are “both leaders” who we “are proud and grateful this day to follow”. I’ll also always be grateful that most Americans like you folks here didn’t deny us the HOPE and CHANGE that WE are also hankering for both in politics and in entertainment.
From my heart, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Yes, very nice rascal! They are both role models in their own right.
This is a time of hope for me and many others, in no small part because of both of these men. Thank you, rascal, for making the connection I’d toyed with in my head.
Well said Rascal!!
Congrats on your new president!!! yay.
.
I’ts a good day in the global neighbourhood.
Joyful, joyful! It is a good time to be alive.
Last night all things fell into place. My 17 year old daughter is one of those cynics you talked about Rascal, it’s funny since I am not, but she just could not wrap it around her young brain that this was possible. She didn’t trust it. After the network we were watching called it for President Elect Obama, I shooed all of them to bed. As she kissed and hugged me goodnight, she whispered in my ear, “now I believe”. What a powerful mother daughter moment. Think I am gonna treat her to a trip to Times Square next week, she’s a believer there as well.
I see the parallels, they are rebels, rejecting the rigid standards set by others for them. The are over achievers and dreamers. Yeah for the dreamers, cause dreams come true.
I am sorry for those whose hearts are broken, and are a little fearful. I felt that same pain, and fear 8 years ago, and then again 4 years ago. I think just as David quieted alot of his critics and non-believers, Barack will do the same. I think alot of Barriers will be lifted. I believe.
I can say that I’m totally happy to be one of David Archuleta’s followers.
)
This is my new blog for him: http://davidarchuletavn.wordpress.com/
after I tried with yahoo plus, opera and blogger. Yeah, this labor of love (for DA) took me a lot of time but it is worth doing.
If U like to know what the Vietnamese looks like, welcome you to my blog- Vietnamese fansite for David.
Rascal,
Thanks so much for this wonderful blog! I so much enjoy reading your commentary as well as that of those who post here. Your David/Obama analogy has brought tears to my eyes; you express so well everything I was thinking.
Being the bookworm that I am, your comment re. how they both invite us to reject a “certain modern cynicism” brings to mind an analogy that involves my favorite literary character, Holden Caulfield (from Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye). Where 17 yr old David looks beyond cynicism, 17 yr old Holden (like me), wonders how in the world do you deal with it.
Political beliefs aside, both David and Obama inspire me to believe and to hope.
Rascal,
How you can gather up everything we are feeling this morning and put it into three eloquent paragraphs is amazing to me. Thank you. It feels good to be in the world today.
My eyes are shining, my ears are celebrating, my heart is bursting….What a great day to be an American and a fan of David’s.
rascal..I am at a loss for words..just so happy to be alive!
Our Better Angels, indeed!
thanks rascal-that was beautiful
and to David--
YOU CAN has to be the sweetest thing I have ever heard in my life…I am offiicially a puddle of goo right now…the visual of him singing this in a darkened arena just slays me……that is our David……so simply beautiful….way to go young man..so proud of you..
After Rascal, need we say more? Well of course! Our host just have a way with words
Let me offer a
A toast to BARRIERS being CRUSHed as ANGELS lift us from our DESPERATE & RUNNING need to DON’T LET GO.
Even if some of you may feel defeat as YOUR EYES DON’T LIE & in a whisper say: am just A LITTLE TOO NOT OVER YOU, remember that YOU CAN TOUCH MY HANDS too as I raise MY HANDS TO BE WITH YOU on this historic occasion.
palm-to-heart arch angels, our boys have arrived!
David has given me hope…..,and Today it’s a new American…where hope is alive..A NEW DAY HAS CAME!!!!!!..WHERE WE CAN CAME TOGETHER BLACK WHITE PURPLE OR GREEN AND EXPRESS HOW WE TRUELY FEEL…THROUGH SONG THROUGH POLITICS THROUGH EDUCATION THROUGH RELIGION…WHAT A GREAT TIME FOR DAVID TO BE EXPOSED TO THE WORLD…PEOPLE WE MUST BEAR MIND IN THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WAKE UP THIS MORNING AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIVES OF WALKED WITH THEIR HEADS UP HIGH…THANK YOU RASCAL FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL BLOG..
OUR ANGELS HAVES ARRIVED DAVID JAMES ARCHULETA AND BARACK OBAMA….
Beautifully put, as always, Rascal. “Beacon of hope,” LOVE that. Congrats on your new history-making prez!
I confess, my hands are trembling trying to type this after listening to the leaked full songs. I hear so many hits here, it’s unreal.
My Hands gave my chills chills – the unexpected turns in the melody/lyrics and THAT VOCAL!
On Desperate, David out-Cooks Cook – could be his Breakaway.
Could go on…and on…
To Be With You: never mind tears, I was SOBBING – the heartbreaking simplicity is stunning.
You Can – such restraint, beautiful. I can see it live with Jason or Brooke on guitar and harmonies
He might get bashed by critics for the different styles but what shines through every track is that David is the constant, the through-line. He’s like the Northern Lights — ever-changing yet consistently magnificent.
Another beacon of hope, indeed.
TODAY WE HAVE HOPE THAT WE WILL NOT BE JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF OUR SKIN BUT BY THE CONTENT OF OUR CHARACTER…REMEMBER THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY WE ALL LOVE DAVID…….HIS CHARACTER OUT SHINES HIS BEAUTIFUL VOICE …CAN I GET AN AMEN HERE PEOPLE
I am indebted to dolcedor on youtube!!!! mom’s computer can’t download……anything……..but seems to be able to play youtube!!
so now i’m back in the loop! And what a loop it is (a great loop for the loopy) …can only quote someone over at snarkies…. David, “come to mama”…
Yes, to quote a book title, “The Audacity of Hope”.
Amen amen Fay!
