It would be pointless to try and pretend that I am not ridiculously impressed by this album cover art.

Where to begin? Perhaps first and foremost, this cover art strikes me – just like Something ‘Bout Love – as a smart, professional take on David’s own preferences. In other words, I believe we are seeing more of David in this photograph – in all the choices that add up to such a critical “brand” decision – than in any previous release of an official image.

The cover art for the self-titled debut album was a smart strategic choice for that moment in David’s career (one of the only smart strategic choices in that period) because it showed that David could pull off a pop, youth appeal for which many thought him unsuitable. The edgy, rock-and-roll red tee-shirt shot against a crumbling brick wall in the hippest neighborhood on the planet was the right concept, but, let’s face it: it wasn’t really David. David has about as much in common with the trend-setters in Williamsburg, Brooklyn as he does with, well, any homogeneous grouping of people with common values and attributes. David is a one-off. Completely unique. We all know that. It’s one of the main reasons he has such a devoted fan base. What is obvious from just the first glimpses of his sophomore effort is that David has finally had enough of letting others define him. We are clearly getting more of David in every aspect of his work, now, and that’s about as smart a strategic choice as could possibly be made.

Footwear. Oh, but the boy doth loveth him some footwear. There is something undeniably sexy about anything strappy around the ankles, for either gender, and the short boot has always been a dashing choice for men. And don’t even try to suggest that these were some stylist’s selection. No, sir. If I am dead certain about any item of attire in this picture having come from David’s own closet it’s them what’s on his feets. And while we’re starting at the bottom, let’s not ignore the fact that this set-up is a rather clever way to get a full-body shot that is more casual than contrived. Why a full-body shot of the Archeletor? Let’s just acknowledge that he has been workin’ that bod and deserves to show it off, shall we?

The ripped jeans and the dark, fitted sport jacket are a staple for young guys wanting to appear both classy and blithe. We might even go so far as to say that the combination symbolizes the demographic extremes of his fan base, unique for an artist not yet twenty. Was that a conscious juxtaposition? Doesn’t matter. It works as one. It’s the tee-shirt, though, that comes as a welcome surprise, and which is the one choice I might acquiesce to the stylist. David tends to favor graphic tees (or, at least, once did), and the use of a simple gray one here makes all the difference in keeping the entirety of the image and its graphical context modern and sophisticated. Indeed, it’s the overall sophistication of this image that is marvelously appealing – and completely David.

Songs could be written about David’s smile, and this one would certainly serve as premier fodder for such an effort, but the aspect of this image that stands out to me, the one element that strikes me as something of a genius choice, is the chair. Why, you ask, the chair? Out of all the chairs that could have been chosen for such a purpose, this one offers a rather specific cultural reference to anyone with more than a passing interest in entertainment. I can’t say whether this was a conscious choice or not, it is perhaps impossible to know, but this is the style of chair that is most closely associated with theater and cabaret. Maybe the fact that it’s such an iconic design for entertainment purposes makes it a staple in most photography studios and, as such, suggests it was less of strategic choice than a practical one, but it really doesn’t matter how it got there. It suggests the deeply-embedded theatrical legacy of the performer and, even more specifically, the singer. And amidst all the modern, minimalist elements composing this enormously appealing image, the bentwood cabaret chair is a vivid yet subtle reminder of what is truly unique and special about David Archuleta. It is rather a wonder of a choice, intentional or not. The precarious aspect of the chair, tilted onto two legs, is also easily apropos: David is putting himself on the line more than he ever has before; he is set to take some risks; to gamble on the success of his own, more personal decisions.

Those of us in the devoted category know full well that the more David is David in his work, the more successful he will be. It’s fun to think of it as a risk, but as David himself so often likes to suggest: being true to yourself is its own reward, and the only way to authentically connect with others. I would suggest that those of us lucky enough to have felt that connection can see quite plainly that this image may well become one of the most iconic in the Archuleta legacy. Congrats, David, it’s brilliant.

–Rascal

P.S. And as to how well the color palette of the new album cover matches that of TDC… Coincidence?

