CM Clay Discussion 32:: Our Main Clay Discussion Thread (All Members Welcome)

[Sundancer]

LINDSAY--I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAID... BUT  I AM NOT NUTS FOR Something About Us

Wait a minute. Didn't you just tell her to make that her wedding song?

[quynn]

Thanks, Johanna, for clarifying your thoughts on song selection. 

I thought that On My Way Here did reflect Clay's coming to terms with his orientation and also some reference to losses in his life, and some to the impact of his UNICEF experiences as well.

There were some evident themes in On My Way Here.  Probably an unpopular view, but I was really hoping that the next CD would be less theme oriented.  I felt that some of the songs, though they definitely fit a theme, may not have necessarily been songs that appealed to the masses...not that I think the masses know what a good song is.     And, I do realize that no matter the song, it won't appeal to everyone.  I'm all for artistic expression via song selection,however,  it's just so personal and selective and a crap shoot as to who it will appeal to when it's evident throughout an entire CD.  Some fans will love it and believe it to be a true reflection of the personal life of their beloved star.  Other fans would rather prefer songs wilth less personal meaning and more gusto.  And, NJU looking for good music want something to catch their ear.  So, just who is the target and how do you appeal to such a variety of expectations?  What to do? 

Where the Spamalot role seemed a risk (not to me specifically - but in terms of the general public), was the character Clay played...somewhat effeminate, as opposed to Sir Galahad, or even the King.  Clay hadn't come out yet...and being on Broadway, and in this role, (after his discomfiture with the probing Q's on his ATDW's promo tour) seemed like a possible precursor to his indeed, coming out and/or his willingness to challenge some earlier perceptions of him being quite sexually conservative, whether he was gay/straight...

That's why I don't think it was a risk.  He did play a character with effeminate qualities in a bawdy show that included scenes with gay sterotypes.  He played himself, and yes, he did it months before he acknowledged his orientation to the general public, however, he had to have known, when he took the role, that he would be making the announcement in the near future.  It would have been unrealistic for him to believe that he was going to be able to keep his son and the circumstances of his parenthood a secret.   He seemed very comfortable in the role.  It fit him like a glove, and I'm thankful that his choice to do the play seemed to be accepted by the Broadway community as well as the majority of it patrons.

I loved listening to Clay sing those songs in concert. Could it be because there was a mixture of uptempo songs, too? Absolutely. And the banter helps as well.

   In other words, you prefer the whole package!    Me too!

[clayharmony]

Thanks, Johanna, for clarifying your thoughts on song selection. 

I thought that On My Way Here did reflect Clay's coming to terms with his orientation and also some reference to losses in his life, and some to the impact of his UNICEF experiences as well.

There were some evident themes in On My Way Here.  Probably an unpopular view, but I was really hoping that the next CD would be less theme oriented.  I felt that some of the songs, though they definitely fit a theme, may not have necessarily been songs that appealed to the masses...not that I think the masses know what a good song is.     And, I do realize that no matter the song, it won't appeal to everyone.  I'm all for artistic expression via song selection,however,  it's just so personal and selective and a crap shoot as to who it will appeal to when it's evident throughout an entire CD.  Some fans will love it and believe it to be a true reflection of the personal life of their beloved star.  Other fans would rather prefer songs wilth less personal meaning and more gusto.  And, NJU looking for good music want something to catch their ear.  So, just who is the target and how do you appeal to such a variety of expectations?  What to do? 

Where the Spamalot role seemed a risk (not to me specifically - but in terms of the general public), was the character Clay played...somewhat effeminate, as opposed to Sir Galahad, or even the King.  Clay hadn't come out yet...and being on Broadway, and in this role, (after his discomfiture with the probing Q's on his ATDW's promo tour) seemed like a possible precursor to his indeed, coming out and/or his willingness to challenge some earlier perceptions of him being quite sexually conservative, whether he was gay/straight...