ArchAppreciation has begun: This was posted at IDF by another Filipina
“…I listened to all of the songs! they’re all so GOOD! VERY GOOD! i just YMed everyone in my YM list! gah! Most of them are Word Nerds but they YMed me back with ” shocked.gif ” smileys! they didn’t expect David to be this good! they told me they’re gonna buy his album! gah! yey! ARCHUDOMINATION! ….. i’m so glad i asked my aunt from the US to buy me the deluxe, walmart, and original cd. i’m also gonna be buying it when it gets released here in the Philippines. THIS CD IS SO WORTH IT! DAVID IS SO WORTH IT!
Multiple “what just happened” ey?
I don’t think I have ever been so proud to be an American, as I am today. It just seems a little more than serendipitous that David’s album leaked on the same night, and around the same time, as our new president was announced. Thank you Rascal, for your beautiful and inspiring words, as always, you express all that I feel.
Now that that’s out of the way…Doesn’t anyone want to discuss the album!! I’m so excited, I feel like I’m going to burst!!
Okay folks, where did you listen to the songs leaked!!?
Have been out of the loop for the last couple days.
HELP!!!??
Debra 5354, get thineself to http://www.snarkyarchies.com or http://www.fansofdavid.com STAT! (Pace yourself …I mean, BRACE yourself. haha)
debra5354-#27- go to http://www.snarkyarchies.com , you will find links to youtube and downloads, good luck and bring the paddles, smelling salts, gurney…bring the whole ER
Yes, I have composed myself and am now ready to get the scoop about David’s songs from rascal..rascal,..
yoo-hoo, rascal?
djasgirl? Are you in school? I am waiting to hear YOUR comments, as well…and I will say no more til I see something from rascal and / or djasgirl…And you both can gush and get all fangirly…I promise I won’t say “I told you so!”
Ninaf, OF COURSE! (see post#21 above) … but after I replay EVERYTHING!!!!!
Someone ..ANYONE…QUICK..I NEED The paddles……
WOW OH WOW …………WOOOOWWWW…..There are no words to describe this experience…………
If ITM has its “I” killer, You Can has “good” clocking in at 20-21 sec.
The way he caressed that word, KABOOM & SIGH at the same time. HOW??? WHY??? WHATTA???
To borrow from the same song:
“Only you can take me sailing in your deepest eyes
Bring me to my knees and make me cry
And no one’s ever done this…”
gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh
Am I possibly listening to next year’s ALBUM OF THE YEAR?
Well my friends, I had the time of my life last night! I got to go and see David rehearse! I’m in a cloud and can’t believe I was witnessing such greatness! I got to just hang out and talk to David and got to see him being himself. What a gift! Right now I’m at a loss for words. Many times during any of the conversation with David, something we were talking about would trigger a song and he would start singing it! It was so cute and just amazing!……I told him he needs to call me Aunt Erin now. ha, ha.
OMG, AUNT ERIN!. Just O. M. G.!
What did he rehearse? WHAT DID YOU HEAR HIM SING?? O. M. G.!!
I must now admit myself to the archu_hospital. I can’t take this.
ERIN, pls don’t go yet! Pls tell him we’re blown away but I have a request and this is for his own good!!!!
You have to tell David that with the track YOU CAN, he has to perform that one with a guitar himself — he MUST, HAS TO, no ifs, no buts — pls tell him that
jackryan4DA, I’d say YESSS! Just a few of the lines that melted me cause of David’s killer interpretation:
Running: “I’ve gotta have every part of you forever.”
My Hands: “Squeezing so hard my hands are hurting.”
You Can: “This is where it all begins so tell me it will never end.”
Erin, you must be dying right now. David REHEARSE???? I hope your loss for words subsides and you can SHARE EVERY LAST DETAIL at some point.
Aunt Erin, aka BFF erin, did you get the diamond-necklace-gram I sent you? and did you enjoy the lobster-gram? the vacation-home-in-Hawaii-gram is ready with fresh sheets and chocolates on your pillow….
Erin--that is AWESOME..I was wondering where you went…I thought we scared you away..do not ever leave us…Aunt Erin
Was the rehearsal in LA?? or Utah ??..what an amazing experience that must have been….
So glad for you Erin that you got to see him rehearse!
Well said, Rascal. Seeing the 1 million-plus crowd that gathered in Grant Park in Chicago last night was one of the most moving things I’ve ever seen in my life. When the election was called 10 minute after the West Coast polls closed at 11.10 ET, the crowd roared, people cried and hugged each other, or just sat quietly. And then for David’s album to leak that same night….just unbelievable.
jackryan4DA--/38
How to slay an entire stadium with just one song…….
I can hear it now at the end of his You CAN..”Look what you made me do!!”
rascal— beautifully said. you are so lovely with words..
I am waaay too overwhelmed to comment on anything right now…
watching Obama’s victory and speech last night then… David… I am sooo overwhelmed…I must pull myself together a bit…
Erin.. how fortunate you are…
sorry..i meant jackryan4DA / #36
Erin- did I mention my Cheesecake of the month club..somehow you are my #1 recipient..watch the mail!!
To discuss the album, I think we should agree on a system, u know what I mean?
Do we want to do it by song? Or do u want to discuss all songs per attribute or impact?
Hehe… am in my OCD mode again…
BTW, have u guys seen this?
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/jimmydickson/david1.jpg
They did Crush, You Can, Touch My Hands, Little Too Not Over You. Just amazing! And his band, wow! When I got there, I walked in and David was taking a break. So, first thing I got to just talk to him and ask him how rehearsal was going. There was just a few people there, so I really felt privilged. I got to tease him a couple times, which was just great! We started talking about his songs and I told him one of my favorites is Little Too Not Over You, which he wrote. I asked him how he writes a song and we talked about that. He said it could be whatever you’re thinking. Then he asked me what I was thinking, I said ” David is adorable” I think that could be a song. He just giggled at me. All I can say is WOW!!!!
Well, I really cannot stop listening to these songs… My ipod is now permanently embedded in my ears. I still love TMH, but I think Your Eyes Don’t Lie is insanely catchy, Desperate is a standout, love the creativity of Barriers, have Running on repeat… mmmm…
Erin, what a joyful experience for you. I hope you can share details with us without impinging on either your or David’s privacy! Envious, me? Of course, but gosh, so happy for you!
