One of our loyal and beloved notingDavid regulars emailed me earlier today and gently suggested that I might turn my gaze to joy. Fair enough, I replied.
And so, to joy.
The joy of discovery in new music. One of the blessings in being a fan is that the surprise of new material is married to the warmth of familiarity. It’s like traveling to new and exotic locations with a lover. But the depth of David’s soul contains discoveries of its own, and nothing is perhaps more rewarding than noticing a special nuance or a shaded note, even after multiple plays, that you hadn’t noticed before. And suddenly all is deep and wide and reeling again as you marvel at the grand and glorious subtlety that David extracts from even the simplest phrase.
The joy of watching David’s joy. Even through all the impossible stops, the traveling, schedules, and faces, David not only endures through it all, he delights being put through his paces. Surely he knows that he’s living his dream, he is grateful, we know that, it shows. But David knows too that his public is part of it, they’re on the journey as well. His commitment to the grind is a selfless gesture, a gift he bestows to his fans. It’s thrilling, and he wants to share it.
The joy of soaking in David’s voice. Critics who listen are already groping for adjectives. Foggy. Velvet. Winsome. Melancholy. It cannot be reduced to words, of course. Neither can it even really be heard with the ears but indeed must be felt with the heart. It pierces, it soothes, it bundles and wraps. It soars and it slides and it whispers. There’s infinity in them thar notes.
The joy of sharing in David’s accomplishment. That circular piece of polycarbonate plastic is not just the result of three crazy months of traveling and recording and selecting and agonizing, but indeed the result of a lifetime of preparation… Of daring to think, as he watched Les Miserables or listened to Mariah Carey, that it might be him; that he, too, might someday sing and that people might listen; that he might one day even dare to dream of joining the pantheon of performers who reach beyond the recordings and rest in people’s hearts.
He rests in ours. He is joy.
HG, “I’ve been wondering: is Works for Me! his “up yours” answer to his American Idol experience? I believe others have guessed this from the lyrics.” I thought the same thing but after reading the article posted in the last thread that talked about Jeff -- “He has strong opinions and unless you give him hard evidence of why his idea won’t work (which I’ve seen David do on several occasions), he’ll never back down.”, I thought IN ADDITION to his AI experience, David may be singing about Jeff as well, not in a bad way, but as a teenager having disagreements with his own parent.
During the AI season, in some interview, in an attempt to refute the dadchuleta accusation (to show he is not forced to do anything), he said there are times his dad would suggest things, but that sometimes he just says, thanks but I’ll go this way.
Because David said he can express himself the best when he is singing, I feel with Works For Me, I am hearing him talking freely about what he feels in regards to singing and music, his art. There is defiance in his voice and I love it!! As an artist, he has his own distinct opinions which can’t always align with those of his father or anyone else for that matter. WFM is my favorite, du jour.
it’s all good~ i thought you were messng with me…whats a stray B between bopping buddies !!! you can refer to me as dj if you want my b…(knowing how special they are to you !)
Hi Vermeer!! WFM FTW! I looooooove it, too!
I love every bit of ‘tude in that song (and all it suggests) and I love how at the same time it’s happy go lucky. I LOVE THAT. 🙂
‘scuse me… I”m having a b fest with TBWY right at this moment.
Buh Bye beebee…..
~~~~~~~sweet dreams to all.~~~~~~
nitey nite djb!
Rascal you have truly given us an Ode to Joy. You create such beauty with your words and we echo them all in our hearts. Thank you! I too have truly enjoyed watching David’s amazement and joy in this release of this amazing album.
Inspired by david, 11/11 there was nothing in our Walmart-no David nada nothing. Then today when I go there he is front center with just as much space as Taylor Swift. The difference-his CD’s were almost gone while hers looked untouched. Interesting Huh!!! I have lost count how many I have-going to be doing a lot of gifting. The postings have been such fun to read. What a lovely group of people visit this great site and have such a wonderful time.
Hey beebee! “tude in that song”! That sounds good, and yes, it’s fun, happy, I just looooove it! And was it Valbraz? I agree too it’s Mrazish.
Everybody going to bed? I guess I might as well. But first go vote on VH1 some more! G’nite bb and others!
nitey nite Vermeer!