That's why I don't think it was a risk.  He did play a character with effeminate qualities in a bawdy show that included scenes with gay sterotypes.  He played himself, and yes, he did it months before he acknowledged his orientation to the general public, however, he had to have known, when he took the role, that he would be making the announcement in the near future.  It would have been unrealistic for him to believe that he was going to be able to keep his son and the circumstances of his parenthood a secret.   He seemed very comfortable in the role.  It fit him like a glove, and I'm thankful that his choice to do the play seemed to be accepted by the Broadway community as well as the majority of it patrons.

I loved listening to Clay sing those songs in concert. Could it be because there was a mixture of uptempo songs, too? Absolutely. And the banter helps as well.

  [...ascribed to me? ...I'll accept it though, since I thoroughly agree... ]

   In other words, you prefer the whole package!    Me too!

I think that well composed songs with universal themes will always appeal to the masses...songs with strong melodic lines, interesting harmonic structure, and thoughtful lyrics...even if the general public is unaware of the elements that made it work.  (And here's where I pitch for a resurgence of strong musical education...ah yes...it makes a difference...too many songs today reflect the demise of such an important subject...of course, my personal passion.)

And...you know, by Clay electing to play Sir Robin, it seems to me, that it was a sort of a 'gentle' act of persuasion for his ardent fans,  to the notion of Clay's actual orientation...a bridge to that reality.  I am glad he chose to be open about it all...it fits his character and moral compass, as I interpret it.  I so admire him to proceed inspite of the difficulties it posed.  And...as a by product, he won the respect of some our nation's most treasured artists.  It's all good...oh yes.

 OK...for some more of my 'personal projections' upon this young man...I'm not worried about the overall feeling of this CD...the last one did contain more than a bit of angst to me...this one, I think will carry a bouyant, upbeat vibe...he's so there right now...and if his mood influence his choices for it...well won't that be splendid, indeed!

[GWENN]

LINDSAY--I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAID... BUT  I AM NOT NUTS FOR Something About Us

Wait a minute. Didn't you just tell her to make that her wedding song?

I DID BECAUSE I THINK A SLOW SONG LIKE THAT IS PERFECT FOR A FIRST DANCE.  I AM NOT NUTS FOR IT ON THE CD CAUSE I LIKE THE FASTER SONGS BETTER.  BUT NOT FOR A FIRST DANCE.  ACTUALLY, TW IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE CLAY SONGS SO THAT WOULD ALSO WORK. 

   In other words, you prefer the whole package!  Smile  Me too!

JILL SMUTTED.

GWENN

[Glory]

                             JILL THATS OK SWEETIE WE ALL SMUT FROM TIME TO TIME, EVEN ME.

[quynn]

                             JILL THATS OK SWEETIE WE ALL SMUT FROM TIME TO TIME, EVEN ME.

I'm running in the pack with the O'Mighty One now!      

[quynn]

I think that well composed songs with universal themes will always appeal to the masses...songs with strong melodic lines, interesting harmonic structure, and thoughtful lyrics...even if the general public is unaware of the elements that made it work. 

Johanna, I would love to have seen you as a teenager rating songs on American Band Stand. 

"Well, Mr. Clark,  I give it a '10' for universal theme, strong melodic lines, interesting harmonic structure and thoughtful lyrics."     Music is most evidentially your passion, Miss Johanna.       I wish I had a passion for something. 

[clayharmony]

I think that well composed songs with universal themes will always appeal to the masses...songs with strong melodic lines, interesting harmonic structure, and thoughtful lyrics...even if the general public is unaware of the elements that made it work. 

Johanna, I would love to have seen you as a teenager rating songs on American Band Stand. 

"Well, Mr. Clark,  I give it a '10' for universal theme, strong melodic lines, interesting harmonic structure and thoughtful lyrics."     Music is most evidentially your passion, Miss Johanna.       I wish I had a passion for something. 