IMAGINE

February 2008 was The Moment for David on American Idol.  This was when the tectonic plates cracked open a bit, and a larger world took notice of The Voice.  For those who loved David before, this took them to a new level of connection.  For those for whom David wasn’t on the radar screen, this finally got their attention.

David has been profoundly influenced by Eva Cassidy.  He takes from her version of Imagine the expressiveness and melismatic flourishes that take this Beatles song to a different place.  Do you remember when you first heard David sing Imagine? In the Beatles version, John Lennon’s voice is raspy, and he cultivates a cool sense of detachment.  Most of us had heard this song innumerable times.  We knew all the words, but they lay on the surface of our consciousness.  When we listened to David’s intimate and emotionally charged version on February 26, 2008, we heard the words for the first time.  As David sang the familiar words, we actually experienced Lennon’s idealistic vision.

When did David first encounter this song?  We may never know, but we do know that he performed it in public at the tender age of thirteen.   This is a song that David knew for years before performing it on American Idol.  Certainly his comfort with this song gave him some solid footing on the stress-filled AI stage.

Imagine is a song that David has made his own, but he has seemingly chosen to sing it only infrequently.  Each performance has been a lovely surprise.  At the Ford Day event, it was the first time that we heard the song after the Idol competition ended.  At the Los Angeles tree lighting ceremony it was a unexpected encore. On a personal note, davidfanLIZ still remembers the chills (and grabbing her concert buddy Rascal in delight) when David began to sing Imagine at the end of the Del Mar outdoor show.  And on the return visit to American Idol in April, David stepped it up a notch when he confidently accompanied himself at the piano.  What a difference from his first return trip to AI when he sang a more hesitant Touch My Hands and berated himself afterward.  His growth and confidence as a performing artist were visible for all to see.  The most recent performance of Imagine at Apple headquarters in the Bay Area offered yet another version, albeit only seen in video shot from a frustratingly long distance away.

Imagine is a song that will forever be David’s.  Here are all the performed versions gathered in one spot for your enjoyment.

At the Wellington, Florida Boys & Girls Club on May 17th, 2004. David was thirteen years old.

David’s voice is high – the voice of a 13-year-old boy. But the power is there, lifted up by that soulful style that David seems to have been born with.  The falsetto is choir boy perfect. And yet, no choir boy outside of a southern Baptist church puts the runs in a song like that!  And it’s great how the younger kids crowd around him. It seems like David was a magnet, and perhaps it felt good to be in his aura even then.

David on Good Thing Utah – Age thirteen, unknown date.

“Mini Motown Monster” – this version is butter smooth compared to the one in Wellington.  But the power isn’t there as much as before and it makes one wonder if this is around the time that David had his vocal cord paralysis. He seems to be saving his voice, as well he should. And even with that, a beautiful performance.

American Idol – Feb 26, 2008

What can be said about this performance that hasn’t been said already?  David made this song his own that night and for anyone who saw it, it can never be sung by anyone else and come close to David’s version. Ever.

Murray High School, May 9, 2008

Home at Murray High School.  He nailed all the runs, all the high notes – his voice was perfection that day. Charged with the emotion we all witnessed as David was welcomed home, he gave that song everything he had.

American Idol – May 20, 2008

What is so striking about this version is that David changed it up, adding different runs and phrasing than he did in the first AI performance. Only a few weeks apart and he made the whole song sound new.

Ford Day event in Dearborn, Michigan on September 19, 2008.

David sang to the crowd that day, making eye contact, turning to every section of the audience. No sign of any vocal distress, in fact, this might be the performance where his voice is the most powerful. There seems to be a new sense of freedom and intensity in David’s performance, perhaps in response to relief that the AI judging was finally over.

Hollywood Tree Lighting ceremony, Dec. 6, 2008.

Smooth as silk, gentle and sweet, this performance highlights David’s instinct for the subtle. Slowly building in strength, but never overpowering the song, his voice is perfectly controlled, and yet the emotion shines through as always.

Del Mar, June 21 , 2009

This was the first time David sang Imagine in public while playing the piano. He was tentative, as he often is the first few times he plays a new song while singing. But the VOICE was sheer perfection.