This is tearing me up. *wipes tears* *one more time*
BB David is indeed the intact definition of JOY and not happiness.
This is sublime Rascal. Thank you for the insights!
Great post, Rascal!!
I love both the critical and the gushy-mushy posts, Rascal. Keep ’em coming!
And everybody please say hi to scottnsanfran -- my best friend of 13 years! I’m the one who “infected” him with ODD! 🙂
I have been walking on sunshine these last couple of days because of all the wonderful new stories, videos and pictures of David. David is looking like he is having the time of his life. I haven’t seen someone so JOYFUL in a very long time. He is literally glowing, and I am so happy for him and all of us who are along for the ride. 😀
I think his performance on MiTRL was fantastic! you could tell both David & the crowd were having a blast.
There is one part of the interview that surprised and delighted me, when the host asked about his crazy fans and David being David, hesitated. The host called David a kind and caring MAN. I think that is the first time I have heard anyone in the entertainment business address David in such away. It just made me feel like he was taking David seriously. I was quite pleased about that!
scottnsanfran #98 -- That was funny!
And since tonight’s discussion is all about joy, I think its appropriate to bring out this performance of David’s to help carry the mood. 😉
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Someone, please pass the brownies.
Ronaldsf, your post happened while I was composing my own. Great job of adding to the Arch Angels/ Archies ranks. Welcome scottnsanfran! I hope we will be hearing alot from you. 🙂
dang it! my browser closed when I was about to send a post -- grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!
cutter12 #160, David’s first line in that song is so amazingly powerful, resonant, and soulful! I almost wish his voice stayed that way, between his childhood voice and his teenage voice, just a little bit longer (though he’s capable of so much more now), so that we could hear more recordings of him with that voice.
And it’s too bad there’s no recording of the full song! (sniff sniff)
Good moring! Looks like I’m the first to post..
just wanted to say hope everyone has a super day..David on Ellen today!!
HG..any dreams of David lately? I had a very sobering dream about David last night..result I guess from all he’s been going through..I don’t know the meaning of the dream. It wasn’t a “bad” dream, but it’s made me “think” about whether I may be on the wrong track about what David really wants and doesn’t want. I’ll post it later when I get off work. But dreams are just dreams, right??
later!
Rascal -- you captured it. Thanks for the reminder.
rrbwade -- pretty powerful imagery.
OMG #161 Cutter ~ what an amazing song ~ and he was only beginning!
Ronaldsf #164 ~ I’d have to agree ~ it would be nice to enjoy THAT VOICE for a while longer, but look at all we have to look forward to ~ RICHER, DEEPER, STRONGER (is that possible?) I am sooooooo enJOYing the PAST, the PRESENT (“David’s GIFT to us fans”), and the FUTURE with David!
Gotta run again! One of these days I’ll retire and become a Groupie! One can only hope and look forward! 🙂
Good morning all!
SF, no, I haven’t had new dreams about David (strange, considering I’ve been falling asleep to his music since Tuesday). Looking forward to hearing about your “sobering” dream.
Beebee, let me know what you think of the playlist! 🙂
Vermeer, I thought there was some parental defiance going on there too. As beebee said, the ‘tude in the song is really nice, coming from David. Especially how easygoing the song sounds.
It’s so how you would expect David to tell you off! ha ha!
BTW, I’ve been imagining myself as a Jive label exec with the power to release singles. Having listened to and dissected every song so far, I have an imaginary order of how I would have released the songs.
I love “Crush” and think it’s extremely catchy -- that it’s near platinum speaks to its popularity. But, had I had the power to choose, I really would have chosen Waiting for Yesterday for his first single. It has the same vibe as Crush, but the lyrics speak more to who David is as a person, I believe. I could so see him pleading to one of his many female friends (the one he’s been secretly longing for) to give him a chance, and to especially not judge him against other types of guys who didn’t treat her right.
That, to me, is the epitome of David’s sex appeal. Other male stars develop their sex appeal from that whole aggressive, masculine, I’ll-take-you-or-leave-you attitude. David’s sex appeal is all about how he’s the guy you go to who will put the pieces of your broken heart back together.
