Best recording yet of WYSYLM (from Vegas):
When_You_Say_You_Love_Me.mp3
Download it here.
Review from Las Vegas
American Idols Live: Archuleta Wins the Night
“…It appeared to this witness that the walkaway winner of the evening was 17-year-old David Archuleta. Sure, he was the runner-up on the actual show that spawned this concert and its 53-show tour (Vegas was stop #4). But Archuleta brought his A-game (or some other sports cliche) and proved he’s on course to be a musical star in the long term…”
– Joe Brown, Las Vegas Sun, July 5, 2008
* * *
Praise from the Praiseworthy
“You know this most recent ‘American Idol’ singer-David Archuleta? He’s sensational. He’s got gorgeous, gorgeous natural talent.”
– Barbara Cook, Windy City Times, June 2008
Some of you may be aware of this comment, but I wonder if most of you realize how significant it is. Barbara Cook has a been a luminary in that rare cross-section of classical, pop, and Broadway vocalists for going on four decades. She is often referred to as “the singer’s singer.” Her own voice is an immensely expressive lyric soprano, not to everyone’s taste (including my own), but she is also revered today as a one of the world’s most sought-after vocal coaches.
According to a 2002 New York Times article on her famous master classes, Ms. Cook began working with voice students in the late 1970’s, shortly after she began her second life as a cabaret and concert singer following a spectacular career on Broadway. These days, Ms. Cook is as revered for her performances–many critics marvel that her voice at nearly eighty is better than ever–as she is for her teaching.
Her lessons are called master classes because she doesn’t delve into the technical details of singing such as breath control, sound production, or tonality, as much as she focuses on the importance of emotional transparency. Indeed, she is known for challenging singers to relinquish technique, to dispense with the very notion of performing altogether, in order to create a connection between the heart of the material, the heart of the artist, and the hearts of the audience.
No wonder she loves David.
* * *
Subversive Nature
Several weeks ago while listening to Studio 360 I was reminded of one of my comments during the AI show season, an observation that despite the easy assumptions about David’s apparently genteel, straitlaced conformity, he was in fact the real rebel of the bunch. “Originality is the true iconoclast,” I had written, “and indeed the only value that has the potential to really change the game, if not the world.”
The public radio show was profiling a project entitled Edible Estates by the the L.A. based artist and architect Fritz Haeg. On the surface the project is about remaking the conventional American front lawn into artistic arrangements of organic produce. Haeg has been installing his gardens since 2005, and always with as much help as he can get from the local community and especially children. In addition to some of the more obvious principles underlying the effort, Haeg expressed his view that there was something actually quite provocative, even radical, in the seemingly innocent effort.
“I’m really very interested in the contrast between taking something … almost kind of ‘grandma,’ like a vegetable garden, and making it provocative.”
“I don’t think it’s interesting anymore to be provocative with violence and sex and all of those things that we don’t respond to anymore because we see them so much. I think there are more subversive ways to be provocative. Today it seems like it’s with knitting and gardening and things like that, that go against our media-centric and highly commercialized society.”
This struck me as another very real dimension of David’s status as a cultural rebel. It’s also one of the reasons he isn’t right for, and isn’t likely to align himself with, the likes of Disney, which represents not the modern, provocative nature of gentle integrity but the less enlightened, old-school version of propriety that gave rise to the very hyper-maniucured lawns that Fritz Haeg is seeking to till.
Might I really be first? More thought provoking observations. I still have to digest this whole thing…but, I have noticed that many professionals in the music field ‘get’ DA.
Good morning, rascal. As always, your post is good exercise for the brain. Wow, has it really come to be that ‘gentle integrity’ is now subversive? But you’re right. It’s far easier to conform to pop-culture’s version of the ‘rebel’ then it is to actually blaze your own unique path.
But back to David’s talent. A post a week or two ago on rickey’s site mentioned this and it has stuck with me because I had had the same thought. The person was amazed at how David appears to change up the runs and other patterns of his precise enunciation of the lyrics from one performance to another, and that sometimes he appears to do this on the fly — and yet he never seems to go off-key or make any kind of misstep while doing this. Is it naive to think that David hasn’t spent hours practicing these variations? I prefer to think it’s just another aspect of his incredible gift — to us.
If the ‘feast’ those vegetables will provide is half as good as the ‘feast’ you provide for us, Rascal, they will be indeed fed to the fullest. Thank you for the insight into Barbara Cook. I was aware of her only in a vague sense, as I am not a fan either.