American Idol, April 15, 2010

Watching David’s beautiful hands play over those keys was almost a distraction from hearing him sing….almost, but not quite.  Another new version, another set of runs, a perfect contrast between his power notes and his soft, near-whispered ones. This was the performance that let AI know, there was an artist in the house.

Apple Bash, May 21, 2010

How many different ways can the same song be sung?  Ask David. Every time we hear this it has a few change-ups.  It’s almost as though the highs and lows and runs depend entirely on David’s mood, the mood of the audience, and whether there are big fluffy clouds in the sky. Who could tire of listening to this song that now belongs to David?

~ davidfanLIZ and Marlie7

Enjoy the new gallery!

[flickr-gallery]

Let’s do an exercise, shall we?

As we embark on a new chapter (or, rather, volume) of David’s journey, how about we look at David’s first and last performances of Imagine on American Idol, including his 2 conversations with Ryan Seacrest afterwards, and share our impressions?

The point of this exercise is not to say which performance is better (which is pretty pointless – they are the same person for Archusakes!), but to reflect upon how David has changed (or stayed the same) over these 2 years, personally and musically… and to reflect upon our own parallel journeys as fans.

I have some thoughts of my own of course, but I’ll save them for later. See you on the other side…

February 2008:

April 2010:

It’s time for a Patty Day lim’rick,
‘Cos Dave’s album, now that I think of it,
Is months down the road—
I’m writing an ode
To help pass the time cos I’m sick of it.

This Archudrought simply can’t stand,
No new Archumusic, no band.
And singing for Haiti
‘s not the same, baby,
Your album’s now wot I demand.

You’re writing in Nashville, that’s fine,
Your muse will soon come in due time,
But don’t wait too long,
I don’t care if your song
Is cheesy—for sure it’s sublime.

Your book I will buy, dontcha know,
But waitin’ till June? That’s too slow.
And singin “No Air,”
After weeks, that’s not fair,
Must hear you more frequently, bro.

I’ve now grown way beyond bitter:
Although it’s nice havin’ me Twitter,
It’s not the same thing,
Much rather you’d sing
‘Bout having to change your cat litter.

So wot if I come off too rude?
I’ve lost me once angelic mood,
So “Hey and ho ho,
This delay’s got to go!”
This Angel’s got new attitude.

I’ve worn out me copy of “Crush”—
Although it still gives me a rush,
I’d much rather hold
An album of gold
In me hands, is that asking too much?

A new delay of your album, I fear it,
So in the name of Ole Patty’s spirit,
I’m plucking me clover,
Wishing luck holds me over,
Awaitin’ the day I can hear it.
-Ronaldsf

When David revealed on Twitter March 5th that “She’s Not You” was from “a while back”—and therefore wasn’t a candidate for the second album—I felt relieved.

No, no, no… it’s not that I hate the song. I like it: it’s catchy, and in particular the melody and the guitar in the verses create a nice vibe. (Though the chorus is a bit too bland for my liking.) When I first heard it, I felt anxiety about the second pop album… was this the direction it was headed?

We now know that it was a track recorded for David’s first album, but still my day or two of not knowing this made it a useful reference point for thinking about where David’s studio production was at 18 months ago, and what new directions it could and should go in now.

“She’s Not You” resembled much of the first album in its level of quality, and in that it was quite conventional—it dealt with simple young boy-girl love, and fell squarely in that space between R&B and pop that characterized much of the album. This approach made sense at the time—it was perhaps the smartest thing to try first to create commercial success, and after all there was little time for David and the label to define jointly the best approach for the album. But now David and the label have the benefit of time to create an album that paints some bold strokes—bold, first in the sense of having some particularly strong, standout songs, and second, bold in expressing who David is as a person and an artist.

Because, let’s face it: we, his fans, know that David is capable of greatness. Still, we have yet to see a musical composition that summons an emotional gravitas that is commensurate to David’s ability to convey it. I am not asking that the perfect song be on David’s second album. However, it is fair to want and expect that a genuine attempt be made.