And did I already mention how incredibly sexy his falsetto note on “Go” is? Imagine a million fan girls thudding at the same time. (Especially with the music video made for this).
Anyway, I’m not complaining -- I just think I (and the rest of us here) get David a bit more than his label.
And, of course, second single -- “Let Me Go” -- would already be released the day of or week before the album dropped. Third single -- probably “Barriers” -- would get released for the new year (and I’d have that baby playing on urban radio along with the top 40 stations). By the time Valentine’s Day rolled around, we’d get one of his ballads -- “You Can” or “To Be With You.” So, by the time David returns to AI to do his guest appearance, the audience will have four songs to anticipate. By the time early summer rolled around, we’d get “Desperate” and branch out to alt-rock stations with this baby. Archuworld domination: mission accomplished.
Anyway, glad I’m not the only one who’s been wondering about the second single release. It’s so good to have 17 songs to listen to in the meantime.
Oops! Accidentally left off “Somebody Out There” as one of the choice love ballads. Have to include that as a possibility. Apart from strategizing for popularity and commercial success, there is also strategizing to make sure David gets considered for a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocalist.
Did anyone else besides me love the fact that Regis was fangirling all over David the other day. He was smitten!
“You have the best smile in the world”
“You have the softest skin”
David -- you just exude a joyous charisma and people can’ help but notice.
Regis was completely fangirling! ha ha!
BTW, love the new baby picture in your avatar, betsy.
What a happy thread. I still feel djb#23 hug.
Thanks HG! I LOVE that people notice that! Six weeks old today.
I thought Regis was going to reach out and touch his face.
Next to me, Regis is the biggest dork on earth. And I like him for it. ( I have been called that almost on a daily basis at work and at home. I get excited over the smallest things -- new products at work or when the mail comes!)
Oooh, did I confess that openly?
testing new avatar
nope, not working
Oh well, I brought a unicorn, just for you beebee, but it’s not working. Maybe it will show up tomorrow when we start talking about JIve again.
rrbwade #148, I so enjoy the entry. Couldn’t pick my favorite sentence, cause I liked them all. I too think David’s voice is like a magnet, you said: He makes me listen with my heart and my heart opens wider each time I listen.
Well, got to go to work. Have a nice day you all.
Good morning people! Have you voted at VH1? 🙂
betsy Oh my heck, ur avatar is adorkable, just like David!
Anw, am sure we are all looking forward to his stint with Ellen, have you seen the promo vid:
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/EllenMediaPlayer/playerqt.html?=promos/ellen6050
From Ellen’s website:
DAVID ARCHULETA: It takes a lot to ‘wow’ Simon Cowell, but David did just that. He was the runner-up to another David on “American Idol” last season, but he could just as easily have been crowned the winner. (I’ll just call him “Archie” to avoid confusion.) And he sounds like he’s been singing for 20 years… though he’s not even 18 ‘til next month! David will perform his single “Crush” from his self-titled debut CD!
Panamom, are you referring to your “rainbow and unicorn” avatar? Very cute, and I can see it! 🙂
Jackryan, thanks for these reminders!
OK, my favorite You Tube quote has to be this one about “Waiting for Yesterday”:
I’m cheating on Barriers with this song!
That’s exactly how I’m feeling right now. Actually, let me update that: since last night, WFY has officially kicked Barrier’s butt to be my #1 favorite of all the album tracks.
1. The song is pure David.
2. It’s “Crush”…with an edge!
3. The lyrics are completely relatable.
4. It’s destined to make fangirls swoon.
5. All fanboys (and grown men, to be frank) can so relate to the lyrics.
6. The production is real tight…incredibly catchy all around.
OK, I need to turn the music off, get offline, and get ready for a meeting.
Until next time!
*Goes off to play WFY for the umpteenth time while getting dressed.*
rascal -- your beautiful Ode to Joy has had the same effect as soma with no side bad effects--LOL
HG & SF: Speaking of dreams and SF I am waiting to hear yours. I don’t remember my dreams often so remembering one is a very rare event.