I have often thought about this ‘rebel’ aspect of David, ever since you wrote about it. He threw down a gauntlet for himself in attempting to be successful in the most culturally conforming of entities, the entertainment industry, and maintain his ideals and beliefs. I have never really questioned whether David would be successful in his career. With phenomenal vocal ability, youthful vitality, charm, and good looks, he is bound to carve a niche for himself. What does concern me is whether he will be able to hold true to himself while carving that niche. It takes an incredibly resolute person to go against a grain. David is young and untested in this regard, and indeed, he will endure the test his whole life, (don’t we all?). It is that very reason that we all watch with bated breath, to see our young hero conquer himself and slay the dragon. He has given us hope that he is made of the necessary ‘stuff’, and maybe that we are as well. At the very least, he has given us the courage to try. Once a stone starts rolling it will dislodge many more stones to roll with it, and before you know it, you have an avalanche that changes forever the profile of the mountain. The perception in our world is that we must conform to survive. People like David, and he thankfully is not the only one as Fitz Haeg is another example, show us an intriguing alternative. That for us to not only survive, but thrive, we must NOT conform. And that is my hope and prayer for David, that he doesn’t give in and conform, but continues to victoriously run the gauntlet.
I have to take a moment and thank Janey for your kind words on the previous thread. It is an encouraging thought that what I might have to say to those ‘young girls’ might really be making an impression, whether I am aware of it or not. I truly hope so, it is their generation that will ultimately make the changes in this world we are all hoping for. I am just so thankful that David provides such a wonderful example to them that they may try to emulate. And may I say, that your thoughts undoubtedly have the same effect on others as well.
Rascal: Thank you for the download of WYSYLM. Best audio yet.
I saw a clip today with Paula Abdul prior to the Finale saying that David was just himself. Her tone of voice struck me as disapproving. And, I thought that is a huge part of his appeal and his artistry. Then I see your piece.
Enlightened, gentle integrity. Subversive. Words to ponder--words of wisdom.
Thank you.
Oh, and Rascal, of all the information/perspective sources to view, yours is the purest, sweetest, most refreshing. Thank you for restarting your blog.
Tinuviel, you’re welcome.
“And that is my hope and prayer for David, that he doesn’t give in and conform, but continues to victoriously run the gauntlet.”
David recognized early on that his style and talent is like no other There is no one who compares to him and I believe he knows that. Perhaps this gives him the freedom to choose his own path. Time and time again we are awed by something he’s said or done, we are awed because of the uniqueness of the event and that’s what causes us to take notice. We notice because it’s different, nonconforming. We’ve heard him say many times how important it is to be himself. That, and his quest for honesty reassures me that we have little to fear.
We often hear others are inspired to be more like David. In trying to emulate him are they not “conforming” to his standards? Is he the not ultimate trendsetter?
First let me say I love your blog. It’s the best place to have a great intelligent conversation about David. I am bowled over about Barbara Cook’s thoughts on David. Not that I needed any validation of my estimation of David’s enormous talent, but it’s nice to have if from time to time.
I have often wondered what are people who don’t get David missing? I’ve heard he’s bland, boring, sappy, etc. Of course I totally disagreed, I just wanted to know what they meant. Listening to David”s rendition of WYSYLM I am awestruck that anyone could discount this young man’s artistry. I do think that for some, it is his rebel tendencies that they are objecting to even if they don’t know it. They would feel better about him if he lost some of his humility. They might be able to connect with him more if he faked a personna to match that they think today’s teens are about. That is when the rebel in David emerges. It’s so much easier to go with the flow. It’s just not David. He is marching to the beat of his inner drum. For those who don’t get it, or hear it, it doesn’t matter, many more will hear, and feel, because of this young man. Welcome to the rebellion.
Glad you are back, I love reading your thoughts, and the thoughts of your readers. Who would have thought that a silly show could evoke such deep thoughts.
Rascal, I am enlightened by this article. I have been pondering for a long time why I am so ODD with David. Most, in fact all, of my friends marvel at David’s talent but they are also puzzled at my degree of obssession because in the recent past I only listen to music only (Western and Eastern) and Mandarin songs.
I have been labelled strange to like knitting for wears (albeit in cotton) in tropical climate Singapore. Any why toil under the hot climate to plant chill, herbs and fruits when you could get them so cheaply in the markets?
On top of loving his musicality, great pure and natural vocals, I feel a very special connection with him, most probably through what you have analysed.