That means songs that feature David’s voice. Songs that David can connect with. Songs that can summon some of that earth-shaking emotion we know David is capable of delivering.

This doesn’t necessarily mean abandoning the pop route—in fact, if we are to speak of industry formulas, it seems to me that a pop power ballad, putting that stellar voice on a pedestal, would be the best approach. But what can I say? When it comes to what makes a song a hit, I’m not an expert. Still, as amateur fans we know enough to know that some things work for David that should be done.

In terms of arrangement and production, David’s fans are now more aware than before that, when it comes to David, it is often true that less is more. The bare instrumentation of “Contigo” put David’s voice front and center. As listeners, we honed in, not on the melody or the instruments, but on the subtleties of David’s voice. No fancy, expensive studio tricks, no synthesized hooks vying for our attention. Just us, and The Voice—a direct emotional conduit between the listener and the artist.

Another aspect of “Contigo” and of other songs (“Fields of Gold,” “Prayer of the Children,” “Imagine”) is that they were dear to David, on a theme that David could relate to. In my opinion, “Somebody Out There” was a much stronger ballad than either “To Be With You” and “You Can,” which I think comes down to the fact that David co-wrote SOT and could relate directly to what it said. “Falling” is gripping because we know these are David’s words, and that this music comes directly from his heart.

So I hope to see some movement in these directions with the second album. I am not saying that the album should be comprised entirely of soul-wrenching ballads. (Though I actually wouldn’t mind that.) In fact, I am hoping that there is some freedom given to David to express his rich musicality in a variety of musical genres.

In the first album, there was some variation in styles in the official twelve-track version, but they were a bit outside of David’s own inclinations. Unlike songs such as “Desperate” or “Running,” which because of the production were kind of hybrids of other styles, a conventional-pop melody with some stylistic dressing—some of the compositions David himself worked on, from the sassy “Works for Me,” to the club-thumping “Zero Gravity,” to the intimate “Somebody Out There,” jumped fully into the genre, spoke its language, and expressed a clear idea both lyrically and musically. Thus, a unity between words, music, and artist.

The most promising fact about the second album has been David’s extensive involvement in the writing process. This suggests that the folks at Jive/Zomba are trying a different approach and want this album to express David the Individual, whoever that may be. It is thrilling to think of what might be in store.

For now, “She’s Not You” is my new David music fix to sustain me through this long, extended Archudrought. Still, I do this with full knowledge that this isn’t the David that made me fall obsessively in love with him in the first place. Greater things await.

If this song were a person, then it would be the musical equivalent of a rebound—entertaining and pleasant enough for now, but just someone to hold me over while I’m really thinking about someone else.

“He was really nice… but he’s not you, David. I just know you’ll come back to me. I’m burning a candle in the window…”

-Ronaldsf

When David sings a cover of a song, he invariably does it better than the original. It must be uncomfortable to have David take on one of your songs, to see the way he makes it his own, adding a run or a softening an edge to make it just right. That’s his gift.

So let’s take a musical journey, and look back at the songs David has performed that he has made more beautiful, or more fun, or more emotional – because that’s what he does. And we’ll move way past his American Idol days and begin with his Solo Career. These won’t be in order because I’m picking the video that you can hear over the screaming.  So just jump along with me back and forth through time.

Apologize by One Republic – I really like this song, and Ryan Tedder’s voice has an interesting breathy quality. But I love it when David lets loose with this even more. Let’s view the version that David performed in his summer tour. There is a sadness in his eyes when he sings this song here, and many speculated that he had his own personal reasons for singing it. But you can see real emotion in David’s eyes when he sings any song. He has the ability to make us believe that he has lived the lyrics of the song, no matter what they are. If he sang about taking a trip to the moon, I’d believe him.

Angels by Robbie Williams – It is hard to separate this song from David at all – or to even remember that someone else wrote it. When David sang it on AI, it was the first opportunity for him to stay at the piano and sing the whole song while playing. Then during his AI tour, with his emotional and intense rendition, he made the song his own. Now,  even when David plays his electronic piano and sings this song all by himself, it is full and rich and still can bring many of us to tears.