I had this dream early this morning, 40,000 miles above the ground jetting from near Canada to Florida. If you have been on a Lear jet you know that they fly higher than commercial flights and you can see the stars and the curve of the earth—quite surreal.
My dream:
Dawn is breaking. I am walking down a meandering country lane in the grassy middle of a road that has well worn tracks on each side of that soft, grassy strip. The lane is canopied by centuries old live oak trees with their great boughs curved in a sheltering, extended embrace reaching across from the opposite sides of the lane over my head. The leaves and grass are silver with just a hint of green infusing the edges as the breaking light grows and filters through the branches.
I look up and see a white owl on one of the lower branches. The owl looks at me, then spreads his wings and flies down the lane just below the tree canopy and I watch it disappear into a mist in a clearing at the end of the lane.
The clearing is back light with a mist of silver with wisps of light coral and rose. As I draw closer to the clearing I see a figure…it is David…he is smiling. The light grows brighter as the sun arises and he disappears into the incandescent mist.
I woke up serene.
wow , Kizzi… goosebumps…
WFY… on repeat… this album is killing me slowly (and softly) every listen is a new treat..
refnaf, I’m with ya on the goosebumps thing…whew head to toe! Where is our “dream dissector”? Whatever it may mean, I found it to be a beautiful vision.
Great pic over at FansOfDavid. Called an ArchuGaze pic, but I think it’s more fitting with our “Ode to Joy” theme today and is more of an ArchuGlow:
http://fansofdavid.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/jennifer1.jpg
cheers to you raz! i have been worried lately, as i realized that much of your recent statements and articles gave readings on complaints, upset, frustration. i terribly missed your positive, hopeful sharings with the global community of arch angels. thanks very much for bringing back positivity and good vibes in counting all our and david james’ blessings!
David did GREEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT! on Ellen!!
His performance was fantastic and the interview was adorable -- very energetic and cute!!!!
Go David!!!
Joner -- great performance of Crush and he was really animated with Ellen. She even said she loves him and David Cook-LOL. She gave his CD to each person in the audience. Awww Ellen.
David on Ellen!!! 🙂
http://mjsbigblog.com/david-archuleta-ellen-degeneres-video.htm
A little tidbit, David will be working on a spanish album and also a spiritual album….how amazing is that?
I can’t watch the Ellen show yet. It’s not on here in Michigan until 4pm. The urge to click on the link is VERY tempting! I’ll go do the dishes……….
So much joy and beauty on this thread.
rascal
I love that you can find so many kinds of joy from David, the joy of a new song from a familiar voice, the infectious joy of watching David enjoying his moment, the joy of seeing how far David has come and my favorite joy – simply the joy of “soaking” as you put it, in David’s voice. For me, this is the core of my joy, just hearing his voice.
And rascal, not to be too gushy about it, but your words take me down paths that are simply delicious.
Also…
rrbwade #148 Ohmigosh, you have described the depths of David so beautifully -- the images you describe just gave me chills.
Kizzi #179 Your dream is beautiful beyond words. I can visualize the scene so clearly from your poetic description. What a gift you received.
erin4david, is that true??? 🙂
What’s the source?
erin4david~~spiritual album ?? you just made me cry erin..tears of Joy of course!!
A joyous welcome to you.. . scottnsanfran
Update from Hitsdaily double..
YOUR FEARLESS WEAKEND TOP 10 CHART PREVIEW: This is clearly Taylor Swift’s moment, as the 18-year-old prodigy follows the universal (see how we did that?) critical hosannas for her sophomore album on Big Machine with what is shaping up as a stunning 550-600k bow. Youth will also be served in the #2 slot, which will be occupied by the debut Idol runner-up David Archuleta (Jive/ZLG), with a projected 200-210k.
evey #192, great news!
Though I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought “prodigy” was in reference to our very own David Archuleta!
200,000 copies is a GREAT debut! And to think that there are so many great potential hits on the album! We’re in for a wild ride!
#192 It looks like they lowered the projected sales from earlier this week. I originally heard 214 -- 240 -- 250. Anyone have any real time numbers so far?
ronaldsf, it be true….heard it from Jeff the night of the rehearsal….I can’t wait
djb…I can just imagine how beautiful the album will be. David puts such feeling into songs that are God driven.
rena,, hits daily double DID lower their projection today. No numbers will be in till next week on Monday.