Erin..it’s a good thing your pic w/David is on your avatar, otherwise I would think I’m dreaming again or that you’re a figmant of my imagination, or that someone is messing with my mind!! OMGosh!! How lucky can one person be!
I’m not gonna try to offer you fortune, fame, trips, jewels, fine food, etc…what I can offer is my “services”..I will be your SLAVE..whatever you need, just say, “YOU, Slave, I need..” and I’ll run!! Only thing I ask is that I come with you when you see David again!! My bags are packed from the other nite..I’m ready to go..say the word!! And if that doesn’t work..can you ask David a very important question..Where is THE SUIT???
Erin, seriously..I am MUSH!! I am sooo envious..The chance to have a conversation with David about anything and everything would be a dream come true!
Erin—seriously..I am soooo happy for you…I can not even imagine ……
A really cute moment with him was us sitting on the couch and having a Sprinkles cupcake. He really liked it.
Silverfoxe, I’m mush! I loved just talking to him and music and just anything, it didn’t matter. I’m in just awwww right now.
jackryan4DA--I totally agree we need a plan or this site is going to spontaneuously combust!!!
I was thinking maybe, song by song with time limits because we will never get off the first song which ever one it is..Haha imagine time limits on discussing anything David!!!!l
DELETED
ERIN /#50—-
WHAT!!!….now you are seriously killing me…
next time make sure you tell David you have a BFF that is a killer baker!!!!!!!!!…I can do cupcakes tooo..
Ohhh, Erin. You heard him rehearse You Can? I WOULD BE SO DEAD RIGHT NOW IF I WERE YOU.
OK, Erin, now you are killing me!! You sat on a couch and had a cupcake with him!!
How is he, Erin, really..does he look tired? is he happy?
Is he looking forward to the Jingle concerts? He works so hard, and he’s going to do several concerts in a row in December..Does he eat? Does he ever sleep. Gosh, I know I’m not his MOTHER, but really I think we all worry when we see all the hard work he puts in..
Did he rehearse guitar? I am practically drooling here, over the notion of anyone hearing David rehearse. Ahahaha. <3
erin- giant smiles for you and thank you for sharing your experience with us, please keep the stories coming,…..
BTW, did I mention the Hawaii house comes with a full crew of servants- maid, butler, chef, chauffer, stylist, masseuse, footman, valet, you name it -we got it… and all for you, my BFF….- oh!, and I specialize in sprinkle cupcakes
aahhh erin.. we are all so excited for you… to see him rehearse—- karumba… i can’t breathe just from listening…you are blessed!!
JR a plan would be good … song by song I think would work…
I’m so overwhelmed today. I mean… Obama’s victory was something I never expected to happen so soon. I mean, I kept saying, “They’ll never let it happen.” I’m just so shocked and elated that it actually happened. I’m so proud of the American people for being able to make their own choice, and not let others choose what they felt was right for our country. This is such a historic election, and I would have so loved to be a part of it (only FOUR MONTHS!). I know my siblings in Maryland celebrated all night, and it makes me wish more than ever, that I had just gone to College Park like the rest of them. I wish I could be there with them celebrating this moment, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.
I also heard about the proposition (h)8(t) thing. It… breaks my heart. It’s like we just took one step forward and one step back. I just hope that one day, people will be able to accept others for exactly what they are- whether they believe it to be a choice or not. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll have out first openly gay representative, senator, and one day, even a president. That would be so amazing- an openly gay president! Maybe one day- boys and girls won’t have to be ashamed and try to change who GOD wanted them to be. Ugh- I can’t believe 52%… that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. This just breaks my heart so freakin much. i feel like cussing somebody out- I mean- I feel so guilty, angry, sad- everything- because I didn’t do anything to try stop it- I feel like I let some people down. Hopefully, people will one day learn to love and accept others instead of opting to use hate and oppression to deal with things they don’t understand.
Uh… about David. I don’t have much to say. I’ll write more later. I’m just too distracted and emotional right now. When I chill out, I’ll talk about David.
happy and sf… too funny…
djb#54- how could you?? cozying up to BFF erin with baked goods, after all of the brownies I’ve made for everyone? hours and hours of baking…..
Erin you can teach a class at archuversity… “containing oneself while eating cupcakes with David”
He was tired. He puts his all in on every song, so that really takes all of his energy out. I pretty much need difib, paddles and whatever else anyone would like to throw right now. I’m numb from all of this. Still can’t believe I was just hanging out with him. WOW!
Erin,
“You don’t know me but I’m your sistaah.”
Love the details. Keep them coming.
Wonder what he’ll sing on Leno? Does he do one song or more? It’s an older audience, so I’m wondering about You Can, may ALTNOY? Or will he sing “Crush” because the song is SOOOOOO close to platinum. Every time I think I have a new favorite song on this album, I listen to the next and THAT’s my favorite. How to choose? I can’t. I just can’t. Love them all.
One of my co-workers is having laser surgery on her eyes today-she was going blind which for someone who has worked in libraries for 20 years is terrifying. I have been doing her work today but my ear is filled with David and he has filled me with such hope and joy. David David what can I say!!!
Happy, Code Blue is great-paddles ready. I went on too many of those in my younger years. I love your slap happy bribing of Erin.
Djb, with all my weeping this early morning as I listened to the songs for the first time, I wanted to tell David
” Look what you made me do.”
Erin, we are so happy to hear your stories. I am so glad he has such wonderful support around him. He deserves the best of everything.
Kait, not sure what he’s sing on Leno, Darn, forgot to ask. The songs sound just amazing and he’s such a hard worker. He really puts everything into every song. Just amazing! I stood right in front of him and before he started I teased him and told him ” come on David sing to me” He sang Touch My Hands to me. OMG! Just amazing and can’t get that tune out of my head, it’s so catchy
Erin..When you said on your first post that you “witnessed greatness”…that really was how you felt, wasn’t it? I get chills when I think of our future with David, THE VOICE, in it and all we have in store. I know David is very humble and unassuming and didn’t you just want to hug him and tell him I LOVE YOU ! THANK YOU!..but I guess he would have freaked out!! haha!