David is like a Lotus flower, though emerging from the mud, but still untainted, pure, fresh and beautiful. This is reflected in his character and music.
Rascal, thank you for another thought-provoking piece! I discovered your blog late in the AI season, but am so glad to have read your thoughts. Then, when you disappeared, I was at the mercy of less enlightened fan sites just to feed my O.D.D. hunger. So, thank you, again, for reappearing.
About David, I feel like I’m about to burst with pride and joy. Pride that I stayed with him on his journey on American Idol, especially in witnessing his phenomenal throw down on finale night, and joy that David is already receiving great reviews for his first week on the tour. I’ve watched as many tour videos that I can (since I’m away on vacation this summer, I won’t be able to see him live, so this site and others -- especially YouTube -- will have to suffice in whetting my appetite), and I’m blown away by his sheer musicality and intelligence (that he looks really hot -- despite the leathery suit -- and so mature on stage is an added bonus).
Here is a 17-year-old with the pipes and the wisdom to choose such a perfect set -- his “anthem” that Angels has become as his opening, followed by a current popular song that he performed with the original artist on AI, his other standout performance, “Stand By Me” (with the added Sean Kingston “Beautiful Girls” segmen
Sorry I didn’t get to finish! With the extended “beautiful girls” segment, which was the stuff of controversy but now has been transformed into a musical mash up between Ben E. King and hip-hop/reggae pop that only David can perform so effortlessly.
And the showstopper: a Josh Groban song to outperform Groban himself, with heartfelt lyrics to make all his fans swoon.
Just incredibly genius!
And this particular concert set has made me especially confident that 1) David knows what he’s doing musically and what he needs to be doing, 2) Jive is the appropriate label to set him up for the right production and promotion, and 3) David is destined for super stardom. Period.
This level of musical prowess -- combined with his natural beauty and genuine goodness -- can only be destined for greatness, and my heart swells with pride that I was there at the beginning, discovering David’s greatness while watching him flourish.
It’s simply breathtaking, and he really is like no other. Does that make him a “rebel”? Not sure yet, but he is definitely unique.
Rascal! Welcome back! And what a way to come back, stimulating discussion down a variety of paths. Will echo Tinuviels pleas- please don’t pull that rug out so drastically again. It was a nasty wet towel slap to the face! (lol)
The growing chorus of praise for David by musical luminaries is so encouraging. You can just imagine David reading and hearing about them all and how it must make him feel.
So nice to see all the other castaways from notingdavid. Try not to judge Captain Rascal too harshly, I’m sure he had good reason for setting us adrift on a cruel, cold, sea, one dark, June night…sorry Rascal that was my final dig. Well OK just 1 more..
“It was a dark and stormy night, the PTB on the SS Noting David were gathered in Captain Rascal’s cabin. Captain Rascal turned to the first mate and said “Set them adrift – their musings and rants are giving me the pox! But have that Musicao walk the plank, he has the most to be sorry for…”(couldn’t resist)
Tinuviel, David appears to be made of “the right stuff”. I have no choice here but to have complete faith that David will remain true to himself. I believe we’ll eventually see more polish, more choreography and in general, more showmanship. I know that none of us wants to believe that David will be changed for the worse by the industry. We would of course, be justified in believing it could happen. How many have been spoiled in the past? But I also feel that we’ve never seen anyone like David before. As you’ve said so recently, you have been changed in ways that you don’t fully understand as yet. Somehow, David’s different. The combination of his faith and moral fibre, with that unbelievably good nature, indicates his readiness to withstand the pressure from without. This along with his stated reverence for the music, and the fact that he is in awe of its power, leads me to the conclusion that he will continue to remain that beacon of light to all of those with the “heart to listen”.
I must say again, David has given us so much, and helped so many of us in ways that we never thought possible that I feel I owe him my blind allegiance. He has it now. It would take some pretty negative stuff to erode it.
Janey – last post- I must say there’s never been any tolerance required for your astute and heartfelt observations. I’ve always felt privileged to be on the receiving end. Thanks for sharing them with us and please keep them coming. Can’t wait for your review…
So will I go and tolerate the screaming over my hero’s words and worse over his singing? I don’t know. I once got into a shoving match over a guy talking over Peter Gabriel’s singing. I’m trying to be a calmer more relaxed person; I wouldn’t want to go all Jekyl & Hyde on a bunch of young girls (lol) But I am so tempted..I’d be alone…dunno may have to wait for Carnegie Hall or better, Massey Hall in Toronto, 15 minutes from my house, awesome acoustics, and only seats a few thousand people. It would have to be an 18 and over show and…just kidding.