Stand By Me by Ben E. King – Of all the songs that David sings, I think this one shows off his swagger better than any. And we love a little ArchuSwagger with our music, don’t we?!?  Manila loved it, too.

The Medley – One by U2, , Gotta Be by, Love Song by Sara Barielles, I’m Yours by Jason Mraz When David pulled this medley out of his hat in Virginia Beach at his first solo concert, the crowd went crazy.  David’s voice combined with the song One, by U2 caused some of his ardent fans to start a campaign for him to sing the whole song. They even delivered the letters to him personally. I suspect we all still hope he’ll have a chance to perform the whole song in the future. In the meantime, we got to hear a little snippet at the start of this Medley .

Bubbly by Colbie Caillat This was a fabulous surprise for many of us when David sang this for the first time at the summer concert in Pittsburgh. And though the song as sung by Colbie Caillat has some interesting sexual undertones, David seems to be able to sing the whole thing with a kind of lightness and laughter and purity. Go figure.

Fields of Gold by Sting Is there anything that can be said about David’s performance of this song that hasn’t been said? No. So, just enjoy it once again.

The Riddle by Five for Fighting The first time David sang this song, I wasn’t sure he’d made a good choice. His performance, although never weak, was tentative. David seemed to hold back, to keep his powerful voice in check. Perhaps it was nerves, perhaps he wasn’t sure he’d remember the words. In any case, with a bit of practice he took this song and made it his own.

Prayer of the Children by Kurt Bestor This song was made for David. With his ability to use his voice to render both gentle tenderness and desperate anguish, David makes us feel the prayer of the children. Who can listen to this without knowing the deep conviction David has for those less fortunate than himself.

~Marlie

Fans of former American Idol contestant David Archuleta will be scrambling to get a copy of his new calendar. The calendar is the brainchild of one of his biggest fans photographer Jennifer Barry,  who lives in  Portland Oregon, with her husband Christian, and 4 year old son Sean.

Says Barry “ My husband is amazing and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him by my side. He is my best friend.”

Crooner David Archuleta first caught Leigh’s attention when he sang John Lennon’s ballad “Imagine”. SaidBarry “After his performance, I was stunned and the first word I said was “beautiful”. I was mesmerized by his performance.” Since then she began investigating the man behind the music, and found that he is “A remarkable and inspirational person.  He is genuine and truly wants to help people.” She cites one example of this as his recent travels to Guatemala and Honduras through “Mentors International”, and recent song for Haiti relief.

The singer has many fan clubs and sites which Barry says she visits often. She has been lucky enough to meet Archuleta on eight occasions and see him in concert 9 times. The first time she saw him live was on July 11, 2008 when he performed in Portland for the American Idol Concert . He appeared along with other Idol contestants from that season.

David Archuleta and Jennifer Barry ( FILE)

Barry: “He, along with the other idols, came out to the buses in the afternoon before the concert to meet with fans. I was truly blown away by his willingness to chat with the fans and sign autographs. He was the last idol to leave the area.  You could tell that while all this was new, he really enjoyed talking to everyone and it was genuine and very sincere.”

She recounts that she felt “blessed” that she was able to go to the American Idol Concert in Tulsa Oklahoma, and the VIP after party when it was over. Said Barry “ I finally had an opportunity to talk to him in Tulsa. I was amazed that he recognized me from a photo. Another amazing quality of David is that he remembers his fans, and he truly listens to what you say to him. He takes a genuine interest in what his fans  say to him or want to show him.  David makes you feel important.”

Her next behind the scenes experience with Archuleta will make any fan drool with envy. Barry purchased a “VIP Meet and Greet” pass which allowed her to get her photo and chat with David. Then they were escorted to the arena where they were able to watch him perform his sound check before the concert. “The VIP experience was truly amazing, memorable and so worth it. David makes each VIP special, unique and unforgettable”, said Leigh.
Said Barry “I have never traveled to see an artist perform before. But she has traveled many times to see Archuleta saying she thinks it is because “every concert he performs is so unique”. Meeting all the other fans has also become a important part of her Archuleta experience says Barry “Seeing all the fans is just as exciting because they make this experience so much more special, fun and one of a kind.”