OMG, the interview with Ellen is hilarious!! I figured that the interview had the capacity to be hilarious given both of their senses of humor, which played off each other. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s very cute.
I have to confess that I live in Michigan, too, but I couldn’t resist hitting that “play” button and watching it earlier, rather than waiting until 4 p.m. Why does my willpower go down to nothing where David is concerned??
Freofan, you’re totally right, Ellen’s combination of motherly love and hilariosity is a PERFECT complement to David. And David was SO fanboy over Ellen, too!
People at IDF are saying that Ellen very often has guests return on her show. I’m sure that Ellen has now contracted ODD after today. I would so LOVE to see David on there again, and for Ellen to make him dance with her!! LOL
erin4david, that is GREAT news! A couple questions because I want to start a post over at IDF: by spiritual album do you know any more about that? So it’s not just Christmas classics?
And by spanish album do you know if that would include covers of songs, or spanish versions of his current album, or original spanish-language songs?
Thanks!
Ronaldsf, It was so cute how David fanboy-ed all over the place in that interview. He was adorable. I’ve noticed that Ellen typically takes a shine to certain people and will have them on again. I bet he will appear on her show again. Those two were hilarious together.
Hi All,
I have just a second to make a comment.
Rascal -- thanks for the post -- so beautiful and eloquent as usual.
Betsy -- that picture of your grandchild is the cutest thing I have ever seen -- it just makes me smile, (just like David does!!)
As much as I love the entire album, my favorites are the bonus tracks as well -- especially “Works For Me” -- which I heard but haven’t received by delivery yet from Walmart, (just another reason to hate Walmart -- as if I didn’t have enough). I also just adore “Somebody Out There.” David’s voice just transcends me on that one -- I can’t get enough!!
loved David on Ellen ~Crush was awsome~..interview was hilarious…David and Ellen..great comedic combo..take that Fish ..haha…FUN FUN FUN..!!
Well I won’t say what I thought of the interaction and the performance -- suffice it to say I do not agree with a lot of your reactions to the Ellen show.
I guess i am fuming over my newspapers review of the album -- to sum up it -- 1 star out of 5.
I only have a minute, but wanted to let you all know that the Dec. issue of ELLE is in stores -- just picked up my copy!
Later…..
Wow… best performance of Crush to date imo.. He was so funny too…ahhhh…love him…. Can I adopt him?
on Ellen/David….may I say.. dry wit ..x2…very funny …
wish it was longer though…..
Rena,
I saw that review. My take is that when reviews are so over-the-top in their hatred they lose credibility. Anyone who has heard “Crush” is going to wonder what’s up with the reviewer, don’t you think?
I loved David on Ellen. He was great in performance and visibly nervous during the interview (at least IMO) but she handled it well. And the two of them were hilarious together.
As if it’s possible to like David any more than I already do, his obvious infatuation with Ellen secures my affection. I actually didn’t read him as being nervous, just excited to meet someone whom he obviously admires.
And may I say that his band is really starting to rock out that little pop tune--I mean that monster hit, “Crush”--and it sounds great.
rena..this is why I will not read any reviews of David’s album if I can help it..even the good ones. It’s just not worth getting angry or feel the hurting sting in my heart over any negativity towards David.
Can hardly wait to get home to watch the ELLEN & DAVID SHOW!!
Yeah, Rascal. I think you’re right. He was obviously excited to meet her — and he’s said before that he loves her.
*Sigh*
David and Ellen are buds, and all is well.
Yeah,,,,the band is really jelling and were there heavy duty springs in his chair? He was sooooo……BOUNCY!!
I was also happy to see that he looked well rested and was so energetic.
Ahhhh….to be young. You bounce back so much quicker!
The Jingle poll results are posted at FOD -- 11,831 votes!
silverfox #209, you may wanna check out the “UNofficial album reviews thread” that I started at IDF. Lots of positivity there 🙂
Oh whoops, here’s the link:
http://idolforums.com/index.php?showtopic=583822
archiesfan4life #212, Somebody Out There made it into the top 5! 🙂
I’m going to the Sacramento Jingle Ball!!!! *crosses fingers*
ronaldsf #213..thanks..but it HAS to be ALL positive!!