PS Tinuviel, did get back to you re; “Kite” in case you didn’t see it: the short closing section,
“Did I waste it? Not so much I couldn’t taste it…In the time of New Media…” While it fits contextually with the other lyrics, (the end of life self-examination aspect) the cool tone on Bono’s delivery, always made me feel that it had just been grafted on. It kind of kills the intensity of what goes before. Anyway check it out and please advise…(haha)
Right now Rascal’s saying, “What?! This guy still with the David covers, schtick?! Better get the plank ready…”
Itto aka Becky just posted. She’s one of my favorites from rickey.org:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=304776374&blogID=412583779&indicate=1
Janey, thanks for the link to Becky’s post, it’s a great report. Interesting her comments on David’s difficulties with his opening song (which, as she says, no one notices other than those of us with ODD--it’s a heightened sense of perception brought on by the condition); I noticed it also in video of previous shows. I think the piano playing distracts him somewhat and he has a tendency to go ever-so-slightly under the high notes. This also happened on Another Day in Paradise during the show season. I’m hoping that as he gets more comfortable with the multitasking, he can begin to let the playing proceed on its own and not have to think about it, which is, I suspect, the issue. In any case, Becky’s report in full of good insights and big smiles.
Janey, thanks for the link! Great review of the concert and comments on the after-show, meet. She really captures the emotional tone of those personal exchanges.
(We’re always hearing afresh of some awesome little David moment to be moved by.)
The part about David not reaching out to the crowd is I guess, expected, albeit a little sad at this early stage in his career. I’m sure he would continue if he (or security) didn’t feel there was some real danger in it. If things really get out of hand, you can guess that there will be fewer and fewer ops for those after–show meets as well as impromptu public encounters.
This really ties in to what we all really want; what David really wants. That fame, fortune and the industry not change him or have a negative impact on his relationship to his music or his fans. So we have a rare opportunity to assist in a positive outcome. By conducting ourselves reasonably in those close-up encounters, we can ensure that this special relationship with our hero continues. Of course, as I’ve said before, if the fan-girl behaviour is genuine hysteria, there’s little hope. Reason is no match for it. (No criticism, just an observation)
Tinuviel, now that you’ve died and were re-born after WYSYLM, I’m having this mental image of you being escorted from David’s presence after refusing to let go of his arm. “Nooooo, Dayyyyviiiid!!!!” (hahaha)
Musicao, I actually interpreted David not reaching out to the audience as just his natural shyness taking over -- just some hesitancy and feelings of being overwhelmed. I actually think he’ll come out of his shell even more as the tour progresses. I noticed he started reaching out to the audience later on in the show too.
Be patient with him. I’d be intimidated by screaming hoards too if I were in his shoes!
The power of the Archuleta, that even with a few flat notes in Angels, I still get chills.
Does anyone but me do this? Whenever I listen to him singing, no matter how many times I’ve heard the song, I just wait and wonder -- what moment will the chills come? And they ALWAYS come -- never failed me yet and don’t suppose they ever will.
Musicao, if you have a plan for getting fan-girls to ‘conduct themselves reasonably’ you would be more of a genius than you already are. When I listen to the uncontrolled screaming -- not cheers, just screaming -- I realize that the girls are using a different part of the brain than the one that directs ‘reason!’ 🙂
Sometimes one note just stands out as he sings it and you want to just hold that note in your brain and savor it. I want to shout, “Did you hear that? Do you FEEL that?” It’s incredible. It’s, it’s …. indescribable. Sigh!
He has some cute expressions on his face in the Las Vegas Angels. Genuine, impish, little smiles….
So, I keep thinking I’m not going to listen to it any more until SLC and I see him live so it seems new again, but I caved in and watched Las Vegas last night. So are we going to memorize every performance? All 50 something of them?
I was interested that some fans noticed that he does not sing “acting naughty” in the group song at the end of the show. He puts his mike down for that part. I’m betting Brooke does as well. Another example of “the rebel” and oh how that makes me cheer and rejoice inside! Every time he holds onto principle you want to tell him “well done, David. Well done.”
Thanks again for your “deep thoughts” in this post, Rascal — so deep I’ve been mulling them over for what seems like days. What I’ve been mulling is whether I’d use the word “rebel” for David. He is certainly a leader, not a follower, and because of that, I might call him “revolutionary” instead (“constituting or bringing about a fundamental change,” acc. to my handy Webster’s). Just a thought.