Rascal,
Beautiful words, thank you.
A beautiful comparison of these two “men”.
They will both bring solace to our country and perhaps the world in their own different ways.
Archie’s entire album is just wonderful. Album of the year, I hope!
Erin, THANK YOU so much for sharing your experience and letting us all vicariously “hang out” with David.
But sprinkle cupcakes? Gah, you’re killing me here!!!!!
… and any time you want a guided tour of Toronto….
vickilori#53-can I remind you that this is rascal’s blog and he can write anything he wants….we here at notingdavid are committed to respecting the opinions of one another- that and the love of David are the ties that bind us.
I found the tone of your post to be unneccessarily negative. Bloggers before you had simply expressed their personal happiness at the outcome of a free election. How, as an American, can you not recognize what a blessing a free election and freedom of politcal expression is? Conservative or liberal political thought is only possible in a free society…..let freedom ring….
Erin..hahaha! you can’t get TMH out of your head?…Cuz it’s so catchy?? ..Hon, I’m suprised you’re still with us and not in a dream-state coma with a smile pasted on your face!! He SANG to you!!
oh my gosh! This is a picture I took of David in Tacoma Washington! Thanks for posting it Rascal.
silverfoxe, I talked with each of the band members too. Such a nice group of guys, really. I told then that they are so lucky that they are at the beginning of such greatness. I think they all know how special David is.
I hugged him when we were leaving and told him We all love him!
Come on Happy,
This is a public website and I want to see things on David not Obama. Yes it his blog but if he puts this stuff out there he should be willing to accept comments good or bad.
I am over 50 and have been voting for many years maybe more than you. I know the value of a free election.
You said this is a free society so I am expressing my opinion. If everyone else can express their happiness. I am express my disapointent.
Barack Obama is a politician not an Angel. Beside David’s family might want to be politically neutral after all most Mormons are a lot more Conservative and we should just be talking about his music and how it affects us. I would
trust anything David would say more than any politcian.
We can agree to disagree, I love David and his music and sweet spirit and not to spoil this with politics.
Erin..I’m smiling really BIG!! I’m so happy you told his band members that they are so fortunate to be with David now at the beginning of his career. He will be one of the greatest artistes ever!..They need to be ready for the shock & awe they will witness at David’s concerts, the response David gets when he sings to his audience. They should know that they are in for the ride of their lives with David!
Erin, I can’t begin to tell you how much I (we ) have enjoyed “talking” with you about our mutual love for David..It’s made me feel close to him through you, so thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
I do buh-lieve his debut album just may be nominated for album of the year next year! It is that good!
happy/-#62—-care to have a bakeoff??? ….the prize..hmmm lets see…umm Erin any suggestions??winky winky..did I mention I have high cheekbones too (I have American Indian in my background -Cherokee-just like Erin..for real..no kidding! ) and look much younger than my age..We actually could be sisters..I would be her younger sister, the one she never leaves home alone..haha..
Thanks for sharing with us Erin. We are so lucky to have you as a fellow poster on this blog! I’m so excited to see David on TV again, can’t wait to see him with his very own band!
thanks Erin -I will never look at a cupcake the same way again….Any Irish in you??with the name Erin? to go along with the Cherokee??
djb, you’re cracking me up. Love the bakeoff! I do know David enjoyed the Sprinkles cupcake, and he was given 4 more to enjoy later.
silverfoxe, I told his band members, are you ready for this? Do you know what you’ve gotten yourself into? This the beginning and just wait what is yet to come! They all agreed, which was really cool. I also told David, are you ready for this? When your CD offically hits, it’s the big time baby!
can I cut in here about the negativity posted here..I refuse to let it get to me..there’s too much good here today. I just want to bask in the music of David..and how fortunate are we that we have in our midst someone who was gracious enough to share her close encounter with our David..I am so happy for David and for us. David’s destiny is unfolding before our eyes and we have an eyewitness to the hard work he is doing FOR US!! I am just overjoyed we have this firsthand report!!
Joner #15: “My eyes are shining, my ears are celebrating, my heart is bursting….What a great day to be an American and a fan of David’s.”
My sentiments exactly. I am assuming you’ve all heard the full album leak? I’m overwhelmed today, especially coming off of last night’s excitement. This is all too much to take in a 24hr period!
Erin — my gosh!!!!! I just caught up. Gahhhh to be in your shoes. And you have been following him since Star Search? How great it must be for you and your bro to witness his journey all these years.
Here, here, SF. Now back to business…
Erin (if you’re allowed to divulge), did David rehearse on piano at all or exclusively vocals? (I was about to say “just” vocals… how nuts is that?)
Have you come down to Earth yet?
fay #22: AMEN!!!
Erin, Thanks for taking us with you as you hung out with David. Oh…my…gosh… That is beyond cool!!! I’m wondering if he will do the songs you heard on the Jingle shows??
I took a day off from all things David yesterday to give honor to the election. I even dressed up for the day. It is a day that will be burned into my memory. Hope and reconciliation lay ahead of us.
Because of my “day off,” I am probably the only person in Archuletaland who hasn’t heard all the songs in full. I have the afternoon set aside today after my teaching ends. Give me strength!!!
Gah, I meant “hear! hear!” SF, sheesh.
Silverfoxe -- I second that, I can only think positive things today. I’m just grateful to experience it all. We should all be having a party and bask in the experience that lies ahead!!
Hi Happy, (yes, I feel honored to know your real name), how’s Florida? Are you enjoying your time off?