Are you kidding me?! Somebody Out There made it to the TOP 5!!! Do you think David will sing it at the Jingle concerts?
I’m going to Houston & Atlanta concerts! If he includes SOT..what a dream come true for so many of us!!
Great to hear the positive stuff about Ellen today. She doesn’t come on until 4 pm where I live, so I will avoid spoilers (as tempting as this is) and watch David when the time comes.
Oh yeah: awesome dream, Kizzi! SF, I’m all ears when you’re ready to share yours. 🙂
Yes, silverfox(e)!!! Somebody Out There, AND You Can both made it to the Top 5!
The poll didn’t promise that it would be decisive, but it’s great these songs did well. Boy, if he sings both, what will we all do! We’ll have to bring on the defibs!
Hey, is it possible to do a poll here? I think Rascal set one up once. I personally am curious what songs the NotingDavid crowd likes, because we tend to reflect that “other” half of David’s fanbase and it would be interesting to see which songs folks like. I liked the format of the FansOfDavid poll because you could vote for 5…
Ronaldsf, we’ve been pretty vocal about our “favorites” since Tuesday, no?
tawni says:
November 14th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
mostly lurker here -no offense intended, but: I’M WORRIED THAT THE FOD POLLS ARE BEING USED TO DETERMINE THE PLAYLIST FOR JINGLEBALLS/BASHES. while i love FOD, i’m not sure its the best litmus for the types of fans that attend jingle balls. the attendees are mainly pretty younger fans, late teens & early 20s. Based on comments here at FOD, the main fans here are older & do not generally listen to these stations that are hosting. many here have commented that they only listen now to these stations to hear david. so, is this the best way to poll? i’m not so sure and it worries me. i want his set list to attract new fans, not just please us, the hardcore fans. for example, i don’t think a ballad should be incuded. these jingle balls are a party atmosphere and the set needs to reflect that. just had to get that out & hope that the Jazzman takes that into consideration.
I agree. We want new fans and these shows are jingle holiday shows.
HG..I’m at work still, but I’ll post my dream when I get home AFTER I watch the ELLEN & DAVID SHOW…
I’ve been thinking about my dream all day while listening to THE album, especially the bonus songs…such wonderful songs..wouldn’t it be great if some savvy DJ out there in one of the BIG radio networks starts playing the bonus tracks..a DJ who knows great music when he or she hears it..Or did the radio stations even GET the bonus tracks??
ronaldsf..I’m thinking we pretty much know what most of the notingdavid family favs are on THE album, but a poll would be fun..
I didn’t read him as nervous on the Ellen show. Oh, he may have been a little nervous in a big TV interview, but he looked absolutely thrilled to see her and he’s clearly a big fan of Ellen. Their dry wits matched well and the result was hilarious. I can’t wait to see him appear on her show again!
rena..I know there’s a new article & thread, but I wonder what songs “tawni” would choose for the Jingle concerts?
I really am interested what the “target age group” would choose..
Let’s see 3rd time the charm so I hope this posting works:
This thread really grew fast! Everyone bubbly and upbeat 🙂
DA album is good for Archies in form & substance
I dunno bout you guys, but of late, my day starts a liiiiiiiiiiiiiittle bit brighter as I start my work out to Let Me Go. If you have not tried it, do so -- easily you could break a sweat over it! Then I do my stair climbing to the rest of the tracks. The ballads serve as my cool down portion. Where can you find an album that is both balm for the soul & props for the booties?
ronaldsf -- if you are still looking at this thread, email me at [email protected] re the Jingle Ball in Sacramento.
long time fan of your site….i just love the way that you so eloquently capture that which i always seem to be thinking……clairvoyant are you? i love your analogies of all things david…thank you for all that you do…i love this particular post…..i simply had to comment finally after reading your insights into his music and the person that is david…..
I LOVE THAT PICTURE OF HIM!!!!!!!
#179--correction *40,000 feet (not miles -- LOL)
hmmm…I wonder if no one ever returns to a past thread, if this comment ever really appears