When he and Cook were “singing the phonebook” on the mtv program (I think), I loved the way, on the second name, he stared at the page, tapped into his “musical soul” and let fly an exquisite little riff. Leading the way for Cook to make more effort on his second try. Just a throwaway moment, but so telling.
And to musicao — I would so love to see him give a Massey Hall concert, but I suspect he’ll get too huge too fast to be contained in that little gem of a concert hall.
Here’s the clip to the phonebook singing:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/29/american-idol-in-new-york_n_104174.html
Rascal, you have been MISSED! Welcome back! I look forward to lots of interesting, thought-provoking commentary. It seems a different sort of folk gather here, and I love reading their posts and leaving some of my own. Rascal, your observations are always so thoughtful and deep. I’m looking forward to a feast.
Joining in… Regarding the phonebook clip above, did anyone else notice why it was that David’s first effort at singing the phone book was so ordinary, so not David? Right before he sings, Cook looks at him and says, “No runs!” Always accommodating, David sings it very plainly. Boring. Next time through, though, he sings it his way and shows us that Paula and Randy were right. He could sing the phone book and we’d fall in love with it.
Hey, I’m going to the Tacoma concert this Saturday. Not that I’m excited or anything!! Have to figure out better how my camera works. Can’t find my binoculars. Don’t know if I should do a poster to go in the book they’re making him. What to put on it if I do. I’m going to try to meet him, give him a couple of things, and get a picture.
It’s amusing and shocking really to realize that I am going to stand for hours if necessary in some parking lot in an effort to meet the teenaged David. I’m too old for this, have never even considered such a thing before! I’ve never been a fan of anyone, never been remotely interested in such a thing. But, no singer or celebrity has ever touched my heart like David does. I am over the moon for this kid. Some of his songs are just literally painful for me to listen to they touch me so deeply. I’ve never had an experience like this. So, I’m infected--ODDOD--and it’s not getting better. Wonder what it’ll be come next Sunday! I’ll let you know!
TOfan, I think David’s already beyond Massey Hall’s capacity, but you know, that wish list?…as in sometime after the release of the CD he decides to do 5 consecutive nights at Massey just because he heard so much about the venue, (his dad told him about a certain historical Jazz performance that took place there so long ago) and because he was so blown away by the warm reception he got here on the Idol tour… I know, how Toronto-centric of me- but hey, that’s life at the centre of the Universe hahaha.
Hi, Hello Gorgeous! I tend to run away with an idea sometimes…great to hear that David may just have had been feeling what you’ve described.
And honest, I have a deep well of patience when it comes to David –he can just about do whatever he wants now. He’ll always have my ear and as someone said today over on the Fanblast, “ I’ve got his back!”
Hi Daisychain! Loved your “indescribable’ comment; that’s the key word, over and over. It’s like our mantra.
Hi Archu_adorable! I must agree: the chills always come. Amazing,no?
And that’s my point, reason has nothing to do with where that primal screeching is coming from. David has re-activated some hitherto, thought to be genetic dead-end, in the young girls’ brains. Good thing he’s such a nice guy…(lol)
Tinuviel, ring ring –it’s my turn. “Baby come back, won’t ya please come back?…” hahaha
When I was a little girl, I remember vividly the day my teenage neighbor/babysitter knelt on the floor in front of our little black and white TV (yes, I’m that old) screaming and crying and pawing the screen while she listened to Johnny Mathis sing (yes, I’m that old.) I was more than a little frightened and of course much too young to understand anything that was going on.
I used to think that the screaming and crying stemmed purely from a mixture of hormones and adrenalin, and while those factors are definitely at play, musicao’s use of the word ‘primal’ reminds me that David is surely connecting with the young girls on that primitive emotional level and that they are screaming not just because he is ‘hot’ but because that is the only outlet for their confusing feelings.
A few years after the babysitter incident, when I was 8, I was IN LOVE with Peter Noonan of the Herman’s Hermits (yes, I’m that old.) In fact, at 8, I thought I might die if . . . .what? I didn’t marry him? I don’t know. But it was very real. And that’s just it. The feelings are overwhelming when you are too immature to understand them and so that primal center that music can connect you to directs you to . . . SCREAM and CRY.
I think I just talked myself into having compassion for the screaming girls I will hear at the concert. Maybe I’ll join them!