Momofteens -- I meant to ask you -- are you from Madison, WI. I thought it was you who mentioned it once. The reason I’m asking you is because I went to school there at the University, (my 2nd favorite place to NYC), and now my daughter is applying to school there…just curious.
djb, yes I have some Irish in me too, hence the name. ha, ha. I’m very excited to see him on Leno and the other shows he’ll be doing. I know he’ll be a little nervous, he really a perfectionist when it comes to his music. I did ask him what was his favorite song on his CD, he said he wasn’t sure yet, doesn’t have a favorite right now. I told him I love the other one he wrote too, Don’t Let Go. He asked how much of it could I hear, I told him, just the part Don’t Let Go and asked him, how does it go before that? Then he sang it for me. melt, melt, melt, I’m a puddle of mush….. I’m surprised I’m typing right now..
Shout out for my friend Chickee…..Hope you get to read this and hope this helps you heal. Feel better real soon.
Erin..4 cupcakes, huh?? So now we know why sometimes he’s kinda hyper ( Fox DC interview )..he’s on a suger high!! And when he talks with his hands, like on the 108 Seconds video..I love it! Some people find it hard NOT to “talk” with their hands (me for instance). That’s why I couldn’t keep my video camera on him in Evansville..I kept moving my hands around when I said anything to him, like an idiot!! Took a lot of shots of his feet! anyway, that’s just a memory!
Erin, do you know if David will have background singers?
I am willing to bet, there are plenty out there who would love that job!
happy//#71- remember when David sang that line..”let freedom ring ” …”from America” on AI….killer!!!!!!
he has so many “GAAHHH” moments it it unreal..and he has only just begun………are we sure he is only 17 yrs old?? maybe he is mine and Erins brother..haha.just look at his cheekbones..haha .. cupcake anyone??
vickilori#75- I was referring in my post specifically to the following comments that I felt were off-base:
“1.Please leave your political views off the website or at least change the name to Noting David and Barack Obama so we know what to expect….
2. A lot of people that are conservative read your blog and might take offense to this since a lot of are conservatives…..
3. I was looking forward to your views and writings on the album and not political crap as soon as I look at your website…..”
1. it’s rascal’s blog- we just comment
2. how can a conservative (such as myself- part conservative/part libertarian)- “take offense” at someone else’s happiness?
3. I didn’t like the negativity of the characterization of “political crap” (that’s the libertarian in me)
and I agree with you “If everyone else can express their happiness. I am express my disapointent [sic].” , but I felt you were attempting to shut others down, not “express your disappointment.”
now, back to baking sprinkle cupcakes for my BFF erin….
silverfoxe/ 88--OMG. !!!…ROTFL.!!!…you just made me snort a cheesedoodle up my nose!!!..people are staring at me !!
“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.“
From Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address
Monday, March 4, 1861
nuff said.
Happy! {{{{{{{{{{{{hug}}}}}}}}}}}}}} ♥
Save a cupcake for me!
djb#77- a bakeoff you say??? you are going down mama… didn’t you see the cake I baked for heart for her birthday?….
hi ninaf……….too fun!
silverfoxe, some of his band members sing backround with him, it’s just beautiful. I’m thinking that these are probably the songs that he’ll be doing, which everyone will be presently surprised how amazing they are all together. He was just doing the vocals and really started getting into songs….melt, melt, melt.
oh, and… speaking of the very best angel of my nature… lol
http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l347/beebeepix/David%20Archuleta/simple_david_angel.jpg
happy/ 93--did you just call me ..mama….!!! GAME ON!!
Erin--sister--don’t let her hurt me!!!
Erin-/67-sounds like David is becoming quite a tease..he sang TMH to you…and after 5 cupcakes he should be hyper enough to write 12 more songs plus a bonus song called maybe ” My Cupcake”
Thank you Rascal. What a beautiful day.
Regardless of one’s political affiliations, today is a day to celebrate where we are as a nation.
I feel we have elected a leader that inspires so many people, a leader that the world looks to with hope.
I think what Rascal was saying is that both of these people have the ability to inspire, one through his music and one through his transcending vision for this country.
Music can heal people and bring them hope and so can a moment like last night.
OK, Erin, I can no longer restrain myself. I live in Fountain Valley, CA (near Huntington Beach) . . . and if you ever need a carpool partner -- or chauffer for that matter -- just let me know! And, I’ll be at the Bonnie Hunt taping where I’ll see David a little closer up than at the Staples Center during the AI tour.
Thanks so much for your updates. It is so encouraging to hear that things are going well with rehearsals. I hope David knows that we’ll be thinking about him when he performs on Leno, etc. Hopefully, that knowledge will offset some of the nerves.
LMAO… I want “My Cupcake!” !!!! “My Cupcake” FTW! (R’n'B, of course!)
http://api.ning.com/files/ogQLzpCitXtiYtbf1CMgmoGQzuSh7BKDh0hdD42*E2T0nBvEM5Z8Iaqew3zlWsCYq5A0RT9FXV6rK6ZjaF3LnKir*aQZvPCL/cupcake.jpg
dang. lol
*ahem* “My Cupcake” FTW!!
http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l347/beebeepix/David%20Archuleta/cupcake.jpg
things are coming to me as I come out of my archuleta coma. He was signing the CD covers, a whole big box of them. I was talking to him about music and just whatever while he stood there and then helped put the covers back in the box. How cool is that? then every once in a while he would just sing….wow! the stylist was there too and after rehearsal he was trying on different outfits for each song. He looks good in anything. He’s just adorable. I love to see him in jackets, that’s my favorite.
djb…want proof of me getting shots of David’s feet? Go to YouTube, look up “David doing shoutout to Me!” That’s me! I think I scared the heck outta him! haha!
Erin, I’m sure David’s dad was there too. Do you ever watch Jeff and wonder what goes through his mind when he sees his glorius son create this sublime music? I wonder if his parents ever think “How does he do this?” I know I do! What a Voice..and he has a future as an ACTOR as well,, it’s inevitable!
beebee, I happened to use that David w/wings pic as my avatar this morning! I changed it after I settled down from the high I was on cuz of the leaks!!