You betcha (ahem tm Sarah Palin...lol)...Jill...and I was just as opinionated (aka annoying?  grin) then...my family sighs...and lets me go on and on and on...well not that bad but...!  hee...as we watch AI...they've really endured my Clay love...don't think they expected it to flourish as it has...(truth be told, neither did I! 

Ah, Jill, if I might be a bit presumptuous...I think you've got a passion too...understanding the human condition...your insights are rich, deep and illuminating...I think we could chat for hours and hours...sharing our mutual interests...just sayin' as Miss Pamela used to post...miss her still.

[Glory]

                                     THER ARE 279 MEMBERS ON OFC ITS ONLY 8;00 PEOPLE NEED PATIENCE  SO WHY AM I LOGGED IN TO.

[corbet]

      Glory,
                     I"m right there with you.  Never did have much patience!
 
                       Hope you are feeling good.
             
                                           Betty

[Sundancer]

                                     THER ARE 279 MEMBERS ON OFC ITS ONLY 8;00 PEOPLE NEED PATIENCE  SO WHY AM I LOGGED IN TO.

[claydevotee]

GLORY and BETTY!  I'll be checking in periodically, as well!  

Hopefully everybody here has power in their homes after the snowstorm.  I just heard that some in NJ are still without power. Related to this.... My son with the new job in D.C. was the only employee who showed up at his office this past Friday except for the CEO and two Senior VP's.  Needless to say, he used this opportunity to do some major "schmoozing".   I'm hoping he earned some brownie points for making the trek under the (then) threat of a huge snowstorm.

[claydevotee]

FRANKIE, congrats to the Saints on their victory!  That was truly an amazing game with a "feel-good" ending! 

I'll bet you and Lewis are sleeping in this morning after all of your partying on Bourbon Street into the wee hours of the morning.   Now 'fess up, woman!!! 

Have a great day, OCD!   

[GWENN]

318 NOW INCLUDING ME.

I AM LEAVING AT 12:30 TO GET OUT OF HERE FOR A BIT SINCE TOMORROW THE FRIDGE GUY IS SUPPOSED TO COME AND WED. WE GET ANOTHER 2 FEET OF SNOW.  OMG, I HATE WINTER.

CONGRATS TO SAINTS FANS ALTH9OUGH I DIDN'T WATCH.  BARRY DID.  I WATCHED 4 EPISODES OF MODERN FAMILY.  LOVE THAT SHOW.

GOTTA GO WASH MY HAIR.  I KNOW THEY WILL POST WHATEVER WHEN I AM OUT.  ANNOYING.

GWENN

[Sundancer]

318 NOW INCLUDING ME.

A watched screen never boils.

[GWENN]

OK FOLKS.  THIS IS SERIOUS.  I HAVE TO LEAVE HERE AT 12:30.  I KNOW SOMETHING MAJOR WILL HAPPEN THAT I WILL NEED TO KNOW.  IF THAT IS THE CASE, CAN SOMEONE CALL ME?  JILL IS AT WORK.

 GWENN

[GWENN]

318 NOW INCLUDING ME.

A watched screen never boils.

 

UP TO 345.

GWENN

[Glory]

                                         who has your number perhaps sunny. can call

[Sundancer]

I don't know what The Big News is going to be, but I don't think they're going to be giving out tickets today. So if you're not screen-side for The Announcement, you probably won't miss anything urgent.


345??

[GWENN]

                                         who has your number perhaps sunny. can call

YEAH.  SUNNY, THEA, AND MICHELLE, I THINK.

IF IT IS JUST AN ANNOUNCEMENT, NO BIGGIE.  BUT IF IT IS SOME TICKET THING LIKE THE FIRST 500 KIND OF THING, I NEED TO KNOW.  I CAN GIVE MY EMAIL AND PASSWORD.  CAN'T MISS ON THIS. 

I AM SERIOUSLY NUTS.

GWENN