We are in a long JOURNEY with our NATURE boy. The Amazing Superstar of the century. 🙂
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I remember why I was addicted to this site before. The exchange of ideas on David is unmatched anywhere else on the web.
Brooklyndawn, so true, who would have thought? But I guess it really wasn’t the silly show after all, rather it was a very special young man with an incredible voice and an even more incredible personality. musicao is right David is different, he is unlike anyone we have seen before. And I do believe as you do, musicao, that he can stand strong and remain ‘David’ (envisioning Galadriel here). My heart just flinches at the tests of his character that are inevitably to come, even though I know all tests, once triumphed over, bring a greater strength in those things tested. And that brings me to this point, musicao, are you intimating that I would lose my reasoning power in the presence of my hero? That I would go all fan-girly? tsk, tsk, I rather liken my ‘rebirth’ to Gandalf’s in LOTR. He gained greater wisdom (if that is possible for a wizard) and might. He came face to face with himself and discovered his strenth and a new sense of purpose. I will leave the Jekyll and Hyde to you. Ha ha. And I’m with archu_adorable, if you figure out how to get those hysterical screaming fan-girls to use the ‘right’ side of the brain, well, I already think you are a genuis, so what would that make you, then….hmmmm. (your use of humor to disarm people is genuis, between you and David, I am a smiling fool)
Thank you Janey for the link. I actually had heard that account from a different perspective, Cody and Eric’s (Richard was still in LV with Jeff), but theirs wasn’t as descriptive as hers. They did actually say that there were only about 30 people max at that meet and greet after the show, and half of them were around David (our David). They were all well behaved so I don’t think we need worry about those get togethers getting out of hand to the point where they need to be stopped. They, TPTB, are fairly strict in who gets in to them from what Cody, Phil, and Eric said. Speaking of that, I had already discussed David not doing the hand touching out on the catwalks in a chat. And after carefully viewing each of the SBM performances looking for signs of someone ‘pulling’ or otherwise being agressive, I couldn’t detect anything. So, I might have to agree with hellogorgeous that David just might have instinctively pulled back on the first catwalk, and then not done it on the other side because that would go against his moral sense of fairness. But, then again, maybe he saw or sensed something on the first side and chose not to reach out, and then because of his sense of fairness didn’t do it on the other side either.
daisychain -- indeed, David does not sing that part of the song. I’m with you, if I was to ever ‘hug’ David, it would be for that!
Rebel, revolutionary, or revolutionary rebel, (what about revolutionary hero?), I hope you are right Janey and he becomes the ultimate trendsetter (Rascal didn’t you use this term a few posts back, it’s been so long ago I don’t remember, ha ha, just joking) and others ‘conform’ to his ideals. He already has many ‘conformers’ in his revolutionary wake right here.
Bookaholic (we must be twins, ha ha), I always enjoy your posts so much, well I always enjoy everyone’s posts, but you make sure and let us know, forewarn us, if you will, about the pitfalls of hearing him live. If listening to him sing through a computer touches us so deeply it is painful (I completely agree with you there), what will become of us when we hear him live?
musicao -- I must have heard your ring in, but my post took so long, you and Rika, and archu_adorable all came and went. I told you I am too wordy. ha ha. ……. ‘There ain’t no use in you crying, cause I’m more hurt than you, I should’ve not been out flirting, but now my love is true.’ (wasn’t sure you were refing World’s Apart or Eddy Grant, but I liked these from Eddy’s, they seemed so utterly appropriate given your previous comment elsewhere, ha ha). And who has a way with words? “David has reactivated…..thought to be genetic dead-end”. Priceless. ROTFL. Just remember you ‘have his back’!
archu_adorable, lets me and you go to the concert together and both scream our heads off, since David has reactivated our brains with a genetic dead-end, we’ve got the perfect excuse, we can’t help it, it’s ‘primal’! and since musicao is at the center of the universe, he must know, right? lol.
Okay, I think I have expended my ‘serious’ thoughts for the day, must go be silly somewhere else before Rascal kicks me off.
Musicao! You are here! Loved your comments. Rascal, please don’t make musicao walk the plank. I’m having too much fun toying with him on the fanblast forums.