In 2009 she had a chance to see his “Christmas From The Heart” tour in Salt Lake City. “It is very hard to describe the feelings seeing him perform in his hometown to songs that mean a lot to him,” said Barry
“The concert was phenomenal and awe inspiring. David’s voice soared, lifted and filled the venue and he took you on a special journey into something he holds very dear to him. I felt honored he shared something so special with his fans, “ said Barry .

Watching David perform “rekindled” her love of photography says Barry “I never realized that taking photos of David could make such an impact in my life.” The self taught photographer started shooting photos at age 10. She bought her first SLR Canon 40D, 6 years ago, and says that “After meeting David my photography took on a whole new perspective. If it wasn’t for the amazing support of David’s fans, I am not sure where my photography would be today. David has the best fans, period!”

Her “photo philosophy” : “I believe photography allows you to capture a moment in time that you can cherish forever. A photo can capture a moment that 10 years from now, a person can look at it and remember the feelings they had or memories they had simply by looking at a photo.” Her favorite shots are candid shots because as she says they “allow you to really capture someone. I love to capture who someone truly is in a photo.” She also enjoys shooting landscapes, flowers, horses, aviation, and sports.

She is inspired by the work of photographer Barbara Livingston who takes photos of horses. Said Barry “She takes amazing photographs of horses. She truly captures the beauty of a horse. Her photograph can tell a story by simply looking at it, which is what I hope to achieve in my photography.” Another photographer she admires is photographer Matthew McDermott, who captured the shot of a young boy being rescued 8 days after being buried in rubble in Haiti. “I checked out his photos and he captures the moment, whether harsh to look at or not, he captures the feelings”, said Barry

She says she has been able to get her amazing shots of David by being “lucky to get great seats”. Other times she says “ I had to wait patiently to see if better seats open up…the closer the better to take pictures. But it isn’t easy because camera polices vary from every venue you go to see a concert.”

She had been planning the calendar since her last one in 2009. The 2010 charity calendar “Be The Change, Be The Difference” David Archuleta Calendar so that all proceeds can go to support CRUSH MS. Said Barry “I created it in hopes of raising money and awareness to support Crush MS which is an important charity to David because so many people close to him like Brett Hales have been diagnosed with it. After being diagnosed with MS he (Brett Hales) has such an amazing spirit and outlook that impresses me and I am very inspired by him, which is why I wanted to try and “do a little” for MS” said Barry .

You can do your part to fight MS by purchasing the calendar at :

my.qoop.com/store/Jennifer-Barry-235706841930180/Be-The-Change-by-Jennifer-Barry-1111949049116/

~Marlie7

Happy 19th Birthday, David.

It’s hard to believe that this is the 2nd birthday we’ve celebrated with you. And the third one since your taped audition for American Idol. We’ve watched you grow and mature in so many ways, and yet, we’ve learned a lot from your innate wisdom over the last few years.

Here’s to you on your birthday -- with hope that your wishes and dreams all come true -- and that we are here to celebrate with you for many years to come.

Christmas Tour 2009 - the whole crew!

Happy Holidays TDCers!

From all of the admins to all the readers, lurkers and commenters of TDC, we wish you a wonderful holiday!  Please know that we value each and every one of you for all the different voices and viewpoints that you bring.

Love's Pure Light (gengen)

The fan communities have had their ups and downs, and more than a bit of drama this year, but dang it, the charm and the mesmerizing Voice of our favorite guy is still strong as we close out the year 2009. In this season of love and light, perhaps we all can simply be grateful that we have been lucky enough to have been touched by this remarkable young man, and that we have a place to share that devotion.  We are all connected by this young man with the voice of an angel, a gentle countenance, and a bountiful and generous heart.

Thank you David for all that you do.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to David and his family, and to all the fans who love him.

~ davidfanLIZ, Freofan, marlie7, Rascal, ronaldsf