Erin--Just had to add truly heartfelt THANK YOU for sharing all this behind the scenes info on David in his preparation to go out into the world on his own with his own Band SOLO!! I am so excited for him and his family to see his dream come true..and for his very first album to be so amazing is just beyond words..
kindredspirit, way cool that you are from Fountain Valley. I was at the Staples Center concert too. Did you get to go backstage and see him? I know the area well where you live.
OKAY FOLKS !!! I listened to the leaked songs and I’m officially calling “Your Eyes Don’t Lie” as a future monster hit. You heard it hear first on Debra 5354 ;-O
Erin, you are K..I..L..L..I..N..G….U..S.. (don’t stop…lol)
awww… SF
Perfect avatar for the occasion! {{hug}}
hey erin … thanks for sharing… we are hungry for cupcakes
happy#90 -- what offends some of us to the bone is comparing David to Obama. With all due respect to your jubilant feelings today, we don’t see any similarities whatsoever. This is a blog about David Archuletta, right? So when we read those comparisons, it kind of freaks us out.
debra, if I EVAH simmer down from these leaks, I may try to identify what I think could be monster hit singles. All I know now is that when I listen to the whole album… in iTunes track order… IT IS A MONSTER of an album. (imho, of course)
I have never been any good at selecting anything “my fave” about David. There is so much gold on this album it scares me. (in a GOOD way…)
Erin! Erin! More…more…more!!!
Should we run out and buy some “Ginkgo biloba” to help you with your memory?
Erin, the fact that you can form coherent sentences today after (a) watching David rehearse (b) listening to him sing to you personally and (c) sharing cupcakes … oh and (d) trying on jackets…. simply amazing. THANK YOU for each and every sentence! Soooo cool.
And SF, just caught up on last night’s posts — and your “This is a DEBUT album…CHRIST!! What will he create when he “has more time”???” ROTFL!
silverfoxe, Jeff was there and is always so gracious to me. He talks to us about David just like we see him. It’s our favorite thing to talk about.
Another conversation I’m remembering, I told him I know what it’s like to go up listening to a trumpet player. (Jeff’s a trumpet player and my brother is also one, they went to college together and played together) He just laughed, so we talked about that for a while.
Erin,
I bought a great floor ticket at the last minute for the Staples Center concert. But, alas, I didn’t get to go backstage and meet David in person because I don’t have any connections (hint, hint my new BFF)
I’m thinking the Bonnie Hunt show might afford me the opportunity to give him a gift and express my appreciation for his hard work in spreading the joy of music.
Thanks for being our eyes and ears on the rehearsal process. I’m glad he had a friendly, familiar person with whom to share.
I buh-lieve all the songs on the album have the potential of being monster hits even bigger that Daughtry’s or Carrie Underwood’s debut albums and they both had multiple hits from their albums. I use those comparisons as former AI contestants. There is just no doubt in my mind!
silverfoxe/103-there are 230 “David doing shoutout to Me!” on youtube ..which one is yours??
..and Oh I have successfully removed all signs of cheesedoodle from my sinuses..next time silverfoxe you warn me before you go into hyperfunny mode talking about talking with your hands..I think we would all scare the heck out of David in some of our moments!..haha
Ninaf, #86, I grew up in Madtown, and went to UW as well… a lot of fond memories! The city has changed a lot since I was at school there eons ago though! It’s a great town isn’t it? I haven’t been back in ages, but I do still have some friends there. I moved to the Bay Area about 10 years ago.
So, David likes Sprinkles cupcakes hmmm? They just opened one up here on the Peninsula in Palo Alto… we went down there and the line was 45 minutes long!
TOfan..yes..I was just a tiny bit OUT OF MY MIND this morning listening to the songs..I was literally in tears, and dancing around like a cra-zeh fool! I look in the mirror and think to myself..WHO ARE YOU? Cuz sometimes I just don’t recognize me?? I really think I’m reverting back to my childhood. my teens, in my heart & soul..now if only the rest of me could.**sigh**
djb..well I dunno! i can’t access Youtube from here at work..I think I called it “David doing shoutout to ME!”. I tricked him into saying “HI DEE” then I said “HI DAVID” & he cracked up, but I didn’t tape the “HI DAVID” part cuz I was too busy WAVING at him if you can buh-lieve it..like I said I also talk with my hands!
silverfoxe--DON”T EVER CHANGE..we love you just the way you are…we re all cra-zeh fools…..gotta love us….
Just wanted to pop my head in with a quick note about the full album preview… For me, the snippets definitely didn’t do most of the songs justice. I’ve turned a complete 180 with my opinion on a couple of the songs (literally, just 2, because I loved the rest right off the bat). And although I echo sentiments of the “compromise” made on Angels, I am totally impressed by the quality and diversity of the entire album. “Good music [has] prevail[ed].”
kindredspirit and Erin — I’m in the LA area too. Are you going to Leno tomorrow? And I just got my Bonnie Hunt tickets today! I’m thinking I should bring Sprinkles cupcakes and a little portable fan, and point it in David’s direction. Maybe he’ll pick up on the scent and mosey his way over?? Lure by red velvet??
Rascal, I also meant to thank you for such a wonderful post today.
djb..Hon. I couldn’t change now if I wanted to..I’m too dang set in my ways! However, I could change if Ibecame Erin’s Slave..I guess that sounds kinda bad, I have to have more pride than that..I will not resort to bribes..( Erin, call me when you need me to do your laundry, wash your car, do your nails, etc..I’m in the book )..
Erin..will you be at the LENO or Bonnie Hunt taping. Gosh I hope so! Maybe we’ll see you in the audience..I’m trying to think what program David could do close to me..The Grand Ole Opry? Uh..NO! How ’bout THE KY DERBY!! yeah..Does David like horses? Then there’s Dee’s Happy Hour…that’s a really good show taped right here, close by!. Erin., are you still with us? Can you run that by David?
Hi Erin..so great to hear from you..I love your posts, here and elsewhere! I know you will know this..What was the other song David helped write??? I can’t remember.