Love this article. One of the statements that Paula kept making during AI really bothered me. She kept saying ‘David Cook, you are standing there in your truth’, or something to that effect. Basically stating that he was being true to himself musically and personally. I was sitting there fuming, wondering why she wasn’t saying that about David!! He never wavered, still hasn’t. It just seemed to go right over their heads that David was not only being true to himself, but to his values, ethics and his musical nature. I hve to say that I never paid enough attention to Cook to know if what Paula said was or wasn’t true. I was too busy watching David!
Some of my favorite artists are the Abstract Expressionists. I love the way Rauschenberg takes everyday elements: metal pieces, bits of cloth, discarded tires, a goat bought from a thrift shop, and turns them into absolute masterworks! We become so saturated with the images, sounds and events of everyday life, that we become numb to our experience. Taking an everyday element, and removing it from it’s usual setting, allows us to really see it for what it is. How beautiful are all of the ‘things’ in our every day lives! When was the last time you really stopped to look at something as ordinary as, say, a drinking glass? Or paused long enough to enjoy the feeling of cool water running over your hands? This beautiful simplicity that encompasses our lives is rich beyond our comprehension, and available to us in every moment. And for the most part, we simply ignore it while moving on to the next ‘thing’.
I think that what Paula and others were missing during AI about David, was so simple, that it just didn’t compute or seem real. He is just being himself. He’s a 17 yr. old who loves to sing. He doesn’t come with a fancy wardrobe, bling and fancy dance moves. (Although, these are developing, it seems-SBM). He isn’t outspoken, and he doesn’t use foul language. He doesn’t gossip about others, or go out of his way to impress people. I don’t think he really cared what the judges thought, unless it was constructive criticism. David just gets up on that stage and sings directly from his soul. For those of us that GET IT, it is breathtaking beyond words! But for those who thrive on pop culture and everything it embraces, David is not easy to follow. It’s so boring to listen to someone just because they have a beautiful voice! They have to drive a fast car, take drugs, have a lot of money and be flashy for petes sake! And sing whatever drivel is ‘popular’. No wonder they don’t get David. He isn’t behaving according to their plan!
The simplicity of planting a garden. Connecting with others and the earth, transforming a landscape, changing the world one lawn at a time. That is what David Archuleta is all about. Changing the world one song at a time.
elannbo, OMGosh! That’s it!!! The simplicity of David. How could something so obvious be so elusive?
On some level I still believe David’s unencombered sense of self allows him to go from his innermost self directly to all of us. Unlike others his age, or any age for that matter, he’s not confused about who he is, and to use your word, his values are simple. Keep it honest, keep it positive, and from an interview yesterday, ” learn through living through it”. Sometimes he searches for words but it’s never because he’s unsure of how he feels about something, it goes more to “the ultimate rule keeper” side of him, making sure he doesn’t offend someone or use a phrase that can be misused when taken out of context.
We’ve all arrived at this place, David impacting our lives with seemingly unexplainable intensity that we continually try to define it, for one reason or another. elannbo, your words arrived at the perfect time for me. Out of necessity, I’ve had to simplify my life. I know what it feels like to have cool water running over my hands. Last January I made a conscience decision to open myself up to the universe. Whatever form the message was to take I was ready to listen. And while I was never one to have a lot of “unnecessary noise” in my life this was still a new direction for me. Quietly with “Heaven” David appeared.
elannbo, this is it, why some don’t get him. It’s so simple.
Everyone here is pretty sophisticated with their writings, it can be a little intimidating, but I think the simplicity you write about is really true for David. That his voice or way he sings is simple, no -- BUT the intention and reason for singing is simple, yes! I think sometimes the simplest things in life are the hardest to accept as true. Although, in the case of David it was really easy for me to accept everything about him as true.
Wow, elannbo, Janey, and others! You really know how to eloquently hit the nail on the head and explain what it is about David that we love so much.
elannbo, I think it’s more than David’s simplicity that went over the heads of the AI judges, producers, and many of its audiences. I myself find gratification reading various reviews from non-David fans who have been converted by simply attending the tour and witnessing David’s greatness. An interesting refrain they keep asking is this: why didn’t they see this David on the show?
It’s a great question, but I think it ultimately explains the great paradox that is American Idol. For, in my heart, I believe that David is bigger than the show, but it’s a paradox for none of us would have been exposed to David and be able to see David in his naturalness without the show. If David had to break his way into the music industry without AI, how much more jaded and experienced would he appear to us, once he’s signed to a major label, since that is the nature of the beast?
I am grateful to AI for allowing me to discover David, but I’m still angry with AI because, ultimately, it’s not the appropriate venue that allowed David’s talent and genuineness to flourish. That’s why newly converted fans want to know why they didn’t discover the David most of us David fans already knew through the show. I think those of us who really love and appreciate David can see past the artifice and the media spin, which -- sadly -- too many let shape their perspectives.
When I look at David, I see the perfect gentleman, who performed because singing is a joy, but who tensed up because the format of the show didn’t allow him to let loose. I see the perfect gentleman who performed with integrity (yes, it was integrity that made him go for broke and pour his heart and soul on that Nokia stage, rather than concede the competition to Cook) yet bowed gracefully when he was announced runner-up.
And it is this gentleness and grace that is anathema to the AI producers, who get off by being manipulative and insulting (really, has Simon’s mean-spirited criticisms ever been musically helpful?). Here is a show that initially promoted David because he was good-looking and sang well (words that Simon spoke), and they simply saw dollar signs. They saw Jonas Brothers/High School Musical or even Josh Groban potential without seeing that they found something far more special than that. Because David refused to do “popular” (performing obscure songs -- at least to the American public -- and showcasing his vocal prowess through nuanced ballads) they decided to switch to Cook who dazzled the audiences by performing rockified versions of pop R&B songs that other rock bands have covered (but which AI audiences were less familiar with).
It was a superficial construction of “originality” and “talent”; but ultimately, this wasn’t enough. They went after David’s dad so as to construct a narrative that something is wrong with David -- he’s a prodigy, the story went, but one who was being controlled and manipulated and abused by his stage dad.
All of these factors contributed to David’s loss, and I’m still left to wonder why, why were the producers so threatened (because what other could it be?) by the likes of David Archuleta? I think of this because, had he won American Idol, David would have restored AI back to its original function: discovering great talents. Moreover, David’s win would have redeemed the show, which was often known for featuring crooning teenagers who didn’t have the competitive chops to go all the way (think of the out-of-his-league John Stevens from Season 3 or the amazingly-voiced Paris Bennett from Season 5 who sang gorgeously but didn’t have the maturity to pick appropriate songs or interpret their messages well, and especially think of last year’s Sanjaya Malakar, who sang well enough but not amazingly enough to garner the popularity he obviously had with the audience). The Sanjaya debacle alone would have been reason enough for David Archuleta’s win to turn everything around.
Think too of how the general public would have been blown away if David had sang the national anthem at the NBA finals. The show was more invested in a manlier and more rugged singer like Cook than it was in featuring a genuine talent like David, who I imagine isn’t edgy enough for the show’s brand name.
Season 7 really got it wrong this year on so many levels, and yet David Archuleta, who has inspired many of our O.D.D. obsessions of late, has made it all right.
Folks, if I am going to keep the comments open I am going to have to ask you to stick to the topics. This isn’t Rickey’s. If this board once again becomes a repository for all manner of rants about God knows what, I will terminate participation.
Please moderate yourselves or I will do it for you.
Thanks.
Rascal, with that caveat in mind, the process of getting words out becomes somewhat more challenging. Not feeling the liberty to rant on a tangent does feel confining but, it’s your site and you set the rules.
Thank you for clarifying your position on this issue.
Musicao, and everyone else--
I appreciate that the board attracts those who are expressive and articulate, but the utterly free-form manner in which the comments were proceeding prior to my hiatus had, to my mind, gotten out of hand. It is not my intention to keep a terrifically tight reign on things, but by the same token I want to nip it in the bud if I start to see renegade trajectories. An angry exegesis on the manipulative and short-sighted nature of the American Idol program does not belong on a blog about “the artistry of David Archuleta,” especially seeing as how the show is now over and done with.
Sorry if I seem fascist about this, and I apologize for singling out one comment (there are others), but I would like to continue to support the blog and the public access to it and I will only feel comfortable doing so if I can maintain its character the way I intend it.
Thanks for your understanding.
Sorry for going off topic.
Oops! I submitted before finishing. I’m very good at reading between the lines, Rascal, so if venturing into other topics compromises your vision and “safe space” for this blog, or was the cause for your previous shutdown, I’ll do my best to reign in my thoughts and keep the focus on David (not hard to do!).
Thanks, hello gorgeous, much appreciated. The reasons for the temporary disappearance of site were various and mainly personal. Don’t read to much into it.
On with the show!
Thanks Rascal! For those who don’t know about the Fanblast Forums, that is a great place to write about any number of subjects re. David. Let’s keep this site ‘pure’, so that we can all continue to enjoy it.