Great posts today all. ArchuExcitement is bouncing all around the universe. How’d we get to be so lucky?
Erin -- Thanks so much for sharing your experience. You are one lucky woman!
#117 djb, silverfoxe -- I located the Youtube video of David saying hi to Dee:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOLVvVRngjA
Thanks, olemr2001…Actually the video I took that’s really cute is of “David cooing to Baby”, he’s babytalking with a baby in a stroller! Very cute!
So, olemr2001, I take it you mostly lurk and I can just bet you think we’re a bunch of David Lovin’ Lunatics..that’s ok, you can be honest!
Hi guys, I’m playing catch up here. The first full track I’ve listened to is “You Can” and I just need to listen to it over and over and over and over. Ohmigosh, pure happiness!!
It’s really hard to work today….still in archuland. I’m not going to Leno or Bonnie Hunt taping. I had the best sit in town last night, so I couldn’t top that.
janhn, the other song is Don’t Let Go, which he sang when I was asking about it….so cool.
I’ll try to post my pictures a little later….
duh…..seat in town….see, I’m out of it
Last night we got a new President and some beautiful new songs from our David. I’m sorry to say I also lost a wonderful father-in-law as well. He was almost 91 and leaves behind my fantastic mother-in-law, his wife for over 65 years…
Thanks to David, from now on, whenever I hear “To Be With You” I will be reminded that there will come a day when both of them will be reunited in heaven.
Joner, So sorry to hear of your loss. I send you love.
#128 silverfoxe, you are a DELIGHT, that’s what I think!
JONER I am wrapping my arms around you in a huge hug. Remember all the wonderful things about him. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts….
Peace. ♥
Nice article: http://www.sltrib.com/food/ci_10907277
Joner, I’m so sorry to hear about your father in law. God be with you and your family, find comfort in David’s music, I know I did when I lost my father.
olemr2001..why, thanks! you should visit more often..we like complements!
josie..thanks for the article link..do you think ANGELS will be the next single??
Joner..(((BIG BEAR HUGS)))
Jim Cantiello’s review of Election ’08 -- tongue in cheek of course. At end his says he voted for Archuleta and David’s picture rounds out the video.
http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/315369/the-race-kicked-off-before-spencer-was-on-the-hills.jhtml#id=1598628
silverfoxe, I asked David what will be the next single. The label decides that. I would love Touch My Hands to be the next single.
Erin..thought you left..glad you’re still with us..even though if it were me who spent time watching David reherse and eat cupcakes and have him sing to me…
I think I would be an incoherant, blubbering, comatose,
walking zombie! I guess sharing it helps..so come on, you can tell us..Is ANGELS going to be the next single like that article says..David told you, right? I can feel your hesitation…you know, don’t you?
Joner- Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Hugs all around….
See, Erin, you & I are on the same wavelength..or cyberwavelength (is that a word?) You answered before I even asked..I think we belong together..as employee & employer..of course you wouldn’t have to PAY me, Just the chance to see David once in a while is enough and I would stay in the background!!
SF-no, I don’t think that information is correct. I have absolutely nothing to base that on, but I think Jive must know there are other REAL hits on this cd to choose from.
Erin, loved your comment on #46, “I told him he’s adorable.” well, so are you. He serenaded you with Touch My Hands!!! that song has been in my head all day today. LOVE THE BEAT! How much fun was it watching him trying on jackets! THUD THUD. all those jackets he wore during the season, he was so handsome in them. Thanks for all the well wishes from all my friends here, I’m a bit better today than yesterday; see what the power of prayer does? Thanks a million guys. haven’t been “up to” listening to all the songs yet, can’t wait though.
Joner, so sorry about your father-in-law. You’re in our prayers.
Erin, thanks for the shout-out my friend.
silverfoxe, you are cracking me up….nice to have since I’m so out of it right now.
Thank you all for your HUGS and PRAYERS, it’s so thoughtful of you. David seems to be a magnet for people with loving spirits.
OK….back to David’s songs…how about DESPERATE!!!
Rock on David!!!
I actually think that could be a contender for the next single. It’s a completely different vibe but VERY COOL!
Gosh, as much as I love Angels, I hope it’s not the next single. I think one of the new songs, like Desperate or Barriers or Your Eyes Don’t Lie, or ALTNOY, or My Hands… lol, I guess I could list all of them. My personal favorite as of the last five minutes is Barriers, but this morning it was Running, and of course, I think You Can is haunting and To Be With You is achingly beautiful…
I do like the vibes of Barriers or Your Eyes Don’t Lie… I think they will really surprise people who still have him pigeonholed as an AI balladeer, or don’t know who he is at all… though at this point, it’s hard to believe that there are a ton of folks who haven’t heard of him!
I can’t imagine that Angels is the next single or they would have announced it when they put the album up for pre-sale and had the song download automatically. They didn’t even list it by name in the advertising. (Love the song, but the large portion of his Idol fanbase has several copies of that song.)
I don’t know what I’d vote for. There’s just so much on the album. wouldn’t want to be the one deciding.
More hugs for you Joner.
I love your sentiments about To Be With You, but that song already sends me off into body-wracking sobs — the simplicity, the harmonies, the thought of David playing it live someday on piano (and since it’s MY vision, I’m singing the harmonies, of course
) … gah, there I go again!
Like I said..any and all the songs on the album can very well be David’s next single..I would hate to be the one to have to make that decision. But you know what? Doesn’t matter, cuz they all will be hits..one after the other!
As Erin told David..are you ready? THIS is the BIG TIME, Baby!!
I just don’t know if I can GET READY for David’s next album, the one he’s going to “have more time” to do!!
Yeah..David is killing us softly with his songs..
Rascal and ronaldsf are awfully quiet. Should we be alerting EMTs in their areas?
Rascal is probably sitting somewhere, eyes glazed over, earbuds in both ears and drool running out of the corners of his mouth…..ARCHUSTUPOR
Joner- I completely agree with you..DESPERATE is a completely different vibe from the others and what AI listeners have heard from David. It is VERY COOL and would appeal to a wider range than some of the others..I read on another post that David “out-Cooks Cook” on this one..NOT to compare OR put down Cook,(he is cool too-I wish him well) but I see what they meant…It is just edgier than some of the other songs,,It will be interesting to see what JIVE chooses as the next single…
Personally..To Be With You and You Can simply BLOW ME AWAY …… But so are the others so I guess David was right when he said there would be something for everyone…Way to go David
TOfan..I’ve been thinking the same thing about rascal, but I’m expecting a new article and thread any time now..or he’s OD from a euphoric shock and can’t get up…someone please check on him!! Anyway, I hope it’s euphoria he’s feeling!! Uh-oh!!
And djasgirl was mighty upset earlier too..uh-oh!!
And strange, no comments from ronaldsf??
Erin..I can IMAGINE how out of it you are…don’t you wish you could turn back time so you could live those moments with David again & again!!
I met a wonderful man last night who was also invited to watch David rehearse. Of course all we talked about was David. Later, I saw him talking to David and telling how wonderful he was and what he means to everyone. He was talking to him as a father figure. He just so happens to be of the same faith as David also. David always shows such respect to whoever is speaking to him. I just admire him so much.
Joner..LMAO!! I cannot picture rascal quite that way! If you’ve seen rascal, you’d know what I’m talkin’ ’bout!! rascal is just about one of the most elegant looking men I’ve ever seen ( don’t tell I said so, cuz I’ll just deny it ) so, the drool part is just too funny!!
Erin- I would like to dedicate IN THIS MOMENT to you for your time spent with David…seriously I do not understand how you are functioning at all after your experience…GAHHH..
SEE, I told you..a new thread..
silverfoxe/157--hhmm..Do I sense of a bit of flirting with rascal..have you no shame…this will not get you closer to David..haha ..but don’t worry I am sure your comment is just between you and Joner..haha
djb, thank you… I love that song. I don’t know how I’m functioning…..melt, melt, melt
No silly..I only have eyes for DAVID ARCHULETA!!
oh silverfoxe you are so ARCHUSILLY….
PALIN 2012! Go Sarah Go!
I agree with you, well said!! I can’t vote, but if I could, then I’d go with Obama. GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!
I love David’s music so much and his voice too, forgot to say that.
OK Rascal …
So this has become an Obama site ? not a David site ? so I come here this morning thinking about sweet David … in need of something wonderful to think about after last nights results and I have to see David next to Obama … well … I guess you guys will have to “think of me fondly” from now on since I’ll not be checking in here again.
did you even consider how someone other than yourself might be feeling about the election? I think David would not approve of such disregard for the rest of us … Goodbye
rrbwade, I understand your view. I voted for McCain. I just choose not to discuss politics and just talk about David.
Rascal, I agree completely. I was just thinking the same thing last night about David’s album being released at the same time Obama won. It was a truly great night for me (and for our country). Obama has inspired a lot of people the same way David has for different reasons.
Thanks Rascal. I also was frequently reminded on David last night as I listened to Barack Obama and the wonderful things so many news people said afterwards.
David and Barack are both peacemakers, both filled with hope, and I believe both will have worldwide legacies of good.
Uggh! How does one man or person change, in one day, or transform America into a new or better place? I think our great land of freedom is above and beyond just one person. Our country has been and will remain the beacon of hope, the light to other nations. And it is not because of a moment of elections, but because of men and women throughout ages who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. And it is because of a God who allowed righteous peoples to cross to this land and form a government which was designed by God’s hand to allow freedom of religion, speech, practices which would allow all men to obtain their God given talents…such as David Archuleta and Barack Obama and George Bush and myself included. Let us not forget that no person is above this great land. This country allows men to reach their highest potential, not the other way around. I have always been proud of this conservative country,…conservative America…it is conservative because it is God blessed. And that started a long time ago when some men sat down and wrote a thing called the constitution which they gave all the credit to their God, the almighty. I am grateful that this land of American is greater than any one person…and that I am just as great as any other….and that the president of the United States still salutes the country of freedom and still is obligated to the same constitution that John Adams signed over 200 years ago. So, get over it….Barack is no “messiah” and he will do no more than any other man…and that is live in this free country and enjoy its blessings and beholden to it for his very life and enjoyments.
What change are you all talking about? What hope have we ever lost? How does a president of the United States make you feel any less or more hope in the freest land in the world? It’s this country’s history and hard fought freedoms that should give us hope and it is a belief in a higher being…for me God…that should give us hope and joy and peace. Have so many of our fellow beings really lost touch with God, that they need to now rely on a man to take his place? Really….take a look at what you are saying and thinking?
lynnslocum, could you point to which part of what rascal wrote says to you that Barack is a “messiah”? I missed that completely.
Also precisely which part of what rascal wrote said to you that “they need to now rely on a man to take his (God’s) place”?
Are you sure you are not putting words in rascal’s mouth? Is that fair? Is that good?
I’m pretty late with this since I’m just now getting some time to catch up on your blog.
All I have to say to this post is: My sentiments exactly!
I’m not American either but I have to agree with a poster above who stated “….the first ever global president….” I feel exactly the same way. New Zealand is electing a new government tomorrow -- what a pity we don’t have an Obama here!
#11 brooklyndawn, what an amazing story about your daughter! I was a nervous wreck all day about the outcome of the election in spite of what all the polls indicated. Our entire family supported Obama, including my son who is in the Air Force and was the first person in our family to vote for Obama. When the returns started coming in and Obama’s victory looked certain, my husband and I both cried tears of joy. I do believe this marks the beginning of a new day in America. I know I am using my rose-colored glasses now, but I am happy that we now seem to value excellence over mediocrity. That is what my devotion to David is all about as well. He so obviously chooses excellence in everything that represents him and it is a great pleasure to see that David has chosen to trod the path less taken.